Chapter 11: Safe with me
Beatrice woke up feeling refreshed and determined. She curled her hair softly and wore a pair of jeans that accentuated her growing belly. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was going to be a mom, and she needed to start thinking about her future.
As she went downstairs, she met her mom in the kitchen, who was smiling happily. Beatrice raised an eyebrow, feeling a pang of suspicion. What was her mom up to?
"Good morning, sweetie," her mom said, giving her a warm hug. "I was just thinking about how nice it would be to have a family breakfast together. Maybe we can even invite Ethan to join us?"
Beatrice's eyes widened in alarm. "Mom, no. That's not necessary. Besides, I need to start looking for a job. I can't just sit around doing nothing."
Her mom's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, of course, dear. You're right. A job would be perfect for you. What kind of job are you thinking of?"
Beatrice thought for a moment. "I think I'd like to be a teacher. I'm good with kids, and it would give me the flexibility to take care of my baby."
Her mom nodded enthusiastically. "That's a wonderful idea, sweetie. I'm sure you'll make a great teacher."
Meanwhile, Ethan woke up feeling grumpy. He bathed and ordered some food, since he couldn't cook to save his life. As he waited for his food to arrive, he started thinking about his plan for vengeance.
He needed a job, but where could an ex-con like him get hired? He frowned, feeling frustrated. Maybe he needed to start from scratch, prove himself before he could get his revenge.
He went online and started drafting out a project. He wanted to hack into an account, but he needed to be careful. He couldn't afford to get caught.
As he worked on his project, he muttered to himself. "Stupid system. Stupid security. I'll show them. I'll show them all."
Beatrice, oblivious to Ethan's plans, sat down at the kitchen table with her laptop. She started researching job openings for teachers in the area. She was determined to find a job and start building a better life for herself and her baby.
As she scrolled through the job listings, she felt a sense of excitement. This was it. This was her chance to start over and make a difference. She was going to be a great teacher, and she was going to make her family proud.
Beatrice stood on the sidewalk, beaming with pride and excitement. She had just landed her dream job as a teacher, and she couldn't wait to share the news with her family. But as she waited for a taxi, her excitement began to wear off. Hours passed, and not a single taxi stopped to pick her up.
She was getting frustrated, tapping her foot impatiently on the pavement. Why was it so hard to get a taxi in this city? She checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if she should just start walking home.
Just as she was about to give up, a bike zoomed past her, splashing water all over her clothes. Beatrice let out a loud shriek, shocked and annoyed. "Watch where you're going, idiot!" she yelled after the bike.
But to her surprise, the bike screeched to a halt a few feet away, and the rider turned around. It was Ethan, looking sheepish and apologetic.
"Hey, I'm so sorry about that," he said, getting off his bike. "I didn't see you standing there. Are you okay?"
Beatrice glared at him, still fuming. "I'm soaked, thanks to you. And I've been waiting for a taxi for hours. Just great."
Ethan looked sympathetic. "I can give you a ride, if you want. I'm headed in the same direction."
Beatrice hesitated, unsure if she wanted to accept a ride from someone as annoying as Ethan. But as she looked at her watch again, she realized she was running late, and a ride would be faster than waiting for a taxi.
"Fine," she said finally, trying to sound gracious. "But don't think this means I'm going to start liking you or anything."
Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wouldn't dream of it, Bea. Hop on."
Beatrice rolled her eyes, but she climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping her arms around Ethan's waist. As they took off, she felt a rush of adrenaline, the wind whipping through her hair.
"Hey, slow down!" she yelled, laughing. "I don't want to die on the back of your bike!"
Ethan grinned, glancing back at her. "Don't worry, I've got you. I'm a great driver."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Yeah, right. That's why you splashed water all over me."
Ethan chuckled, his shoulders shaking with laughter. "Hey, that was an accident. I'm not usually that clumsy."
Beatrice smiled, despite herself. Maybe Ethan wasn't as annoying as she thought. But she wasn't going to admit that out loud.
As they pulled up to her house, Beatrice hopped off the bike, smoothing out her clothes. "Thanks for the ride, I guess," she said, trying to sound casual.
Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Anytime, Bea. Just don't tell anyone I'm a nice guy. I have a reputation to maintain."
Beatrice rolled her eyes, laughing. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."