AMELIA'S CHOICE

Amelia's Point of View

"Kelly, you need to be fast unless you want to be late for school" I told my five years old daughter

"Mommy, I can do it myself. Get dressed for work so that you won't be late too" she said in her small voice

"Really? Okay, I will get dressed for work. Food is on the table already, so you can eat once you're done. We will go to school together as soon as I come out of my room" I said and went to my room to take my bath

I did everything in a hurry and returned to the sitting room. Fortunately, Kelly was done so I took her to school and left for work afterwards.

My name is Amelia Williams and I'm divorced. I got married to my ex-husband, Sean Roger six years ago and thought I was going to live happily with him forever.

Things were going quite well between us until he started seeing a model. He wasn't faithful in our marriage from the start because he was a playboy and I always let it slide.

After he started seeing a top model, he felt I wasn't good enough for him so he divorced me. I was already pregnant with Kelly then but he didn't know because the pregnancy was just three months.

On the day I was planning to tell him about the baby, he gave me the divorce papers. If I still told him about the pregnancy, maybe he wouldn't have let me go, but I don't want my child to stay with someone like him.

It hasn't been easy taking care of myself and my daughter for the past five years. When I left Sean's house, he didn't give me a penny and just asked me to leave like that.

I had to work my ass off even though I was pregnant and it has been from one part-time job to another in the last five years.

I thought of working in an office too but I feel I won't have enough time for my daughter. She's five years old now so maybe I will consider it again.

I arrived at my place of work and went in. It was a coffee shop and I'm only going to work for the first three hours because I have another part-time job then.

"Good morning sir" I greeted my boss with a smile

"You are late once again and I really don't like it. If you don't want to get fired, then start coming early. There are so many people that want to take your job" he said in a harsh tone

"I'm sorry sir, I will try to come earlier" I smiled again

I've gotten used to his attitude after working here for over six months now and it's like a normal thing to me.

He knows I have a child but he's never lenient with me. I guess that's how to run a business properly so that it won't collapse.

Customers started coming and I attended to them with smiles on my face as usual for the next three hours.

I got my pay after I was done and headed to my next part-time job. It was a five star restaurant and it wasn't easy to get a job there but the customers seem to like me and that's why I haven't been fired yet.

I greeted my colleagues and started taking orders immediately. My stomach was rumbling but there were too many customers to attend to so I couldn't think of eating.

There was a short break in the afternoon but instead of eating, I went to pick up my daughter from school. The boss here is still quite nice to me since she lets Kelly stay here until it's time for us to go home.

It was after I brought Kelly to the restaurant that I rushed to eat a little before resuming my work. After work, I got my pay and also took part of the leftover food to eat with Kelly when we get home.

After showering, Kelly and I were in bed when she suddenly stood up and started massaging me.

"Awwn you're so sweet" I smiled

"Mommy, I think your job is too stressful. It would be better for you to work in a company" Kelly said

"Company work is not as easy as you think and the pay from this job is more than the company work too unless they pay hourly. Anyway, I will think about it" I said

I made sure to go early to work the next day but surprisingly, my boss told me that I was no longer needed.

"What are you talking about?" I asked

"Someone else came for the job yesterday and since she's very beautiful and punctual, I believe she will help my business grow well" the manager said

"But still, how can you just fire me like that without giving me any heads up?" I asked

"I can fire you without giving you heads up because it's my company. You are disturbing my customers so please leave" he concluded and walked away

I sighed dejectedly and left the café, heading to my second part-time job.

"Good morning ma! I know I arrived earlier today and I won't ask you to include it in my pay" I said to my boss with a smile on my face

"Meet me in my office" she said and left

I should meet her in her office? Why would she suddenly say that? I dropped my bag and went to her office like she said.

"You can work today but you don't need to come from tomorrow. I'm really sorry about this but there's nothing I can do. You know I'm only a manager here. The CEO called and asked me to fire some workers even though I don't know what happened and your name was included in the list" she explained

"Why will he suddenly ask you to fire us when we didn't do anything wrong?" I asked

"I also am not sure about that but you can work today and still get paid. Besides, he asked me to give you guys severance pay to make up for what he did" she concluded

"Thank you so much ma'am, I really appreciate" I said and walked out of her office

Why does the path of my life seem really rough and thorny? I can't believe I lost my two jobs in just one day. I must be the most unlucky person on earth.

I managed to work till the end of the day and returned home with Kelly.

