Chapter 50
Celeste looked a bit surprised. “Are you sure you don’t want to continue your studies?“!
Natalie nodded.
A trace of relief crossed Celeste’s face.
She took a deep breath before saying seriously, “Actually, Gideon has a spot available at Commonwealth College for further education, but there’s only one. We’ve been worried about how to distribute this opportunity, which is why we wanted to hear your thoughts.”
As she said this, Celeste looked over at Natalie and Phoebe, waiting for them to respond on their own.
Before Phoebe could speak up, Natalie jumped in and said, “Mrs. Locke, please let Phoebe have the spot. I would like to start working sooner.”
This time, Phoebe sat there quietly, not arguing with Natalie for once.
Celeste felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Someone volunteering to step back was far better than if both of them had been competing for the spot. Smiling warmly, Celeste turned to Natalie.
“That works well then. Just now, Fifi mentioned she wanted to continue studying, so we’ll give her the spot for now. Rest assured, Gideon will try to secure more spots in the future. If you ever decide to study later, we’ll help you make that happen.
“Also, I’ll keep an eye out for suitable job openings for you. But remember, finding a job can be a matter of luck. Even for a family like ours, we can’t just arrange jobs for everyone, so I hope you understand.”
Natalle nodded and replied thoughtfully, “I understand, Mrs. Locke. I’ll work hard at finding a job myself. I passed by Art Corps today. I heard there is a public enrolment for communication officers.
“I would like to apply for it. I know you’ve already d
done a lot for me, and I don’t want to add more worries about work on yout plate.
Her sincere words and genuine expression almost brought Celeste to tears. To her, Natalie was being so thoughtful and considerate.
Celeste immediately took Natalie’s hand and assured her, “Don’t worry. I’ll help you find a good job. And if you want to pursue that position at the Art Corps, that’s great! In fact, Juliet is visiting today, and her sister–in–law is the deputy director of the communication department. I’ll ask her to find out more for you
Just then, Juliet and Yvette entered, arm in arm.
Yvette spotted Celeste first and greeted her sweetly, “Mrs. Locke!”
“Come on in, have a seat,” Celeste replied warmly, getting up and asking Evelyn to bring in some water.
Once Juliet and Yvette were seated, Evelyn brought in glasses of water, setting them on the coffee table. Celeste gestured toward the table. “Here, help yourself to water, and please have some fruit.”
Yvette barely noticed the refreshments. She quickly asked, “Mrs. Locke, it’s the weekend. Has Jasper returned?”
Celeste shook her head. “Not yet. Jasper has been at the base recently.”
Yvette looked a bit disappointed before finally picking up her glass of water and taking a sip.
After the water, Celeste introduced Natalie and Phoebe to Juliet and Yvette.
Juliet took a good look at both girls, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
They were said to be from the countryside, but they didn’t look it at all–especially Natalie. She stood out in a way that no one in their neighborhood could match.
