Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 7

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**
**Chapter 7**

**Maya**

“Maya! Wait up!”

The familiar voice of Eine rang out across the expansive field as I jogged along, her ponytail bouncing rhythmically with each stride. She was a whirlwind of energy, two folders clutched tightly against her chest and a granola bar precariously wedged between her teeth.

“Late on your first day?” she teased, effortlessly falling into step beside me.

I glanced at my watch, the hands barely approaching eight. “It’s not even eight yet,” I replied, a hint of disbelief in my tone.

“I know,” she mumbled around the granola bar, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But Ms. Vale likes punctuality. Preferably thirty minutes early. Preferably yesterday.”

I couldn’t help but snort at that. “Noted,” I said, shaking my head in amusement.

“You slept well?” she asked, a curious glint dancing in her eyes.

“Define well,” I countered, recalling the three hours of restless tossing and turning that I’d endured. “I’m functional,” I added, trying to sound more optimistic than I felt.

“As are most of us,” she replied with a knowing smile. “You get used to it.”

I snorted again, but this time it was cut short by an involuntary yawn that escaped my lips.

“You had coffee, though, right?” she asked, her tone light and teasing.

“Of course! I wouldn’t be functional if I didn’t,” I shot back, a grin breaking across my face.

She threw her head back and laughed, a sound that was bright and infectious. “Good! That’s ninety percent of the job,” she declared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

As we made our way through the lobby of Comms & Policy, the air was thick with the scent of paper, ink, and unyielding ambition. I had seen pictures of this place on their website while signing up for the internship and scholarship, but nothing could compare to the reality of being here. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and I felt a thrill run through me.

At the entrance, Ms. Vale greeted us with a firm handshake and a surprisingly warm smile. I had expected a stern figure, perhaps an elderly woman with a tightly wound bun and a permanent scowl, given Elise’s descriptions. Instead, Ms. Vale was kind-eyed and youthful, exuding an aura of approachability.

“I heard about the housing mishap,” she said, gently pulling me aside from Elise, who waved goodbye as she headed to her desk. “I personally take offense, given that I advocated for your arrival and comfort.”

I was momentarily taken aback, unsure of how to respond. “It’s okay, really. The Blackridge house isn’t all that bad,” I managed to say, attempting to downplay my discomfort.

“Still, if you need anything, report it to your team lead, and it will come directly to me, okay?” she reassured me, her voice filled with genuine concern.

A wave of relief washed over me. “Yes, thank you so much. When will I meet the team leader?” I inquired, eager to know what lay ahead.

Before she could answer, a familiar face stepped into my line of sight, one I had hoped to avoid. With a fake smile plastered on her face and three-inch false eyelashes fluttering, Jamillia Phills approached.

“Maya! So happy to see you on the team!” she chirped, her overly friendly tone grating on my nerves.

“Oh lovely. You’re here,” Ms. Vale said, her voice tinged with a hint of disapproval. “Maya, meet Jamillia Phills, your team lead.”

If my eyes had the power to pop out of my head, they surely would have at that moment.

This was the worst first day ever. If I didn’t need this internship—if I hadn’t been teetering on the edge of homelessness and financial ruin—I would have walked out right then and there.

“You’ll want a thicker skin,” she said, a smirk playing on her lips as I gathered my things to leave. “This isn’t community college.”

My eyes narrowed, and the words that bubbled up in my mind were sharp and cutting, ones that would undoubtedly get me fired. But still, I bit my tongue, pushed past her, and left the building, my heart racing.

The cool evening air was a welcome relief.

The campus at night was a stark contrast to its daytime self, cloaked in a different kind of energy.

I had been offered transportation, and it had indeed come. But Jamillia’s tactics had ensured that the shuttle had left without me.

I needed to talk to Ms. Vale, but without Jamillia’s cooperation, that seemed impossible. I had to find another way.

As I walked, I felt the weight of the world pressing down on me. I slipped off my heels, relishing the sensation of the cool ground beneath my bare feet. At this point, I had little dignity left, apart from the remnants of my pride.

Suddenly, I heard a sound behind me, something that sent a chill down my spine. I was utterly alone on the dark path, and the rustling of the bushes made my heart race.

I tightened my grip on my bag and quickened my pace, but the footsteps behind me grew louder. Panic surged through me as I broke into a run.

But I wasn’t fast enough. Within seconds, I was tackled to the ground, a hand pressing something over my nose.

I fought against the encroaching darkness with all my might, but it was futile. The last thing I saw was another figure emerging from the shadows before the world faded to black.