Annie rose the next morning ready to start here new life.
She showered and went to the closet to find some suitable clothes,she
didn't have much to choose from,she would have to go shopping,
she thought. She found a pair of black jeans and a pretty blouse to
wear,her excitement was growing as she prepare herself for the day
ahead
of her.
Before she did anything else,she made her bed and straightened her
room,something she was made to do every morning,as soon as she was old
enough.As she stood in the door way,admiring her handy work,she had a
strong urge to go back and undo what she just did.After all,there was
no
one to tell her what to do anymore.But she turned away and went to
check
her appearance in the bathroom.
"Your not very pretty,and far from beautiful!",she heard these words as
if her mother were standing right behind
her.Tears formed in her eyes as she looked at her image in the
mirror,she quickly blinked them away,It would have to do for now.
Maybe make-up would help,she added it to her list of things to buy.She
would go shopping after she went to the hotel.
She left the house,her heart pounding,her stomach feeling
queasy.Every step she took was forced,she stopped several times,ready
to
turn and go home,after all she didn't have to work."No",she
toldherself,she had to do it.She had to start living a normal
life.Whatever that might be.
When she finally reached the hotel,she stood outside for a few
moments,to calm herself.With a shaky hand,she reached out and opened
the
door,she went inside on legs that felt lie they had turned to jelly.She
looked around the lobby,thankfully there were only a few people
there.Not knowing who to talk to,she went to the reception desk.
"Excuse me", she said to the clerk,"Who do I see about a job?".
"Me",The clerk said,as he turned to face Annie.
He smiled and introduced himself as Mr.Thomson,"We are looking for
housekeepers,if your interested in that?".
"That's just what I'm looking for".
Mr.Thomson looked at her,then said,"Aren't you Annie Franklin,You don't
need a job like this."
She put her head down,thinking he wouldn't hire her,knowing who she
was,then found the courage to say,"Yes,Mr.Thomson I do need a job,I
need
to make a life for myself."
He smiled again,"She's not at all like her mother ,"he
thought."Okay,your hired,come back tomorrow morning and we'll get you
started".
"Oh,thank-you Mr.Thomson.I'll be here".She was amazed he hired her so
fast.
She left feeling a little more sure of herself.Now to get some shopping
done.She realized she had no cash on her,the lawyer had said that
everything was now in her name.So she headed to the bank.
The gentleman she talked to was very helpful,advising Annie to open her
own checking account,and apply for credit cards,to get herself
established.She did all this,now she was in control of the money.She
could do what she wanted to with it.With every step she took toward her
new life,the more confidence she gained.