Chapter 1 The Job Interview

IVORY

As I was slowly drifting into the peaceful realm of sleep, a sudden and irritating noise pierced through the silence. "Grrrrrrrrrhhh," it groaned incessantly, assaulting my ears. Annoyed and drowsy, I reached out my hand towards the table next to my bed in an attempt to silence the obnoxious alarm. I couldn't help but wonder, why did it have to disrupt my newfound bliss at this very moment?

"Arise and shine Ivory, you're not going to sleep the whole day, will you huh?". I groaned inwardly, hearing the voice of my best friend Ava.

"Why can't I just have a peaceful sleep, even just for once?". In a sleepy tone, I expressed my frustration, questioning why I couldn't experience a single night of undisturbed sleep. However, my tranquility was abruptly interrupted as she pulled open the curtains, causing me to instinctively close my eyes tightly due to the blinding rays of the morning sun flooding into the room.

"Uhhm...you might want to rethink that if you know what the time is right now, remember you have an interview today." As soon as I heard those words, I quickly jolted upright from my comfortable bed and rushed to grab my alarm clock, anxiously scanning for the time. To my utter shock, it was 8:20, and my interview was scheduled for 8:30. Panic surged through me as I frantically wondered how on earth I would manage to reach the interview venue in a mere ten minutes.

"Why didn't you wake me up earlier Ava?", I asked her with an accusatory tone. Filled with urgency, I hastily rushed towards the bathroom without any delay.

"Don't blame me for your laziness darling, this is literally the third time I am coming in here to wake you up." In a slightly exasperated tone, she responded from the other side of the room, refusing to take blame for what she perceived as my laziness. I could hear the sound of the door opening and closing behind her, indicating that she had left the room, leaving me to ponder her words.

In order to ensure that I didn't miss my important interview, I was in a rush as I swiftly brushed my teeth and took a refreshing bath. The thought of depending on Ava, as I have done before and becoming a burden to her once again, is not something I desire or intend to repeat.

Two years ago, my life was forever changed when I tragically lost my parents in a devastating car accident. They had been traveling to visit me in college when the unimaginable happened. Completely unaware of the impending news, I was engrossed in a book inside my dorm room when my phone abruptly shattered the silence. With trembling hands, I answered the call, only to be met with the urgent plea to rush to Central City Hospital as my parents had been involved in a horrific accident. My heart sank as I raced towards the hospital, each passing moment carrying the weight of uncertainty. Arriving at the scene of torment, I was confronted with an image that will forever haunt me: my beloved mother lifeless, her spirit extinguished, and my father hanging onto the fragile thread of survival, his essence teetering on the precipice of existence. Upon consulting with the doctor, I discovered that my father's only chance of survival hinged on an immediate surgery. However, there was an unexpected condition - I had to provide a deposit before the operation could commence. Driven by desperation and fueled by the fact that I had access to both my parents' accounts, I swiftly transferred the necessary funds. The pain of losing my mother was still raw, and the thought of losing my father as well was unbearable. Unfortunately, fate had cruel intentions in store for me. Merely two days after the surgery, I received the devastating news that my father had also passed away. After being left alone in this unforgiving world, I found it unbearable to cope with the loss, especially considering I had no siblings or other relatives. It was only through the unwavering support of my dear friend Ava and her loving parents that I managed to find solace.

Our friendship began back in eighth grade in high school and has grown stronger ever since. .After the tragic passing of my parents, I experienced an overwhelming wave of depression that pushed me to the brink of suicide. However, throughout this dark period, Ava remained a constant pillar of support, offering her unwavering assistance in every possible way. Seeking solace, I decided to move in with her after completing my graduation. In order to sustain myself financially, I worked diligently as a waitress in a prestigious five-star restaurant, earning a decent income. Unfortunately, my employment came to an abrupt end when my boss shamelessly made advances towards me, and I bravely rejected his inappropriate actions without hesitation. Just recently, I stumbled upon a promising job opportunity at another esteemed five-star restaurant. I successfully submitted my application and the manager instructed me to return today for my interview. However, despite my efforts, I am currently running behind schedule and may be late for the scheduled interview.

As soon as I finished getting dressed in a plain black pair of trousers and a white T-shirt, I hastily left my room. My hair, which is naturally blonde, was quickly thrown up into a messy bun without any considerations for perfectly styling it. Not even the thought of putting on make-up crossed my mind at that moment.

"Why don't you wait so you could have breakfast," Ava said as I entered the kitchen.

"So I can screw up my interview, I'm twenty minutes late already and I have to leave now." I grabbed a pancake from a plate she kept on the counter.

"Alright darling, best of luck to you...go get that job baby," she said winking at me playfully.

"You know I'm not ready for your cockiness right now", I looked at her in amusement and headed towards the door. "See you later, Ava," I said and left the house.

As I stood in front of the elegant, five-star restaurant, whose name I embarrassingly couldn't recall, panic rushed through me as I glanced at my watch and discovered that I was already forty-five minutes behind schedule. Determined to rectify my tardiness, I hurriedly entered the restaurant and made my way towards the manager's office, only to be intercepted by a graceful, slender lady. She exuded confidence with her perfectly fitted blue gown that accentuated her figure, stiletto heels amplifying her poise, and a self-assured expression on her face.

"Good morning, ma'am", I greeted her.

"Good morning, how may I help you?", she asked eyeing me from head to toe.

"My name is Ivory Addams, I'm here for the interview." Recognition immediately flashed through her face. She was the one who directed me to the manager's office when I came here looking for a job.

"Oh right, you must be the lady who came here a week ago, am I right?", she said looking at me from head to toe again.

"Yes, yes I am", I answered.

"I'm the secretary here, your interview today was supposed to be by 8:30 but you're arriving by 9:10, why are you late?", she asked giving me a pointed look.

"I was actually stuck in traffic, I'm sorry about that", I said wincing slightly as the lie slipped off my mouth.

"You're lucky the manager isn't here yet but he'll get here soon." Just as she said that, the manager walked in and made his way towards us.

As soon as he arrived at our location, the secretary courteously greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, sir." Pointing towards me, she informed him that I was the woman who had visited a week ago regarding the available job position. The man glanced my way, displaying a friendly smile. Confirming his recollection, he suggested we move towards his office, leading the way while I followed closely behind.