Amber's POV
I woke up early to prepare for the final interview today at the Perault Land Corporation. I really tried to go to bed early last night so I wouldn't stay up late today, even though I'm restless thinking about it because I'm so nervous that I won't pass completely. Mom and I finished breakfast, and I took a shower. I just wore a simple black skirt and white blouse that Sam gave me and put on a thin face powder and lip gloss. I don't need thick make-up because I have a naturally beautiful white complexion and a beautiful face. That's why, when I was in high school, a lot of guys tried to flirt with me because I was blessed with a beautiful and gentle face.
When I left the room, I saw my mother arranging the clothes she would take to the market to sell.
"Mom, I have to go; it would be embarrassing if I was late for my interview." I kissed Mom's cheek after saying that and hugged her for good luck.
"Be careful, Amber." She hugged me back. When I was young, I was really showy to my mom and dad. Even now that I'm already old, I haven't lost my showiness because mom is also a very loving mother to me since I'm the only child who was given to her and Dad.
"I hope I'll be accepted, Mom, and I promise that when I'm accepted, you won't do hard work anymore. I will save business money for your own sewing company." It has been my dream for a long time for Mom to stop working because she is already old. I want to show my love for Mom by being able to serve her. She sacrificed a lot for me.
"Go now, Amber. You might get caught on the traffic. I will also be leaving soon to the market to supplement the rent payment.” Sadness appeared on my face because of pity for my mom's condition. We are two months behind on the rent. Our lessor is also charging more. Although she's kind, it's still a shame if we abuse her kindness to us. They also have fees to spend on.
I arrived at the Perault Building and was immediately directed to the receptionist, who asked me to go up to the 5th floor for my final interview. I'm 30 minutes early, but it's better to be early than to be late and get a bad impression from the employer.
I went to the elevator that was about to close; luckily, I blocked my hand, and it opened again. As my heart pounded, I saw a tall and muscular man. There was a trace of surprise on his face, but it was replaced by a sharp look at me while I was dumbfounded by him. I didn't understand why my heart was beating so fast that I didn't realize that I was already holding my chest. I couldn't stop it; my heart was beating so fast. I looked closely at the face of the man in front of me. His beard is thick, and shaving is obviously neglected, but his jawline is beautiful and manly to look at. His nose is pointed, and his eyes are sharp and look as if they are angry at the world. But his beautiful body is remarkable; even though he is wearing a coat, I am sure that his shape is good and suits his height, which I think is around 5'11 or 6 ft. Maybe he will be more handsome if his facial hair is shaved and cut in a clean way. I think he will look younger than he looks in his forties.
"Are you done examining me, woman?!" I froze when he talked.
"Ah, I'm sorry, sir!" I bowed down and tried to calm my heart. I couldn't understand why it was still beating so fast. "How grumpy," my mind said, and I entered the elevator.
"Tsk! You are wasting my precious time!” he said, but it wasn't loud enough for my ears to hear, so I turned to him, but he didn't even look at me.
I pressed the 5th floor while the grumpy man went up to the last floor, the 8th floor. The elevator closed, and I saw the image of the rude man at the elevator door. The nervousness I felt earlier was replaced by annoyance due to his grumpy behavior. I was quiet while inside the elevator, and when I finally reached the 5th floor, I went out immediately and left the rude man inside, who I felt was still looking behind me. When I knew the elevator had closed, I turned around and let out a deep breath. I held my heart, and thankfully, it was already calm. He shouldn't be an employee at the company; I don't want to work with that kind of person just in case.
"Hmpp, that hermit is ugly!" I whispered softly.
"Which hermit?" I was so surprised that I turned to the voice. Sir Vance was there, smiling at me. Have I been spacing out? I wasn't even aware of Sir Vance's approach.
"Oh, Sir Vance, good morning." I timidly greeted him.
"Who are you waiting for in the elevator?" he curiously asked.
"Sir, nothing. I was just looking for the office of Ms. Megan Smith; they say I'm for the final interview."
"I'll show you the way, because I'm also going to her." He smiled at me, and his dimples came out again. Sir Vance is really handsome, and he seems kind. It's funny how this guy seems easy to be with. He's not like the man in the elevator earlier. It was like he was carrying the world on his shoulders. Unlike Sir Vance, whose smile is worth a million. Fortunately, Sir Vance has forgotten what I said about the hermit.
Sir Vance brought me to the office of Ms. Megan Smith, who is the administrative manager of the company. Ma'am Megan was beautiful and kind and entertained me right away, even though it wasn't even 8 a.m. yet. I think she was in her late twenties, and I also noticed that she and Sir Vance looked quite lovingly at each other. Are the two related? I asked in my mind. The two are perfect for each other, handsome and beautiful, and both kind.
