Sometimes things don't go according to p ...

Sometimes things don't go according to plan

Apr 30, 2023

Previously on Christina's life...

"I am getting older and I can't have children. I want to something that I can leave behind when I am gone. Just something for people to remember me by."

I suppose in some ways this is a long overdue update. In the two months since I last posted on here, my time has mostly been consumed by writing a book (and yes, I have more chapters for you today) and in working on my YouTube channel. If I am being honest and objective, they are both going well and I am making progress on both fronts everyday. If I am being overly hopeful about things (which I unfortunately am sometimes), things are going very slowly.

Of course, things would have been going a lot faster if my laptop hadn't crashed and my phone hadn't bricked itself. I lost a good couple of weeks and $627 because of that. Plus I am running out of time, as I have told some of you, I have given myself 10 weeks (well..9 weeks left) to start making money from YouTube (I haven't made a single dime yet) and to finish my book (about 25% finished till now). After that I would be running really low on my savings and would have find a new job. If y'all want to help me out by buying a few coffees on here, I would really appreciate it.

Anyway, here's a somewhat detailed report on how things are going. On YouTube I have over 900 subscribers till now. From what I have researched for 2 months of grinding.

I am about 70% of the way towards qualifying for their partner program which would allow me run ads and finally make a cent out of making videos. I have published 121 videos till today. Most of them are less than 1 minute long but I do have about 35 full videos which are over 7 minutes long.

It's hard work but it does feel rewarding to work on something that I am interested in and that I can show people in my later years. "I made this". Every day I try to make 1 full video and 3 short videos. It doesn't always go according to plan but I try my best. I am hoping I can reach these goals that YouTube have over the next month.

Most of this is due to a single video that went a little viral. I say little because it only got 19000 views but it's my best performing video till date. It's kinda disheartening that YouTube has sort of stopped recommending my videos over the last few weeks. I put in a whole day's worth of work and get less than 100 views usually. But there's nothing I can do about that other than keep grinding it out until I can't anymore.

As I said earlier, I have finished up about 25% of my book. I lost a good chunk of both the book and time because my laptop crashed. I didn't back it up to the cloud and only had what I had emailed out to my editor. Anyway, without further adieu here are the next 3 chapters of the book. Let me know what you guys think. I always enjoy listening to your suggestions.


CHAPTER SIX

Genevieve stood in front of her closet, feeling overwhelmed. It had been years since she had worked, and she didn't have many professional clothes to choose from. She sighed, realizing that she would have to make do with what she had.

After some consideration, she decided on a simple black blouse and a knee-length navy blue skirt. She paired it with a black blazer that she had bought on clearance years ago but had never had the chance to wear. She looked at herself in the mirror and felt a twinge of nervousness. It had been so long since she had dressed up like this. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was ready for this. It was time for her to start a new chapter in her life, and this interview was her chance to make it happen.

Genevieve sat nervously in front of the laptop that Rhonda had brought her, her heart pounding with anticipation. She took a deep breath and switched on the laptop, watching as the screen flickered to life. After a few moments, she opened her secret email account that she had used to communicate with Rhonda and clicked on the email that contained the link to her Zoom interview.

Genevieve took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves as she clicked on the Zoom link. The screen flickered, and suddenly she was face to face with the interviewer. She smiled nervously and tried to compose herself as the interview began.

Genevieve checked the clock on her laptop and saw that she only had six minutes left until her Zoom interview. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and went through a mental checklist of what she needed to do. Suddenly, she heard her daughter Amy crying loudly. Her heart sank.

Without hesitation, Genevieve quickly got up from the chair and rushed to the kids' room, where she found Amy was lying in her crib, her face red and tear-streaked. Genevieve sat down next to her daughter, gently stroking her hair and trying to calm her down. She hugged her daughter tightly, reassuring her that everything was okay and that she was there for her. She then quickly went to get Todd, who had also woken up from Amy's cries, and brought him next to the crib to comfort his sister.

Genevieve looked up at the clock in the room and saw that she only had a couple of minutes left before her interview. Bereft of options, she did the only thing that she could.

"Todd, mommy needs you to do something. Can you look after your sister and make sure she doesn’t cry? Mommy will be right back. Just make sure she doesn’t cry. Okay?"

Todd nodded solemnly, understanding the importance of the moment. Genevieve quickly rushed back to her laptop, heart pounding with anxiety and stress. She took a deep breath and clicked on the Zoom link, praying that she wasn't too late.

As the Zoom window opened, Genevieve was relieved to see that the interviewer had not yet arrived. She quickly adjusted her blouse and smoothed out her hair, trying to compose herself. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes, visualizing herself acing the interview.

Just as she opened her eyes, the interviewer joined the call. Genevieve smiled and introduced herself confidently, putting her best foot forward. Despite the chaos and stress, she made it this far and all she could do now is give it her best shot.

Shailene Jones was a poised, middle-aged woman who radiated an air of confidence and authority. She had sharp, intelligent eyes that were framed by a pair of stylish glasses, and her dark hair was neatly pulled back in a bun.

As soon as Genevieve joined the Zoom call, Shailene greeted her with a warm smile and introduced herself. The two women exchanged pleasantries, with Shailene asking Genevieve how her day was going so far.

