PAST OBSESSION

CHAPTER 3

It's yet another day conveying high hopes and aspirations. The day Jack has been yearning for has arrived. The rays of sunlight cast a rosy hue and light up the morning sky. The just-risen sun shone softly on the city streets, bringing with it a flurry of early morning activity. It was the most decisive day of his life. He wasn't a coffee drinker, but he lost sleep last night thinking about the job interview. “Beep! Beep!” Jack slapped the alarm clock that woke him. He rubbed his bleary eyes and yawned with a full-body stretch. Glancing at his wall clock, Jack could confirm it was 8:30 a.m.

"Holy grail! It's almost time. I don't wanna be late for the interview. He screamed and tossed off the bed as he dashed to the bathroom for a quick bath. Breakfast was served and Jack got dressed for his job interview, which had a limited budget.

He wore a clean, but slightly old-fashioned suit. It's a little wrinkled, due to lack of electricity, but he's done his best to look presentable. He's also wearing a rough white shirt and a worn-out pair of shoes. He's nervous about the interview but motivated to impress. In his left hand is a file containing his credentials.

"Now tell me, how do I look?” he asked Jane, who had just finished setting the dining for breakfast.

“Stunning as always. Go get the job and make me proud,” Jane heaped praises on Jack and kissed his forehead for a good luck charm.

"I'm a bit nervous. This is my first going for an interview. What If I don't get the job?”

"It's okay to be nervous, but trust me, you got this already. We need this job to keep fit. There's no plan B,” Jane motivated him and allayed his fears. With her connection to the HR department, Jane was certain Jack would secure the job with ease.

"Thank you once again for believing in me. I will be back with good news. Trust me!” he assured as he blew Jane a kiss and hit the road, searching for a cab heading to his job venue.

After several minutes of waiting, he finally found a cab that drove him to the company's premises. A modern and sleek gigantic edification made with lots of glass and steel. It's located in a bustling city, with many people passing by. The institution has a professional, conducive atmosphere, with its staff well-dressed in sophisticated attires.

"Sorry, is the HR at work? I've got an appointment with her. Tell her Jane sent me,” Jack asked the secretary quickly in a stammering voice. His body language was quite tense, with broad shoulders and crossed arms.

"Hold on a sec while I confirm your appointment.” She implored and reached out to the HR officer.

"The HR officer awaits your presence.” She dropped the call and directed Jack to the office. Standing at its entrance, he was scared to walk inside, as he continued to battle with self-confidence. “You can do this, Jack. Go get the job and make Jane proud,” he muttered and did a cross sign before landing a soft knock on the metallic door.

"Who's there? Come in, the door is opened,” a feminine voice spoke from inside.

"Good day, ma'am. I'm Jack Andre. Jane directed me here for a job interview,” he made the brief introduction amidst the fear and anxiety.

"Okay, that's fine. She's a good friend of mine. Can I take a look at your credentials, please?” She requested, stretching her hand to receive his files.

“Quite impressive! I must say, you're more than qualified for this position. Oops, hold on a sec while I answer this,” she paused to respond to a telephone call. With those few words of hers, Jack was already convinced he had secured the job. He already figured out what to do with his first paycheck. Unfortunately, his joy was short-lived after she took a twist and broke the devastating news to him. “I'm sorry, we can't employ you,”

“This is a joke, right?” Bewildered, Jack asked.

“I wish it was. But there's a new development now. I'm so sorry, Mr. Andre. You are more qualified, but I'm afraid your service won't be needed. You may have to leave this office now.” She reaffirmed.

“And you expect me to just walk out like that? That's never gonna happen, ma'am. I need an explanation.” Jack got infuriated and slammed her desk, planting fear in her soul.

"If you don't get the f**k out of these premises immediately, I may be forced to call the security to throw you out like a common thief. Leave while you still can,” she threatened, yet Jack remained unbothered. He wasn't ready to leave until she explained what happened.

"You praised my credentials, so what changed? Does that call have anything to do with this? Answer me now! I'm running out of patience,” Jack freaked out. He was beginning to lose it.

“I don't owe you any explanation. We decide who works for us and who doesn't. Enough of these questions already. Shut the damn door after you.” She urged him, but all her words fell on deaf ears. Her words only made him stronger and more determined. When she saw that Jack wasn't ready to vacate the premises, she reached out to the security operatives over the phone, and in the blink of an eye, two hefty men dressed in black showed up and bundled Jack away from the office like a common criminal. “To hell with your job, you f*****g. I don't need it anymore. You can keep it.” Jack yelled from afar with the little strength left in him. With shame and disgrace, he quietly walked away and returned home looking so pale and worn out. “Why did you take so long to return? You got the job, right?” Jane welcomed Jack with a hug and sniffed the unpleasant odor emanating from his body. “You stink! Tell me what happened. OMG, were you attacked by hoodlums?” Jane tossed a thousand questions at Jack, but he ignored them all.

"Just get me a glass of water. I feel so terrible right now. Ouch, my body hurts.,” Speaking slowly, Jack groaned.

"Here you go. Now tell me what happened over there. Your silence is killing me,” Jane returned a minute later and sat next to Jack. Before he could say a word, her phone screen popped for a notification. She grabbed it and saw something that nearly plugged her eye socket. With rage hovering in her eyes, she muttered. “I knew it!”