Celestina's Revenge

3

The following days after the interview were filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Celestina knew that she couldn’t afford to waste time. She spent hours every day scouring job listings online and sending applications to any company that looked like a potential match. But no responses came.

It was on the fourth day that something unexpected happened.

Celestina was at the apartment, browsing through her emails, when her phone buzzed. It was an unfamiliar number. Hesitant but hopeful, she answered it.

“Hello, is this Ms. Celestina Solangon?” a man’s voice asked.

“Yes, this is she. May I ask who’s calling?” she replied, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest.

“This is Victor Reyes, from Reyes Consulting. We received your resume, and we’d like to schedule an interview. Are you available tomorrow morning?”

Celestina felt a rush of excitement, mixed with nerves. This could be it—the opportunity she had been waiting for.

“Yes, of course. I’m available. What time?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“9:00 AM. Please come to our office on the 15th floor of the Summit Building. We’ll be expecting you.”

“I’ll be there. Thank you so much,” Celestina said, her hands shaking as she ended the call.

She sat there for a moment, trying to process the news. A real interview, an actual chance to make it in the city. She had to prepare. She had to be ready.

Valerie, who had been in the kitchen, walked out when she saw Celestina staring at her phone, wide-eyed.

“Did something happen?” she asked, her tone full of curiosity.

Celestina grinned, unable to contain her excitement. “I got an interview. Tomorrow! It’s with Reyes Consulting!”

Valerie’s face lit up with a smile. “That’s amazing! I knew it was just a matter of time before someone would see your potential. You’ve got this!”

The next morning, Celestina woke up earlier than usual. She spent extra time getting ready, choosing a slightly nicer outfit this time—a simple blouse in a soft blue shade paired with a pencil skirt. She didn’t have much in her wardrobe, but she made sure to look professional. She even straightened her hair, though it was only a slight improvement over her usual messy ponytail.

As she stepped out of the apartment, the city felt different. The noise, the crowd—it was still overwhelming, but today, Celestina felt more determined. This was her chance to prove herself.

She took the bus to the Summit Building, and as she walked through the doors of the lobby, she found herself holding her breath. It wasn’t as grand as the skyscrapers she had seen in the movies, but it was still impressive. The lobby was clean, modern, and busy, with people moving in all directions. She approached the receptionist, who smiled at her.

“May I help you?” the receptionist asked.

“I’m here for an interview with Mr. Victor Reyes,” Celestina said, her voice steady despite the anxiety swirling in her stomach.

The receptionist checked her list, then smiled and pointed to the elevators. “15th floor. Good luck.”

Celestina stepped into the elevator, watching the floor numbers light up as it ascended. When the doors opened, she stepped out into a sleek hallway. A tall man in a suit was standing at the end of the hall, looking at her with a kind smile.

“Ms. Solangon, I assume?” he asked, extending a hand.

“Yes, Mr. Reyes,” Celestina said, shaking his hand. His grip was firm but friendly.

“Please, come in,” he said, leading her into a spacious office.

The room was modern, with glass walls and a view of the city below. There was a desk at the far end, and Mr. Reyes motioned for her to sit across from him.

“I’ve read your resume, Ms. Brenner,” he said, his voice calm but authoritative. “You’ve done well academically, but I want to know more about you—what motivates you? What makes you want to work here?”

Celestina felt a lump form in her throat. This was it—the moment that would decide whether she had a future here in Mandaluyong, or if she would have to return home defeated. She took a deep breath before answering.

“I want to prove that I can do more than just survive. I want to succeed. I come from a small village where life is simple, but I know there’s more out there. I moved here because I wanted to find better opportunities, to make something of myself. I want to be a part of something bigger than me.”

Victor Reyes studied her for a moment before nodding. “That’s a strong answer, Ms. Brenner. I can respect that. But this city is not easy. You’ll be up against a lot of competition, and not everyone has the strength to make it here.”

Celestina nodded, her eyes steady on him. “I understand that. But I’m willing to work hard, to learn, and to give my best. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready for it.”

Victor smiled slightly. “I believe you.”

He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. “We’re looking for someone with drive, someone who doesn’t shy away from challenges. Do you think you can handle that?”

Celestina didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I can.”

Victor studied her for a moment longer before standing up. “Well, Ms. Brenner, we’ll be in touch. Thank you for your time.”

Celestina stood as well, her heart racing. She had given it her all, and now all she could do was wait.

As she stepped out of the office, she felt a small weight lift from her shoulders. She had done her best. Whether or not she got the job, she had proven something to herself. She was capable of handling this city.

That afternoon, Celestina returned to the apartment, her mind still buzzing with what had happened. She sat down on the couch and sent a quick message to Valerie.

“I had the interview. It went well, I think. I’m feeling hopeful.”

Valerie replied almost immediately.

“I knew you’d do great! Now just wait for their call. You’re one step closer, Celestina.”

Celestina smiled. For the first time since arriving in Mandaluyong, she felt like she had a chance.

The city no longer felt so big, and maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t so scary after all.