It was just a normal interview, like Sir Vance just asked me questions during the initial interview. After the interview, Ms. Megan asked me to wait outside her office. Less than thirty minutes later, I was brought back into the office to be told that I would start on Monday next week. I couldn't contain my joy at that news. I thanked Ms. Megan for the opportunity she gave me and promised to be the best at my work. That same day, I signed an employment contract. I will be on probationary period for six months, and if they'd like my service, I would become a regular employee and receive benefits. My starting salary is 400 dollars, and for me, that is too much for a first-timer like me. The news about them is true: the Peraults make a lot of money since they are one of the leading real estate companies in New York. I will only do clerical jobs, so I'm sure I won't be in trouble. I have also been given a set of uniforms, and I can have Mom repair them later when I get home because the ones given to me are too loose. On my first day, I would be introduced to other staff.
I was happy to tell Mom about my new job, and she was just as excited about the good news as I was.
"I told you, Amber, don't give up and just pray. Thank God, my child, and you have fulfilled your long-cherished desire to have a job." Mom spoke happily to me and hugged me with great joy.
"Yes, Mom, we will eat out wihen I receive my first salary." I think Dad was still alive the last time Mom and I went out to eat. In extreme poverty, we tried save a lot of money, because money is hard and Mom's income is just from sewing and doing other people's laundry. "Besides, we can reduce our debts, Mom. I'm really thankful because I was really losing hope, then the blessing came unexpectedly. The Lord and Dad did not abandon us, Mom."
"Yes, Amber, my child, so don't forget to thank the Lord. He has mercy on people like us."
That night, I texted Sam and told her I already had a job. She immediately called me.
"My best friend! Congratulations!” she exclaimed when I accepted her call.
“Ouch! Your voice hurt my ear, Sam," I said, laughing on the other line.
"I'm just happy for you, Amber. I told you not to lose hope."
"Yes, I will finally earn money to help Mom, and I will finally be able to load my phone." It's hard because it's prepaid, and I usually don't have a load because that's not my priority.
"Ah, best friend, I have something to tell you."
"What's that?" I asked because she seemed to have a different tone this time.
"It's about Ken," Sam said, stopping me suddenly from talking. "He messaged me, and he was looking for you; I didn't tell him that I know where you are. He even asked me if you have a social media account. I said it's gone since you got sick and deleted it. Then he had more questions, but I decided to block him."
"Why would he still look for me if he suddenly left me when I needed him, Sam? I have buried Ken in oblivion, Sam,” I said sadly to her. Who wouldn't be hurt if the man you first loved just left you for no reason. Didn't even have the guts to do a formal break-up with me and a ghoster? Fortunately, Sam was right. I deleted my f*******: account. Because when I got sick, Mom pawned my cellphone and it was foreclosed, I know there is no chance to buy a new cellphone at that time, so it's okay that I no longer have social media accounts. The cell phone I'm using today was just given to me by my aunt, which my cousin used.
Sam and I finished the conversation, but I was still wondering why Ken would suddenly look for me until I finally fell asleep.
….
“AMBER! AMBER!” Mom woke me up.
I suddenly got up while panting, and beads of sweat pooled on my forehead, which Mom wiped with a towel. My heart was beating so fast that I grabbed my chest.
"You're dreaming, Amber. Are you okay? Does something hurt?” Mom asked worriedly.
"It's just a bad dream, Mom," I just said, so that she doesn't have to worry.
I looked at the clock; it was only half past four in the morning. I decided not to continue sleeping because I would be awake at noon. Today is Monday and my first day at work. After a while, I got ready for the entrance. I left home at seven o'clock because the flight was only thirty minutes, so I arrived at the Perault Building at 7:30. The guard let me in even though I didn't have an ID yet because he remembered that I had applied and saw that I was already in uniform. The guard was really looking weirdly at him because of the uniform. The uniform is still quite loose, but my body's shape is obvious, and the navy blue color suits my smooth complexion. The uniform is a blouse and skirt, and fortunately, my legs are smooth, so people couldn’t help but look at me while I was walking.
I have reached the elevator. Unexpectedly, the hermit I went with inside a week ago was the cause of my bad dream earlier. I don't know why I had that dream; I was crying, and he was very angry with me. Luckily, Mom woke me up right away, because I didn't want to see that man's grumpy face again, even in my dream. I really hope that Hermit is not an employee here at the company.
I entered the elevator and pressed the 5th floor. I will wait for Ma'am Megan because it is not yet eight a.m. and office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The elevator was closed, but suddenly it opened, and I heard some footsteps telling me that someone was running to enter it with me.
My eyes widened, and my heart beat faster when I saw the grumpy man staring at me.