Chapter Eleven

Mrs Carson

I stared at the e-mail as one dumbfounded. I might as well been slapped in the face, it came as such an intense and sudden shock. I had never thought for one moment that Aunt Carol wouldn't be able to pay my way to University. Of course, I had had every intention of finding a part-time job and helping as best I could, but I had never anticipated that all my hopes and dreams that I had nurtured and cherished over the years could be put to such a cruel and unexpected end as this.

My initial feelings were those of bitter disappointment and shock: to have my dreams and plans thus jolted was wholly unexpected. The following feelings than ensued, however were stronger and darker. I felt a burning sensation of rising hatred and anger in my heart towards my Aunt, who was the cause and destroyer of my hopes and dreams. Through the majority of my childhood she had been the blight and trial of my life, and I had supposed since living at the boarding school that I was well rid of her and would never be troubled by her again. Was she thus to once again enter my life and pollute it with her warlord – like presence and reign over me in terror once more? Never! I was determined never to set foot in her house again, let alone live under her roof! No, the only alternative I had was to find myself a job and quickly, and perhaps I could go to college to learn a trade instead, which would be cheaper, or obtain an apprenticeship somehow.

It was when I was bent over the computer in this grave and pensive state when Miss Carson found me. You might recall, Reader, that Miss Carson was the Physics teacher who took the post left vacant by Miss Stewart. She was the kindest of teachers, with a warm heart almost as big as her in size! Her shoulder-length brown hair was beginning to betray areas of grey, and her voice was sincere and gentle.

"What is the matter, Julia?" Mrs Carson's soft tones broke me from my reverie.

I glanced up quickly. "Oh, er, nothing," I mumbled weakly.

My answer did not satisfy Mrs Carson, and my tone and manner betrayed that something was bothering me, and so she took a seat next to me and laid a comforting hand on top if mine. "There is something troubling you, Julia," she said kindly. "Why don't you confide in me? Sometimes it helps to make a clean breast of things."

I knew that she was right, and deep down I was glad that someone cared enough to want to help me, so sighing heavily I poured my heart out to Mrs Carson, explaining how all my plans had now been dashed to pieces by my Aunt, and spoke about her with such vehemence and strong feeling that my teacher looked somewhat taken aback with surprise, but she allowed me to give full vent to my feelings and listened attentively without interruption.

When I had finished, Mrs Carson gave me a sympathetic smile. "I appreciate how you must feel, Julia," she said in an understanding tone. "It's never easy when the hopes and dreams we've put so many years careful thought and planning into suddenly come tumbling about us, but sadly that's life; but be encouraged! When one door closes another opens, and the same will happen for you, Julia, even though the situation may seem bleak right now."

I gave Mrs Carson a weak smile. I appreciated that she was doing her best to make me feel better, but her kind words didn't really comfort me right then. I think she sensed this, and looking at me with her bright, kind eyes she went on, "Look, Julia, I sometimes take on boarders at my home, you know, just to supplement the income a bit, and now that my two children are grown and married the house often seems empty for me and my husband. When you've finished here, why don't you come and lodge with me? Meanwhile, search around for a job, and I'll keep my eye open for you as well, and that way you'll be able to remain in Plymouth, which is what you want, isn't it?"

My heart suddenly gave a leap at the sudden gleam of hope that was beginning to glimmer in the distance for me. My eyes shone as I replied gratefully, "Oh, yes! I do want to stay in Plymouth – but are you quite sure I wouldn't get in your way if I lodged with you?"

"Quite sure!" Mrs Carson beamed. "My price will be fair, and so much cheaper than if you were to rent a flat somewhere, and it will help you to save up if you wish to go to University later on if you still desire to do so. Have a little look around – a young lady with your energy, enthusiasm and talents can find a job very easily if you look hard enough!" And then laying her finger by her nose and adopting a confidential manner, she said in a quieter tone, "beside, Julia, I have contacts, and I will be able to recommend you to some people. Ever fancied secretarial work?"

"I . . . uh . . . I hadn't considered it before," I stammered, "but would gladly consider anything now."

Mrs Carson looked pleased. "Good," she said. "Leave it to me," and giving me a wink and a reassuring squeeze of the hand, she stood up and left the room, leaving me in a state of wonder and curiosity.

That evening, I spent my time looking at the Job Centre website. I felt rather deflated as I did so, as I contemplated how different things could have been if I had been able to attend University. Somehow, the future didn't seem quite as bright, especially with the list of jobs that seemed available on the website! Nothing really caught my fancy or seemed quite in my line. There were plenty of cleaning jobs and shop assistants on offer, but they seemed to me to be rather boring and insignificant compared to what I really wanted. Perhaps Mrs Carson would be able to get me some secretarial work . . . that certainly seemed the better option than the other jobs available at present!

Mrs Carson was as good as her word. A week later she approached me in a state of excitement. "Julia!" she exclaimed. "I have some good news for you!"

I looked up at her expectantly.

"I know a man, Ethan Richards, is his name, who moved to Plymouth about two years ago and has opened a hotel on the Barbican. One of his full-time receptionists is about to leave, and he needs someone else to take her place. I instantly thought of you, and recommended you to him at once. He seemed very interested and said if you were to pass in a C.V. then he would gladly consider calling you in for an interview."

I gulped. "But I've never had any experience in that line of work," I protested.

Mrs Carson waved my objection aside. "That doesn't matter, Julia," she said. "I told him that, but also explained what a bright, hard-working person you are and that you are also a fast learner. He didn't seem to mind that you had no experience. He said that Mrs Fellows, the woman he's placed as manager at the hotel, is quite capable of training you up as a Receptionist if you are considered able for the job. However, he would have to conduct the interview as Mrs Fellows is presently away. There! Now what do you say?"

I smiled at her enthusiasm. "You have been very kind," I said. "I would be happy to take the job if they accept me, and so I'd better go about organising my C.V."

Mrs Carson clasped both my hands warmly. "A sensible decision, Julia!" she said. "I think you've made the right choice, and I'm certain you won't regret it."

I laughed. "I haven't got the job, yet, Mrs Carson," I reminded her. "I haven't even been offered an interview yet!"

"But you will!" she said confidently. She seemed to possess more assurance about this than I had. "I have every confidence in you! Now go and see about getting your C.V. done!"

That night, as I lay in bed, I pondered over all that Mrs Carson had said, and how matters were beginning to change for me. This wasn't exactly how I expected things to happen. I wasn't meant to be looking for full-time employment yet! I should be looking forward to beginning University life in the Autumn and studying to become a teacher. Instead, here I was, finishing my school exams and now looking for a full-time job, with no real prospects anymore. My entire future appeared hazy and uncertain.

Mrs Carson had proved very kind and supportive, and for that I was extremely grateful. I knew that I would far rather board with her and have a full-time job here in Plymouth, rather than go back to live with my Aunt. That was unthinkable! And at least there was already the prospect of having a decent job as a hotel Receptionist. I suppose that wasn't so bad. And maybe I could save up enough in a few years to move abroad and be closer to Hannah – that was what I really wanted. I had already created myself a C.V. that evening, all I needed to do now was hand it in at the hotel. Yawning heavily, I turned over on my side and shut my eyes. I would do that tomorrow.