After a few minutes of small talk, Shailene delved into the purpose of the meeting. She explained that The Winthrop Foundation was a non-profit organization that provided support to women and children who had been affected by drug abuse.

"Our mission is to help these women and children get back on their feet, to provide them with the resources they need to turn their lives around," Shailene said. "We believe in giving people a second chance, and we've helped countless women and children over the years."

She went on to explain some of the services that The Winthrop Foundation provided, including housing, job training, and counseling. As Shailene spoke, Genevieve listened intently, feeling a glimmer of hope that this could be the opportunity she needed to turn her life around.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Shailene," Genevieve said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I think it's amazing what your organization is doing for these women and children. I've always wanted to work for a company that makes a positive impact on people's lives."

Shailene nodded appreciatively. "I can tell that you're passionate about helping others, Genevieve. That's exactly the kind of spirit we look for in our employees."

Genevieve smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the rest of the interview.

Shailene started off the conversation by asking Genevieve about her work experience.

"So, Genevieve, can you tell me a bit about your work experience?" Shailene asked.

"Sure, I've worked as a cashier at Target for three years, and after that, I worked as a secretary in a legal firm for a year," Genevieve replied.

"That's great," Shailene said, nodding. "And what have you been doing for work in the last few years?"

"Well, I haven't had a job in the last six years due to personal reasons," Genevieve said, her voice trailing off a bit.

Shailene nodded understandingly. "I see. And can you tell me a bit more about your work at Target and in the legal firm? What were your responsibilities there?"

"At Target, I was responsible for handling cash transactions, assisting customers, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace," Genevieve said. "And at the legal firm, I was responsible for answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and assisting with legal paperwork."

"Great," Shailene said, taking notes. "And how do you think those experiences will help you in this role at The Winthrop Foundation?"

Genevieve paused for a moment, thinking. "Well, I think my experience in customer service and organization will be useful, especially when working with clients who are in difficult situations," she said. "And my experience as a secretary has taught me how to manage my time effectively and handle multiple tasks at once."

Shailene nodded, impressed. "That's great to hear, Genevieve. Thank you for sharing your experience with me."

Shailene took a sip of water from her glass and looked back at Genevieve. "Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer?"

Genevieve paused for a moment, trying to recall a specific instance. "Well, I used to work at Target as a cashier, and I had a customer who was very upset because their coupon wasn't working. I tried to explain the store policy to them, but they kept getting angrier and louder. I remained calm and patient, and eventually, we were able to resolve the issue."

Shailene nodded. "That's a good example. How did you feel during that situation?"

Genevieve thought for a moment. "I felt frustrated and a little overwhelmed at first, but I knew that I needed to remain professional and find a solution for the customer."

Shailene smiled. "That's exactly the kind of attitude we're looking for at The Winthrop Foundation. I see that you took a break from working over the last few years. If it isn’t too personal, can I ask why?"

Genevieve hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain her six-year absence from the workforce. "Yes, I did. I got married and focused on raising my children."

Shailene nodded, understanding. "I see. And what made you want to return to work now?"

Genevieve took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Well, my husband and I are separated now, and I want to provide a better life for my children. I also want to prove to myself that I can still be a productive member of society."

Shailene's expression softened as she listened to Genevieve's story. "I'm sorry to hear that, Genevieve. It sounds like you handled that situation as best as you could. Now, I would like to ask you about a different kind of difficulty. Can you describe a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker and how you resolved it?"

Genevieve thought for a moment before replying, "Yes, there was a time when I worked as a secretary in a legal firm, and I had a co-worker who was always trying to take credit for my work. I felt frustrated and upset, but I knew that I had to handle the situation professionally."

Shailene nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"So, I confronted my co-worker and asked her to explain why she was taking credit for my work. We had a calm and honest conversation, and I was able to provide evidence that the work was indeed mine. We then came up with a plan to work collaboratively on future projects and make sure that we were both given credit where credit was due. After that, we were able to work together effectively and there were no further issues."

Shailene smiled, impressed by Genevieve's ability to handle the situation. "That's a great example of conflict resolution, Genevieve. It shows that you're not only able to handle difficult situations, but that you're also able to work collaboratively with others to find a solution."

Genevieve felt a sense of relief, knowing that she was making a good impression. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the next question.

Shailene finished taking notes on Genevieve's work experience and shifted her focus to education. "Can you tell me about your educational background?" she asked.

Genevieve smiled, feeling more at ease discussing her college experience. "Yes, I have an Associate degree in business management from Elgin community college. It was a great experience for me, and I learned a lot about the business world. I really enjoyed my time there."

"That's great to hear," Shailene replied. "What was your favorite course?"

Genevieve's eyes lit up. "Definitely my marketing class. Our professor was amazing, and he made the material so interesting. We had a project where we had to come up with a marketing campaign for a new product, and my group won the competition."

Shailene smiled. "Sounds like you enjoyed being part of a team. Can you tell me about a time when you worked in a team environment?"

Genevieve nodded. "Yes, at Target, I was part of a team of cashiers. We all had to work together to make sure that the lines moved quickly and efficiently. There was one day when we had a really long line, and one of our cash registers stopped working. I jumped in to help one of my colleagues who was struggling, and we were able to get through the line without any major issues."

Shailene nodded, impressed. "It sounds like you have good communication skills and are able to handle difficult situations. Those are important qualities to have in the workplace."

