Chapter Two - Good To Bad
1414 Words
CHAPTER TWO - Good To Bad
After the torturous years in university, coupled with training at an airline hostess academy, Hillary Roberts, who lives in Houston, still finds herself jobless 9 months after so many series job applications had been sent out.
Aged 25 years old, the first child of her parents. She does a side gig selling thrift bags online to support the family.
She also shoulders the medical bills for her sick mother who suffers from Type 1 diabetes.
It's yet another day to go for a job interview for the role of a Personal Assistant.
She was referred by her Godmother and mother's friend who works in a Bank.
“Good morning”
She greeted the secretary as she walked into the company's desk office, Chromatab.
A company with an interest in the production of roofing sheets. A multi-billion dollar company.
“I am here for an interview, Mrs. Anita referred to me”.
The secretary, Lauren, quickly made some calls.
“Alright follow me, I will show you the interview room.”
Hillary rose and followed as she directed her to the office of the HR Manager.
“You are welcome, sit down please,” said Mr Donald, the HR Manager.
Hillary sat down with fair enthusiasm and hope. She has been unlucky with securing any job so far.
After many rigorous questions and answering back and forth. Mr Donald walked out briefly, making her feel more uneasy.
Chiming in with a smile on his face, “You got the job, welcome to the company” he said loudly.
The feeling of hopelessness quickly faded away as the widest smile poured out on her face.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you so, so much,” she says, engraved in unexpected joy.
Before she quickly ran out due to the excitement, he said in a high-pitched voice “You are to resume on Monday for training which will last for 5 days.”
Coming out of the building, the first person she called was her sick mother.
“I got the job, Mom!”
You can hear the sharp scream from the phone, her mother full of extreme joy.
“Thank you, Jesus! I have been here praying for you. So quickly call Mrs. Anita and thank her very well and if possible, buy her a gift to show our collective appreciation.”
Mrs Anita had already put in word for her to secure the job. No wonder the process didn't take as long as the prior interviews she had gone for.
Passing by a*****e, she stopped to buy a box of chocolate.
Went over to her office to give it to her.
Mrs Anita in her selfless nature.
“Awww you didn't have to, your mother was very good to me growing up. Helping you get a job is the bare minimum I could do to repay her.”
With tears slowly dropping from Hillary’s eyes, Mrs Anita pulled her in and gave her the warmest hug.
“Everything is fine now, you will love the job,” she said.
She opened the chocolate box gently to grab one to put in her mouth. “Wow yummy this one.” She loved it.
Hillary waves her goodbye and sets towards heading home feeling outrightly positive about herself.
Her career is beginning to take shape.
The family celebrated and for once she could see her mother smile and be genuinely happy again.
She will do anything to see her like this forever.
Monday quickly came.
She rose from bed elated and full of energy.
Had a bath, and selected the best office wear from her wardrobe; a sky-blue colored dress, and black flat footwear.
Nothing too flashy.
Arrived at the office at exactly 7:30, thirty minutes earlier than the office opening time.
Not too long, Mr Donald walked in.
“You are already here, that's very good.”
She stood up and followed him to the briefing room. After an hour, you could see the eagerness in her to begin this chapter of her life.
While still inside the briefing room, you could overhear people saluting.
“Good morning Sir, good morning Sir.”
Mr Donald rushed out quickly!
She was inquisitive about finding out what was going on.
Opening the door slightly to peep, only to see McGregor.
In disbelief.
What are the odds?
Is he some big guy in this company?
she wondered.
What the hell is going on?
Immediately, her eyes met Donald's as she was trying to dodge.
“Come here Hillary,” Donald made a hand gesture.
“She's the new Personal Assistant,” Mr Donald told McGregor.
McGregor looked just as shocked and lost for words. Trying to conceal the gesture and the fact that he has met her prior.
“Oh oh oh! How are you? Welcome to the company. I hope you like it here”
McGregor with a remarkably dishonest smile on his face. Confused but did well playing it smoothly.
She was dumbfounded and lost just as well. Trying to collect herself.
“Yes sir I do,, I look forward to working here, sir, and proving my worth, sir.”
Hillary stuttered, trying to adjust herself.
“That's what we want; smart, hardworking, and productive. And don't call me Sir, Mr McGregor is fine.”
McGregor added taping her on the shoulder.
He walks away shortly, heading to the elevator.
“Who is he at this company?” asked Hillary.
“That's the company branch Manager, Mr McGregor Hunter. You will be working with him. Do not worry, he doesn't bite, as long as you work diligently, you will be fine.”
Those words made her feel unsettled. How can she work as an Assistant to a man she just met and had s*x with the same day in a Club restroom?
The thought made her feel like a cheap slut, dirty and vulnerable.
Out of curiosity, she asks,
“What happened to other assistants who have worked for him before?”
“Well they fell short and sloppy. He does not like sloppiness, just do your job efficiently and the position will be yours for a long time” Donald cleared his throat.
Not the response she was expecting. But that helped bring comfort knowing the workplace placed a high priority on quality work and all-round delivering on productivity.
They both walk back to the briefing room to continue the training session.
As each session passed, she could not get over the surprise of seeing McGregor here. He is her direct boss and also holds a powerful position in the company.
Hoping it won't lead to sabotage.
However, the urge to begin work already excites her as this is the opportunity she has been waiting for.
To work in a big company, a healthy environment where she can have a career and prove herself.
The knowledge she acquired from Airline Hostess Academy aligns perfectly with the job role.
The time was almost noon.
“Time for lunch, let's take a break now. Come, I will show you the buffet canteen so you can get familiarized.” Donald chimed in.
Donald passes her the company canteen card with instructions.
“Use this, that's your meal ticket for only lunch.”
She was astonished to find out the company had a free lunch program for strict staff.
As a foodie, there is no better news than that. Working there felt like paradise already and would help her save money.
As Donald left, she grabbed an empty white flat plate, and a steel fork and proceeded to the food serving section.
Fetched herself Pasta Bolognese, meatballs, and water.
After finishing her meal, she heads back to the briefing room.
“You are done? Hope you enjoyed the meal?” He asked while sitting across the table.
Yes, I did, it was so delicious I almost hand-licked the plate.”
Not being able to hold the laughter. Donald prevents himself from falling off the chair.
“You almost did what? You are really hilarious, Hillary” as he lit up the room in laughter.
A couple of hours more.
Donald rose, “Okay let's call it a day, see you tomorrow” as they rounded up.
As Hillary walked out of the office, she had a disastrous phone call.
Picks up!
The first words she hears from her junior sister, Ella.
“Hillary, come home quickly. Mom is not breathing.”
- Writer
