Your are my Dream

Episode3: Mixed Feelings

After draining the spaghetti, I walked down to my parents' room. I knocked three times: knock, knock, knock. No answer. Guessing my mum was in the bathroom, I opened the door and walked in anyway.

“Mum?”

“Yes, sweetie! I’m in the bathroom, I’m coming!” she called out.

“Okay, Mum.”

I sat on their bed, scrolling through my phone. A few minutes later, she walked out and immediately asked if my head was still hurting. I nodded.

“Mum,” I started, “did Dad call you today?”

“Yes, but I was busy then and forgot to get back to him. What happened?” she asked gently.

“Nothing bad, Mum. Dad said he spoke to one of his friends concerning my job hunt. Luckily, he said there’s an opportunity for me. The man is actually coming home with Dad this evening to have dinner with us. Dad said he’ll explain everything better when he arrives.”

“Wow! That’s good news, sweetie! I am so happy for you,” Mum beamed.

“Thank you, Mum,” I said, though my voice trailed off. My spirit felt heavy.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, sensing my sudden shift in mood.

“Mum, I’m just worried and excited at the same time. I don’t know what the job will be like.”

“Come on, sweetie, you don't need to worry about it, okay? Let’s hear him out first.”

“Okay, Mum. Oh, and Chloe was here today. She came to share her good news with me. One of the big companies she applied to finally called her. She’ll be leaving in the next three days.”

“Wow, congratulations to her! Don’t worry, yours is coming too,” Mum comforted me.

Just as we were talking, the doorbell rang downstairs.

“I think your dad is back,” Mum said.

I rushed down to open the door. It was indeed my dad, accompanied by his friend, Mr. Harry.

“Welcome, Dad. Welcome, Mr. Harry.”

We exchanged pleasantries and walked into the sitting room. My mum came out to join us. “Welcome, honey. Hi, Mr. Harry, how is your family?”

“They are doing much better than me!” Mr. Harry replied jokingly, making us all smile.

I offered him a glass of water, then excused myself to my room, waiting for my parents to call me when dinner was ready.

A little while later, Mum called for me. She was reheating the curry sauce in the microwave while dishing out the spaghetti.

“Can you set the plates and check on the sauce, sweetie?” she asked.

“Okay, Mum.”

Once the table was set and the steaming curry sauce was brought out, Dad invited his friend to the dining table.

As we all began to eat, my mind completely drifted from the food. I couldn't focus. All I could think about was what Mr. Harry was going to say about the job. Right in the middle of my silent anxiety, Mr. Harry cleared his throat.

“Eva,” he called.

“Yes, sir?” I answered, sitting up straighter.

“Your dad told me that you are job hunting.”

“Yes, sir, I am.”

“My childhood friend owns a very big company in the city,” he began.

Hearing the words "big company," I instantly relaxed. My heart stopped racing.

“...And he needs an assistant at home,” Mr. Harry finished.

My mind struck a wall. At home?!

“It’s a very big opportunity,” Mr. Harry continued, oblivious to my internal panic. “People are seriously applying for it. Luckily, your dad told me about your situation before I spoke with him, so I told my friend I knew someone who is a graduate and well-trained, and that she would never disappoint him.”

At that moment, a wave of weakness washed over my entire body. My mind and spirit sank. My mum and dad were looking at me, waiting for me to reply, but I couldn't utter a single word. The silence stretched until Mum tactfully stepped in.

“Thank you, Mr. Harry. We truly appreciate your kindness. We will get back to you tomorrow.” “You’re very welcome,” he replied. Then he added, “Oh, I forgot to mention—the salary is three times what they pay employees in those big corporate companies.”

I looked at him in sheer surprise, feeling weak all over again.

Mr. Harry checked his wristwatch. It was almost 7:00 PM. “It’s time for me to go. Thanks for the dinner, Mrs. Tony.”

“You’re very welcome,” my mum replied.