Sophia's POV.
In the ever bubbling New York City. The city for flashy Broadway, exclusive shops, high-rising business tycoons, and home for some world-famous multinational companies, is where the land of opportunity lies, or so people say.
To me, it is slowly turning into depression because, for the past week, my head has been buried deep into my laptop applying for any and every secretarial job. And up till now, I've still not gotten any offers.
Sitting on the couch deeply engrossed in my thoughts. Sooner than later, Stephanie snapped me out of it, bring my attention back to the present “Hey, you seem out of this world, everything okay?” Stephanie asked.
Yeah, I am just…you know, trying to get my life back together I guess. I responded with a smirk.
Seeing through my obvious lie, Stephanie questions me again.
“Got any calls yet?”
“Nope, not yet. Still hoping, Fingers crossed”. I replied.
And just when I needed it, Stephanie reassured me with a smile and a hug.
“Stephanie, do you still remember how we first met? I was contesting for class captain, I felt like a loser when I found out rich kid Annabel was also a contestant. I was at my lowest, I wanted to win and become class captain so bad. Little wonder how you walked up to me and gave me the motivation I needed, you told me I was enough, that I will become class captain because I merit it regardless of my social background.
Those were your words, my love, and ever since then, I've known you to be that strong and courageous girl, Sophia, you got this. She added with a wide smile while patting my shoulder.
Immediately, I heaved a sigh of relief. Like a ray of sunshine on a very gloomy day.
What could I have done without you by my side? Thank you so much, Steph. I remarked with a smile.
Feeling lightheaded and hopeful, I decided to make lunch for the both of us.
Just then, my phone started ringing. An unknown number flashed on the screen. And without much deliberation I took the call.
“Hello?” I asked unsurely.
“Am I speaking with Miss Sophia O'Brien?” came a lady’s voice. The lady on the other end sounded not much older than me.
“Yes, Who am I speaking with?” I replied.
“I'm Mary Cooper from The Hayes Industries and this is to inform you that you have been selected for an interview. The interview will be held on Monday, so ensure you're here by 9 am prompt.”
I know I was just sad and depressed a while ago about not getting any calls for an interview much less a job offer, but never in a million years would I have thought that I was going to get a call for an interview from The Hayes Industries! I only filled out the online forms out of curiosity.
I never even Imagined I'd get a call from one of the most lucrative companies in NYC and especially not this quick!
“Miss O'Brien, are you there?” Mary's voice immediately brought me back to the present.
“Huh yes…Yes of course I'll be there. Thank you.”
As soon as the call dropped I squealed and jumped around in excitement. I was still dancing and screaming when Steph rushed out of the bedroom.
“What's with the excitement?” She asked with a smile, obviously eager to join in the excitement.
“I just got an interview! At Hayes Industries!!” I screamed in excitement again.
“What! No…I mean yes girl! Now that's what I'm talking about. Stephanie said ridiculously.
Indeed this was a dream come true. with all that has happened lately, who could have thought I would get a call from the prestigious Hayes Industries.
We held each other hands and jumped around with so much joy. Finally!
“Congratulations! I told you you'd get a call. I believe in you soph” Stephanie added.
“Thank you,” I said, unable to contain my joy.
“So...” I stated, breaking off the hug. “The interview is on Monday and I'll need to get proper formal clothing for the occasion. So I'm off to the mall down the street, and I will see you later” I said in a singsong way to Steph while quickly dashing out of the apartment.
Fifteen minutes later, I arrived at the mall.
After searching for a good twenty minutes, I came across a shop called Mystique. I pushed the door open and entered.
“Welcome, ma'am, how may I help you?” A lady who looked to be in her thirties asked as I entered the shop.
“I just need something formal” I replied.
“What kind of formal? We have dresses for formal parties, business, weddings, and for many different occasions.” She asked with a genuine smile.
“Huhh....business formal." Although I never knew there were so many formals.
She led me to a different section of the shop. And I began to check through the racks of clothes.
How was I to pick one dress when there were so many beautiful dresses? I had to look for help from the sales assistant, and just like that, she took out a dress from the rack. It was a black printed skirt and a comfortable-looking white blouse.
“Here, this will look perfect on you”. She said, handing it over to me.
I couldn't agree more. I took the dress and went into the changing room to try it on. I slipped out of my old clothes to try on the dress this kind lady picked out for me. It was indeed a perfect fit. The dress was beautiful. The pencil skirt did an amazing job with the white blouse. I just knew this was the dress I was buying!
Shortly after, I came out of the dressing room and headed for the counter to pay for my outfit. I heard a familiar voice calling my name from behind. Instantly I turned back to see who it was. Michael, my ex-boyfriend.
