Ava Gray #2
“Come on, we have to get to your appointment. Are you ready to go see Ms. Rachael?”
Savannah just gave a small smile before sitting up to stretch.
Gently, I pulled her bonnet off and instructed her to go to the bathroom to brush her teeth and clean her face.
Once she was done, I watched her get her clothes on then grab her bag.
It usually takes about twenty minutes to get to the pediatric developmental therapy building.
But on a Monday, most times traffic was congested and I knew we were going to be late.
As soon as we got in the car and I made sure Savannah was buckled up, I called the front desk to let them know we were on the way.
I didn’t want us to be penalized for coming in late because they would definitely hold it against me.
By the time I pulled into the parking lot, my shoulders were aching from holding so much tension.
I parked crooked without bothering to fix it.
We had just made it before the fifteen minute grace period ended.
“We gotta hurry,” I said, picking Savannah up.
Hurriedly, I rushed to the door damn near out of breath. Ms. Lauren, the receptionist, greeted us with a warm smile.
“Good morning,”
“Good morning. I’m so sorry we’re late.”
“Honey, it happens.” She waved me off while getting Savannah signed in.
There was no need to take a seat because Savannah’s therapist, Ms. Rachael came into the lobby with a big smile on her face.
“Hey, Miss Savannah!”
Normally, Savannah would run right into her arms. Instead, she buried herself behind my leg. Inside the therapy room, I sat in the corner while Ms. Rachael and Savannah sat together at a desk. For the first ten minutes, Savannah barely cooperated. Then she began to get agitated.
“No!” She screamed.
She had her ears covered.
“No! No! No! No!”
I watched my baby’s breathing speed up instantly and her little body stiffen. Instinctively, I jumped up and reached for her.
“Wait,” Ms. Rachael gently touched my arm to stop me.
I froze to look at her as if she was crazy for getting in my way to calm my own child down.
“If either one of us rush in right now, it may cause her to spiral even more.”
I wasn’t trying to hear that shit. Lowkey, I knew why my baby was being so distant.
Although she didn’t see the fight between me and Rob, I’m sure she heard enough of it.
The way he carried on…ugh. I knew my baby like the back of my hand.
Savannah hates large crowds and too much noise.
She doesn’t care to be around too many people.
The only people she’s completely comfortable around are my parents, my twin sister and my twin brother.
I truly believe Rob scares her. Whether she actually hears us argue and fight or not.
It never fails, she senses every ounce of my stress.
So, there was no waiting to comfort my child.
There’s been moments where I had to be completely honest with myself.
I’m a part of the problem. As I sat holding on to my baby to get her to calm down, I realized that it was time that I made a move.
Fuck my peace. I needed to make a move and separate us from the toxicity for the sake of Savannah’s peace.
By the time we left therapy, I felt so drained.
Once we got situated in the car, I sat for a few minutes trying to figure out my next move.
I wasn’t in a hurry to get back to the house, then again, I didn’t have anywhere else to be.
I glanced in the rearview at Savannah as she stared blankly out of the window.
“Wanna go get some cookies?”
She turned to look at me with a tiny smile and nodded her head.
My favorite coffee shop wasn’t too far away and I craved an iced coffee with two shots of espresso added to it.
I needed an energy boost and I knew that would get the job done.
When we walked inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee swept past my nose immediately.
I stood in line looking at the menu on the wall as if I didn’t already know what I was getting ready to order.
“Hi, what can I make for you today?” A girl behind the counter asked with a welcoming smile.
“Hey, can I get an iced caramel and vanilla coffee with two shots of espresso. And I would also like two chocolate chip cookies.” I dug into my purse to pull out my bank card.
While she rang everything up, I noticed the help wanted sign taped to the counter. I looked at it for a few seconds, contemplating asking for more information.
“So, are yall really hiring?” I pointed to the sign.
“Yeah, I think the owner is trying to fill a few shifts. I’ll be glad to give you an application.”
“Um, okay.” I nodded. “What are the hours?”
“I can’t even tell you, I’m sorry. I do know that she’s mainly looking for someone to come in the afternoons until closing. And the pay is minimum wage.”
I stood off to the side and waited for the girl to make my coffee. I needed to do something and start somewhere to bring in some type of consistent income. People were coming in and the line was getting long with only two people working behind the counter. They definitely needed the help.
“Excuse me.” A woman tapped me on the shoulder from behind.
“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be nosey or anything.” She smiled politely.
Her appearance was professional and her clothes looked expensive.
“It’s okay.” I shook my head.
She glanced toward Savannah then back at me.
“Are you looking for a part time or full time position?”
“Honestly? I don’t even know yet.” I shrugged.
“Well, I’m only asking because I may be able to help you with a better position than working here.”
I watched her reach into her purse and pull out a business card.
“My name is Julia. I work at the Whitmore Financial Bank. They actually have a secretary position available.” She handed me the card.
“I’m actually the hiring manager of the company. So if you’re interested, I would love for you to stop by for an open interview.”
“Oh wow. Yes, I’m definitely interested.” I looked at her in shock.
I just so happened to be at the right place, at the right time. I reached out to shake her hand and thanked her for suggesting the opportunity.
“My schedule is a little tight right now, but if you’d stop by first thing Wednesday morning we can go from there.”
“That sounds like a plan.” I nodded. “I’m Ava by the way.”
“Ava, okay, it’s nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” She smiled and waved as she walked away.
The lady behind the counter called out my order and Savannah bounced happily. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out smoothly in my favor. My run in with Julia wasn’t just a coincidence, I believe that was divine timing.