"Kelly, mommy has decided to look for a job in a company" I said to Kelly after we wore our pajamas that night.

"Really? I'm so proud of you mommy and I'm going to show off to all my friends in school" Kelly squealed

"I've not even gotten the job yet so don't start showing off. I hope you know that I won't have enough time for you anymore once I get the job. Are you okay with that?" I asked her

"Of course mommy. I'm no longer a kid since I clocked five this year. I can definitely take care of myself and I even know how to make simple meals" she bragged

"Awwn! I'm so proud of my cutie pie and I'm really glad to have given birth to you even though your dad is a...." I couldn't say what I wanted to say because she's still a child

"I've been meaning to ask mom, where is my dad? He's supposed to pay my school fees and drive me to school every day like other kids but I've not even seen him before" she asked

"You are a very smart kid so I think it's time you know the truth. Your dad left us for another woman and he didn't even know I was pregnant then so it's safe to say he doesn't know about you" I explained briefly

"My dad is a bad man then. But it doesn't matter mommy, since I have you" she said with her beautiful gummy smile

"Alright sweetie. Time to go to bed" I smiled back at her and put her to sleep

*Next morning*

After taking Kelly to school, I returned home and started applying for jobs online.

I graduated from school as one of the top students but I never got to use my certificate, thanks to my ex-husband who made me a housewife because of his wealth.

I applied for a job on all the sites I came across and I was about going offline when I saw an ad. I clicked on it and saw that it was an advertisement about a vacancy in Wayne Group.

Wayne Group is probably the biggest company in the United States and I was surprised to see a vacancy. I checked the number of applicants and saw that they were over 100 already.

I wanted to ignore it but I just decided to apply. I can just include it in my number of applications so that I can be hopeful that I'll get at least one of the jobs.

I was at home all day until it was time to pick up Kelly from school. We went home immediately and I started preparing dinner.

Two days went by and I always made sure to check my emails every day but there was nothing.

"You still haven't gotten a job mom?" Kelly asked jolting me out of my thoughts

I've actually been staring at my laptop ever since I brought her from school and I guess she noticed it.

"Yes baby. Company jobs are not easy to get so I will exercise a little more patience" I smiled at her

"I believe in you mummy. There must be someone out there that will be able to see just how awesome and hardworking you are" she said

I can't believe my five years old daughter is the one cheering me up. Sean might be the biggest jerk in the world but he gave me the sweetest thing that has kept me going until now.

The next day was weekend so we just went out and had fun with the little money we had. Kelly is too understanding and although I like it, I'm scared that it might affect her later on. I feel she's maturing too quickly because she grew up without a dad.

I decided to just check my email on Sunday night before going to bed when I saw a new email. I clicked on it anxiously and slowly read through it.

Wayne Group was inviting me for their interview which was to take place tomorrow. Oh my goodness! I can't believe this!

I was expecting an email from every other company I applied to except Wayne Group. This is really shocking!

I made sure to wake up very early the next morning and prepared breakfast for Kelly. I can't afford to go late for my interview because first impression lasts longer.

I applied a little bit of makeup and took Kelly to school first.

"Good luck on your interview mummy! You will definitely get hired" Kelly said just as I was about leaving

"Thank you honey bunny" I smiled and left

I don't know how Kelly knew exactly what I needed. I was feeling very anxious and nervous before but after she said that, I suddenly feel confident.

I'm not bragging but I'm really really beautiful and if I decide to work as a model, I doubt if there will be anyone more beautiful than me.

I have the looks, I'm really smart and my certificate is good too so I see no reason why I shouldn't get the job. I just need to show confidence.

I was really surprised when I got to the hall and saw about 150 applicants.

What the hell! How are they going to interview so many people in just one day? And how will I be chosen among so many people?

"Miss Amelia?" I heard my name behind me

"Yes?" I answered the lady with a smile

She gave me my name tag and I saw that my tag number was 101. There really is no hope for me.

"The interview will be starting now so please take your seat and listen carefully to the numbers. We will try to make things snappy because you are many" the lady that called me earlier announced

We all sat down and the interview was about starting when we heard a voice.

"Wait!" the manly voice said

The voice was clear, powerful, sexy.... I don't even know how to explain it. The ladies gasped as soon as they saw who the voice belonged to and some were even drooling. Is he that handsome?

I turned my head to the door and my jaw dropped as soon as I saw him. What the hell!

To be continued.......

