Got a Job

On my way out, I thought of what had happened earlier. Why my mother seemed to care, it was understandable. Ever since my dad passed away, besides school, I've got nowhere to go, not like I had any friends to hang out with.

My dad was my best friend. He taught me how to ride the bicyle, and that's how I got one for myself. Those moments were memorable—we trained, sparred and ran on tracks together.

Now out of the door, I went to where my bicycle was parked and dragged it out. Since it was not in good condition, I had to drag it on a ten minutes walk to the repair shop.

"Hello," I greeted the man at the repair shop on getting there.

"Oh... Tony. How are you?" Mr. Benjamin said.

"I'm fine," I responded, and having not enough time, I stated the reason for my presence. "I need to repair this."

He took the bicycle from my hand, and after examining it asked, "Ok, when will you need it?"

Not sure of when I might start work if I do get the job at Coffee Ox, I replied that I will be needing it from Monday.

He assured me that it will be ready by then, but after a pause and sensing I was a bit worried asked. "But, what will you ride until then?"

"Nothing sir," I responded.

"Hold on a sec," he said and went into his shop. On his way out, he dragged beside him a bicycle that was in good condition. "What do you think?"

"It's nice."

"Then, you can use it in the meantime until I get yours done," he said.

The help he offered really meant a lot to me. I was initially worried on how I was going to get to the Coffee Ox, and in time for the appointment I have already.

So it was a huge help.

We've been neighbors with Mr. Benjamin and his family—a beautiful wife and kids, all super cute girls. He always repaired my bicycle whenever it spoilt, but this is the first time I'm going alone. It had initially being with my dad.

Showing my appreciation to his offer, I jumped on the bicycle. The joy evident on my face bemused Mr. Benjamin, putting a smile on his face.

Not having much time on my side, I rode the bicycle out of the premise, and in high speed. At this point, I almost got distracted by the beep of notifications, followed by vibrations, which eroded my phone but I paid no attention to it.

My father always taught me that getting distracted on the road can be very dangerous, and I'm on the road now. It's been a while though for me in a bicycle, but I got this.

With joy, I increased the speed at which I rode on. Now, I feel how people felt whenever they are given appointments to work for any company.

In half an hour time, I had arrived at the Coffee Ox. Opening the entrance door, I walked in. In front of this entrance, was a service table, and sitting behind it was a cute girl. Her demeanor, and from the way she smiled at me, I thought she must be a friendly type.

"Hello," I said, walking up to her.

"Hi," she responded.

For a while, we maintained eye contact as we smiled at each other. But, that was not the cause of my coming, so disrupted the moment.

"I am here for an appointment," I said with much confidence exuding my posture.

"Ok...head through that way, straight ahead then to your left. That's where the boss lady's office is located," she directed.

"Boss lady, she around? And, I hope she has a smile as beautiful as yours," I commented.

She smiled at my words and replied, "You should be the judge yourself." Then after a short pause added, "And look her in the eye when taking with her."

"A'ght," I said.

Taking the directions to the office, I thought to myself. Their policy must be good. Rarely do you go to companies to meet a high dignitary, that the receptionist will agree to the fact that they are around. To the best of what I watch in the movies, it had ranged from "The boss isn't around yet" to "He is very busy and has ordered not to meet anyone currently."

Then, the comment I made after she gave me direction flashed into my mind. I smiled inwardly. The sudden courage that had taken me to make such statement, not big of a deal statement though.

Now in front of the boss lady's office, unlikely, her door was opened.

"Greetings," I said as, and she ushered me in and offered me a seat to sit on. "I have an appointment with you today."

"Appointment? Let's see." She opened the folder on her desk and rolled her long fingernails on it till she reached the bottom.

"There was no fixed date actually, but since you are here now, let's get straight to the point," she said, closing the folder before resting her hands on the desk like an official office owner.

"So, how good are you on the bicycle," she asked.

"Very good," I answered with confidence.

"Hmm, I see such confidence," she acknowledged, and continued asking about the school I attended, and some basic personal infos. Later on, she interviewed me on basic stuff about a summer part time job which I answered to the best of my knowledge.

She seemed satisfied with how her interview with me had turned out, so she asked. "When do you wish to start?"

My mind rolled through a thought. "Wish? Can she be possibly testing my seriousness by using the word WISH. Anyway, since it was Saturday and the working days started from Monday, I answered.

"Monday."

"Alright," she said. "On your way out, drop your fill name and contact information with the cashier, Ashley. I'm glad to inform that you have been recruited. Our job service relies heavily on punctuality, and I am glad you passed the test by coming earlier than I expected. Other details and information will be passed through your contact information."

"And... Do send in your curriculum vitae through the mail you used to contact us."

"Yes ma," I answered. 'Getting the job was even easier that I expected as well,' I thought.

Back to the girl who had provided direction to the boss's office, I thought it was wise if I let her know how everything went.

She seemed to have expected I get the job, from the way she responded while I spoke to her.

"Who is Ashley," I asked the girl afterwards.

"I am," she replied.

I was shocked, actually. I had thought she was a receptionist, but my doubt cleared when I saw the pager that was by her side on the service table.

"The boss lady instructed that I pass down my personal data to you," I said.

"Yes, one sec," she said, bringing upon the table a huge book before removing a paper from the book.

The paper was a form, provided to contain application details.

"Fill the form," she instructed, handing me a biro.

Satisfied with her attitude toward me so far, I said, "Thanks for your tips, Ashley."

With a broad smile, she reciprocated the gratitude. "You are welcome."

"Alright then, see ya," I waved at her as I made my way to the door.

"And you too, Tony."