“Hey, Sophia, damn! You look so beautiful as usual. How have you been? It's really been a while sexy”.
Micheal was my first love, I would never have believed we could go our separate ways. But I guess life happened. Trying to be on my best behavior possible, I replied.
“Hi, Micheal, yeah…it's really been a while. Well I’m great, good to see you”.
“It’s always a pleasure seeing you Sophie. Nice outfit you got there by the way." He added with a smirk.
“Well, thanks for the compliment. Uhm…I should get going, see you around”. I retorted and immediately turned to leave, thinking he would stop me. But he just stood there and watched me leave.
Funny how my ex just showed up after leaving me for years without any explanation. And now he’s acting all charming towards me like nothing happened? I said to myself while heading for the billing counter.
Could it be that he wanted me back now? Gosh! I couldn’t believe I still had feelings for him after all these years.
While I was still pondering that, a young and very beautiful lady approached Micheal, and in a twinkling of an eye they both kissed and held each other romantically.
Turns out she's his fiance and they’d come to the mall to shop. I mean, what other explanation do I need for an engagement ring on her finger? Men are indeed scum. I pondered while rolling my eyes in disgust.
I immediately snapped myself out. I won't let anything ruin my mood today, I've been through a lot lately.
I reluctantly paid $50 for the dress. At this rate, I might just end up homeless but I was confident in getting the job and I'm sure $50 is a small price to pay for such an amazing dress..I thought, in a bid to reassure myself.
Once I got to the apartment, I told Steph that I was going to make her favorite pasta for dinner, and even though I hadn't gotten the job quite yet, getting an interview sure called for celebration. For which she picked me up and swung me in the air.
***
The following morning.
“Notepad and pen, check, Copy of my resume, check, Identification card, check”.
I smiled in satisfaction as I examined my bag for the hundredth time this morning. The worst thing that can happen to anyone is remembering something you forgot after you've arrived at your destination and I didn't want to be late for my interview.
I'm so excited to get out of the house, I quickly kiss Steph goodbye on her cheek as she gets ready for her morning shift.
“Steph, all the best babes." She said as we bid ourselves goodbye.
Steph works as a waitress at the coffee shop down the road. I jogged down to the road, flagged down a taxi, and headed for the Hayes Industries.
“Wow! How can a business place be so beautiful?
It was 8:45 and I was standing outside THE HAYES INDUSTRIES LTD”.
The entire building looks like it was erected with just glass. And there should be around fifty floors in the building. Fifty! Is that even legal?
I entered through the big glass doors and flashed a big smile at the security guard standing there who in return, smiled back. I walked towards the lady at the reception.
“Hi. I'm Sophia O'Brien and I'm here for the job interview”.
Giving me a polite smile, she said “Alright, just go through the elevators and to the top floor”. She instructed.
I returned the polite smile and walked towards the elevators. On entering the elevator, I pressed the top floor which was the fiftieth.
Fiftieth! I wasn't wrong after all. As the elevator was going up, I was getting nervous. What if I didn't make a good impression? What if they didn't like me? God!! Please help me.
Once I reached the top floor, I quickly got out as fast as I could. I've never been in an elevator for this long my whole life.
I walked towards the desk where a pregnant lady not much older than me was sitting in her stunning blue formal dress. Her blonde hair was tied up in a cute bun and she had amazing blue eyes that complimented her dress. She was effortlessly beautiful.
“Hi, I'm Sophia O'Brien and I'm here for the interview” I introduced myself with a smile.
“Of course, I've been expecting you, just sit over there and I'll be with you shortly. Let me inform Mr. Hayes of your arrival”. She said pointing at a mini waiting room to my right where a few people were already seated.
“Okay, I'm so sorry for being too forward but who will be taking the interview?” I asked, just wanting to be sure.
“The CEO himself,” Mary replied.
Oh wow! This just made me more nervous.
Just as I was about to take a step, she stopped me. “Oh how silly of me, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Mary. Mary Cooper, the lady who called you regarding the interview” she beamed at me and I just reacted with a smile.
I sat on one of the chairs and waited for my interview to begin. Five minutes passed and nothing. Fifteen minutes passed, and still nothing. Now, I was beginning to feel nervous. I fiddled with the bracelet cuff I was wearing on my left wrist.
Did they already decide that they don't need a secretary anymore, hence no need for an interview? I knew I was just being paranoid but I couldn't help it. I needed this job.
While pondering my thoughts, I was brought back to the present on hearing someone calling my name in anger, “Miss O'Brien! In my office, Now!”