© Tricia

Raymond's Point of View

I can't believe the secretaries of nowadays. I mean, can't they just do their jobs right and adhere to the rules? The last secretary I hired was actually diligent and lasted more than others but she choose to come late on the day I was angry.

*Flashback to six days ago*

I walked gracefully inside the company and was greeted by the employees until I got to my office.

"Where is my secretary?" I asked the manager who was standing next to me

"She isn't here yet but I believe she will be here soon" he stuttered

"She's not here by this time of the day?" I scoffed

"You came earlier than usual today and I'm sure she wasn't expecting it" the manager said

"Am I supposed to inform her before coming to work so that she can also be on her way?" I asked as my eyes turned darker

"No sir!" he said with his head bowed

I walked into my office and began to go through the files on my desk that I was unable to finish the previous day.

"Who cleaned this office today?!" I screamed when I noticed a speck of dust on the table

"I... it's me sir" a woman came running in

"Weren't you told that I hate even the slightest speck of dust wherever I am?" I asked

"I...I'm so sorry sir. I wasn't feeling too well this morning so I missed it. I will clean the office all over again and I promise to be done within a few minutes" she said

"Well, it's too late. You are fired and I don't want to see you anywhere near this building again" I said sternly

"Please sir, I really don't have anywhere else to go. I promise to work harder and not repeat this mistake" she pleaded and went on her knees

"Do you know what I hate the most? It's someone going down on their knees to apologize to me." I said and picked up the landline phone

The security came in no time and dragged her out of my office. I don't know why people can't stick to simple instructions.

Few minutes later, my secretary came in. She was looking stunning as usual and her especially long legs were attractive.

"Good morning sir. I apologize for coming late. There was a traffic jam on the way so it took a while. I'm really sorry" she apologized

"Hmm" I said and kept quiet for a few minutes before standing up

"You know I like you Sophia but it was stated in the rules that I mustn't get to work before you no matter what. No excuse is allowed and I can't make an exception for you. You can submit your resignation letter so it won't seem like I fired you" I concluded and went back to sit

"I'm really sorry, I promise it won't happen again. Please don't fire me" she pleaded

"Unfortunately, I can't listen today because someone already made me angry before you. You are beautiful and smart so I'm sure you will find a decent job soon" I said nonchalantly

"I really don't know why you are like this. You keep firing anyone that makes a mistake like you don't also make mistakes yourself.

I have to resume work before 7am everyday so that you won't arrive before me. I also need to apply makeup, wear heels and look beautiful because it's stated in the terms and conditions but what else do you want me to do?

The time was just 7:06 when I got here and it's the first time I will be getting to work by this time. You couldn't even just take pity on me because of how diligent I've worked for the past few months and you decided to fire me. I'm going to leave but I want to see who will take up this crazy job again" she concluded and left

What? Did she just say all that to me? She was only pretending to be gentle all these time because I was her boss? Wow! Have I really been harsh like she said? What am I even thinking?

Since she dared to challenge me that no one will take this job, I'm going to prove her wrong. I took the phone and called my manager.

"I need you to get me a secretary within a week and I don't want someone that is less beautiful compared to Sophia. Make sure you tell her every single condition applied to the job and also increase the salary by ten percent" I said to him

"Alright sir"

I just want to see who will refuse working in the biggest company in America with such great pay.

*End of flashback*

Today is the day the applicants for the post of secretary are to be interviewed and I was going to leave the interview to one of the managers but I changed my mind at the last minute. Since I will be the one needing the secretary, it will be better for me to interview them myself and pick one that suits my taste.

I went to the hall where the interview was taking place without informing anyone of them. I told them to wait first when I got there and slowly walked towards the interviewees.

The ladies couldn't take their eyes off me as usual and some of them even started to drool. Being handsome and rich at the same time is the best.

I was almost walking past them when my eyes suddenly caught a lady. She was really beautiful and believe me when I say she's even more beautiful than the models I've seen. How can someone be so gorgeous? She was also staring at me like the rest and I was staring back at her until I was lost in her gaze.

"Sir? We need to begin the interview" the manager said

I snapped out of my thoughts and quickly went into the office with my flushed cheeks. I'm so embarrassed because I got caught.

But it's not entirely my fault. I didn't know someone so beautiful existed on this earth. I'm going to make her my secretary no matter what happens.

I wanted to send all the applicants away and just pick her as my secretary but I changed my mind. People would start spreading rumors about both of us and I don't want that right now. I'm just going to find a flaw with every single one of them until she's the only one left.

