CHAPTER Five
1349 Words
Amelia's POV
“Coming!” I answered when the doorbell rang. I hurried to open it, expecting to see the babysitter, instead, it was the mailman with a few letters in his hands.
“Good morning, Ms. Amelia,” He greeted and handed over the mail.
“Thank you,” I replied with a wide smile and took the letters. “Have a lovely day!”
“Same to you ma’am.” He responded and sped off on his bike.
I sighed and stepped back into my modest apartment. My two-year-old son, Kelvin, was inside playing with toys in the living room, as he usually does.
"Look, Mama!" He raised a plush dinosaur into the air.
After grinning broadly, I placed the mail on the counter. Two years have passed. Two whole years following my unplanned pregnancy and my heartbreaking split from John. I was in denial at first, wanting an abortion above all else. Even though I did not know the father at the time, I was not prepared to raise a child, but after the doctor persuaded me, I changed my mind and can now look back on it as the best choice I have ever made.
"You are such a strong boy," I said, bending down to give him a cozy hug.
He pretended to be a dinosaur as he ran around the living room, laughing. I was filled with warmth and fulfillment as I watched him play. I vowed to give Kelvin the best this world had to offer because he was my light, despite everything.
"Kelvin, the nanny will be here shortly." Mom has to leave for a crucial interview today. I gave him a call and tousled his lengthy hair. “Also, I really think you need a new haircut today.”
“I don’t need a haircut.” He pouted his lips
"I will buy you your favorite chocolate if you get a haircut." When I offered, his eyes gleamed.
“Really?”
“Yes, only if you get a haircut.”
“Alright mama, I will.”
“Good boy, now play with your toy, I have to get ready.”
I kissed his forehead and quickly went to my room to shower and change. After a quick shower, I chose a navy blue suit that was both stylish and appropriate for the interview. I mean, you have to look your sharpest when you’re having an interview with one of the biggest companies in America.
I quickly dressed up and fixed my hair in the mirror. Satisfied with my appearance, I walked towards the living room and I heard the doorbell again. This time, it was the babysitter.
“Hi, Amelia!” Christie greeted me cheerfully.
“Hi, thank you so much for coming on such short notice,” I said, letting her in.
“It’s no trouble, at all. Hi, Kelvin!” she called, waving to my son who responded with an excited “Hi”.
“Kelvin, be good for Christie alright? No funny business. Mama will be back soon,” I kissed him lovingly on his forehead.
“I’ll be good mama.” He promised
After ensuring my son was settled, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. Hailing a cab, I called out the address of the famous Mashafi Industries.
As we drove, I could not stop thinking about the interview. I was vying for the position of personal assistant to the CEO of Mashafi Industries which was one of the most prestigious jobs I could ever hope for. Even though little is known about the identity of the CEO, I wasn’t really concerned about that. My only focus was getting this job and providing a stable future for my son.
The taxi slowed down as we approached the Mashafi Industries’ massive building. It was an enormous, contemporary structure that protruded above the rest of the city's skyline.
Amelia, take a breath. You are capable of this. To soothe my jangled nerves, I inhaled deeply. I was not going to blow this opportunity to make a difference.
I said to the driver, "Thank you so much," and gave him the fare before getting out of the vehicle.
I stood up straight, straightened my blazer, and entered the building. Mashafi Industries' grandeur left me speechless. The interior was everything I had imagined it would be.
With a swallow, I walked shyly up to the front desk, where a smiling woman welcomed me.
“Good morning. How can I help you today?”
“Good morning,” I replied. "I am here for an interview to be the CEO's personal assistant."
"You know, what is your name?"
“Amelia Rutherford.”
“Welcome Ms Rutherford. If you could please sign in here and take a seat, someone will be with you shortly.”
I nodded and signed the register. After I sat down in the waiting area, I could not help but stare at the lobby's extravagant design.
Everything exuded sophistication and class, which increased my sense of awkwardness and self-consciousness.
It was a young woman in a sharp suit who came up to me after a few minutes.
“Ms. Amelia? Please follow me.”
I nodded and followed her through the corridors. After a while, we came to a smaller space outside a conference room.
"This is where you can wait. The interview panel will soon be present with you.
“Thank you,” I sat down and smoothed my skirt. To kill time, I went over my resume and practiced answers to potential questions in my head. I did not want to miss a single detail as nothing but perfection would be accepted by me.
After another short wait, a different woman came out of the conference room and addressed me.
“Ms. Amelia, we’re ready for you.”
I stood up and clutched my portfolio, offering a silent prayer to God, and walked into the conference room. Inside, three people sat behind a long table. They sized me up and introduced themselves.
The interview began with the usual questions about my background, previous work experience why I was interested in the position, what I could offer the company, and why I was a good fit. I answered those fairly well, and then we moved to questions about my strengths, my weaknesses, and how I handled difficult situations.
I answered each question as confidently as I could. I was somewhat sure I did well because they were impressed by the confidence in my tone. After what felt like an eternity, the interviewers nodded in satisfaction.
“Thank you, Ms. Amelia, we’re impressed with your qualifications one of the interviewers stated. The final step of the interview process is meeting with the CEO. If you could please wait for a moment, I'll escort you to his office.”
My heart pounded against my ribs. This was it. I was about to meet the mysterious CEO of Mashafi Industries. I had managed to impress the interviewers, if I could just impress the CEO then this job was mine.
One of the interviewers led me through the hallway until we reached a set of imposing double doors. She knocked lightly and almost immediately, a deep voice from within responded.
“Come in!” The voice boomed and I furrowed my brows. Something about this voice felt familiar to me. I couldn't place my finger on it but I could swear that I'd heard that voice somewhere before.
The door swung open and we both entered the tastefully furnished office. Seated behind the massive mahogany desk in a high-backed leather chair, was the mysterious CEO.
“I’ve brought the chosen candidate for the job, sir.” The interviewer said with a slight bow.
“Leave us.” He waved his hand and focused his gaze on me.
“Good morning sir,” I took a few steps forward and got a good look at his face.
“No way?!” My heart stopped for a split second and my breath seized for a moment.
It was him.
- Writer
