Chapter 2: The Interview
1278 Words
It's been two months since I left home and came to New York to start a new life, but it still feels like yesterday. So far, Emilia has really been a great support system and even a greater friend.
I applied for a job at Starlak Corporation a month ago but am yet to hear from them. Emilia advised me to apply to another company, but I was obsessed with Starlak.
From my research on the company, Starlak was where I loved to be.
Spending time on Emilia's balcony became a hobby: watching the busy streets of New York City, the neon lights I admire so dearly, and the drifting smell of a freshly baked bagel from the street vendor.
This night was no different. The cold breeze caressed my face as I sipped from the glass of orange juice in my hand.
“Ding.”
My phone's message notification buzzed, breaking the silence.
STARLAK CORPORATION
Dear Ama,
You have been invited for an interview at the company tomorrow morning.
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Thank you.
My heart skipped. For a moment, I kept re-reading the email to be clear it was mine.
“Emilia!” I screamed as I ran inside, nearly spilling the glass of juice in my hands.
“Emilia, I got it, I got it!” I shouted uncontrollably out of excitement.
“Ama, what are you talking about? What did you get? Did you win a lottery or something?”
Emilia replied as she stared at me with total confusion.
“Not a lottery. A freaking Interview at Starlak tomorrow!” I waved the phone at her, showing her the email.
Her eyes widened when she read the email for herself. “Ahh! Girl, I'm so happy for you. This is huge and it calls for celebration. Wait here, let me get champagne.” Emilia jumped out of bed and embraced me so tightly.
“Wait. I haven't even gotten the job yet.” I said as my happiness turned to anxiety.
“Girl, that job is yours and nobody else's. You are Ama Wellington. You're a boss, I know you will do great tomorrow. So, shake off that negative thought and let's celebrate.” Emilia danced her way into the kitchen
I looked at the message one more time, trying to shake away the feeling as I sat down on the bed.
Emilia's words meant a lot but I wasn't as bold as Emilia was. Emilia had a way of putting herself out there, because she is an influencer on i********:—A definition of beauty in black.
“Pop.”
The sound of a freshly opened champagne bottle snaps me back to reality.
“We toast to a new life, a new start and soon to be Starlak's latest employee. Cheers,” Emilia said as she walked towards me “Stop panicking.” Leaving me with a smile on her face.
I hope so.
The next morning, I woke up with my lips trembling together and my sweaty palms as I kept walking forth and back in the room.
Emilia gazed at me with sleepy eyes.“Girl, for the seventh time, you look gorgeous. This is your seventh outfit you are changing into. It's almost 8, you need to go, and I need to sleep.”
I looked at myself in the mirror in a neatly ironed blue suit, the blazer fit perfectly and the trousers gave me a sharp edge.
“Okay, okay, I will leave. Take care of yourself. Bye.” I replied as I picked up my important file and left.
***
As I stepped out of the cab, my pulse raced. The glass tower of Starlak Corporation emerged before my eyes and I was left dumbfounded. I took a deep breath and walked in.
My jaw dropped as I stepped into the lobby which was polished with marble floors and chandelier light.
“Good morning. Welcome to Starlak Corporation, how may I help you?” The receptionist asked.
“I'm here for an interview scheduled for 9am,” I replied.
“Okay, follow me.” She led me to another room where other candidates were waiting. I took my seat and waited for the next proceedings.
Just then a lady walked in, ushering us to another room where the interview was conducted one at a time.
My chest pounded when I was called upon. I feared walking, then it hit me like a hurricane—his words. “ You are good for nothing."
“Ama Wellington?”
I quickly swallowed my pills to calm down and walked in.
After my interview, I didn't know what to expect, a sense of confidence but yet fear encompassed me. “Yeah, I got this.” I said to myself.
Minutes later, the lady entered once again. “Good afternoon, everyone. I am here to announce the results from the interview.” She added, giving a warm smile.
I smiled with anticipation, waiting to hear my name.
“And that is all. Congratulations to our newly employed and–”
“What! I didn't hear my name.” I shouted, cutting her in.
“Ma'am, I know, but the board didn't find you Starlak material. I'm sorry.” She replied and left.
Everyone kept staring at me. “How? I did my best. My credentials are good and…Oh my God!”
Tears accumulated in my eyes but I sucked them all in and left the waiting room.
The world outside kept rotating, but as for Ama Wellington, it felt like hell. I didn't know where else to go or what else to do. I grabbed a coffee from the cafeteria and made my way to the exit.
“Are you blind? Can't you see? Do you need glasses?” A masculine voice screamed at me.
I had mistakenly spilt my coffee all over him lost in thought.
I looked up. He was tall, light-skinned, and sharply dressed in a black suit; his eyes shone emerald green, but at that moment, all I saw was anger as he stared at me with disgust.
“Get your flirty hands off me. Who allowed you into this company? Did you come to beg?” He scolded even more.
“Beg? Excuse me? Wow… Who the hell do you think you are? Asshole.” I hissed and walked out of the company. Everyone paused In disbelief
***
I collapsed into Emilia's hands immediately I got home, weeping in tears.
“Hey girl…stop crying. There are plenty of companies in the city that will be willing to hire you.” Emilia spoke while cuddling me but I kept crying in her arms.
Emilia forced me to have my bath and eat, my body was there but my mind was in Starlak.
After dinner, I wrote about my day in my diary. My grip on the pen tightened and everything went back to my mother's husband,since he said he isn't my father,maybe he was right.
Maybe I am good for nothing.
Ding.
It was my phone notification.
STARLAK CORPORATION
DEAR AMA,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been given the job as the SECRETARY TO THE CEO. When you come tomorrow, the necessary paperwork will be given, and you will sign it. You start work tomorrow.
Thank you
Signed
Starlak Corporation.
“Starlak?”Instead of being excited I was confused. My heart pounded harder like a bomb explosion .
Ding.
It was another message from the same unknown number.
Congratulations Ama.
You don't know me yet, but you will.
“Who is this? and how do you know my name? My hands trembled.
- Writer
