Loving Madeline

Charlotte's POV

I knew it was still early to tell, but I had already liked Cecily; I felt she was different from everyone in this neighborhood. Almost everyone who rode the bus said hi to Cecily, and I could tell she was famous in this place.

She must be since she looked so beautiful and friendly. I knew I didn't usually trust a stranger, and I don't particularly appreciate talking with someone I had just met, but with Cecily, it felt like I had known her for a long time.

Cecily didn't ask me personal questions like where I was staying or what is my family name. She only asked me interesting questions that led me to be intrigued by her personality.

"Where are you headed?" She asked after a moment of silence.

"Hmm, I wished to apply for a job," I answered.

"You can send your resume and application letter through email; you don't need to go to town and personally handed your application." She answered.

"I know, but it felt more real that I applied for the job when I brought the hard copy of my credentials," I responded, and she smiled at me.

"Well, that made sense; I like your logic; you should go out to see our town for yourself, Barcelonia is one of the progressive towns in the country, but as you can see, there are still places that look the same as it was from a long time ago." She declared, and I understood what she meant.

We talked about trivial things, and because of her, I temporarily forgot about my current situation. I really enjoyed her company.

"You want me to come with you?" Cecily asked, and I could feel the excitement in her voice.

"I'd love to, but I will not take your time. I am sure you have to go to work." I replied with a smile on my face.

"What will you say if I tell you it is your lucky day since it is my day off today." She replied, and my eyes widened.

"Really? You are not saying that because you pity me?" I asked, and her face suddenly turned serious.

"Pity? It is overrated; you don't need my pity, Charlotte. You are so beautiful, and even a woman like me wanted to be with you. You are fun to be with, and I am sure wherever you go, anyone would take a second or third look because you have this charm I couldn't explain." Cecily declared, and I couldn't stop blushing.

"You are like a magnet, Charlotte, and I am sure you will get hired before this day ends." She added, and my face lit up.

"I doubt that," I said as I averted her gaze and turned my head to look at the side of the road we passed by.

I wish my new friend were right, but I don't think her statement could be true. What happened to me recently made me lose hope and confidence.

"Why, I couldn't believe someone like you would have any doubt about how your day would end. You've got it all; I am sure one look from the manager will get you hired immediately. Just believes in yourself, and everything will go according to your plan." She responded as I shyly smiled at her.

Cecily was true to her words, she spent the whole day with me, and for the first time in my life, I could say; I found a real friend in this lifetime. I knew it was early to tell, but I could feel it in my heart, and I would do anything to keep her as my friend.

"Thank you, Cecily, I know the map on my phone could locate those places, but it was easier to navigate Barcelonia capital with your help. I owe you big time." I said, and she grinned at me. We were standing outside a restaurant where she wanted to eat dinner.

"That is what friends are for," she replied with a beautiful smile on her face, and I couldn't be happier.

"You really want me to be your friend even if you don't know me yet?" I asked, and she nodded as she looked at me with tenderness.

"I could tell you are a good person, Charlotte; I don't judge people by looks; I only listen to my instinct and heart." She responded as she pointed to her left chest, and I giggled.

"Thank you, Cecily," I softly mumbled.

"You are welcome," she answered as she took my hand and dragged me inside the restaurant.

"You can choose anything you want to eat, my treat; this is my way of welcoming you in Barcelonia." She said, and I shook my head.

"No, you can't do that, Cecily; I should be the one who must pay for our dinner; you accompany me the entire time," I said.

I am sure she didn't come from a wealthy family since she only commutes in going to town. Either she didn't own a car, or she was saving fuel.

"It was nothing, Charlotte; I enjoyed your company." She responded as she took the ala carte menu from the waiter.

"You can't do this; we must share the expenses." I insisted, but she only shook her head.

"Come on, next time, and it would be your treat." She said, and I leaned on the backrest of my chair as I opened the menu.

My mouth watered, and my stomach grumbled as I looked at the menu list, and I felt glad the food are less expensive. I am sure she knew where we could eat good food so we didn't need to pay more.

I only ordered Ceasar salad, but she told me I should eat more. Cecily ordered pasta and chicken and some soup. I enjoyed my meal with my first true friend.

She didn't know my family name, yet she was excited to be my friend; this was the first time someone asked me to be her friend without knowing my true identity. I wish I had known her when I still had money to spend.

I wanted to treat her to a fancy restaurant or any resort; we would go to the most expensive beauty salon for facial and hair treatments. I know it is still early, but I will tell her everything about me soon. I could say this is definitely not the last meeting I had with her.

"Thank you so much, Cecily; I am so full," I said after we left the restaurant.

"You are welcome, Charlotte," she answered as she linked her arms with mine.

We walked towards the bus stop. I could feel my legs hurt from walking, but I didn't mind since I had so much fun with Cecily. At least, in this new world, I found someone genuine.

Since it was a bit late, only a few passengers were waiting at the bus stop. I smiled when I saw the bus stop in front of us. I climbed and collapsed on the bus seat right away while Cecily was giggling.

"You must be tired," she commented.

"A little," I lied.

"You have my number now, so if you want to visit the capital, call me anytime." She said.

"How about your work?" I asked.

"You must text or call me in advance so I can change my schedule; I can arrange my work schedule for you." She answered, and my eyes widened.

"You have your own business?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"No, but currently, I am working online; my boss would only ask me to run some errands for him since he was not here at the moment. He was out of the country." She answered.

"Wow, I wished I could work online too, but I preferred to work in an establishment where I could interact with others." I decided since I really wanted to be on my own and to experience working in another company.

"Don't worry. I am sure you will be busy for the next couple of days with your interviews," she responded, and I felt excited.

I got off the bus ahead of my newfound friend, and I walked toward the manor with a broad smile on my face.

Cecily was right. I was busy answering calls and went for interviews on the following days; It was fun, but after the final interview; I didn't receive the call I had been waiting for, and I wondered what had gone wrong.

The Manager seemed optimistic they would hire me, but none of those companies called me back after one week of waiting; I got the courage to contact the HR department of each company.

I was shocked that I received the same answer; they couldn't hire me because I was overqualified for the position I was applying for, which was ridiculous.

I got frustrated that I remained unemployed and the money I received from Jack was running low. Cecily and I texted and called each other every day. I felt ashamed to tell her that none of those companies hired me, but I had to be honest with her.

"It is okay, don't worry. I am sure someone will hire you, Charlotte," she said after I told her everything.

"Who? I felt so confident, but in the end, I got disappointed and felt so little of myself. I graduated from the most..." I trailed off since I didn't want to tell Cecily I graduated from the most expensive University in the country, and I felt glad she didn't ask me to continue what I was saying.

"Don't give up easily; that is life; you have to keep going; if you fall, you must get up with your head high," my friend said, and I smiled even if I felt like crying.

And I realized it felt nice to have a friend I could share my problems and frustrations with, and I didn't need to keep them inside me, and Cecily was right. All I need to do is to fight and don't give up.

I said goodbye to Cecily with a smile on my face; she really made me feel so happy, and she gave me hope that everything will be going to be alright.