5
1207 Words
Standing at the front of our house, I took a deep breath, trying to mask my excitement. I knew Mum and Leo were waiting in the living room for the news. They always do that whenever I come from an interview, but I always come back with bad news.
But today, I actually did it. I took one last breath and opened the door. Like I guessed, mum was sitting at her usual spot with a half-knit sweater on the table. Leo sat on the sofa watching his favorite football channel. Immediately the door opened, they both turned to face me, with curious eyes. I would play them.
I put on a sad face and slumped my shoulders. Mum put on a reassuring smile and stood up to hug me.” Oh dear, it's going to be alright,” she said, opening her arms for a hug. Leo nodded slightly, with a small smile.
My face slowly formed into a wide smile. “I got the job,” I screamed, grabbing my mum, jumping at the same time. “Seriously... oh my daughter, you did it.” Mum hugged me tightly, tapping my back; A little tear dropped her face.
Leo jumped from where he sat. “Sis, you did it. I knew you would pass. Finally, yesss." He said and ran to join the hug. “I'm super proud of you, Chloe. I have always believed you would succeed,” Mum said as we settled down.
“Sis, now you can finally buy me a new phone,” Leo said with excitement.
“Leonardo, your sister hasn't even started yet. You're already planning to spend recklessly,” Mum said sternly.
I smiled. “Mum, don't worry, the pay is perfect. I believe I can afford to change his phone, besides he'll need it for school.” I stuffed food in my mouth. I wasn't able to eat in the morning because I felt anxious.
“ I guess you're right. When do you resume work?” mum asked.
“Tomorrow”
“You'll do great, Chloe,” Mum reassured.
Brrring Brrring Brrring
The sound of my alarm clock always made my head want to explode. I groaned and reached for it to shut it off. I rolled over my bed, positioning my body in a good sleeping position, and then it hit me.
Work.
I jumped out of my bed like I was being chased, grabbed my toothbrush and my towel and ran to the bathroom.
I normally don't take time in the bathroom as most girls do, so it wasn't hard for me to rush. In a few minutes I was done.
I had already sorted out the clothes I would wear last night. I hurriedly dressed up. I glanced at the time.
Thank God.
I still had time. I sighed in relief.
Now the hair. Hair was always my struggle.
“When I start earning enough, I'll visit the salon every week,” I said as I picked up the dryer and blew my hair.
After that, I curled the tips of my hair. It wasn't difficult since I already had natural curly hair. I was done with the hair, so I picked up a light shade of pink lipstick and applied it.
“Perfect,” I said, satisfied with my looks. I grabbed my bag, well not exactly my bag. Maddie had lent it to me, so I would look more classy.
I took one more glance at my reflection and ran out of the room.
“Chloe, I packed your lunch,” my mum called out from the kitchen.
“Mum, you don't have to, the office serves really nice food.”
“But still take these okay. Who knows, their food might not be to your liking.”
“Okay Mum.”
I knew better than to keep arguing with her.
I thought getting the job was the hard part. But again I was wrong.
Working here was worse.
From the moment I stepped into the building that morning, everything felt too much. Like everyone was staring at me, waiting for me to make a mistake.
“New staff?” A lady around my age asked as I walked past.
I nodded. “Yes.”
They gave me a look, like they were already deciding if I would last here.
HR didn’t take long. Everything went fast. Documents were signed. The rules were explained to me over and over again.
“He doesn’t tolerate mistakes,” the lady said for the third time.
I forced a small smile. “I’ve heard.” Give me a break.
“You’ll be working directly under Mr Hale.”
“I know.”
She paused, then looked at me properly.
“Then be careful.”
That didn’t sound like advice. It was more like she was warning me.
By the time I got to his floor, my hands were already cold. I stood in front of his office door, staring at it.
Just knock. One mind said.
I raised my hand.
Then paused.
What if I mess up?
That thought came flooding in.
I exhaled slowly. Then you deal with it.
I knocked.
“Come in.”
That voice again. That dangerously calm voice. My throat already felt dry. I swallowed hard,then walked in.
He didn’t look up when I entered.
He was already working.
Files are spread across the table, laptop open.
"Sit," he said without looking up.
I sat.
My heart was beating faster than it should. His cold voice made me shake with fear. But I forced courage out.
“You’re late.”
My head snapped up. “I’m not…”
“You should be here before me.” He cut in.
Okay, he is right.
“I’ll keep that in mind sir,” I said quietly.
He finally looked up.
My heart raced. That sharp gaze terrified me.
It was like he was cutting through me, looking for flaws. I steadied myself.
“Your job is simple,” he said. “You organize my schedule. You don’t miss anything. You don’t forget anything.”
“Yes, Mr Hale.”
A small pause.
“Good”
The next few hours felt like a test.
Every task he gave me came fast. Emails, calls, and scheduling meetings I don’t fully understand yet.
He didn’t explain twice, nor did he slow down. In fact, it was like his pace increased.
At some point, I almost mixed up two meetings.
My hand froze over the file.
No. Focus Chloe.
I corrected it quickly before he could notice.
“Miss Bennet.” I looked up immediately. “Yes Sir?”
He slid a file toward me.
“Review this.”
I took it.
It was filled with numbers. Contracts. Terms I barely understood.
“Am I to finish this now?” I asked carefully.
He raised an eyebrow. “I expect you to try.”
That answer annoyed me.
“I’m not familiar with everything here yet, sir.”
“Then learn. You said you would earn your place here, right?"
I swallowed hard.
“Yes Sir. And I will."
His eyes stayed on me.
“Good.”
And with that, he didn't say another word again.
- Writer