Shailene leaned forward in her chair. "Now, let me tell you a bit more about the position we have available," she said. "We are looking for a project manager to oversee our efforts to help women who have suffered from domestic violence. This person will be responsible for checking in on these women regularly to ensure they are receiving the support they need."

Genevieve nodded along as Shailene spoke. This position sounded like something she could really sink her teeth into. "That sounds like a really important role," she said. "I'm interested in learning more about what it would entail."

Shailene smiled. "I'm glad to hear that," she said. "As I mentioned, this person would be responsible for overseeing our efforts to help battered women. This would include checking in on them regularly, helping them develop a plan to get back on their feet, and connecting them with any resources they need."

This was exactly the kind of work she wanted to do - helping women who had been through difficult times get back on their feet. She couldn't help but think about Rhonda and the work she was doing, but she kept that to herself.

Shailene continued, "In addition to those duties, the project manager would also be responsible for overseeing a team of volunteers who work with us to provide support to these women. It's a challenging role, but it can also be incredibly rewarding."

Genevieve smiled. "It definitely sounds like something I would be interested in."

Shailene continued, "The next step in the process is for us to assign you a case. You'll be working with a woman who we are currently helping. We'll give you a task to help her with, and you'll have a certain amount of time to complete it. Throughout the process, you'll be monitored and mentored by one of our current project managers. We want to make sure that you have all the support and guidance you need to succeed."

Genevieve nodded, feeling a sense of relief that there would be someone to guide her through the process. "That sounds good to me," she said.

Shailene smiled. "Great! We'll be in touch with you in the next few days with more details about your case and your task. And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to your mentor or to me."

Genevieve thanked Shailene for the opportunity and the two women exchanged goodbyes before ending the call. As Genevieve sat back in her chair, she felt a sense of hope and excitement about the possibility of starting a new chapter in her life. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to make the most of this opportunity and to prove to herself that she could succeed.


 

CHAPTER SEVEN

Arnold's dark blue Range Rover pulled up in front of the Riccardo Osteria restaurant on a quiet, tree-lined street in Chicago. The restaurant was a charming, rustic building with exposed brick walls, large windows, and a wooden door with a brass handle. The sign hanging above the entrance was made of wrought iron and had the restaurant's name written in elegant script.

The city was bustling with activity, even on this quiet street. Pedestrians were walking on the sidewalks, some window-shopping, and others heading to their destinations. Cars were honking, and the sounds of the city were all around. The buildings around the restaurant were old, with some of them having a vintage look to them, while others were modern and sleek.

Arnold stepped out of his car, and the sound of the engine cut through the noise of the city for a moment. The car was a sleek, dark blue Range Rover with tinted windows and polished rims. The body of the car gleamed in the bright sunlight, reflecting the surrounding buildings.

Arnold walked to the back of the car, and with a press of a button, the trunk popped open. He retrieved a small brief case, then locked the car and walked towards the restaurant's entrance. As he walked, his well-tailored suit hugged his tall frame, and his polished shoes clicked against the pavement.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant was cozy and intimate. Soft light glowed from the lamps, illuminating the rustic wooden tables and chairs. The walls were adorned with vintage paintings and photos, and the scents of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat wafted through the air.

Arnold was greeted by a smiling host, a young man with a neatly trimmed beard and dressed in a black suit. The host asked for Arnold's name and phone number, but before he could finish, Arnold interrupted him.

"I'm here to see Mr. Luca Esposito," Arnold said in a deep, confident voice.

The host's smile immediately faded into a serious expression. He looked Arnold up and down before responding, "I see. Mr. Esposito is waiting at the back in his usual booth. Follow me, please."

The host led Arnold through the restaurant's bustling dining area, where diners were enjoying their meals at tables draped with white tablecloths and adorned with lit candles and fresh flowers. The aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air, making Arnold's mouth water. The host pointed towards a secluded booth, which was illuminated by a dimly lit lamp. Arnold recognized the man sitting in the booth as Luca Esposito, a mysterious man he had met only a handful of times before.

"Thank you," Arnold said to the host, before striding towards the booth.

The host watched as Arnold made his way to the booth, his tall and muscular build accentuated by his sharp, tailored suit.

Luca stood up with a grin on his face and greeted Arnold. The two men embraced each other in a warm hug.

"Ciao, Arnold! It's good to see you, my friend," Luca exclaimed, patting Arnold's back.

"Good to see you too, Luca," Arnold replied, smiling.

Luca was slightly older than Arnold, with salt-and-pepper hair and a muscular build that spoke of years of hard work. He wore a dark grey suit that was tailored to perfection, and a crisp white shirt that contrasted nicely with his tanned skin. His brown eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as he gestured for Arnold to take a seat across from him.

"You look good, Arnold. Life treating you well?" Luca asked, taking a sip of his red wine.

Arnold nodded, "Yes, it's been good. Busy with work, but that's expected. How about you, Luca? How's business?"

Luca chuckled, "Always good, my friend. Can't complain. But I understand we will be talking more about a job that you have for me. So, let’s order first and enjoy some good food while we are here."

Arnold agreed with a nod, "Agreed. I heard this place has some of the best Italian food in Chicago."

Luca's face lit up, "Ah, you heard right! The chef here is a master of his craft. You won't be disappointed."

