The Apartment
Chapter 8: Hope
“Morning,” said Esther, taking a sit where he pointed.
The farm manager’s office was a mess. The shelves were overflowing with files and rope and all manner of farm implements.
He stood two heads taller than her, behind his desk, working on an equally messy pile.
“Yes Esther, how can I help you” he said to her.
Esther clutched the envelop on her lap tighter, creasing it.
“Um…I have a probl… I need help.” She stated in a whisper.
His looked up from the pile. A yawn escaped his lips. As he stretched his arms, the top shirt button popped to expose his hairy chest as well as the underlying muscle.
Maybe 35 years… she estimated.
He sat down and stretched out his hand. It took her a moment, then she followed his gaze and handed him the envelop.
His large arms extracted the letter within. He leaned on his elbow and read, mouthing quietly.
She waited.
“Hmmm” he sighed finally, handing back the envelop and letter. “So…what do you need?”
“I would like to use my 4K Club allowance to clear my fee structure”
His brows furrowed.
“I know, I haven’t joined yet,” she continued quickly, “But in my old school we used to get an allowance at the end of the semester and I would like to commit that money to my fees so that I don’t have to go home.”
The farm manager shook his head and Grimaced.
“We don’t do that here” he said.
“What? Why? and what happens to all the money raised by the club?” she asked, incredulous.
“The money goes to the social welfare department who gives it out as a bursary to deserving students.” The farm manager responded.
“Social welfare? How can I apply to be included?” she asked, hopeful.
He shook his head again. “You can’t’. This year’s beneficiaries were nominated and vetted last year. You’ll have to wait try next year.”
Her heart sunk.
“But I wasn’t here then. So, what do I do now….” She said under her breath, “My mom won’t have the money.” Her composure threatened to crack.
An unexpected shiver ran down her spine. His was wtching her.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up.
“Thank you for seeing me.” She said in a shaky voice then turned towards the door.
“A minute young lady,” he called out, “what are you going to do?”
Esther turned back and shrugged her shoulders. “Go home I guess…” she said, defeated.
“Well, …I don’t know if you would be interested or even qualified, but we have another club that could help you in the short term.”
Esther’s eyes widened.
“Have you heard of JV club?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Because it is an entrepreneurship club, students earn money for profits delivered. Of course, you can only earn as much as you bring in… and not everyone can join…”
“I’ll try it!!!” shouted Esther. A broad grin replaced the forlorn expression.
“You didn’t already? Aren’t you late?” queried the farm manager. His eyebrows arched further upward and the inflection in his voice betrayed his surprise.
“I wasn’t interested.” Answered Esther. It was the truth.
He chuckled…this surprised her.
“You’d better hurry!” he said waving her off, “it may already be too late for you. The competition is Stiff.”
“Thank you so much!” Gushed Esther before dashing out of his office. She was trying to recall everything Mary had told her about the club. Her hear pounded in her chest. A mixture of excitement and anxiety.
Esther hurried towards the arts and crafts building. She had already missed the written test but she was not giving up.
Losing was not an option.