Evie's Stroke Of Luck

[Mal and Evie's hotel room. 8:00 am]

Evie's POV

I woke up to my phone alarm going off. I turned the alarm off and sat up. I looked to my left and saw Mal still sleeping. I smiled at my baby girl and kissed her on her cheek.

"Psst. Mal, wake up." I whispered.

Mal moved a bit, but still had her eyes closed.

"What?" she groaned.

"I'm going to get dressed and get us breakfast." I said.

"Okay. Get me a biscuit."

"Sure thing. Anything else?" I asked.

"Yeah. Get me a betta. I want a betta fish."

It seems Mal is more than half asleep.

"A betta fish?" I asked.

"Yeah. But don't tell Evie. She might not like it."

I smiled and rolled my eyes.

"Wouldn't think of it. You go back to sleep now. I'll be back in a little bit." I said.

"Okay."

Mal turned over and didn't say anything else while I got myself dressed and ready the best I could. My makeup was still okay and I fixed my hair the best I could. I didn't worry too much though for the moment. I walked down to the hotel lobby and went to the small eating room to see what was for breakfast. However, it didn't have much choice like the cafeteria had back at school. Cereal, coffee, bagels and yogurt was all there was to choose from.

"Looks like I'll have to buy us something." I thought.

I returned back to our room and saw Mal was still sleeping. I gave her another kiss on the cheek and grabbed the car keys. I intend to go to the store, but I decided to go to the harbor first to get our luggage and things from the yacht. If I'm going to the store, I'll need to freshen up better first. I left Mal a note on a notepad that was on the table with the lamp telling her I was going to be out to get our stuff in case she wakes up while I'm gone. I then left the room and walked back to the eating room and got myself a cup of coffee and walked out to the car.

It was a bit of a drive to the harbor. Especially since I was in the morning rush hour. But I wasn't in a hurry, so I went with the flow of things. I arrived at the parking lot to the harbor and walked on the pier leading to our yacht. I unlocked the doors and grabbed what we needed for the day. I wasn't going to bring in everything. It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the yacht, so I'm just bringing the two suitcases that's got our clothes, personal care products like makeup and our hair irons, stuff like that. I locked the yacht back up and made my way back to the car. Thank goodness the suitcases had wheels on them.

I stopped at a fast food restaurant and ordered Mal and I some breakfast along the way back to the hotel. After struggling a bit, I managed to returned back to our room. I wasn't upset about it though. Seeing Mal sleeping peacefully made it alright. I love her with all my heart. I wanted to wake her, but decided to let her sleep more and sat the bag of food by her with a new note written by it. I quietly ate as I changed clothes and did my makeup and hair. Lastly, I was out the door again.

As I was driving, I noticed the skies becoming very grey. But yet for some reason, it looked really nice. It was a little cold due to a bit of wind, but the weather just seemed perfect. But then something really got my eye. There was a sign just outside of a parking lot to a nice looking building. The sign read "Looking for fashion artists".

"Oh my god. What is that?" I said.

I pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car. I got out and walked to the sign to get a better look. The sign also stated high pay and great benefits. Nothing more.

"Fashion artists?"

That's me. That is so me. I'm a great fashion artist. What I'm wearing right now was made by me. All that I wear is made by me. I got to thinking, our money isn't going to last forever. It might be a good idea to think about getting a job. I mean, it's so obvious, right?

"I need to know more."

I got back into the car and parked it in a better spot. Before getting out, I checked myself in the mirror and after satisfied, I got out, straightened my clothes, and locked the car and looked at the building. The building is a little hard to describe, but it's basically a rectangular shaped building, with lots of windows. Five stories, with the first three stories a grey color and the top two a white color. There were some stairs leading up to the entrance, with a large water fountain not far behind it. And a sign carved out of some kind of shiny rock with the words "Elegance Industries" engraved onto it. This place is definitely high class, and I fit perfect within it.