Luca gestured to the waiter with a flick of his hand and called out, "Mario!"

The waiter, a young man with slicked-back hair and a neatly trimmed mustache, hurried over to their table with a smile.

"Buona sera, signori. What can I get for you tonight?"

Luca spoke to the waiter in Italian, and Arnold could only catch a few words here and there. Luca's voice was animated as he discussed the various options on the menu with the waiter.

After a few minutes of animated conversation, Luca turned to Arnold and said, "What do you feel like tonight, my friend? Mario here suggests the spaghetti alle vongole, it's very good."

Arnold nodded in agreement and added, "And I'll have the osso buco, please."

The waiter scribbled down their orders on his notepad, nodding in approval at their choices.

"Excellent choices, signori. Would you like to start with an antipasto or a salad?"

Luca turned to Arnold and said, "I recommend the prosciutto e melone. It's a classic dish."

Arnold nodded and the waiter jotted down their request before disappearing into the kitchen. Arnold leaned forward and clasped his hands together on the table, his expression tense.

"Luca, I need your help," he said, his voice low and urgent.

Luca’s dark eyes scanned Arnold's face. "I have heard as much but I don’t know what the matter is yet. So, what can I help you with, Arnold?" he asked, his Italian accent thick.

"I need to find Genevieve and my children," Arnold said, his voice cracking slightly. "They've disappeared, and I have no idea where they could be."

Luca leaned back in his seat, his fingers steepled together. "Tell me everything," he said, his voice measured.

Arnold launched into an explanation of what had happened, describing in detail the events leading up to Genevieve's disappearance. He talked about the day she had left with the children, going to work as always, only to come back and find that Genevieve and the children were gone. He told Luca about the items that were missing from the house.

As Arnold spoke, Luca listened intently, asking occasional questions and jotting down notes on a small notepad.

"Did you check with the neighbors?" Luca asked. "Maybe they saw something, a car or a person."

Arnold shook his head. "No, I haven't yet. I was hoping you could help me with that."

Luca nodded. "Of course, I'll get one of my guys on it right away. And what about the surveillance cameras at your house? Do they work?"

Arnold shrugged. "They weren’t working the day she left."

Luca raised an eyebrow. "Well, now that is interesting."

Luca takes a sip of his red wine and sets the glass down. He looks at Arnold with a furrowed brow and asks, "Arnold, did Genevieve take any of her credit cards or her phone with her?"

Arnold looks at Luca with a puzzled expression and replies, "I don't know. Why do you ask?"

Luca leans forward, his elbows resting on the table, and says, "If she has her phone with her, we can track her location. And if she has any of her credit cards, we can see where she's been spending money."

Arnold nods slowly, understanding the implications of what Luca is saying. "I know she didn’t take her phone but I can check on her credit cards."

Luca nods and takes out his phone, quickly scrolling through his contacts. "Good. Let me know if she has a credit card. I know a guy who can help us with this. He's an expert in tracking and finding people."

Arnold's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? How do you know him?"

Luca takes a deep breath and replies, "Let's just say he's a friend of a friend. He's helped me out in the past, and I owe him a favor. I'll call him and see what he can do for us."

Arnold nods, grateful for any help he can get. "Thank you, Luca. I really appreciate it."

Luca gives him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it, my friend. We'll find her."

Mario walks over with a big smile and sets two plates down in front of Arnold and Luca. The plates are adorned with thin slices of prosciutto, each paired with a juicy slice of ripe cantaloupe melon. The vibrant orange of the melon contrasts beautifully with the pale pink of the cured meat. The scent of salty prosciutto and sweet melon wafts up, tantalizing the senses.

"Here you are, sirs," says Mario with a thick Italian accent. "The prosciutto e melone, just as you ordered. Buon appetito! I will be back with your main course."

Arnold and Luca both nod their thanks to the waiter.

Luca took a sip of his wine and looked at Arnold intently. "So, Arnold, how's the work going with Signore Bianchi?" he asked casually.

Arnold paused for a moment and then replied, "It's going well, thanks for asking. We're making progress on our latest project."

Arnold was lying, of course. He hadn’t focused on work for even a minute ever since Genevieve had left but he couldn’t let Luca know that. There would be consequences otherwise and Arnold could not afford that. He would just have to pretend that everything was business as usual until he got his family back.

Luca raised an eyebrow. "Good to hear. You know, Signore Bianchi can be a bit demanding at times, but he pays well and is loyal to those who work for him."

Arnold nodded. "Yes, he can be demanding, but I'm used to it by now. And the pay is definitely worth it."

Luca leaned back in his chair and took another sip of wine. "I hear he's expanding his business into new areas. That should be good for you, no?"

Arnold shrugged. "Maybe. It depends on what areas he's expanding into. I haven't been briefed on everything yet."

Luca nodded thoughtfully. "Well, keep me in the loop, Arnold. You never know, I might be able to help out in some way."

Arnold smiled. "Thanks, Luca. I'll definitely keep you in mind."

After an hour of chatting and enjoying their meal, Arnold and Luca finished their food and signaled for the waiter to bring the check. Mario quickly came over with the bill and Luca insisted on paying for the meal, as is customary in Italian culture.

