Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
“Outside Madrid?” I say. “Like where?”
I’m not necessarily fixed on Madrid, per se; I just haven’t really thought about going anywhere else.
“Well,” he says, adjusting his glasses, “where would you like to go? There’s demand all over Spain, but it’s the smaller cities and towns that are often looking for teachers.”
“I guess I haven’t really thought about it,” I say with a shrug. “I just assumed I’d be here, but I’m open to moving… well, anywhere.”
“Well, for instance, we currently have a few openings in Valencia. It’s a beautiful city. Smaller than Madrid, for sure, but it has a lot to offer. Lots of culture, a more relaxed pace of life - and beaches. Many, many beaches.”
“Valencia,” I repeat, testing the name on my tongue.
“Have you heard of it?” Carlos asks.
“Not really,” I answer honestly. “I saw it as one of the flight options, but I’ve never really looked into it.”
“Well, look - there are a few openings in the city. It’s not a bad place to live. In fact, come to think of it, there’s one job in particular that might be particularly attractive to you…”
Carlos opens one of the draws to his desk and begins thumbing through the many files.
“It’s a small school. Their English teacher is going on maternity leave, so there’s an immediate vacancy. The job comes with a stable contract, and the best part is that they help with accommodations. They have an arrangement for a very affordable apartment near the school.”
Now that does sound good.
“That sounds... great,” I say, not wanting to jump in too soon since I do have a few questions. “What kind of classes would I be teaching?”
Carlos pulls out the folder he had been looking for and flips it open on his desk.
Apparently, he was prepared.
“It’s a mix,” he explains. “It’s a secundaria, so the pupils are between twelve and sixteen. There’s also an option to pick up some adult classes in the evenings or the summer break, if you’re interested in making some extra money. The school has been working with us to successfully place English teachers for years now, and they’re excellent at supporting trainees.”
I pause, letting his words sink in.
It sounds almost too good to be true.
“How soon would I need to start?”
“Ideally within the next two weeks,” Carlos replies. “It’s a quick turnaround, but the current teacher is finishing at the end of the month, and they’d like to have some overlap for a smooth handover.”
Two weeks. It’s fast, but I’ve always been impulsive -
Or at least, I used to be.
Before I lost myself in the monotony of my old life.
And this is exactly what I was looking for - a new adventure in a new city. I might have thought that it would be in Madrid, but while the city is beautiful, I don’t necessarily have any fixed attachment to it.
“It all sounds perfect,” I say, trying to sound professional and keep the excitement out of my voice.
Carlos smiles. “I was hoping you’d say that. Let me walk you through the details.”
He spends the next twenty minutes explaining the role, the salary and benefits, the school’s expectations and the steps to finalise the contract. When we finish, Carlos hands me a fresh folder with all the necessary paperwork.
“Take some time to think about it,” he says. “But not too long.”
“Of course,” I say, standing and shaking his hand again. “Thank you so much for your time.”
“Good luck, Olivia,” he says warmly. “Whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll do great.”
I leave the office and step back into the bustling Madrid streets, but I can’t really focus. My mind is racing.
Valencia. A fresh start that comes with both a steady job and a discounted place of my own to live.
It feels like the universe is handing me an opportunity on a silver platter, and for the first time, I feel ready to grab it.
Chapter Five
Sofía is at the reception desk when I make my way back to the hostel, her ever-present smile lighting up her face.
“So,” she grins, “how was the meeting?”
“It went really well,” I say, coming to a stop and leaning over the desk. “The guy, Carlos, was so nice. He said there’s an opening in Valencia. It’s for maternity cover, so it’s temporary, but the pay is decent, and the job comes with discounted accommodation in the city.”
Sofia’s eyes widen with excitement. “Valencia? That’s wonderful!”
I’m admittedly relieved by her reaction, and my shoulders sag as a weight feels like it’s been lifted. I was a little nervous that she might tell me something awful and confirm that it was all too good to be true.
“It’s a beautiful city - you’ll love it. So, when do you leave?”
“Well, I’ve not accepted yet,” I laugh. “But they’d like someone in as soon as possible.”
“Wow, you have to celebrate tonight,” she tells me. “Even if it’s just with some churros and chocolate.”