1
MIA
I sat very still, as I watched the Human Resource
Manager slide back gracefully into her high-backed
chair, behind the antique wooden table.
Miss Brown, a middle-aged lady, wearing a gray suit,
with her black hair pulled back away from her face in a loose bun.
I kept my fingers crossed, holding my breath, waiting
for the decision. It has been my dream to work in New
York University, my alma mater.
"Sorry for making you wait, Miss Mia..." she gave me
a faint smile, and laid my resume on her table. She
left me earlier to talk to the university president, Mr. Mark, her expression was hopeful then, but now...
she looked more serious.
I smiled back nervously, as I waited for her to continue.
Still hopeful to get a positive result.
"Well, Mr. Mark is very impressed with your
resume. You were always on the dean's list...
Your participation in the university clubs and
extracurricular activities are remarkable. Your
volunteer work for the university's fundraising projects
are very much appreciated. He wants you to know that
he's very grateful for your help. You have all the
qualifications we need for our history and research teacher."
I was overwhelmed with joy, hearing her pleasant
words. I have invested too much blood, sweat and tears to achieve my dream: to become a history professor initially, then work on my main goal, which is to publish academic articles and books. Have a research team. In the university, in a company.
To be responsible for the management and coordination of internal and external research and projects. "Thank you. I had fun doing the volunteer work, the
experiences were very challenging, and I gained so
many friends."
"I am glad you see it that way," I saw her heave a deep
sigh, and her smile slowly faded.
Oh no.
"But I'm sorry to say that we are not hiring a history
professor or a research manager right now. Despite your very impressive resume," she clicked her tongue, took a short pause,
"we can't give you a spot."
I listened with rising dismay. My heart sank, and
suddenly all pleasure left me.
" I can work as a volunteer.... or an apprentice. It's okay
if it's not a regular job, just a little allowance for my
food and gas will do," I spoke with quiet, but desperate
and firmness. I couldn't just go home without a job.
She shook her head, "the university doesn't take
volunteer or apprentice professors. I'm sorry, Miss
Mia. It's the president's decision, But don't worry, i will put you in our priority list. I will call you as soon as we start hiring, okay?" With a stiff smile, I nodded, "thank you for your time, Miss Brown. I will wait for your call."
Devastated, I walked towards my car, an old blue
hatchback, dragging my heavy feet. I turned and
stared at the university's main building, then sighed.
"Darn it. I should have worn my lucky pink underwear,
maybe l'd get the job," I groaned aloud.
"Hey, Mia, Are you okay?"
Theard Mr. David, one of the campus guards, behind me.
I faced him, and bit my lower lip in dismay.
"No, l'm not," I answered in a sinking tone.
"You didn't get the job?"
I nodded, and he bursted, "what the hell! You're a
very smart kid. You should be their best option.
What else do they want?"
"They're not hiring right now. President's order."
"Ahh... Mr. Mark" he shook his head
disappointedly, “ We will miss seeing you here on campus, and your banana cake."
"Don't worry. Whenever I drop by, I'll bring you a box,"
I opened my car, then got inside.
"Thanks kid" he closed the door for me, "drive safely,
okay?"
I nodded and smiled at him.
Before i could start the car, I remembered I muted my
phone during the interview. I took it out from my bag,
and to my surprise, there were too many missed calls
coming from Dad . Mia what's going on? My dismay was instantly replaced with panic as I stared at my phone's screen.
There were many text messages, but I would rather
talk to dad and ask him what's going on.
My heart throbbed so fast as I waited for him to
answer. He was in the Caribbean with mom, having a
grand vacation for a month.
"Mia!" finally dad answered, "I've been calling you for
ages, where are you?"
“I was in an interview, I muted my phone”. "Yeah?" I answered impatiently, “Is everything okay? How's
mom?" . "We're okay, your mom is totally fine. It's your aunt Agnes,” there was a pause, then I heard him exhale
heavily, "she slipped in the supermarket and broke her
Arm and pieces of rib or something”.
"A nurse from the Wellington hospital contacted me. Aunt Agnes was in terrible pain. You'll find her in the emergency ward."
"Okay, I'l go and see her now," I started the car and
was about to hang up when Dad asked.
"Oh, by the way, how's the interview? Did you get the
job?"
"Um... Ill tell you about it later. Have to go, bye!"
"Don't keep us in suspense, just answer me yes or no.
You got the job, right?"
"What?" I tapped my fingers on the phone's screen, "|
can't hear you dad... you're so choppy. I will call you later..bye.
Aunt Agnes was still sleeping when I arrived in the
hospital. Her broken arm was already in a cast. I
talked to the nurse in charge, and she gave me all the
information I needed.
The supermarket owner brought Aunt Agnes to the
hospital. He promised to take care of the hospital bills
including the caregiver, rehab and other expenses.
Aunt Agnes slipped on a wet floor from a spilled soda.
The injury was a fertile rib and arm fracture and flail chest but it would take ten months to one year to recover well. From the pain and trauma.