Arnold and Luca stood up from their seats and shook hands, exchanging pleasantries and goodbyes. Luca reiterated his offer to help Arnold find Genevieve and his children and assured him that he would do everything he could to assist him in his search.

Arnold thanked Luca for his help and promised to keep him updated on any new developments. With that, they parted ways and Arnold walked out of the restaurant, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination to find his family.


 

CHAPTER EIGHT

Genevieve was sitting on the couch in her living room, reading a book when her phone rang. She checked the caller ID, and saw that it was Rhonda. She answered the phone, "Hi Rhonda, how are you doing?"

Rhonda replied, "I'm doing well, Genevieve. How about you? Are you excited for your first day at the new job?"

Genevieve smiled and said, "Yes, I am. I'm looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've worked outside of the house."

Rhonda asked, "That's great. I'm glad you're excited. Hey, I wanted to ask you something. What are you planning to do with your kids while you're at work?"

Genevieve was taken aback by the question, as she had not given it much thought. She hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it yet."

Rhonda said, "Well, don't worry. I have some good news for you. The Winthrop foundation has a daycare center for their employees, and I can give you the phone number if you're interested."

Genevieve felt a sense of relief wash over her. She replied, "Thank you so much, Rhonda. That would be really helpful."

Rhonda gave her the phone number and told her about the facility, "It's a great daycare center, run by the foundation. They take really good care of the kids, and it's very affordable."

Genevieve felt grateful to have such a caring and helpful friend in Rhonda. She thanked her again before they said their goodbyes and hung up the phone.

After hanging up, Genevieve went through her night routine with a heavy heart, dreading the thoughts that always seemed to surface before she slept. Todd and Amy were already in bed. Genevieve took a long shower, letting the hot water soothe her muscles and wash away the grime of the day. As she scrubbed her skin, she remembered how Arnold used to criticize her every move in the shower, claiming that she wasn't clean enough. She shook her head, trying to push away the memories.

After drying herself off, she applied some lotion, carefully avoiding the bruises on her arms and legs. The scent of the lotion brought back memories of the times Arnold had given her massages, promising to take away her pain, but instead causing more pain.

As she brushed her teeth, she stared at herself in the mirror, studying the bruises on her face. She tried to cover them with makeup, but they still showed through. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and moved on to the next step of her routine.

She went to her closet and picked out her pajamas, a soft and comfortable set that Rhonda had given her. As she slipped them on, she remembered the night that Arnold had torn her clothes off, leaving her with nothing but her underwear. She shuddered at the memory and quickly pushed it away. Finally, she crawled into bed and turned off the lights. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on the sound of her breathing. But as always, her mind drifted back to Arnold and the abuse he had inflicted on her. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread and fear that still lingered within her. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was safe now, that she had escaped from his grasp.

 

Genevieve woke up early next morning. She got out of bed and stretched her arms and legs, feeling excited and a little nervous at the same time. She walked over to her dresser and picked out an outfit for the day, a white blouse and black pants that she had ironed the night before. She went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she thought back to the days when she had to hide her bruises and scars from Arnold. The memory made her shudder, but she pushed it aside and focused on the present. She put on some light makeup and brushed her hair before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast. She decided to make some scrambled eggs and toast, along with a cup of coffee.

Genevieve finished eating her breakfast alone in the kitchen, enjoying the peace and quiet before the chaos of the day began. She cleaned up the dishes and headed to Todd and Amy's room. She gently opened the door and saw them both still asleep, cuddled up under their blankets.

"Good morning, my loves," Genevieve whispered, leaning over to kiss Todd's forehead. "It's time to wake up."

Todd stirred a bit, but Amy continued to snore softly. Genevieve chuckled and shook Amy's shoulder a little. "Amy, sweetie, it's time to get up and get ready for school."

Amy groaned and rubbed her eyes. Genevieve sat down next to Amy. "Good morning, sweetie," Genevieve said with a smile.

"Good morning, Mommy," Amy replied.

"I have a surprise for you today," Genevieve said. "We are going to a fun place."

"What kind of place, Mommy?" Amy asked, looking up at her with wide eyes.

"It's a place where you can play with lots of other kids, and they have toys and games and even a playground," Genevieve explained.

Amy's eyes widened even further, and she let out a little gasp of excitement. "That sounds like so much fun!"

Genevieve smiled. "It will be, but first we need to get dressed and ready to go. I’ll have your breakfast ready in a minute. Can you brush your teeth and go to the bathroom, please?"

Amy nodded eagerly, and Genevieve stood up to check on her newborn son, Todd, who was crying in his crib. She picked him up and tried to soothe him while talking to Amy. Amy nodded and followed Genevieve to the bathroom, where Genevieve helped Amy brush her teeth.

Genevieve quickly gave Amy and Todd a bath and then helped dry them off before picking out outfits for them to wear from the closet. After she had a pair of immaculately dressed children, Genevieve took Amy by the hand and cradled Todd in her other arm and took them both to the kitchen and sat them at the small dining table.

Genevieve quickly moved around the kitchen, making sure everything was prepared for her children's breakfast. She retrieved a small container of unsweetened applesauce from the fridge and placed it on the table. Next, she retrieved two small bowls and a box of Cheerios. She carefully poured a small amount of cereal into each bowl, then added some milk. She cut up some fresh fruit, placing sliced bananas and strawberries on a plate.