When I walked inside, oh my gosh, I don't even know how to begin to describe it. All I can say is, the architecture was just as high class as the contemporary homes Mal showed me. If not maybe more. This place must have cost a fortune to build. It was clean, bright, and very amazing.

"May I help you?" a woman asked as she approached me.

"Hello. Yes, I'd like to know more about the position you're hiring for." I said.

"Of course, right this way." the woman said.

She led me over to the main reception desk and handed me a piece of paper.

"This tells all about the position we're hiring for." she said.

"Great, thanks." I said.

I quickly looked it over and saw this place is hiring for a graphic designer, which I can totally do. It doesn't list the pay, but seeing this place, it must be good. As I was still looking it over, a woman approached the reception desk.

"Gia, have those reports come in yet?" she asked the receptionist who I guess her name's Gia.

"No, ma'am."

"Great. I've asked for those two days ago. It's hard doing many things by myself." the other woman said.

She then looked at me.

"Oh, hello. I didn't see you there. In fact, I've never seen you before. Have we met?" she asked me.

This woman appeared to be no older than her mid thirties. Light brown skin tone with long black hair. She was wearing a silver dress which I immediately gained a liking too.

"No, I was just looking over the info about the position you're hiring for, that's all. I'm going to be on my way now." I said.

I turned around and started to walk out. Until the woman stopped me by saying "wait". Apparently, she gained a liking for me. For what was going to follow next was mind-blowing. I turned around and looked at her curiously.

"Your clothes. They look really nice. Where did you get them?" she asked.

"Oh, thanks. I made them myself." I replied.

"No way."

"Yes, ma'am, I did."

"I'm Gabriella. I'm the executive of Elegance Industries."

"Evie."

"Evie? That's a nice name." Gabriella said as we shook hands.

"Thanks." I said.

"So you made those clothes yourself, huh? So you must design too, right?" Gabriella asked.

"I do. I have a couple of sketchbooks." I replied.

"Just by looking at you, I can see great potential in you. Follow me to my office. I'd like to talk to you more." Gabriella said.

"Um, okay." I said.

I barely said anything and I've already made a great impression. I followed her on the short walk to her nice office and sat in a chair across from her in front of her desk.

"Tell me about yourself, Evie." Gabriella said.

Oh god. Where shall I begin? Should I tell her where I'm from? Should I tell her everything? Or should I tell her as much as I told Marvelous and Luka about me?

"You're a little shy, aren't you?" Gabriella asked.

I can be sometimes. Although normally right now, I wouldn't be. But I figured for now it's best if I play it like I am.

"Sometimes I am." I said.

"That's okay. I'll tell you a little about me. I started getting into fashion when I was twelve and worked in an arts and craft store when I was seventeen. And worked there until I was recommended to this place when I was twenty and worked here until the previous executive stepped down and I was chosen to take the place a few years ago."

Wow, that's quite impressive. Now what do I say? I was trapped on an island until I was sixteen, but I've always been good at fashion due to my mother constantly nagging me about being the prettiest?

"Wow. It seems like it was meant to be." I said.

"I think so. Like a gift I was graciously given." Gabriella said.

"Well, I've been into fashion myself since I was little. My mom was into it herself and she taught me a lot on how to sew. And the outfits I wear today, I made myself." I said.

"And I'm guessing blue is your favorite color?"

"And red, yes."

Gabriella smiled.

"I like you, Evie. But let me ask. How good are you when it comes to other skills?" she asked.

Well, I ran my own business. So really good. But I know for sure I mustn't say that.

"I'm very organized. I can work quickly even in a fast paced and stressful environment. And I have excellent money skills. Accounting, budgetary. I'd like to think I'm more than just a pretty face."

I probably shouldn't have said that last part, but it's a good thing I did. For Gabriella laughed.

