CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Planning for an interview seems to be easy but going for the actual interview is nerve-wracking, at least that's how l feel. Standing outside the glass doors that led to Stardom Inc. I felt a sense of trepidation over the whole ordeal. It had been a while since the last time l had gone for an interview. I didn't know what to expect or how to conduct myself. And Mrs Keys wasn't doing anything to help the situation as she kept on persuading me to ask Hilden for a job. 

I couldn't do that to myself, l was already stuck in a loveless marriage with the guy, now l had to work with him. I wouldn't know how to deal with that

The dinner between the Keys and my parents was awkward to say the least. The females were glaring at each other the whole time while the husbands tried to make small talk. I would have expected my father to be the hostile one in the whole situation seeing how l am his one and only priced possession.

The food was great but the atmosphere could cause even a crying baby to silence their cries. 

After that, l spent most of my time trying to find vacant positions in different companies. I wasn't going to right off any unless they didn't meet my expectations and align with my beliefs

I found three vacant positions, all for different things but ultimately, regardless of whichever l chose, l would still work in the field l studied. 

The company l am trying to hypnotise with my current non existent confidence and perfect resume was the one l liked the most out of the three because l could have full creative direction.

Looking up at the tall building in front of me, l gave myself a pep talk trying to instil some of my confidence back into my body but nothing seemed to be working. The dark grey clouds formed a large blanket  around the sky as the wind picked up, throwing littered particles harshly on the buildings around, l opened the door only to have hot coffee roughly thrown on my very new, very white blouse.

"oh my gosh, l am so sorry. I didn't see you. Please don't hate me. I didn't do it on purpose" the very worried woman in front of me spoke before running her hands over the coffee that lay resting on my chest.

"leave it, you will only make it worse" her chubby cheeks turned a very bright red colour as she sheepishly looked at the ground before uttering more apologies.

"it's okay, but l have to run. I'm late for my interview" she let out a shocked gasp

"you can't go in looking like this, let me exchange shirts with you then after your interview we can swap back" l was about to reject her idea before she grabbed my hand leading me to the elevators

The promiscuous woman that sat at the reception area couldn't be bothered as she chewed her gum blowing very loud bubbles while painting her nails red and occasionally sipping on coke.

The ride to the tenth floor wasn't long and before l could register all that was happening, the elevator doors opened and l was dragged once again

We passed by a long line of chairs all accommodating individuals who like myself wanted the job. They all looked at me Sizing me to see if l was competition and a few let out a breath of relief, probably feeling even more confident.

I was too occupied looking at the competition that l didn't see the door to the bathroom closing or the speed it was closing before it came knocking me down. The room erupted into laughter and l couldn't help feeling embarrassed. 

The coffee lady came rushing out the bathroom yet again drowning me in an endless sea of apologies offering me her hand.

I took her hand and she ushered me into the bathroom. Before l could appreciate the interior of the bathroom or its cleanliness, she took my face in her hands before letting out an audible gasp.

I looked at the mirror in front of me to see that my forehead had grown in size. The bump was evident that even make-up would conceal it. I was so consumed with having a stained blouse that l didn't see the burn mark on my chest that had started to peel my skin off and that was the last straw for me

"Don't worry about it. I will count my losses." l said making my way to the exit

"wait, where are you going?" she asked

"the signs are all there. This was a mistake" l spoke close to tears.

"oh sweet cake. It's my fault. But l will make it right. I promise you" she spoke with so much determination and conviction

"And how do you plan on doing that?" l challenged her 

"I will ask them to move your interview to another day" l let out a scoff at her words

"You don't think l can do it" she asked offended

"I wouldn't want to compromise you or your job just because l was unable to go for my interview. Don't worry yourself about it. There us always a next time" I flashed her a smile before thanking her for her hospitality and making my way out the bathroom and out the building

The drive back to the Keys was a drag. I wasn't ready to go back and hear her gloating about the failure that was today. 

I took a detour and found myself at the park that Akai and l always visit. The sound of children playing brought so much comfort to me but made me miss my own bundle of joy. 

The rain started pouring and l sat there for a bit lost in my thoughts before the flash of lighting scared me and had me running back to my car like a headless chicken. 

The car refused to start and the rain was getting stronger trapping me. That was the last straw for me before l let out a scream soon followed by tears. I cried about the interview, the arranged marriage, Akai, Keira, my parents, the keys and Hilden. I didn't realise how much it had all taken a toll on me