First day
Vi knew she was headed to a wealthy person's house, so she decided to wear her best clothes. She pulled out her nicest outfit, carefully selecting a white shirt,and her favorite red jacket and black jeans. She polished her black boots until they shone, wanting to make the best possible impression. She decided to give herself a fresh look, carefully trimming her hair. She shaved the left side, which had grown out, creating a sleek and stylish appearance.
As she stood in front of the mirror, making final adjustments, Mylo walked into the room. "Oh, what's the occasion?" he teased, a playful grin on his face.
Vi rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile. "Oh, shut up, Mylo. I'm going to a job interview," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach.
Mylo raised an eyebrow. "A job interview, huh? Well, good luck," he said, his tone shifting to one of genuine support.
"Thanks," Vi said, adjusting her jacket one last time. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. This interview could be the opportunity she needed to turn things around, and she was determined to make the most of it.
Claggor came in watched her for a moment,"You're going to do great, Vi. Just be yourself," he said, offering her a reassuring smile.
Vi nodded, appreciating his encouragement. She and headed out the basement door. “Vander, how do I look?” Her father smiled “you look very professional” he said encouraging Vi.
Vi walked towards the address Viktor had given her, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. When she arrived, she was stunned by the sheer size of the house. It was a sprawling estate, with immaculate gardens and a grand facade that spoke of opulence and wealth. She took a deep breath and pressed the gate's bell. After a few seconds, the gates opened, and a well-dressed woman stepped out to greet her.
"You must be Violet, I'm Cassandra. Please follow me," the woman said with a serious face.
Vi followed Cassandra inside, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the interior. The house was even more impressive on the inside, with high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and lavish furnishings. Every detail exuded luxury, and Vi couldn't help but feel out of place.
Cassandra led her up a grand staircase and into a spacious office. "Please, take a seat," she said, gesturing to a plush chair.
Vi sat down, feeling a bit uncomfortable in the opulent surroundings. "Do you want something to drink?" Cassandra offered.
"No, I'm alright," Vi replied, her voice steady despite her nerves.
"Alright then, I have a few questions," Cassandra began, sitting down across from Vi. "Do you have any experience with caregiving?"
"Um, well, I have three younger siblings. I guess that counts as caregiving," Vi said, trying to sound confident.
Cassandra looked at her thoughtfully. "Do you have any experience with disabled individuals?" she asked.
"Um, no, but I can learn," Vi responded earnestly.
"I'm talking about complete loss of movement from the neck down. Does that bother you?" Cassandra inquired, her tone serious.
"Not as much as it bothers them," Vi blurted out, immediately realizing her mistake. Cassandra's eye twitched slightly at the comment. "Oh, I fucked up," Vi thought, her heart sinking.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. I'm really sorry," Vi apologized quickly, feeling her face turn bright red with embarrassment. "Oh, shit," she thought, her mind racing.
Cassandra regarded her for a moment, the tension in the air palpable. Vi felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. But then Cassandra's expression softened slightly. "It's alright, Violet. I appreciate your honesty," she said, her voice gentle.
Vi took a deep breath, feeling a small measure of relief. "I promise, I'll do my best to learn and provide the care that's needed," she said earnestly.
Cassandra nodded. "I believe you, Violet. Let's continue with the interview," she said.
The rest of the interview proceeded with a series of questions, each one designed to assess Vi's suitability for the role. Despite her initial blunder, Vi managed to answer them with sincerity and determination. By the end of the conversation, she felt more confident, knowing that she had given it her all.
"My love, I'm heading to work," a man called out as he entered the office, noticing the interview in progress. "Oh, another interview, huh?"
"Yes, Tobias. Will you be back for dinner?" Cassandra asked, looking up from her seat.
"I will try, but I don't promise anything. I have a surgery today," Tobias replied, his tone apologetic. He then turned his attention to Vi, extending his hand with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Tobias, Caitlyn's father."
Vi stood up to shake his hand, appreciating the friendly gesture. "Vi, nice to meet you," she said, trying to hide her nervousness.
"Nice to meet you too, Vi," Tobias replied, his handshake firm and reassuring. "Well, I'm heading out. Good luck with the interview."
"Goodbye," Cassandra waved as Tobias exited the room.
Vi watched Tobias leave, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. His presence had added an unexpected layer to the interview, but it also made her feel more at ease.
Cassandra turned her attention back to Vi, her expression thoughtful. "As I was saying, I appreciate your honesty and willingness to learn. Now, let's discuss the specifics of the caregiving role."
"I understand it's a challenging role, but I believe you have the potential," Cassandra said, her voice encouraging.
“Wait so that means I got the job?” Vi asked “if you want to yes.” Vi’s smiled. “Can you start today?” “Yes yes I can” “Alright let’s go meet Caitlyn shall we?”
Vi followed the woman down the stairs to a room, her focus sharpening as she listened intently to Cassandra's explanation. The job would involve providing care and companionship to her daughter Caitlyn, who had lost movement from the neck down. It would require patience, empathy.
“This is her room,” Cassandra announced as she opened the door, revealing a spacious, elegantly furnished room. Inside, a tall man was sitting beside a girl in a wheelchair.
