Beth smiled. ‘Okay. Let’s see. I would like to be in a new job, own my own home, and live happily ever after with Spencer.’
‘Ta-da! Now you know your path.’
Beth chuckled as Alice got up to open the door for an elderly man. Her friend made it all sound so simple, but could she really pour her energy into building the life she wanted, or should she just settle for the one she had?
I’ve had some changes. Archie, living with Spencer, the parent and baby group, and this place.
Beth glanced over at the framed affirmations on the wall. She’d come a long way in a short time, and her confidence hadturned a corner. She felt different to who she was before she got pregnant. Stronger somehow, but also gentler on herself.
Alice was leading the gentleman over to the soft, green, high-back chair, offering him a cuppa.
Beth knew some people only came into the Hub for some company. She scanned the old man’s worn features while he nattered away to Alice, wondering what his life had been like. She left them to it, going into the storage room to unpack some baby clothes.
The generosity of the local residents had been incredible, and Beth was so glad she was helping others.
Talking about the future had inspired her somewhat. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to her old work colleague, asking for information about jobs at the private school where she worked. After everything her friend had said about how she was getting better pay and working fewer hours, she was interested in working there herself.
Beth’s phone rang almost immediately.
‘Oh, hello, Joy. I wasn’t expecting you to call so fast.’ She heard her friend laugh.
‘It’s so weird. I was just talking about you with my boss. An opening is coming up, and I put your name forward, as I knew you were interested.’
‘Oh, yes, very much.’
‘The job doesn’t start until after your maternity leave, so the timing is perfect for you, and she told me you can send your CV directly to her. I’ll text you her email address. I’d do it straight away if I were you.’
‘Thanks, Joy. That is perfect, as Archie will be in day care by then. I’ll send my details right now.’
‘Go on then. Let me know how you get on.’
Beth hung up the call and quickly pulled up her CV to double-check all was in order, even though she knew it was. Shehad easy access to it on her phone, so all she had to do was attach it to the email and press send.
Here’s to my future.
She sent the email and relaxed. It was out of her hands now.
‘Hiya, chick,’ said Ginny, entering the storage room. ‘What are you grinning about?’
‘I’ve just applied for a new school job.’
‘Ooh, do you want me to help you practise interview questions? I think there’s one where they ask you what biscuit you’d be.’
Beth giggled. ‘A crumbly one.’
Ginny sat on the small stool in the corner. ‘Nah, you’re more a chocolate finger. They’re pretty tough when dunked.’
She definitely felt like she’d been dunked a few times. ‘Well, at least I know what to say if I do get asked.’
Ginny grinned. ‘I fancy a bickie now.’ She called out to Will to put the kettle on.
‘Will’s here too?’
‘It’s our shift, chick.’
Beth glanced at her phone. ‘Blimming heck, is that the time? I’d better go pick up Archie.’
‘Come and have dinner with us tomorrow night, if you’re not busy.’
