TANGLED IN YOU

A Step Closer

waking up to the soft light of morning filtering through the blinds, the room still quiet except for the sound of Nina’s quiet breathing. She stretched and rolled over to check her phone, heart skipping a beat as she saw the notifications.

Vanessa had received callbacks from a couple of the companies she had applied to.

The first one came through late last night a tech firm in the city. Then, another one came in this morning a marketing company she had almost forgotten about. Both had expressed interest in her resume and wanted her to come in for an interview.

Her heart raced as she scrolled through the emails again, making sure she hadn’t imagined it. She hadn’t. After weeks of silence, things were finally happening. She had three interviews scheduled for the next few days.

The excitement made her feel both energized and nervous. It was a huge step forward, but she wasn’t sure if she was fully ready. She had prepared for this moment, but now that it was here, she found herself second guessing. She shook it off, reminding herself that she was more than capable. This was her chance to show them what she had.

The next morning, the first interview was for the tech firm, an up and coming company that specialized in software development. Vanessa stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, assessing her reflection.

She’d chosen a navy blue blazer, tailored and professional, with a white blouse underneath that had a delicate lace trim along the neckline. The blouse was sophisticated without being too flashy, the perfect balance between classic and modern. She paired it with black trousers that were just the right fit, sleek but comfortable enough to give her confidence. She knew it was the perfect corporate look.

Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, showing off the soft curve of her jaw and the smooth, glowing skin she had always been proud of. Vanessa had always taken care of her skin her complexion was a rich caramel tone, radiant without the need for heavy makeup. A light touch of foundation and mascara accentuated her features, and she felt polished, ready for the day.

“Do I look okay?” she asked, turning to face Nina, who had just walked into the room, already dressed in a chic but casual outfit.

“You look amazing, as always,” Nina replied, her voice warm and sincere. “You’ve got this.”

Vanessa smiled, feeling a boost of confidence from her friend’s words. Nina had always been supportive, and even though Nina came from money something Vanessa had always admired but never felt intimidated by she never once made her feel less than. They were a team. They always had been.

“I’ll drop you off,” Nina offered, grabbing her keys from the counter. It was a gesture Vanessa had grown accustomed to. Nina was the only one of them who had a car. She didn’t flaunt it, but whenever she could, she’d offer to drive Vanessa to interviews, especially when they were further out.

Vanessa appreciated it, even if it made her feel a little guilty at times. But Nina never once made her feel bad about it. She was just generous always willing to help.

“You don’t have to. I’ll be fine on the bus,” Vanessa said, not wanting to feel like she was taking advantage.

“Nonsense,” Nina insisted, pulling on her jacket. “You’ll have to rush if you take the bus, and it’s raining today. Let me help.”

Vanessa couldn’t argue with that logic, so she grabbed her bag and followed Nina out the door.

The drive to the tech firm was smooth, and the time in the car allowed Vanessa to calm her nerves. When they arrived, Vanessa stepped out, feeling a mixture of anticipation and calm confidence.

“Good luck,” Nina called out from the driver’s seat, giving her a thumbs-up as Vanessa waved and headed into the building.

Later that week, Vanessa had another interview at a marketing company on the other side of the city. This time, she didn’t have the luxury of a car ride. She had to rely on the bus and subway to get there. It wasn’t ideal, but it was part of the process. Besides, she’d been doing it for years.

She wore a different outfit for this interview, but it was just as professional. She chose a charcoal gray pencil skirt that hit just below her knees, paired with a simple white blouse and a black blazer. The outfit was sharp, polished, and confident. She paired it with black pointed-toe flats for comfort, knowing she’d have to do a lot of walking today.

Her hair was down, styled in soft waves that framed her face. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to highlight her features and give her that professional edge. She looked good no, she looked great. The reflection in the subway window as she sat, heading towards her destination, confirmed it.

Despite the long journey, Vanessa felt good. She felt like herself the version of herself she had always known she could be: confident, poised, and capable. Her skin looked like it was glowing with the light from the subway car, and as she glanced at the people around her, she couldn’t help but feel proud.

By the time she reached the marketing firm, her nerves had settled. She walked through the doors, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

When the day was over, Vanessa returned home exhausted but hopeful. Angel was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine, while Nina was in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

“How did it go?” Angel asked, glancing up from her magazine.

Vanessa collapsed onto the couch beside her. “It went well. I’m feeling good about it.”

Nina came into the room, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “See? I told you you’d nail it.”

Vanessa smiled. “I hope so. I really do. I’ve got a good feeling about this one.”

Her roommates grinned at her, their support unwavering. They didn’t just share an apartment they shared this journey with her, and no matter what happened, she knew they would always have her back.