Chapter 7: Sapphire
Its the morning of the 31st of December and i still don't have enough money to pay for the trip. It has been decided that we'll go to the classic Europe. Visit all the highlights such as the Eiffel tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome and more. Honestly said, not my choice of a trip. I'd like to explore the lost tribes of the far East and the colorful cultures of the people there. But i won't go by myself. And Eric will never join me to that kind of trip. He's too closed minded for it. Even though I have a job now, and a great one with good salary, it's not enough.
I decided to walk to the library today. To feel the cold breeze kissing my face and the blue clear sky over my head. The streets are filled with people. I see groups of children running around, riding on their bikes, screaming with joy. I see a couple of men sitting outside of the city hall, and a few women walking around with their babies. I can see a lot of 22nd-ers walking hand in hand thinking about tonight, about the Switch, how lucky would they be when they'll wake up in each others body. Fools, i want to yell at them. It's all a big stupid game that invade your most private and secured place and then make you think it's okay. It's not okay, and it will never be.
I walk inside the great hall and stop by the counter when i spot Eric, standing there laughing with Mrs. Fisher. "Oh, hi Sapphire! I've been waiting for you to show up." Eric said and put a hand over my shoulder. Completely embarrassed, i pushed his arm off. "Hi", i say and turn to mrs. Fisher, "Good morning, Mrs. Fisher, how are you?".
"Im very good thank you, its the first time i see you both together", she said with a wide grin, "can't wait for you to be my granddaughter in-law!". Without noticing my reaction to the surprising news, Eric wrapped his arm around my waist again. Granddaughter in-law?! Is that the reason why she gave me the job without a second look? To get to know me or because Eric asked her to?
"Um, eric? Can you follow me to the back room please?" i spit out the words quietly. We walk into the room and i close the door behind us. "Maybe you shouldn't do that you know. Gran will have many ideas about what's going on in here", he said, chuckling slightly. I look into his eyes and ask "Did you ask your grandmother to hire me? Was it your idea?". "Well, of course babe. You needed the money and i just wanted to make you happy. Is something wrong?".
"Is something wrong? Of course something is wrong! Do you think I'm so unqualified that no one would hire me for myself? Do you understand how wrong this is? ". His face shocked as he tried to take my hand, "No! You Don't understand! I just figured it'll be easier for you to-"
"i don't need easier. I don't need help and i don't want it. And to think you already got that I'm not fragile and don't need protection! Just leave me alone." i emerge the door and run outside while Eric's running after me, calling my name. I can't stand this anymore, him thinking I'm a damsel in distress. I'm not. I can take care of myself and i can't play the perfect little wife for the rest of my life. He has to understand that.
I wander around all day, trying to figure out what do i do next. Do i get a new job? Do i keep working for Eric s grandmother? I really need the money. Desperately.
The sun already set when i get home. I go inside and head straight to my room. My phone ringing. "hey baby, so when do i pick you up for the party? ", i can hear Nicole asking me over the loud noise in the background. Probably the hairstylist. "umm.. i actually think i won't come", "But Saf, it will be so fun! You have to come! " she says emotionally. "i'm not feeling so great. You go. I'll see you guys tomorrow morning". I know she'll figure something happened if she sees me now and i'm not mentally prepared for her lecturing at the moment. "Bummer. Well, see ya tomorrow. Kisses. " she said and hang up.
I took a hot bath and sit there for almost two hours even though Gil nearly broke in at some point. Maybe if i sleep on it I could have a plan. I tell dad i'm going to sleep and without waiting for an answer i get in bed with my favorite book. You know how everyone need therapy, something to ease their mind. For some its painting, for others is doing yoga, but for me the best therapy is reading. Falling in love with new worlds and universes, with deep loveable characters and complicated brilliant villains. When the book soaka me in, drowning me with beautiful details and i forget where i am.
By the time I finish the book, It's eleven thirty and i lay down, curled up with my cozy blanket, and fall asleep.