"I like you, Evie. I really do. You remind me of a younger me. It sounds like you know what you do. And if you keep working hard, you'll probably one day be in a great position like me. So therefore, I'd like to help you get started on your career. I'd like to see what you got. Put you to the test, sort of speak. I'm not going to hire you for the position you've read about. Instead, I'd like to hire you to be my personal assistant." Gabriella said.

That is the mind-blowing part I mentioned earlier.

"P-personal assistant?" I asked.

"Yes. It may seem like a lot to start with, but you seem like someone who can handle it. You'll be working directly beneath me. You'll schedule my meetings, answer phone calls and emails. Do different errands for me. But you'll also be an assistant manager too. You'll be working with other departments to help manage and guide them. Evie, I'll start you with seven hundred and thirty dollars a week. With eighteen dollars an hour...that'll total to be about...thirty five thousand a year."

I could not believe what I had just heard. I swear I thought I was dreaming, but I wasn't. This was real. Very real. It was just about overwhelming. I was at a loss for words.

"Did I say something wrong?" Gabriella asked.

"Well, no. No, not at all. It's just, well...You see, I have a girlfriend. And I know I should jump at the chance. But I was wondering if I could...maybe, like, have the rest of the day to think it over and let you know tomorrow?" I said.

"Yes, of course, Evie! You go on home and talk it over with her. And in the meantime, I'll get the documents made."

"Okay." I said.

"Sounds good?"

"Yes. Thank you." I said.

We both got up and shook each other's hand.

"I'll be back tomorrow." I said.

"And I'll be ready." Gabriella said.

"Okay. Well, goodbye." I said.

"Goodbye, Evie. Have a great day."

"You too."

I left the building, shaking and happy as I walked to the car. I sat in the seat for a minute, trying to get myself together.

"Oh my god. Seven hundred and thirty a week?"

I took out my phone and did a calculation and was shocked to see it totaled to be almost three thousand a month. Of course taxes will be taken out, but still, that's quite a bit of money. I did another calculation and saw I'd be working forty hours a week. Which I guess the days I'll be working will be like eight hours. But that's fine. School was six hours, so a couple more hours will be okay. I can handle it.

After feeling fine again, I drove to a large grocery store and bought Mal and I some food. Most of it was microwavable food, but that's okay. Then I got to thinking we can cook and eat on the yacht too. Speaking of that, I better find another place to dock that thing. Tomorrow is the last day it can be at that harbor. After buying forty dollars worth of groceries and other things, I walked out to the car and opened the trunk.

As I was putting some bags inside, I noticed a group of three guys talking about some kind of elections for mayor and office happening soon. As I was driving around, I did notice some campaign signs posted near intersections and off to the side of the road. Vote for this person and vote for that person. Vote yes to this, vote no to that. You know how it is. Anyway, it was kind of interesting to listen to these guys.

"Whether you agree with him or not. You gotta admit, our citizens should be paying more attention as to who's going to be the next mayor. And free drinks or not, I'm voting for Burke." said one guy.

"Burke? Didn't you hear me telling how he robbed me blind when he fixed my hunting rifle?" asked another guy.

The first guy nodded in response.

"Well only a second grade boob would vote for a slicker like that." said the second guy.

"You calling me a boob?"

"If the shoe fits."

The first guy raised his fist and was about to punch the second guy, when the second guy punched him in the stomach, causing the first guy to groan loudly and fall to the ground. I smiled to myself as I put the last two bags in the trunk.

When I got back to the hotel room, Mal was up and was watching tv. She was watching a cartoon about this monkey that doesn't have a tail.

"E. There you are." Mal said.

She got out of bed and was only wearing her shirt and underwear.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"At the store." I replied as I sat down the bags.

"You spent three hours at the store? Well, I guess I can see how you would." Mal said.

Three hours? Wow, I didn't even notice that.

"No, baby. That wasn't the only place I've been." I said.

"I seen you went to the yacht and got me breakfast. So thank you for that." Mal said.

"You're welcome."

"But really. Where else have you been?" Mal asked.