Once everything was set up, she walked over to Amy, who was sitting in her high chair, and helped her buckle the straps. "Okay, Amy, we have Cheerios and fruit for breakfast today. Would you like some milk with your cereal?" Genevieve asked.

"Yes, please, Mama," Amy replied.

Genevieve carefully poured a small amount of milk over the cereal, making sure it didn't spill over. She then moved over to Todd, who was fussing in his crib. She picked him up and brought him to the table, placing him in a baby bouncer seat next to Amy.

"Alright, let's get you some breakfast too, little guy," Genevieve said, holding Todd's bottle.

She unscrewed the cap and held the bottle to his mouth, gently encouraging him to drink. As she fed Todd, she talked to Amy about the daycare center they would be visiting later that day.

"Today, we're going to a special place, Amy. It's called a daycare center and it's where you can play with other children while Mama is at work," Genevieve said.

Amy's eyes widened with excitement. "Yay! I want to play with other kids!"

Genevieve smiled, happy to see her daughter excited. "That's right, sweetie. It's going to be so much fun."

She continued feeding Todd, making sure he drank enough before burping him. Then, she placed him back in his crib to rest while she cleaned up the breakfast dishes.

After finishing up cleaning the dishes, Genevieve walked into her bedroom and began to get dressed. She already had an outfit picked out. As she buttoned up her blouse, she suddenly remembered that she needed to call the daycare center to confirm her appointment. She didn't even know the address of the place, and the thought of getting lost in a new city overwhelmed her. She sat down on the edge of her bed and felt ridiculous. How was she supposed to handle all of this?

After a few deep breaths, Genevieve stood up and walked to her phone on the bedside table. She dialed the number that Rhonda had given her the other day and listened as the phone rang. A woman answered, and Genevieve explained who she was and that Rhonda had given her the number.

The woman on the other end said that she understood and gave Genevieve the address and directions to the center. Genevieve thanked her and hung up, feeling relieved that she had the information she needed.

As she finished getting dressed, Genevieve couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by her new life. She had never been on her own before, and the thought of raising two children and working a new job was daunting. But she knew that she had to keep going, for the sake of her children and herself.

 

Genevieve walked down the dimly lit staircase of her apartment building, her hand tightly clasping her daughter's small one while her other arm cradled her newborn son. The walls were painted a drab gray, and the carpeted stairs were worn and frayed from years of use. The smell of mildew and old cigarette smoke lingered in the air, and the sound of muffled voices and doors slamming echoed throughout the narrow hallway. Despite the building's slightly decrepit appearance, it was the perfect place for Genevieve to start her new life. The rent was affordable, and the location was close to the daycare center where she had just dropped off her children.

Genevieve buckled Todd into the backseat of the Buick, admiring the new car seat Rhonda had provided. She placed Amy in her booster seat and quickly double-checked both children were secure. Genevieve felt grateful towards Rhonda for all of the help she had given her. She took a deep breath and climbed into the driver's seat, adjusting the mirrors and familiarizing herself with the controls of the car. As she pulled out of the parking lot, She felt a sense of freedom. The Buick purred beneath her, and the warm sunshine streamed through the windows.

The calm and tranquility of Springville was very different from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Gone were the towering skyscrapers and endless sea of cars honking their horns. In their place were quaint shops with colorful awnings and pedestrians leisurely strolling along the sidewalk.

The buildings were low-rise, and there were no billboards or neon signs to be seen. Instead, there were lush trees and well-manicured lawns lining the streets. The air was fresh and crisp, and Genevieve could smell the sweet scent of blooming flowers that were scattered throughout the town.

Driving down Main Street, Genevieve passed by a small grocery store with a handwritten sign that read "Fresh Produce Daily." She passed by a park filled with children playing on the swings and slides, their laughter filling the air. Genevieve smiled, feeling grateful that her own children would have a safe place to play and make new friends.

She drove past a quaint coffee shop with a chalkboard sign out front advertising homemade pastries and felt a pang of nostalgia for her old life in Chicago. But as quickly as the feeling came, it was gone, replaced with a sense of excitement for the new chapter of her life that lay ahead.

After a very long drive, Genevieve turned onto the street where the address that the receptionist had given her on the phone earlier was located. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the towering four-story building with a striking brown facade. It was unlike anything else she had seen that day. The building stood out not only for its size but for its modern design, which seemed to clash with the more traditional architecture of the surrounding buildings.

The building's exterior was made up of large, rectangular panels of deep brown stone, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. The entrance was framed by tall, floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed a brightly lit lobby inside. Genevieve couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated as she pulled into the parking lot, her eyes scanning the structure in awe.

As she parked the car, she noticed a large sign on the side of the building that read "Winthrop Foundation" in bold, white letters. The logo of the foundation was emblazoned above the text, a stylized W with a crown on top, which gave the whole place a regal air.

Genevieve took a deep breath before unbuckling Todd from the backseat and lifting him into his carrier. She held Amy's hand tightly as they made their way towards the entrance. Genevieve could see that the lobby was spacious and filled with natural light, the walls adorned with colorful murals of animals and children playing.

