"Wow, hey, no need to do that."
You pull her back up to her feet and pull her hands away from her shirt. Unfortunately she's managed to unbutton the ungainly garment nearly to her navel and you realize she is definitely not wearing a bra.
She bursts into massive sobs.
"You think I'm ugly too..."
"Uh, no. Why would you think that that?"
sniffle. "You're just trying to be nice. But people are always staring because I'm so ugly. My mom said I'd better have brains because no one will have me for my looks. And I've tried so hard but I'm just never good enough."
She breaks down and she's crying again.
"Sarah, please button up again. And believe me, when I say I'm asking you to do this because you're actually quite attractive and its really hard to think straight when you're not fully clothed."
The obvious surprise on her face temporarily stems the flow of tears. You try to make the stop permanent.
"From what I was looking at here, I think you do have a knack for this. Usually we only hire college students for our internship positions, but I think you could make some valuable contributions too."
"You really mean it?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Now that that's settled, where does this come from? You are talented and you are a lovely girl. Why don't you believe in yourself?"
She's not looking at you anymore. She's looking down at her hands, rubbing them nervously together. As she starts rubbing her wrist you catch sight of an ugly faded bruise.
You reach out, catching her wrist, and pull back the long sleeve.
"Who did this to you?"
She shakes her head.
"Sarah, who did this to you?"
"It's not important. It what matter once I get out of here anyways."
The door to the computer lab opens up and Jane walks in.
"What's going on here?" she asks, looked from friend's tear stained cheeks (but at least she's fully clothed again) to you.
"Jane, he said they'll hire me!"
You confirm that to Jane, and she looks relieved for her friend.
The two of them leave. You're feeling pretty drained and you decide to head back to your hotel.
~ The END ~ |