The Lovestruck Intern

Chapter Two

The message read, Dear Monica Anderson, after careful consideration of thousands of applicants for the IT intern role at Max Group, we are pleased to announce you have been selected. Kindly click the link for further information.

Monica shook her head and read the message again, and then another time. How was this possible? Was this a prank?

She hesitated for a few seconds and then clicked on the link. It directed her to the official Max Group website with a lot of written junk to read. They looked like rules, and Monica really didn't like rules, unless it was time to break them.

First, on the website, it was another congratulatory message on getting the intern position. Next, it was her job description as an intern.

She would be required to work four days in a week, with a day off. She would offer support to employees with technical or network issues, perform routine checks on computer systems, support the IT team in monitoring network activity and maintaining system security and finally, prepare routine reports for IT management.

This sounded like too much work but it was something she could do. What if everyone found out she wasn't skilled enough for the job on the first day? Oh well, there was no turning back now after she spotted the benefits of the job.

Her stipend allowance would be $3,500 on a monthly basis. But since it was going to be her first month, she would be paid $55 per hour. It was crazy. How was this happening again?

The other benefits of the job included, free meals and snacks, housing allowance, company laptop and equipment, free gym and wellness access and travel opportunities.

She couldn't help but squeal. This was the best day of her life, after witnessing her best friend, Ellie, getting married of course. She read further as the list continued.

The next section was the health fitness section. She was to tick the boxes of health complications and signify if she had a disability. She ticked all the boxes with a No and she was glad she hadn't lied on this one. She was medically and mentally fit for the job.

Last on the list was a reference. Monica couldn't think of anyone who could stand in for her and attest to her skills and competence on the job. No one else came to mind except Ellie.

Ellie had a master degree in Cyber Security. She was a guru in the field and after meeting her husband, Henry, a few years after graduation, she knew it was only right to be with him for the rest of her life.

She had simply said to Monica that it was love at first sight. Because she could picture herself being married to Henry after their first date at a pizza place. Henry was a sucker for pizza, and so was Ellie.

Now, she had her own small startup tech firm in England, and juggled life as wife, mother and tech guru.

After three rings, Ellie’s soft voice was heard on the other side of the phone.

‘Hey Monica. I almost thought you were avoiding me. I've been calling and even texted you earlier, but got nothing. Are you doing okay?’ Even without trying, Ellie was always on baby duty. She cared for everyone like her child. Monica knew it was one of the things Henry loved about his wife.

‘Here, here, darling. You can't have sweets before dinner.’ Ellie echoed on the phone. Monica hadn't met Ellie’s daughter, Billie, yet. But she had seen her in all the photos and videos Ellie spammed her with. Billie was almost two, adorable with the most beautiful blue eyes Monica had ever seen. She had her mom’s little button nose and her dad’s signature blond hair, unlike Ellie’s brunette.

‘It’s not like that, Ellie. I've just been busy.’ Monica lied.

‘It’s fine. I was only worried about you and even considered calling Donna.’ The thought of it made her itch. If Donna knew about her joblessness in the city, her life was over. She wasn't going to let her mom give her lessons on why she had to come back home and fix her life, or get a job in New York at least. All her friends back home were married with a kid or two, or working overseas and sending postcards from South Africa.

‘I’m guessing you got a job now. Did you visit the website I sent to you the other day?’ Ellie said. She was still speaking when Henry’s thick voice, rich in accent filled the space.

‘Honey, I'm on the phone with Monica. She finally decided to call me back and I think she has some good news, too.’ Oh gosh, the love birds had been talking about her. Henry was cool and well involved with Ellie’s family and friends.

‘Hi Monica. How are you doing today? Ellie was so worried about you. Glad to know you're okay.’ Henry said in his British accent, making even simple pleasantries sound official. She guessed he was busy cooking dinner or playing with Billie. Her friend got herself a man that could cook, change nappies and be a well rounded individual. It was a Megan and Harry fairytale come true.

‘Yes, Henry. I'm okay. Thanks for asking.’ She replied.

‘So, what's up?’ Ellie quizzed.

‘I've got a simple favor to ask of you.’ She knew her best friend could do anything for her, but this seemed like a deal breaker for Ellie. She was a rule follower, she liked to do the right thing and follow the law.

‘I got a job and I need a reference from you.’ She let it out there and waited. As expected, a squeal of excitement. Ellie couldn't contain her joy.

‘Oh finally, you've got a job, Monica. I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you.’ She was still squealing and Monica could hear little Billie in the background celebrating too. It was a cute, little moment. But enough of that, it was time to face the hard part.

‘But . . .’ Monica started. Then Ellie interjected, ‘There’s a but? Why?’

‘Yes, there is. I got an intern job at Max Group, it's a big shot tech company and . . .’

‘Wait, hold up. Did you say Max Group? Like, the Max Group? The kings of kings of all tech companies? Wait, are you shitting me right now?’ Before she could stop herself, the swear word was already out there.

‘Ellie, darling!’ Henry lightly scolded. Billie laughed and let out a two year old version of shitting, making it sound like fitting. It was oddly cute.

‘Dangit! Look what you made me do, Monica. But I'm serious, are you kidding me? You said an intern role? How did you get it? It's almost impossible to get a job, any job, even as a janitor at Max Group. Wait, you don't have a degree, so how's that even possible?’ The air was silent now, and Billie’s chants were unheard. Ellie was speaking from another room.

Monica continued. ‘Well, that's the thing. I sorta kinda faked my qualifications. But I don't even know how, but I got the job. Ellie, the pay is so good and it would definitely change my life. I have to take it, but I would need your reference.’

Ellie shook her head nonstop, trying to stop her friend from saying any more words. The more words that came out of her mouth, the more damage she was making by lying to get a job.

‘No, Monica. That's all shades of wrong. Are you even thinking at all? Okay, I give you the reference and somehow they reach out to me and get to know more about you, what am I supposed to say?’

Silence.

Ellie went further, ‘This is a big crime, in case you don't know. I love you to death and you know that, but I can’t do this. It's wrong. There are other great jobs out there for you, but unfortunately this one isn't’

Monica could feel the tension rising to the top of her head. ‘Please, Ellie. I don't think any offer better than this will ever be mine. This might be my only opportunity to change my life around and I need you to help me do it, please.’

Ellie sighed and then did the thing she always did when she was torn at thoughts — she bit her bottom lip.

‘Okay, fine. Just this once. But Monica, be careful. I don't want you in any trouble. The right thing to do would be for you to ditch the job and find something else to do.’

Monica rolled her eyes and laughed. Her friend hasn't changed a bit after all these years.

‘Yeah yeah, I hear you, Ellie. But I'm not letting go of this, I fear.’ She said the words to herself more than she said any of it to Ellie.