“Caitlyn, this is Violet Lanes,” Cassandra introduced.
Caitlyn burst into hysterical laughter, catching Vi off guard and making her feel both angry and uncomfortable. “Why the fuck is she laughing?” Vi thought, her mind racing.
“Cait,” Cassandra said sternly, trying to get her daughter’s attention.
Caitlyn continued to laugh, seemingly oblivious to her mother’s attempts to calm her down. “Caitlyn, please,” Cassandra repeated, her tone firmer this time.
Eventually, Caitlyn's laughter subsided. She glanced at Vi with an annoyed expression. “Hello, Violet Lanes. I’m Caitlyn Kiramman,” she said, her voice dripping with irritation.
The tall man beside her stood up and extended his hand to Vi. “I'm Jayce Talis. Nice to meet you,” he said warmly.
Vi shook his hand, feeling a mix of emotions. “Vi, nice to meet you too,” she replied.
“Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Jayce will explain everything she needs, please assist her-” Cassandra was cut off by Caitlyn.
“You know, Mother, if I remember well I only lost mobility from my neck down, that means my brain is not paralyzed, you don’t have to talk for me” Caitlyn retorted sharply, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Vi was taken aback by the way Caitlyn spoke to her mother. Cassandra paused for a moment, her expression pained, before silently turning and leaving the room.
Jayce gave Vi a reassuring look. “Don’t mind her. Caitlyn can be a bit difficult at times, but she’s worth it,” he said softly making Caitlyn roll her eyes. He then gestured for Vi to take follow him outside.
Jayce began to explain Caitlyn’s daily routine and specific needs. He talked about the importance of companionship, helping Caitlyn with her physical therapy exercises, and assisting with daily activities like eating. He emphasized the need for patience and empathy.
Throughout the conversation, Vi couldn’t help but steal glances at Caitlyn, who seemed more interested in the view outside the window than in their discussion.
“Alright, this is her medicine,” Jayce began, leading Vi to the counter where an array of medicine bottles was neatly organized. Vi's eyes widened at the sheer number of bottles, each with different labels and instructions.
“This one is for pain,” Jayce said, picking up a bottle with a white label. “This one is to help her sleep,” he continued, placing the bottle back and picking up another. “This is for her immune system,” he said, pointing to a different bottle. “This helps with her appetite,” Jayce explained, and then he held up another bottle. “This one is for if she gets a panic attack.”
Jayce continued, meticulously explaining the purpose of each medicine and the proper dosages. Vi listened attentively, trying to absorb all the information. The counter seemed to be filled with an endless number of bottles, each one essential for Caitlyn's well-being.
“All the information you need is in this binder,” Jayce said, finally placing a thick binder on the counter. The binder was substantial, its pages filled with detailed notes, instructions, and schedules for Caitlyn's care.
Vi glanced at the binder, feeling frustrated. She knew the responsibility she was taking on was significant.
“Now, I have to go, but here’s my number if she needs anything or you need anything,” Jayce said, handing Vi a small card with his contact information. “Text me or call me anytime.”
“Alright, okay,” Vi replied, taking the card and slipping it into her pocket.
With that, Jayce left the room, and Vi was left alone with the binder and the rows of medicine bottles. She opened the binder and began to read, familiarizing herself with the detailed care plan. The complexity of Caitlyn's needs was daunting.
Vi pushed open the door to the bar, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement. The familiar faces of her family greeted her, their eyes filled with anticipation. She took a deep breath and smiled.
“I got the job,” Vi announced, her voice ringing with triumph.
Her family erupted into cheers, the sound of clapping and shouts of congratulations filling the room. Vander, came forward with a wide grin on his face. “Good job, kiddo,” he said, pulling Vi into a tight hug. “I knew you could do it.”
“Thank you, dad,” Vi replied, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“I knew you were going to get the job,” Mylo teased, giving his sister a playful nudge.
Vi laughed and playfully pushed Mylo back. “Oh, shut up,” she said, but her eyes twinkled with affection. She was grateful for his constant encouragement, even if it came with a dose of sibling teasing.
“Congratulations, Vi,” Claggor said, stepping forward to hug her too.
“Thank you, Claggor,” Vi replied, her smile widening. She could see the genuine pride in his eyes, and it made her success feel even more meaningful.
The next day, Vi arrived early at the grand estate. Jayce was already waiting for her, a friendly smile on his face as he prepared to walk her through the intricacies of the house and Caitlyn’s routine.
“Good morning, Vi,” Jayce greeted her warmly. “I’m glad you’re here. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get started.”
He began by showing her the various adaptations made to accommodate Caitlyn's needs. “Look, Caitlyn can move her electric chair on her own since she has managed to regain some mobility in her right hand. I personally designed it to be as comfortable and functional as possible,” Jayce explained, his pride evident.
“Your job will be to assist Caitlyn with getting out of bed, feeding her, and helping with her daily activities. Don’t worry about hygiene—that’s taken care of by Nurse Lara. She’s responsible for Caitlyn’s personal care needs.”
