Quest For Acceptance

Shock

Chapter 6

Mrs. Jackson suddenly burst into laughter, her amusement echoing through the tense atmosphere. “You can’t do what again? You can’t work as her driver? Do you even have a choice? You expect to stay in this house and sleep without lifting a finger?” she jeered, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Salvador, standing tall despite the ridicule, affirmed, “Sandra has already terminated my employment.”

Mrs. Jackson’s laughter faded as realization dawned on her. “I said that out of anger. I expected you to beg me,” Sandra admitted, her tone now tinged with regret.

Unshaken, Salvador maintained his composure. “I can’t continue working as your driver. I have my pride, and I’ll go out and search for a new job,” he stated firmly, his determination evident.

Mrs. Jackson scoffed, unable to hide her skepticism. “A new job? Are you even good at anything?” she questioned, her words laced with doubt.

“I know that in your eyes, I may not amount to much, but I will search for a job,” Salvador stated, his voice resolute despite the mocking applause from Mrs. Jackson.

Mockingly, Mrs. Jackson clapped her hands together in a display of derision. “I’ll allow you three days to leave this house since you refuse to work as your wife’s driver anymore. I’m only granting you this time because of Sandra’s birthday tomorrow,” she coldly declared.

“Thank you for granting me three days. I will do my best to find work before those days are up, and I will strive to prove myself to you,” Salvador responded calmly before turning to walk away.

Mrs. Jackson couldn’t hide her astonishment as Salvador walked away. “Did he just walk out on me?” she asked, her voice revealing a mix of disbelief and indignation.

“Don’t worry, Mother. He is just not in his right mind at the moment. I will talk to him when he comes back to his senses. Let’s focus on preparing for my birthday tomorrow,” Sandra assured her, trying to mend the situation and steer the conversation toward a more positive topic. Sandra’s words seemed to bring a hint of reassurance to Mrs. Jackson, causing her to let out a sigh and try to refocus her attention on the upcoming birthday celebrations.

“Very well,” she responded, her voice adopting a slightly calmer tone. “Let’s set aside this matter for now and concentrate on making tomorrow a special day for you.”

With a nod of agreement, Sandra mustered a small smile, appreciating her mother’s willingness to shift the focus. She knew there would be time to address the situation with Salvador, but for now, preparing for her birthday took precedence.

Together, they began to discuss party arrangements, decorations, and the guest list, determined to make her special day a memorable one.

The next day arrived, filled with anticipation and a mix of nervousness and excitement for Salvador. He held a small box in his hand, a necklace carefully nestled inside. Although it wasn’t an extravagant or costly piece, he knew it was the thought and love behind the gift that truly mattered.

A smile graced Salvador’s face as he admired the necklace, his eyes gleaming with happiness. He had spent days pondering ways to afford a birthday present for Sandra, even going so far as to borrow money from his friend Ben. However, fortune had smiled upon him that morning when he checked his phone to find an unexpected alert: his last month’s salary had finally been paid. It was a welcome stroke of luck, filling his heart with gratitude and joy.

With renewed enthusiasm, Salvador prepared himself for the birthday celebration, eager to see the delight on Sandra’s face when she received his thoughtful gift. He knew that, regardless of any challenges they faced, he would continually strive to make her happy and let her know how deeply he cared.

Salvador made his way to a nearby cake shop, his determination unwavering as he sought to complete the preparations for Sandra’s birthday celebration. He knew that the party had likely already begun at the popular hotel she had chosen for the occasion. The excitement bubbled within him as he imagined her surprise when he arrived with his heartfelt gift.

Eager to join in the festivities, Salvador flagged down a passing taxi, relaying the address of the hotel to the driver. His anticipation grew with each passing moment, the desire to see Sandra’s face light up with joy propelling him forward. In the back seat of the taxi, he couldn’t help but wonder about the happiness that awaited him at the upcoming celebration.

The journey seemed long, maybe because of the traffic on the road. He kept smiling, feeling so happy, unable to stop thinking about what his wife would say when she saw him. He knew she’d be so happy. The more he thought of it, the happier he became.

Finally, the car arrived at the hotel, and he rushed down from the car as the driver zoomed off immediately. He walked inside the hotel; everybody was looking at him. He knew he didn’t belong here—he was an average working-class man. He proceeded to the lift and pressed the button for the floor where his wife's party was. As he was about to enter the lift, someone touched his shoulder.

“Where are you going?” a big and tall guy asked, his voice demanding attention.

Salvador, taken aback by the confrontation, met the man’s gaze squarely. “Is that any of your business?” he retorted, his tone defiant.

