The Deal

CHAPTER 3

I looked at the big building with about 10 floors towering over me. What a beauty! I step into the building, I'm greeted by the scene of the receptionist on her computer behind a brown mahogany desk. Engraved on the beige-colored wall behind her is the company's signage in black bold letters. The turquoise-colored wing chairs and the maroon-colored tables created a work-friendly space by adding color to the room.

I notice a couple of people seated, some are holding papers and quietly reciting what’s on the paper while others are engrossed in a conversation.

I walked down to the middle-aged woman behind the desk who happened to be the receptionist. She looks up and says with a small smile, “Good day, Welcome to Trane Realty Solutions. How can I help you?”. Returning the smile, I said,” I came for the interview”. She says, “The interview is going to take place at 8:00 am in the first room on your left, on the third floor. Someone will be here in the next 15 minutes to take you to the waiting room to get interviewed, but before that time, you can have a seat. ” “Thanks,” I say with a small smile while going to take a seat. I looked over at the clock, ‘7:15 am’.

The elevator dings made me look up to see a middle-aged blonde lady wearing a knee-length sheath dress step out. She stands in front of the receptionist's desk and says “Good day everyone, I am Gloria. Please, if you are here for the interview, kindly follow me” she says, then heads to the elevator.

So that's my cue. I stood up, and I notice 10 other people had gotten up. We all walked towards the elevator with Gloria and got in. My eye catches the buttons on the left side, Gloria clicks on the number 3, and the doors close. “Perhaps this day will be promising, it started fine, so what could wreck it?” I said to myself.

The elevator dings and we all step out to see a big hallway painted cyan with plenty of doors on each side leading to different offices. We walked down with Gloria taking the lead to the first office on the left. I take my time to observe the scenery of the hallway with a floor pot on each side. Gloria gets to the room, signaling us to all step in.

Standing right in front of the room which decides my fate, I clasp my bag and take a deep breath. I walk, and I bump straight into someone carrying a couple of papers, they all scatter everywhere. So much for a promising day! “I'm so so-”, she cuts me short while I look up to see a young lady who is likely infuriated. “What the actual he-, can't you see where you're going? There's enough space and you just had to bump into me. Now take a look at the mess you've made” the lady said in a very annoyed tone while bending to get the papers.

I noticed all eyes were suddenly on us. Feeling extremely embarrassed, I immediately apologized again and bent to help pick up the papers. “Trisha Perkins,” a man in the waiting area said. “Yes, that's me. Once again, I'm sorry for this” I answered while hurrying to get in. “Of course, she's here for an interview, someone who has a job won't be this clumsy, I highly doubt she'd even get a job here,” the lady said with a scoff as I was leaving.

How could someone be so mean? I clearly didn't intend to bump into her, and I tried not to let the words she said get to me much. I tried to avoid the gazes of people who had some looks of pity for me due to what she said and walked to the man who called my name, he was standing right in front of a door. “Please have a seat”. He said, then proceeded to call the names of each person who came for the interview while they all responded. I looked at the clock and the time read ‘7:56’.

“It's good to know everyone is present and i assume you are all in your best shape. The interview will begin in a few minutes. I wish you all good luck” he said with a small smile, then stepped into the room right in front of us.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I turned to see a middle-aged guy also there for the interview, “Hey, don't let what that lady said get to you. A handful of people can be saucy but don't live by what they say. She should have clearly understood that it was an accident instead of lashing out at you” he said, then gave me a smile, then gave my shoulder a light squeeze. I returned the smile and said “Thank you, I needed to hear this” He smiled and said, “You're welcome”. I smiled and turned forward.

I looked over at the clock. At 8:00 am, coincidentally, the man came out of the office and said “So the interview has begun”. the name he said sent chills down my spine, “Trisha Perkins, please go in” he said, signaling to the room he came out of.

Why do I have to be the first person among others? Surely it's meant to go in an alphabetical way. This was it, the opportunity that decided my destiny. The one who decides if things will change or remain the same.

I get my bag and stood up, and I looked behind to see the guy giving me a smile. I walked towards the entrance with mixed feelings of fear and little hope. “I can do this”, I said, with so much assurance. With that, I push open the doors, deciding my future.