Chapter 22: A Leap of Faith

Ashley stood outside the office building, her heart racing with every passing second. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her wrinkled blouse and trying to calm her nerves. This interview was a crucial step towards getting back on her feet, and she couldn't afford to mess it up. Not with a baby on the way. As she pushed open the door, a wave of anxiety washed over her. What if she failed? What if she wasn't good enough? The questions swirled in her mind like a vortex, making her stomach twist into knots. She thought back to her conversation with Karen, and the sense of hope that had begun to build inside her. But now, as she stood on the precipice of this interview, all her doubts came flooding back. Gerald's face popped into her mind, and she felt a pang of guilt. What would he think if he knew she was interviewing for a job? Would he be angry? Would he try to contact her again? Ashley shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. She couldn't afford to think about Gerald now. She had to focus on the task at hand. She made her way to the reception desk, her eyes scanning the waiting area for a familiar face. A bored-looking receptionist looked up from her phone and smiled. "Hi, can I help you?" "Hi," Ashley replied, trying to sound confident. "I'm here for the interview with Ms. Thompson. I'm Ashley." The receptionist nodded, checking her computer screen. "Ah, yes. You're right on time. Ms. Thompson is waiting for you. Please, take a seat and I'll let her know you're here." Ashley took a seat in the waiting area, fidgeting with her hands as she waited. She thought about the baby, and all the things she needed to do to prepare for its arrival. A job was just the beginning. She needed to find a stable place to live, get medical care, and make sure she had enough money to provide for her child. The sound of the receptionist's voice broke into her thoughts. "Ashley, Ms. Thompson will see you now." Ashley stood up, smoothing out her skirt and taking a deep breath. She walked into the interview room, her eyes meeting those of a middle-aged woman with a kind face. "Hi, Ashley," Ms. Thompson said, extending a hand. "It's nice to meet you. Please, have a seat." Ashley sat down, trying to calm her nerves as she began the interview. But as she launched into her answers, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was already failing. What if she wasn't good enough? What if she didn't get the job? The doubts swirled in her mind, making her wonder if she was truly cut out for this. As she looked around the office, Ashley noticed a photo on Ms. Thompson's desk. It was a picture of a young woman holding a baby, with a bright smile on her face. Ashley felt a pang of longing, and suddenly, she was filled with determination. She was going to do whatever it took to give her baby a better life. And this job was just the start.