"That's what I want to talk to you about. Let's have a seat in the bed."

I turned down the volume of the tv and partially laid in the bed with Mal on top of me, making eye contact. I can never get enough of those beautiful green eyes.

"I got a job, baby." I said.

"A job? Really?" Mal asked.

"Yeah. Our money from Auradon isn't going to last forever, so I figured I'd better get one. It'll give me a lot better chance of getting approved for a mortgage. Otherwise, how can we afford to pay for the house and other living expenses?"

"Right. Never thought of that. So when do you start?" Mal asked.

"Well, not quite yet. I was only offered the job, but I didn't take it yet. Because I want to talk to you about it first." I said.

"What is it?" Mal asked.

I told Mal about me noticing the sign on the way to the store. I then told her about the building I saw on the outside and the inside to meeting Gabriella and her seeing potential in me. I told Mal I didn't say anything about me other than me being good at sewing and financial stuff. And then I told her about the job offer and its benefits.

"Seven hundred a week?" Mal asked.

"Yes! I figured I'm probably going to work forty hours a week with eight hours a day, but hey! Eighteen dollars an hour? That's really good! I'll be making us lots of money! " I said.

I was excited until I noticed Mal have a saddened expression.

"M, what's wrong?" I asked.

Mal sighed and got off me and walked over to the window and pushed the curtains away from each other and stared out the window.

"What's wrong?" I asked again as I walked over to her.

"I'm going to be stuck in a room again, aren't I?" Mal asked.

"What?"

"Just like when I was suspended. You would leave to be in your classes, and I would be stuck inside a room all day. Alone and with nothing to do."

Oh no. I had forgotten all about that. I pretty much put all the bad things that have happened recently behind me, but I should've known it wouldn't be that easy for Mal. I smiled as I had an idea. I put my arms around her and kissed her on her neck.

"It won't be like that, Mal. Trust me, it won't be like it was back in Auradon." I said.

"How?" Mal asked, turning around to look at me.

"Because you have the option of leaving whenever you want. We got two key cards. One for each of us. So you can leave and come back. Plus, I'll buy you some fun things. Like movies, coloring books, anything. Plus, we have wifi, so you can use my computer and I can buy you some games you can play on my computer. The only thing that'll remain the same is I won't be here." I said.

Mal slightly smiled.

"You sure have a way with words, E." she said.

"I know. But of course, you can always text me. And I'll call you when I'm on a break or lunch. Unlike back in Auradon, there's no one here to stop me from doing that. I won't forget about you, I promise." I said.

Mal smiled bigger and hugged me tightly. I smiled and hugged her back with a kiss on the head.

"I love you, Evie."

"I love you too, Mal. Forever and ever." I said.

Mal let go of me and held my hands.

"Go for it, Evie." she said.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Absolutely. It's perfect for you, E. Imagine all you can learn from her."

"True. But you're really okay with me taking the job?" I asked.

"I want you too, Evie. That way, there's something here for you as well." Mal replied.

"Thanks, baby." I said as we hugged again.

"Are we going to look at houses today?" Mal asked after the hug.

"We can. We can just drive around some neighborhoods and see what's out there. I thought about contacting an agent, but I don't think we should just yet. But let's go to a store and buy you some of those fun things." I said.

"Really? May I drive?" Mal asked.

"Of course. But get dressed first." I said.

"Oh, right!" Mal exclaimed.

I laughed as Mal looked at herself. She wasted no time picking out something and getting dressed. As she was in the bathroom, I was sitting on the couch in the front room, thinking to myself. I'm getting a job. So what else have I forgotten? Well the next thing I need to do is find another harbor for the yacht. I'm sure Mal won't mind if we do that while we're out. I snapped out of my thoughts when Mal walked out of the bathroom and stood by me.

"Ready?" I asked.

"I am." Mal replied.

We gave each other a nice kiss before I grabbed my purse and handed Mal the car keys.

"Let's go." I said.

"Alright." Mal said.