A friendly receptionist greeted them with a smile as they entered. Genevieve noticed that she was dressed in a crisp, professional suit, very different from the casual attire she was used to seeing in Springville. The receptionist introduced herself as Sandra and asked for Genevieve's name and her children's names. Genevieve gave her the information, feeling a bit nervous but also relieved that they had made it here safely.

"Welcome to the Winthrop Foundation, Genevieve," Sandra said with a warm smile. "We're happy to have you and your children here."

"Thank you," Genevieve replied, feeling grateful for the welcoming atmosphere.

"I see that you're interested in enrolling your children in our daycare center," Sandra said. "That's great! Our center is highly regarded, and we have a team of qualified professionals who will ensure that your children are well taken care of."

Genevieve was surprised to hear that the Winthrop Foundation had a daycare center, but she was pleased to know that her children would be in good hands.

"That's wonderful," Genevieve said. "I didn't realize the foundation had a daycare center. It's great to know that I can take care of my children while I'm working."

"Yes, we're proud to offer this service to our employees and community members," Sandra said. "Let me show you around."

Sandra led Genevieve down a hallway and through a set of double doors. Inside was a large, brightly lit room filled with toys, books, and colorful mats on the floor.

"This is our daycare center," Sandra said, gesturing to the room. "We have different play areas for different age groups, and our caregivers are trained to provide age-appropriate activities and supervision."

Genevieve looked around the room, impressed by the cleanliness and organization of the space. It was a space that was clearly designed with children in mind. The walls were painted in cheerful shades of blue, green, and yellow, with whimsical murals of animals and nature scenes. The floors were covered in soft, cushioned mats, and there were plenty of age-appropriate toys and games scattered throughout the room. In one corner, there was a cozy reading nook with a pile of picture books and a big, plush armchair. The center also had a small outdoor play area with a fence around it, which was filled with climbing structures, slides, and toys. The space was clean and organized, with all the toys and materials labeled and easily accessible.

"Genevieve, I'd like to introduce you to Wendy, she's the woman-in-charge of our daycare center," Sandra said, gesturing towards a woman with a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you, Genevieve," Wendy said, holding out her hand to shake Genevieve's. "We're excited to have you and your children here."

Wendy was a friendly-looking woman with a warm smile and a professional demeanor. She was dressed in a crisp, professional suit, but had added some colorful accents to make it more kid-friendly. Her blouse was a bright shade of purple, and she wore a necklace with multicolored beads that sparkled in the light.

"Thank you, I'm happy to be here," Genevieve replied.

Wendy then proceeded to show Genevieve around the daycare center, pointing out the different play areas, art supplies, and nap room. Genevieve was impressed by the brightly colored walls and shelves stocked with books and toys. She explained the center's schedule and the types of activities that the children would participate in throughout the day. She also pointed out the center's policies and procedures, emphasizing the center's commitment to safety and security.

"I think Todd and Amy will really enjoy it here," Genevieve said, feeling relieved that she had found a safe and engaging place for her children while she worked.

"I'm sure they will," Wendy said. "In fact, why don't we invite them to spend an hour with us today to see how they like it?"

Genevieve hesitated for a moment, but then nodded her agreement. "Okay, let's give it a try," she said, trying to sound confident.

Wendy smiled warmly. "Great, I'm sure they'll have a good time," she said, leading the way to the daycare center. "While they're playing, why don't I introduce you to Andrea Winthrop? She's the head of the Winthrop Foundation."

Genevieve was surprised and a little nervous at the prospect of meeting the head of the foundation, but she agreed nonetheless. "Sure, that would be great".

Genevieve followed Wendy down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the quiet corridor. They arrived at the elevator and Wendy pressed the button for the fourth floor. As they ascended, Genevieve felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. She had never been to an office building like this before, and she was unsure of what to expect.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open, revealing a long row of cubicles. Wendy led Genevieve past the cubicles, the soft hum of computer screens filling the air. They arrived at the end of the row and turned left, stopping at a cubicle that stood out from the rest.

The cubicle was highly decorated with colorful posters and photos, making it look less like an office space and more like a cheerful hangout spot. There was a large desk at the center of the cubicle, with a woman sitting behind it. She looked up and smiled warmly as Wendy and Genevieve approached.

"Genevieve, this is Andrea Winthrop, the head of the Winthrop Foundation," Wendy said, introducing Genevieve to Andrea.

Andrea Winthrop was about 70 years old, but she carried herself with an air of confidence that made her seem younger. Her hair was a soft shade of silver, and she wore a soft blue blouse with a matching jacket. Her warm smile made Genevieve feel welcome immediately.

"Genevieve, I've heard so much about you from Rhonda," the woman said, extending a hand for Genevieve to shake. "I'm so glad to finally meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Ms. Winthrop," Genevieve replied, taking her hand. "Thank you for having me."

"And please, call me Andrea," the woman said warmly, motioning for Genevieve to sit down in one of the chairs across from her desk. "Rhonda speaks very highly of you."

"I'm glad to hear that," Genevieve replied. "Rhonda has been such a huge help to me."

Andrea nodded in agreement. "Yes, she's a wonderful woman. We're lucky to have her on our team here at the foundation."

"I'm just grateful to be here," Genevieve said. "I'm not sure where I would be without the help of Rhonda and the foundation."

"Well, we're here to help people like you," Andrea said with a kind smile. "We believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, no matter what their circumstances may be."

