Chapter Eight: Mr. Thneed's Offer

-Marilyn's POV-

I woke up to a brand new day. True, it wasn't bright and shiny like a beautiful morning should be. After all, I was still at Thneedville and the day looked the same always. Grey skies and thick polluted air. No sun, no clouds. If it wasn't like that, then it was worse.

Father had no luck finding work. He wasted most of his time and energy looking for work than he should working. My family depended on me. So how could I tell them that I got fired from the only job opening in Thneedville?

"Good morning, sweetheart" George, my father, greeted me at breakfast.

"Morning" I responded, avoiding my father's gaze. I knew what was in his eyes, exhaustion, hope and pride. And it was all for me.

I didn't felt like eating today. My whole body focused on how could I ever bring about the disappointing news.

"Marilyn, darling, why aren't you eating?" Mary, my mother asked. "You are going to need energy to work, honey." I had to come forth now and tell them the truth "Mom, dad, I'm sorry. I was fired" my voice faded with each word.

My parents didn't complain, nor were they dissapointed. "It's all right darling you tried your-" Mother was cut off when I darted to my room. I felt like a failure.

While in my room I started to play guitar. It was a secret talent I had. Only those close to me knew about it. I tried to calm down by telling myself that I didn't like the job anyway. But it was of no use. I could've tried harder. Especially since her father's health was deteriorating...

I stopped playing my guitar when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. "Marilyn, dear, is me, Norma. Can I come in?". I didn't mind having Norma around. I needed a friend after all, so I let her in.

"Are you all right?" Norma asked sweetly hugging me as I was sitting in my bed.

"I feel better now, I guess" I responded sadly.

"There is a call for you. I think it's really important" Norma said letting go of me and fixing my hair.

"Really? Who is it then?" I asked. Who could it be?

"I think you should find out by yourself." Norma smiled at me. I think I had an idea of who it was...

I went downstairs and picked up the phone. "Marilyn speaking, who is this?" It was, as you probably guessed it, The Once-ler.

"He-hello? Ummm Marilyn is me, Once-ler?" he said awkwardly. Poor guy. It must have been a while since he last spoke to a person in the phone.

"Once?" I said. I looked at Norma who just smiled encouragingly at me from a corner in the room. "Is there anything wrong?" I asked.

"Well, I called you to say sorry about what happened yesterday. It is all my fault, I apologize. So to make it up to you I-I wanted to offer you a job position, at my home." When The Once-ler finished I was speechless.

"So, do you accept?" He asked.

Chapter Eight (1/2): My Boss-ler

Once again Marilyn was roaming the halls of Once-ler's mansion. Her body was shaking so much she was almost hopping instead of walking. After what seemed like an eternity, the butler led Marilyn to The Once-ler's office. He had everything he broke repaired for this occasion.

Marilyn entered the room. The golden doors opened revealing Marilyn in her fancy black and white suit. Even though the job was everything but professional, she wanted to look presentable. She was going to work as a helper in The Once-ler's staff. In other words, a maid. But it was all okay to her. Better than a waitress being looked at everyday by very nice gentlemen.

The Once-ler sat in his chair. He looked small compared to his gigantic chair. It was the first time Marilyn was in this room. She imagined how tons of people must have lined up everyday just to enter, or even have a glance, at this room a couple of months ago.

The Once-ler accidently let slip a wide smile when he saw her walk in. He tried his best to repress it away and succeeded forming his lips into a grin. He got up and offered her a seat.

"Good morning Marilyn" he greeted her, holding out his green gloves for a hand shake.

"Morning, Once." she took his hand and shooked it. She was so nervous she didn't even have to try and shake it herself.

"Ummm, I wasn't sure what to bring so I just brought these papers and-"

"No, no ,no it's okay. You got the job" The Once-ler stopped her.

"Oh, okay. Really?!" Marilyn exclaimed.

"Thank you so much Mr. Once-ler" She wanted to hug him, but that would't be proper. Plus, this larger-than-life desk was in the way.

"No problem" The Once-ler loved to see her happy. He liked the idea that at least somebody in the world wasn't suffering because of him. He wanted her to be happy, always. Even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

"Once, why are you being so kind to me?" she said. Why her? Out of all miserable people in Thneedville, why her? She was nothing special. What would the richest man in town want from her?

"Because you are my friend" he answered softly, and she understood. He was rich alright. But he was also lonely. In that moment, while the too looked into each other's eyes, she felt his pain. Imagine you, being alone every day of your life, knowing that you have been abandoned by those you loved with all your heart. Guilt tormenting you in day and pain in night. No one in the world that cared about you. Well, Marilyn wanted to be that person. The person that still cared. And she gave him a warmest smile and the most hope filled eyes.

"Indeed we are."

"People, even more than things, have to be restored,

renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed;

Never throw out anyone."

-Audrey Hepburn

I wasn't as proud of this chapter as I should. But why did I post it you may ask? Because it leads to one of my favorite chapters yet. This is the longest story I have ever written and I intend on finishing it. It really helped me polish my writing and I learn more and more every time. Thank you those who have reviewed and favorite/followed my story. I write for thee :)