Chapter 2
"Grandpops! Are my cookies alright?" Elijah bursts through the door of his grammie's home and heads to the kitchen where he can smell the sweet aroma of cookies and breakfast meal.
He saw his grandpops calmly sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper on the kitchen counter, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his plate of cookies unharmed.
Elijah walked towards the kitchen aisle and picked up his cookies and glass of milk. Then, he dragged a chair underneath the table and sat across his grandpops. His grammie sat beside his grandpops, both of them chuckling at Eli.
Robert, his grandpops, folded the newspaper and smiled at Elijah. "Do I really need to threaten and bait you with cookies just so I can see my favorite boy?"
Robert faked sadness and Elijah gasped. Eli stood up from his seat and gave his grandpops a tight hug. "I'm sorry, grandpops. I was busy looking and applying for jobs that I wasn't able to come by," Eli apologized and Robert smiled a little.
He ruffled Elijah's hair and chuckled. "I'm just pulling your legs, boy. Your grammie told me that you have some good news to share. What is it?" Robert held his wife's hand and they fixed their attention to Elijah.
Remembering the good news, Elijah smiled and nodded. "I have an interview today! It's a high-end club in New York, and they needed another bartender. The security is tight, and the compensation is high. Because it's a membership-based club, you two don't have to worry about me. I'll be safe," Elijah added when he noticed how his grammie and grandpops wrinkled their brows and looked at each other worriedly.
Elijah learned about bartending from a friend he met a year ago. He was also the one who helped him with his escape from his foster family and was the one who taught him everything he needed to know.
At first, it was hard. Most of his knowledge came from the limited books his nanny was able to provide. She was the only thing that cared for Eli. She was the reason why Elijah did not get beaten black and blue because his nanny was the one receiving the beatings.
Elijah would die if he got subjected to such harsh punishments from the sadistic and cruel couple. Elijah did not learn of this until a year ago when he found his nanny's diary.
Elijah's foster parents were ruthless and evil. When they saw baby Elijah outside their home, their first thought was to sell him to the black market. Lany, one of the maids of the house, who became Elijah's nanny, took responsibility for Elijah because she knew how cruel her bosses were. In exchange for her bosses' kindness, Elijah would have to live in the basement, or the baby will be sold to degenerates and will live a hellish life.
Lany was horrified. Never in her life did she imagine someone who has a heart as dark as coal. Her bosses' were devil incarnate. When Lany caught a glimpse of Elijah's baby blues, she promised herself that she would do everything for the boy. She will do everything to keep him safe.
****
Elijah took a deep breath and straightened his blue shirt. He brushed his coffee-colored hair and smiled. Have confidence, Eli. You will get the job.
He stared at the huge establishment with modern architecture and can't help but gape in awe. The club screams elegance and luxury. He was already lucky that he was considered for an interview because the management is pretty strict when it comes to qualifications.
He's not sure how he was able to slip past through the stringent process but he knows not to question fate. His hand went on top of his chest and chewed his lips nervously as his heart thumped loudly. He can also feel his hands getting clammy with each step he took towards the entrance.
There's a part of him telling him to run away, but a huge part of him is telling him to be brave. He was done living in the dark and in fear. He spent seventeen years in the four, dark corners of that basement where he spent his childhood.
Conquering his fear will make his past self proud. He felt his lungs expand as he sucked a breath. He straightened his back and clenched his fist, then puffed his chest out.
With confident steps, Elijah stopped at the entrance and gulped hard. He underwent a security check before the intimidating and muscled guard let him in. Eli swallowed and decided in his best interest not to stare at the giant man.
One of the staff named Edward led him to the third floor where one of the owners will be the one to conduct the interview. He glanced at Edward as his heart slammed nervously.
"I thought the Human Resources Department handled the interview?" This time, he was not able to contain his nervousness. Edward wrinkled his brows and just shrugged.
He led jim inside an elevator with the black and gold color scheme, emphasizing its modern and sleek style. Edward pushed the number 3 button and because Elijah was preoccupied with his thoughts, he did not realize that they already arrived on the third floor.
"Come. Mr. Alexandrei is waiting for you," Edward informed him and pointed to the black door at the right end of the wide hallway.
Elijah swallowed and looked at Edward when the latter did not walk with him. "Y-You're not coming w-with me?" His voice finally cracked and his face blanched. Who wouldn't get nervous? One of the owners will interview you.
According to Ryzel, the friend who helped him after his escape and was a former employee, the bosses were very intimidating. Especially the one named Devon Slane.
There were rumors going around that he's evil, cruel, and ruthless. Devon Slane would not hesitate to slash your throat if you ever cross him or just plainly block his path. He's the coldest person you will ever know, according to rumors.
Elijah knew better. He knows not to judge people through gossip and chatters. People tend to exaggerate information, and his nanny taught him to always see the good in people. If he did not see them doing bad things firsthand, do not believe it.
Still, it did not help dispel his nervousness.
"This is as far as I can go. Good luck!" Before Elijah can protest, Edward stepped inside the elevator and the doors closed instantly.
Elijah can feel the indescribable emptiness in the pit of his stomach. Honestly, this is the first time he applied for a job. Ryzel did not allow him to look for one because the goons of his foster parents could still be around.
But he needs to do this. Elijah reminded himself why he's doing this. Why he's taking his chances, despite the nervousness and fear. He reminded himself why he needs to earn a lot of money.
He needs to find Ryzel. His friend did not return a month ago. Just like that. No calls or messages. He asked the club but they said that Ryzel took an indefinite leave. For Elijah, that was already fishy.
Elijah was aware of how much Ryzel loves his job. Ryzel was always gushing about the good work environment and the huge pay. Ryzel would not leave his job, especially because his family is also relying on him.
Elijah went to the police to file for a missing person's case, but the case was closed after a week. They did not give a definite reason; they just advised Elijah to drop the case for his own safety. Elijah was devastated.
Elijah thought that the police were not helping him because he did not have a penny in his pockets. Thus, he moved out of their old home to an old apartment in his new place. He used the money Ryzel gave to him to rent the place.
Elijah needed to get the job to continue his search for his friend. Ryzel was his first friend, and one of the people who cared for him when he needed help the most. Now, it's time to return the favor.
Elijah shifted his body and turned towards the black door. He walked towards the office at the end of the hall with his heart on his throat but remembering his friend lessened his nervousness.
He straightened his posture and expelled a loud breath. He knocked three times, and a baritone voice answered.
"Come in."
Elijah closed his eyes and took a deep breath before twisting the doorknob. Elijah saw a man sitting behind his desk, signing some papers. The man screamed authority and power. Elijah was intimidated but it's part of the process. His knees almost buckled and ran out of the door when those intense green eyes caught his blue ones. However, Elijah's resolve is stronger than his fear.
Good things are unexpectedly hard. That's what he learned in his seventeen years of living in the basement. If he wants something, he needs to work hard for it because good things don't come easy.
"Good morning, Sir. My name is Elijah Thompson. I am applying to be a bartender for the New York branch."
I will find you, Ryzel. Wait for me.
TO BE CONTINUED
If you're curious about Eli's last name, keep yourself updated. 😊
I created an outline last night (though I'm not really fond of making one because I don't always follow it). I was able to write an outline until chapter 35.
Therefore, the updates will be frequent. 😍
Btw, comments get me all pumped up, so keep it coming guys! I feel giddy when Wattpad notify me about your votes and comments. It makes me happy. 😁