108: Helping Alice

108: Helping Alice
ALMA

Work?

I guess she was more ambitious than I thought, stronger even. A smile automatically played on my lips as I spared Carl a quick glance that he responded to with a curt nod. 

I diverted my attention back to Alice. "Alice, what kind of work are you interested in?" I asked, trying to sound as encouraging as possible.

I'd recommend she spent a few more days getting back to her feet but the determination in her eyes was enough reason to hold back.

Her eyes darted around the room as she thought about it, tapping her finger against her chin. "Office work, maybe? A clerk or something?" she replied, her eyes cast downward.

That was fair. Seeing as she was well spoken, she definitely had the qualities, which brought me to my next, touchy question. "Do you have any qualifications?" I asked.

Alice hesitated before speaking, unending fiddling her fingers. "I studied law. I have a degree in it."

Wow!

Carl and I exchanged a shocked glance. "Wow, that's impressive!" I exclaimed, almost clapping. I didn't expect that and I didn't know if that made me a terrible person.

What happened to her? How did she end up so...broken?

Carl whistled softly. "Law school, huh? You're a genius, Alice!"

I could tell, from how strained his voice was, that he wanted to sound ecstatic as possible, for her. That was so nice of him. Well.

I smiled, trying to put her at ease. "We're not surprised, just impressed. You'll definitely find something suitable with that background. I'll talk to a few of my friends, and see if there are open positions you can try out for, good?"

"Perfect!" That was the loudest I'd heard her. Alice's face lit up with a hint of hope, spreading across the ocean in her eyes. "Thank you...thank you so much."

I placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "I'll find something to do about that. And don't worry, I'll take full responsibility for you till you're well and back and on your feet, so please don't feel uncomfortable. You're safe now."

I signaled to Carl as I stepped out for some fresh air. Actually, to discuss how to help Alice from here on out. As we strolled through the hallway to the balcony, a memory popped in the distance of my mind space.

"Beverly!"

"Uh?" He flicked his brow, lips slightly parted.

"Beverly needs an assistant at her firm. How did I even forget that? This would be perfect for Alice! I'll ask if she'd be willing to take Alice on."

Carl nodded thoughtfully. "That's a great idea. And by the way, is it okay if Alice stays in the suite for a while longer, like get back to her feet?"

"I was thinking the same, but have you seen her, Carl? That woman wants to go out there and work! I can't imagine what she must have been through!"

"That's understandable, but a person does need to be in the right state of mind to work?"

"I know that," I replied, smiling at his kindness. I pecked him on the cheek. "You're a sweetheart, Carl."

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about this, Alma? Taking on Alice's responsibilities?"

I nodded firmly. "It wouldn't hurt to try, Carl. We can't just leave her stranded. I'll talk to Beverly right now, see if the position is still open, and tell her about Alice?"

"Alright. Alright. She's so lucky to have met you."

Back inside, I found Alice pacing near the window. "Hey, Alice? I spoke to my friend, and she might have an opening for you."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she burst into sobs. "Thank you...thank you so much, Alma! You're all so kind to me...I don't deserve it!"

She stood up and threw her arms around, I embraced her, holding her close. "You deserve every bit of kindness, Alice. We're just glad to help."



I led Beverly into the living room, where we settled into our favorite armchairs. She'd come to drop Alma from school, though Agatha was back. I suggested she rested for the day before taking on her full duty.

She must have been so sick, seeing as it took long for her to return. Beverly had barely seated when I brought up the issue about Alice.

Beverly's eyes lit up. "Ah, yes! I've been thinking about it, and I'm willing to give her a chance. But let's do an interview, just to make sure she's a good fit for the firm."

I beamed with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Bev! I really appreciate it."

Just then, Agatha emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. "Good afternoon, Beverly. Is there anything you'd like to have?"

Beverly's eyes widened in surprise. "Agatha! I didn't know you were back!"

I chuckled. "She just arrived today. Velma has missed her so much that I want to see her reaction when she sees her. She's in her room, Agatha."

Agatha's face lit up with a vibrant smile. "Let me go be her surprise then." She hurried up the stairs and I just couldn't help but smile.

We sipped our coffee in silence till Beverly asked something that had been at the top of my mind all week long.

"Hey, Alma, have you heard from Linda lately?"

It dropped my bomb and I tried to maintain an even expression. I rolled my eyes. "No, and I hope she's not plotting something."

Beverly laughed. "Oh, come on, Alma! She's probably reformed by now. You know, after everything? This might be your chance at peace."

I raised an eyebrow. "I doubt it, Bev. Linda is not the kind to be reformed, she'd had several chances already.

But let's not focus on Linda right now. Pick a date for Alice's interview and we'll be there."

Just then, Daniel and Velma's argument carried from the playroom into the living room. "Mommy, he took my toy!" Velma cried.

Beverly and I exchanged a knowing glance. "I think our peace is about to be disrupted," I said with a chuckle.



I grabbed Alice's hand, and we stepped out of the car, ready to conquer the mall.

Carl opted to wait in the car as expected,  giving us space to indulge in some shopping therapy. This was my idea, of course.

I wasn't about to send her out for an interview without proper outfits. I meant it when I said she'd be my responsibility. We strolled through the mall, I was drawn in by Alice's enthusiasm n, and soon we were giggling like old friends.

Our first stop was a trendy boutique, where I insisted Alice try on a stunning dress. She hesitated, checking out the price, but I wouldn't take no for an answer. This woman had to look her best.

"You deserve it, Alice! Trust me, you'll look breathtaking!"

"The price has definitely taken enough of my breath!" She held the dress over her body. "This could buy a house!"

"Quite the exaggeration," I giggled as I sorted through the other ones on display. "You're here to pick out nice things for yourself, Alice. So please, do so."

"I don't...know how to thank you..."

"By going to the spa?" I pointed in the direction. "We're going to be princesses."

After some persuasion, Alice relented, and we headed to a nearby spa for a makeover.

I treated Alice to a pampering session, complete with a facial, hair styling, and makeup. Her transformation left me speechless. Her beauty shone like a beacon, drawing admiring glances from passersby.

"You're so stunning!" Alice was awed as she looked at me and I, for a moment there, wondered if she could see herself.

"And you look like you dropped from the heavens!" I cooed. "Beautiful!"

"That's a lot coming from you." She held my gaze. "Thank you so much, Alma. Really, thank you. You and Mr Harrison have done so much!"

"It's nothing." We headed out and we were halfway when I realized my purse was still at the spa. "Alice, go ahead, I'll catch up. I forgot my purse!" I handed her some of the bags I held.

Alice nodded and continued on, while I rushed back to retrieve my purse.

When I returned, I spotted a valet chatting with Carl, who was loading our shopping bags into the trunk. The valet's eyes widened as he took in Alice's stunning appearance.

"Wow, sir, your girlfriend looks absolutely stunning!" he exclaimed, unaware of my presence.

Carl's immediate denial was what I needed, and he did. "She's not my girlfriend, she's a friend!"

It was a mere mistake. I shouldn't even be worried about that.

I really shouldn't. I approached the trio, a sweet smile masking my inner turmoil. "Anyone up for early lunch?"