Stranger

I grunted as I turned off the sound of the wailing alarm clock for the hundredth time. I took a look at the clock before deciding to lay my head down again. When the time finally processed in my mind, I quickly sprinted up. "11:30!? Fuck, I'm going to be late!" I said as I hurriedly got up to get dressed.

My first job interview in three months, and first thing I do is sleep through my alarm. Get a grip Mira, at this rate they probably won't even consider you. After I made sure I was hygienically presentable, I hurriedly ran out making my way to my interview. Luckily I only lived fifteen minutes away by foot.

As I got into the building, I took a minute to compose myself seeing as I realized how out of breath I am. I made my way through and sat down waiting with the rest of the applicants.

I watched as each of them goes in one after the other until the lady calls for me. "Mira Young?" She looked at me as I was the last person waiting in queue. I quickly got up and followed her in where I then was presented by a very well put together lady. I sat down and watched the lady that escorted me step out.

"Mira Young." She paused looking over my resume. "It says here that you went to Lincoln University for a year and majored in Graphic Design, but lack any experience." She said without giving me a second look.

I can sense how uninterested she felt. "Yes ma'am. Unfortunately I had to drop out of school because of.. family matters." I answered her.

"I'm sorry Mira but why should we hire you for our team? There's nothing outstanding on your resume that can compete with the other applicants."

Her remarks were true, there was nothing I can offer them and nothing that they need from me but I desperately needed this job. As well as I can tell this interview is not going anywhere.

"You're right, I don't have the experience or the knowledge like the others may have, but I am driven and finish what I set my mind to. I can't give much but I know I can give the company my all and my dedication" I said as I looked and waited for her response. She took a long look at me before sighing and said "thank you for coming in today. We'll give you a call."

I thanked her and shook her hand. I sighed knowing fairly well how awful that went. I sat outside the office collecting my thoughts before leaving. Who knows, maybe I'll get a callback? Ugh, who am I kidding, only by a miracle.

I made my way out to the front and headed down the cement stairs. I lose my balance and footing as some kids chasing one another bumps into me. I thought "this is it, I'm going to face plant down these concrete stairs and die" just my luck.

It took me a moment to realize and I felt an arm supporting my lower back as they pulled me to them.

I locked eyes with him and he asks if I was okay. I slowly nodded while still looking at him. I got off him and steadied myself.

"Sorry about that" I apologized.

"No I'm sorry. I should've looked after my nephews more carefully" he said. "We were over at the park playing a game of tag but the kids ran here to not get caught by the "monster" A.K.A. me" he chuckled.

I smiled and assured him once again it was okay.

He was going on telling me how he got stuck with babysitting cause his sister had an appointment earlier today. He was strikingly handsome; those glistening hazel eyes and tousled brown hair. I couldn't help but stare.

We talked for a bit while waiting on his sister and even exchanged names. His was name was Jae.

"So what brings you here? Or do you happen to work here?" He asked, looking back at the building behind us. I answered him with a sigh "no, but I am hoping to. I just went to an interview today and

frankly it didn't go too well."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear". He paused for a split second letting in the sound of silence then asks "sorry if I'm being too forward or anything, but would you like to go grab a bite with me?" I chuckled softly and looked back at him. Feeling fumbled by my gaze he clears his throat and quickly interjected by adding "IF you have time" and smiled back at me.

"Maybe another time? Sorry, but I should get home before it gets too late" I said. He nodded his head and we then parted ways.

It's been a while since I had an actual conversation with somebody, or to just really smile and be, dare I say; happy? Anyways, it was good while it lasted. Time seemed to stop a bit talking to him. Just enough so I can grasp that moment and feeling a little longer, but time to get back to reality.

As I got home, I stopped for a minute and emptied my mind as I dreaded heading through that door yet again. I quickly snapped out of my thoughts as I heard a loud thud. I can only think of the worst.

I rushed in basically slamming my way through the door and I see my mother unconscious on the ground. I froze. All I can see was red while losing my composure.

"What did you do to her… What the fuck did you do!?" I demanded, my voice trembling.

I don't dare look at him. He stumbled and muttered "I- I don't know… I just shoved her out of my way, I-.."

Just then I hear the door open and something heavy drops to the floor. I turned back and it was my brother. His suitcase lies next to him as he stood there in shock at the sight of us. "…Noah.." I muttered as a tear rolled down my cheek.