The man stood his ground, asserting his authority. “Yes, it is my business. You need to explain to me before you enter this elevator,” he stated firmly, his imposing presence making it clear he was not to be ignored.

Unwilling to back down, Salvador replied, “I am going to floor fifteen to see someone.”

The bouncer’s expression turned stern as he delivered unwelcome news. “Floor fifteen is hosting a private party, invitation-only. You’re not invited,” he declared, his words final.

Indignant, Salvador couldn’t help but challenge the man’s statement. “Who are you to tell me I am not invited?” he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration.

The bouncer's tone held firm as he revealed his authority. “I am the bouncer. I know everybody who’s invited here, and you’re not one of them,” he explained, his words cutting through Salvador’s hopes.

Confusion etched across Salvador’s face as he sought further clarification. “What do you mean?” he inquired, his voice filled with a mix of disappointment and disbelief.

With regret apparent in his expression, the bouncer conveyed the final verdict. “I am sorry, but you will have to go back down. No one allows you to enter; the party is strictly invitation only,” he reiterated, extinguishing Salvador’s hopes of joining Sandra’s birthday celebration.

Salvador stood his ground, determined to assert his connection to the event. “But I am invited. I am invited by my wife,” he calmly asserted, hoping to convince the bouncer of his legitimacy.

The bouncer maintained his professional demeanor, unmoved by Salvador’s claim. “I don’t know your wife, and I don’t know you. I think you should leave,” he reiterated, his tone resolute.

Unyielding, Salvador’s tone took on a firmer edge. “You can’t stop me from going in. I am going to see my wife,” he declared, his words laced with a sense of urgency and frustration.

The bouncer, perhaps empathizing with Salvador’s situation, conveyed his position. “Then you need an invitation card to enter here, sir. We cannot let you in without one,” he calmly explained, standing firm in his adherence to protocol.

Frustration mounting within him, Salvador’s voice carried a sense of desperation. “Are you going to stop me from seeing my wife? We are married. If you don’t let me go in, I am going to report you all to my wife,” he threatened, his emotions fueling his words.

The bouncer maintained his composure, resolute in his duty. “I am not stopping you. I am only following the instructions given to me by the organizers. But you can’t go in without a card,” he replied evenly.

Feeling the weight of the situation, Salvador couldn’t help but express his anger. “This is ridiculous,” he exclaimed, anger and disappointment palpable in his voice.

“Excuse me,” the manager of the hotel said, catching the attention of the man and Salvador. Both men turned their heads towards him, their expressions wary.

“Yes, sir,” the man responded, his voice respectful.

“Is there any problem?” the manager inquired, concern etched on his face.

“There is no issue,” the man stated, his tone slightly accusatory. “This man is trying to force his way into floor fifteen.”

Salvador quickly interjected, a hint of frustration in his voice. “Sir, I think you should talk to the manager. I am not lying. I am invited here.”

“I am the manager,” the hotel manager declared calmly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Salvador,” he replied, trying to maintain his composure. “I am the husband of the celebrity.”

Just as the tension seemed to escalate, Mrs. Jackson appeared at that moment, drawing attention with her presence. Salvador’s eyes met hers, and he called out, “Mother!”

However, Mrs. Jackson cut him off with a piercing glare. She stepped forward confidently and addressed the situation, her voice filled with authority. “Do you even know the reason they don’t let you in? Because they know you don’t belong here. I think this should tell you that you’re too low compared to my daughter. Anyway, you guys should let him in.” Her words were firm, leaving no room for argument.

The bouncers reluctantly stepped aside, granting Salvador entry. He proceeded to make his way through the crowd, searching for Sandra with his eyes. However, no matter how hard he looked, she seemed to elude his gaze. Determined, Salvador decided to approach one of Sandra’s friends, hoping to find some answers.

“Excuse me!” Salvador called out urgently, capturing the attention of the lady. Startled, she turned to face him, her expression conveying annoyance.

“How may I help?” she retorted, rolling her eyes as she braced herself for yet another inquiry.

Undeterred by her dismissive response, Salvador continued, a sense of urgency in his voice. “Please, where’s Sandra?” he asked, desperation evident in his tone.

Without much concern for his plight, the lady simply pointed towards a nearby room, lacking any empathy in her gesture. Salvador took a deep breath and walked towards the room, clutching a cake and a necklace in his trembling hands. Neglecting to knock, he pushed the door open, only for his heart to plummet at the sight that awaited him.

The cake slipped from his grasp, crashing to the ground, forgotten in the face of the unbearable sight before him. His voice strained with a mixture of disbelief and anguish as he exclaimed, “What!” The intensity of his emotions reverberated through the room, echoing his devastation.