Chapter 11
The next morning, Hazel and her son sat down for breakfast before they prepared for their respective duties, Hazel for work and Liam son for school. After safely seeing her son off on the school bus, she made her way to bus park. Her grace and elegance were undeniable as she strolled confidently in stilettos, clutching her handbag with poise. Her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, a hairstyle that accentuated her striking facial features.
“Taxi,” she called, summoning a taxi with grace. Once inside, she calmly instructed the driver, “Starlight,” the vehicle smoothly navigated through the city streets, stopping at a high–rise building at the heart of the city where she gracefully alighted.
At the office, Hazel was greeted with warm pleasantries from her coworkers as she walked in. “Good morning Miss Rashford,” they chimed in unison, to which she replied with a warm smile, “Good morning.”
Hazel was in high spirits that morning, fueled by her love for her children, her passion for her job, and the imminent surgery that would help her daughter, Daisy. She admired the company’s tasteful and bright design, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment in this place she worked.
She waited for the elevator and joined her coworkers on the journey to her work floor, quietly humming a song. Polite exchanges of greetings filled the elevator as they rode up, and when the Director joined them, Hazel’s positive energy was infectious. “Good morning boss,” her colleagues greeted him, to which he replied, “I’ll join you guys in this. The executive elevator broke down.”
Hazel continued to hum while tapping her feet lightly.
The Director couldn’t help but comment, “The things kids would do to you.” Confused, Hazel asked, “Hmm. What?”
The Director chuckled, “You didn’t even realize it, but you were humming the PJ Masks theme song.”
Hazel laughed in realization, admitting, “Ohhh my goodness.” She often found herself inadvertently singing her kids‘ TV show tunes.
“The only reason you recognized it is because you’re guilty as well,” Hazel teased. The Director playfully surrendered, “Hey, I’ve got five kids. And those songs are really catchy, you know.”
“How’s our little princess doing?” one colleague asked, referring to Daisy.
“She’s a fighter. And I’ve got good news, she’ll be able to get her surgery soon!” Hazel shared excitedly, prompting joyous reactions from her coworkers.
Starlight was a kid–friendly company with a designated space for children, and Hazel often brought her twins to work, endearing them to her colleagues. She beamed in response to their smiles.
As the elevator doors opened, Hazel stepped out, bidding her coworkers, “Well, have a nice day,” before heading to her office, which she shared with Chloe.
Chloe greeted her with enthusiasm, exclaiming. Good morning boss!” and couldn’t contain her excitement. “We got it!” she squealed, dancing around. Hazel eagerly inquired, “The contract for cooperating with J.T.?” Chloe confirmed with a resounding “Yes!”
Their company, Starlight, was rapidly expanding, and Chloe, one of the executives, had
played a significant role in its growth. While Hazel had initially worked at her family’s cafe, observed Chloe’s passion for design and creativity. A year after giving birth, Hazel joined Starlight, a fast–growing design company. “Believe it, hun, you made it all possible,” Chloe cheered excitedly.
Just as their celebration reached its peak, the company phone rang.
Chloe excused herself to answer a call from headquarters, leaving Hazel in a momentary state of euphoria over the freshly secured contract. The prospect of new opportunities and creative challenges had initially painted a bright picture in her mind. However, as she contemplated her daughter Daisy’s fragile health, her thoughts began to drift into a realm of uncertainty and parental concern. It was a mix of emotions that weighed heavily on her heart
Hazel had been at the forefront of the team that had produced the winning designs for this contract. Her dedication and creative prowess had been integral in clinching the deal. She had poured her heart and soul into the project, but now, with the reality of the project’s demands looming, she felt emotionally drained. The realization that her daughter’s well–being could be compromised due to her commitment to her career had become an agonizing dilemma
Within her she resolved to ask for a leave or resign if it wasn’t granted. Even though she loved her job, her kids were more important.
When Chloe returned, she immediately noticed Hazel’s troubled expression. “Is this about Daisy?” she inquired with a sigh, anticipating Hazel’s concerns. “You know what this means, right? The project is significant and hectic. We’ll likely be asked to relocate to a different branch, leaving you with little time for yourself
Hazel began, “Chloe, I’m sorry, but…” before Chloe interrupted her with understanding. “It’s okay, don’t be sorry. Your kids come first. I’ll cover for you. You stay here. I’ll come up with an excuse for the higher–ups,” she assured Hazel. “You need to stay here, considering how disruptive moving you all the way to Los Angeles would be, especially for Daisy’s health.” Hazel stood up, surprised, and asked, “Wait, Los Angeles?”
Chloe clarified, “Yes, Los Angeles. Since our team led the design, we’ll have to relocate to the Los Angeles branch and collaborate directly with the company that recently acquired J.T.” Hazel was taken aback. “Wait! I thought J.T was in London.”
Chloe explained, “Yes, it was, but a new company bought it recently, and they’ve moved operations to Los Angeles. We’ll be working closely with them.”
Hazel could hardly believe her ears and stood there in shock. Chloe, concerned about Daisy, inquired further, “Now, about Daisy. You mentioned that Dr. Mike said a surgeon could operate on her with low risks, right? How do we find him? Where is he? You’ll have to travel there, won’t you?”
Hazel responded flatly, “Los Angeles.”
Chloe’s face lit up. “Wait, what? You mean it? The place you mentioned you have to travel to for the surgery is also in Los Angeles?”
Hazel nodded gleefully, and Chloe rushed over to give her a heartfelt hug in excitement. “That means I won’t be separated from my godchildren, and you can still retain your position as the head designer of our project,” Chloe exclaimed, her voice tinged with enthusiasm.
Hazel was overjoyed; everything had worked out perfectly, “I’m so glad everything worked
9/3
out,” she said, sighing in relief.
As the days flew by, preparations were made. Chloe was sent out of the country first, while Hazel remained to finalize all the arrangements before the relocation.
Send gift