"Please skip the applicant with tag number '101'. She will be the last interviewee for today" I said to the manager that was with me

I really can't wait to deal with all these applicants until she is the only one left.

To be continued.....

© Tricia

Amelia's Point of View

I know I always said Sean was hot and handsome but he must be ugly when compared to this guy.

His face shines brightly like the sun and he has a great build. His sense of fashion added to his handsomeness and I couldn't help but admire him. How can someone be tall, rich, handsome and cool at the same time? Whoever is married to him must be the luckiest woman in the world.

Surprisingly, he stopped to stare at me too and he kept staring and staring until the manager spoke up. What was that? Don't tell me someone like him noticed me? I know I'm beautiful but still!

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment and I looked away but I noticed he also went into the office already. Don't tell me he's also feeling embarrassed because I caught him staring at me.

The interviewees started going in one after the other and they all came out with a sad look on their faces which obviously said they were rejected.

I was beginning to get nervous when the first twenty applicants were rejected and I was also anxious. My number is '101' so I don't know if it will get to be my turn today.

Although, it seemed kind of strange. The interviewees are not even spending much time inside before coming out with a sad look on their faces. If he keeps rejecting them like this, I think it will be my turn to go in soon. I'm not also going to get rejected right?

It was that thought that I had in my mind until I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, I realized that I was the only one left outside. Where did the rest go to?

I checked my wristwatch and gasped in shock when I saw the time. The interview started around 9am and I slept around 10:00am. The time is 1pm now which means I slept for about 3hrs.

Come to think of it. I wasn't lying down when I started sleeping before so how come I was lying down when I woke up?

"I can see you are awake Ms. Amelia. You are our last interviewee for today, please go in" the lady said

"I don't understand ma. How am I the last interviewee and where did the others go?" I asked while looking around

"They've all been interviewed except you. Mr. Raymond is waiting for you" she said and left before I could ask another question

I'm so nervous right now and I need to pick up Kelly from school by 2pm. I pushed the door open and was met with the demigod from earlier.

I gulped hard and slowly closed the door behind me. This is going to be tougher than I expected, and why are we the only ones here?

"You seem to be sweating" he said in his deep and sweet voice

I wasn't given a chance to answer because he stood up and turned on the air conditioner.

"Thank you sir" I said softly

"Do you know why you were the last interviewee?" he asked while walking around slowly

"I don't know sir" I answered

"It's because you were already chosen from the start" he said

"I was already chosen from the start? But why? And why were the others interviewed if I was already chosen?" I asked

"I had to interview them to avoid any gossip and for why I chose you, I just think you will be fit for the job. Besides, you are beautiful too and being beautiful is one of the criteria since you have to be with me most of the time" he explained

"Thank you for the compliment sir" I said politely

"You will meet the lady outside so that she can brief you on important things about your job. But most importantly, you are to resume work before me and bring my coffee to my office as soon as I resume. She will tell you how I like my coffee and you are to resume next week" he concluded and dismissed me

So I got the job just like that? And in a big company at that. I guess my hard work is finally paying off.

The lady told me everything I need to know but the difficult aspect is the resumption time. I was told that the last secretary was fired because the CEO arrived earlier than her.

I need to take Kelly to school every morning so it won't be easy but I can't let go of this job because of the pay. It's once in a lifetime opportunity.

I need to decide now between taking Kelly to the boarding house since the school has one and taking her to school very early in the morning. I don't think I can bear getting separated from her though.

I went straight to school to pick Kelly and we returned home together.

"How was your interview mummy? Did you get the job?" Kelly asked as soon as we got home

"I got the job but I have to resume very early in the morning. You know I also have to take you to school" I said sadly

"Don't worry about me mommy, I told you I'm no longer a baby. My school has a bus so you can just tell my teacher about it and ask the bus to pick me up in the morning and bring me home after school" Kelly said

"Really? Wow! I never thought of that" I said

"That's why I'm here for you mommy. You can focus on your job and don't worry about me. I'm growing up really fast and before you know it, I will be a teenager" she said

"Thank you so much Kelly. I love you" I said and hugged her tightly

"Once you return from school, you will warm the food and eat before doing your assignment. Make sure you lock the door and don't open it for anyone at all until I return in the evening. I will be resuming next week so we still have a few days to spend together until then" I said

"Alright mommy. I will definitely listen to everything you said" she assured me

I'm still going to keep saying it that Kelly is the best thing that happened to me.

To be continued......

© Tricia