Jayce then led Vi through the house, pointing out various features and explaining how everything worked. He showed her the kitchen, the dining area, and the living room, each space thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. “We’ve made sure every part of the house is easy for Caitlyn to navigate,” Jayce said, opening doors and demonstrating the use of remote controls.
He handed Vi a set of car keys, placing them in her palm. “This is for when Caitlyn wants to go out,” Jayce said. “She doesn’t do it often, but just in case. I’ve adapted the car to fit her needs. Come on, I’ll show you how it works.”
Vi followed Jayce to the garage, where a specially modified vehicle was parked. Jayce demonstrated the ramp mechanism, showing Vi how to secure Caitlyn’s chair inside the car. Vi took mental notes, absorbing every detail with keen attention.
“And that’s about it,” Jayce said, finally concluding the tour. “I have to leave now, but if anything happens or you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or text me. I’ll come as soon as I can.”
“Alright, thank you, Mr. Talis,” Vi replied, grateful for his thorough explanation.
Before Jayce left, Vi hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Hey, Mr. Talis,” she called out, causing Jayce to turn back towards her.
“Jayce. Call me Jayce,” he said gently, offering a warm smile.
“Jayce,” Vi began again, feeling a bit more comfortable. “Other than helping her, why else am I here for?”
Jayce paused, his expression thoughtful. He looked at Vi, seeming to weigh his words carefully. “I guess you’re here to, I don’t know, cheer her up,” he finally said, his tone a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Vi nodded, absorbing his response. “Oh, alright,” she said, understanding that there was more to her role than just physical caregiving. She realized that Caitlyn needed emotional support and companionship as much as she needed help with her daily activities.
Jayce continued, his voice softening with sincerity. “Caitlyn’s been through a lot. She’s lost so much, and it’s been hard for her to find joy in life again. We’re hoping that having you here will make a difference. She needs someone who can be there for her, not just to help with tasks, but to be a friend, to bring some light back into her life.”
“I understand, Jayce. I’ll do my best to be there for Caitlyn, in every way she needs.”
Jayce nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Vi. I know this won’t be easy, but I believe you can make a real difference. Just remember, if you ever need anything or if anything happens, don’t hesitate to call or text me. I’ll come as soon as I can.”
With a final smile, Jayce turned and left the room. Vi watched him go, feeling the weight of the responsibility before her, but also feeling a renewed sense of determination. She knew that this job was about more than just caregiving—it was about helping Caitlyn find her way back to a life filled with hope and happiness.
Vi headed towards Caitlyn’s room and knocked on the door. There was a long silence before a voice from inside finally said, “Come in.”
“Hello,” Vi greeted as she entered the room.
“Hello,” Caitlyn responded, her eyes fixed on Vi with a look that made her feel uncomfortable.
Vi cleared her throat, trying to ease the tension. “So, I was thinking maybe we could go out?”
“Where to?” Caitlyn asked, her tone serious and uninviting.
“I don’t know. Where would you like to go?” Vi replied, trying to keep her tone upbeat and hopeful.
“Hmm, how about swimming? I love swimming,” Caitlyn said with a fake smile that quickly turned serious.
Vi hesitated for a moment, sensing the sarcasm. “Well, I mean, we could go to a park or something.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “I mean, you’re just stuck here doing nothing,” Vi tried to explain, feeling her frustration build.
“What can I do, Lanes? I just wake up and exist. What am I supposed to do? Go out for a run?” Caitlyn retorted, her voice dripping with bitterness.
Vi felt her annoyance growing at Caitlyn’s hostile attitude. “You know what we can do?” Said Caitlyn.
“What? Tell me, and we’ll do it,” Vi replied.
“Let’s play the silent game. How about that?” Caitlyn suggested, Vi’s patience started wearing thin.
Caitlyn's expression turned even more cold and dismissive. Vi rolled her eyes in response and closed the room door behind her. “What the hell is wrong with this girl?” she thought to herself as she walked away, her mind racing with frustration.
Vi knew that building a rapport with Caitlyn would be challenging, but she hadn’t anticipated such hostility. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that Caitlyn’s behavior was likely a defense mechanism, born out of her difficult circumstances.
The next day, Vi arrived early again, determined to make a connection with Caitlyn. "Good morning," she greeted cheerfully, hoping for a response. Silence. Caitlyn ignored her, not even glancing in her direction.
The following morning, Vi tried again. "Hi," she said with a friendly smile, her voice filled with hope. Once more, Caitlyn's silence was her only answer. Vi felt her frustration growing but kept her resolve.
Determined to break through Caitlyn's icy demeanor, Vi decided to bring a gesture of kindness. The next day, she arrived with some flowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. Caitlyn merely rolled her eyes, dismissing the gesture with a look of disdain.
Undeterred, Vi continued her efforts. On another morning, as she was feeding Caitlyn some soup, she accidentally spilled some onto her pants. "Oh shit, I'm sorry," Vi exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Caitlyn looked away, her expression one of frustration and impatience.
Day after day, Vi faced the same pattern. Each morning, she greeted Caitlyn with a friendly smile, only to be met with silence or indifference. She tried different approaches, from small gestures of kindness to casual conversations, but nothing seemed to break through Caitlyn's walls.