Genevieve felt a bit nervous but nevertheless she asked, "Excuse me, Andrea, but why is your office in a cubicle?"

Andrea smiled and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her desk. "Oh, that's a good question," she said. "I actually prefer working in a more open environment, where I can be accessible to my colleagues and interact with them more easily. Plus, it's more cost-effective for the foundation."

Genevieve nodded, impressed by Andrea's practicality and commitment to working collaboratively. She could see that Andrea was a woman who valued efficiency and community.

"I can see that," Genevieve said. "It's a unique approach, but it seems to work well for you."

"Yes, it does," Andrea agreed. "So, Rhonda tells me that you are settling in well at your new home. How do you like it?" Andrea continued.

"It's... different," she admitted. "But in a good way. I like the small-town feel, but I wanted to ask why it is so far from the foundation?"

Andrea’s eyes glowed. It wasn’t often that she was asked this question and those who did usually were exceptionally perceptive and became wonderful assets for the foundation in the long run.

"I see you noticed" smiled Andrea.

"Do you know the name of this town? You must have seen it on your way in."

"Steven’s Point" nodded Genevieve.

"That’s right. This place is about seventy miles away from Springville. It’s neither too far nor too close. So, in case one of our cases needs some emergency support or needs some place to move to quickly they can come to the foundation."

"But why would they need…" Genevieve’s prompt of a question was met with a grim look by Andrea. It was all Genevieve needed to piece together the answer. Until that moment, Rhonda’s incredibly professional attitude and precautions had assuaged Genevieve’s fears that Arnold could ever track her down. Yet, Andrea had just disillusioned her of that notion. It wasn’t just a distinct possibility but also something that the foundation was guarding against.

Genevieve's heart skipped a beat as she realized the gravity of the situation. "I see," she said softly, feeling a knot form in her stomach.

Andrea leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Genevieve's arm. "Don't worry, Genevieve. We take security very seriously here at the foundation. Your safety is our top priority."

"Thank you, Andrea. That means a lot to me," she said, smiling gratefully at the older woman.

Wendy interjected and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I don't want to keep you too long, Andrea. Genevieve, would you mind coming with me? I'll take you to the daycare center to check on Todd and Amy."

"Of course," Genevieve replied, standing up from her chair. "Thank you for your time, Andrea. It was nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Andrea replied with a smile. "Please let us know if there's anything we can do to assist you and your family during your time here."

Wendy led Genevieve out of the office, and they walked down the hallway to the elevator. Genevieve felt a bit overwhelmed by the meeting, but also grateful for the support the Winthrop Foundation was offering.

As they stepped into the elevator, Wendy said, "I'm sorry to cut our meeting short, but Andrea is a very busy woman. She has a lot of responsibilities to attend to."

"That's alright," Genevieve replied. "I understand. I appreciate you showing me around and introducing me to her."

Genevieve and Wendy walked down the hallway, chatting amicably about the Winthrop Foundation and its mission. As they approached the daycare center, Genevieve could hear the sound of children laughing and playing. She felt her heart flutter with anxiety and anticipation as she wondered how her children were doing.

Genevieve saw Amy sitting on the floor, surrounded by other children, all playing with brightly colored toys. Amy looked up and saw her mother, her face lighting up with joy. Genevieve felt a lump form in her throat as she watched her daughter play so happily.

Further on in the room, Todd was sitting contentedly in a playpen, surrounded by toys. He looked up as his mother and Wendy approached, his eyes widening in recognition.

"Hi, sweetheart," Genevieve said, bending down to kiss him on the forehead. "Are you having fun?"

Todd gurgled happily in response, grabbing at one of his toys.

Genevieve felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw that her children were happy and safe. She knew that she would still worry about them, but being able to see them playing happily like this eased her mind considerably.

Genevieve turned to Wendy and said, "Thank you so much for your help today. I really appreciate it."

Wendy smiled warmly at her and replied, "Of course! It was my pleasure. And I'm so glad Todd and Amy seemed to enjoy their time here today."

Genevieve nodded in agreement, watching as Amy played with the other children and Todd sat contentedly in a playpen, surrounded by toys.

"I think they'll be very happy here," Genevieve said, looking back at Wendy. "I'm looking forward to having them spend more time here over the coming weeks."

"That's great to hear," Wendy replied, "and we're always here to help if you need anything. Just let us know."

Genevieve smiled gratefully, feeling relieved that she had found a safe and welcoming place for her children to go while she worked at the foundation.

Genevieve walked out of the daycare center with Todd holding her hand and Amy snuggled up against her chest. She was grateful for Wendy's help and the opportunity to spend some time with Andrea Winthrop. As they walked through the parking lot, she looked around and took in the surroundings. It was a bright and sunny day, and the trees and flowers were in full bloom. The parking lot was full of cars, and Genevieve noticed that many of them had bumper stickers and license plates with different states' names on them. It seemed that the foundation had a wide reach and was helping families from all over the country.

Genevieve felt a mix of emotions as she buckled Todd and Amy into their car seats. She was relieved that they had found a safe and nurturing place for her children, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for leaving them there. She knew it was necessary, though, and that she needed to focus on getting her life back on track. As she drove away from the Winthrop Foundation, she made a mental note to herself to check in on Todd and Amy frequently and to make sure that they were adjusting well to their new routine.

 

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