Having never applied to the Upper Echelon Employment Agency, I’d never expected to ever receive the letter I was currently holding. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stop staring. It was an official letter of summons.
Eventually my brother pinching me broke me out of my stupor. Without saying a word, I handed the letter to my mom who was busily chatting with our neighbor. She did one of those double takes at it when she realized what it was.
The surprise on her face was not the same as mine.
“You knew!”
Mom turned back to our neighbor instead of answering me. “Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Awling.”
Hooking my arm in hers, she hurried me up our stairs and into the house. As soon as Trevor was through the door she shut it.
“Yes I knew, Iris. I’m the one who applied for you. You are so talented and those talents are wasted down here.” Her smile was confident and beseeching all at the same time. Don’t ask me how because it seems contradictory and yet I was looking right at it on her face.
“What sort of position did you apply for me?” I hesitated. That letter she was holding wasn’t an optional request. It was a summons.
Applying was optional but once you received a letter of acceptance you were expected to show up on the appointed day. Let’s just say that the consequence for not showing up was not the most pleasant.
I cut her off with another question before she could answer my first one. “How long do I have?”
“Breathe baby. I didn’t sign you up for something you wouldn’t be comfortable with.” She hedged.
I huffed. “Mom, I would have been comfortable not going at all. I’ve heard that people in the Golden City are cruel and some of us normal town dwellers are considered expendable. I don’t want to end up dead in some forgotten storm drain because you thought I had talent.”
“How morbid sweetheart. You aren’t going to die.” Mom started walking up the stairs, forcing me to follow if I wanted to continue this conversation.
“What am I going to be expected to do? You still haven’t answered me.” I followed her into my room where she started to pack.
I watched for a full minute before I snatched the letter from where she had dropped it on my desk. Scanning it, I found what I was looking for and my heart stalled.
“Tomorrow?” I slumped onto my bed. “I report to the employment office tomorrow?”
Mom raised her hand. “Tomorrow morning. With a job now, you are going to have to learn to be more precise so you aren’t late.”
“Where will I be living?” I whispered as I watched her pack all of my nicest things. “Why doesn’t it say what I will be doing?”
That stopped Mom. “Iris, I applied for several different positions for you. I wanted to give you a better chance at being approved for one of them.”
“But what did you put in applications for?” I pushed.
“Medical assistant. Server. Platonic companion. Nanny. Singer.” Mom started listing them off but paused when she couldn’t remember any more.
“You sent in applications for all of these? What if I received more than one letter? I wouldn’t be able to do both without working myself to death.” Then it hit me. “Companion?”
She nodded. “I read the description quite thoroughly. The only thing expected from you is to accompany your employer to events and look pretty. It was the only one that required your picture but it sounded so easy I had to apply.” She got a stern look in her eye. “Now Iris, I know what you are thinking young lady and I did not sign you up for anything salacious. I am not that kind of mother. Now help me pack.”
It seemed like we didn’t have time for much more than packing before she was walking with me to the employment office the next morning. Entering the small dreary building was more depressing than the ache I had felt all night laying in my bed for the last time.
“Name.” The receptionist asked, looking me over.
“Iris Donau.”
The woman nodded sharply. “Report to room #7, down the hall on your right.”
I went straight to room 7 and knocked.
“Come in.”
Opening the door I straightened my shoulders and did my best to walk in with confidence.
I was greeted by the sight of two men staring at me. The man behind the desk looked bored and decidedly uninterested. It was the man who looked only a year or two older than me who broke into a smile when I came in. He bowed and motioned for me to sit.
The door closed and I hid the gulp that came.
“Miss Donau.” The man behind the desk spoke as I continued to look at the man next to me. “My name is Mr Lauer. I will be your representative while you begin your employment. Over the next year if you have any problems or concerns you will come to me.”
“Year?” I felt like an echo. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember the details.”
“Be sure to remember this time.” He glowered over at me. “One year as a companion to Mr Lathome. Meals, boarding, and attire are all provided for. You will be expected to represent the Lathome family at all times. It is up to Mr Lathome whether you are to be seen as a family friend, girlfriend, or hired companion.”
I glanced again at Mr. Lathome and his smile nearly melted my insides to complete mush.
“Sign here.” Mr Lauer shoved a piece of paper at me.
Once all the paperwork was complete, Mr Lathome stood and held out his hand. I took it.
His deep rich voice surprised me, as did the strength of his grip. “A pleasure to meet you Miss Donau. I look forward to working with you.”
I curtsied and put on my most pleasant smile.
“Shall we?” He motioned to the door.
Hand in his, we walked out the door as if we had known each other for ages. At the sight of my mother sitting in one for the chairs across from me I halted.
“Mom.” I threw my arms around her.
“I love you baby.” She whispered into my hair as she held me tight.
After a few moments I pulled away and gestured back to Mr. Lathome. “Mr Lathome, this is my mother. Mom, this is my new employer Mr Lathome.”
“Take care of my girl.” Mom shook his hand.
He nodded kindly. “I assure you she will be treated with the utmost care.” He held out his hand to me again. “Shall we?”
With a nod I once again took his hand. As we neared the door, he leaned down to whisper with a smile. “Please call me Mason.”
“Mason. I can do that.”
Read Part 2 of Iris’ story here!
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