Despised At First Sight

My mind was was a complete state of confusion when the cab I arranged to pick me up disappointed me. The driver called just 30 minutes before the pickup time to inform me that he had to rush his wife to the hospital because she was in labour.

God, I indeed sympathized with him but also was angered with the fact that he could have called earlier. Either way, I just hid my disappointment and told him that it was fine but I cried internally. I stepped out of the shower and dressed at high speed to save time to get a cab on a busy Monday morning. I knew about the traffic situation too so my head was spinning with thoughts of how I could make it to this interview which meant the world to me.

I worked over the years from start-up to multinational companies, yet I never had the chance of being promoted beyond Senior Officer, no matter how hard I worked. I am very ambitious and have worked throughout my college days either as a part-time typist or secretary so I gathered so much experience.

For the first time, I got an interview for an assistant manager role. If I got this job, I would work hard to get promoted to a manager if I complete my Executive Masters in Business Administration course. I was so excited when I received a call from the lady who introduced herself as Ruby, inviting me to attend the interview. I wanted to make a good impression.

I finally managed to dress up as fast as I could, with simple makeup. I tried ordering another cab via Uber but there were no available cabs at the time. I had to try a taxi then. I got to the street and luckily, someone has just dropped out of a taxi so I wave to the driver to stop as I gave him the direction card attached to my invitation for the interview. He glanced at it, wrote his fee on it, and returned the card to me.

My eyes widened with so much surprise when I saw the fee he had written.

"Are you taking advantage of me or what? Why are you charging this much for a journey of less than an hour?" I asked him.

"Ma'am, you know the traffic situation and I can't do anything about it," he said genuinely.

"Okay, let's go," I said, making myself comfortable in the back seat. As we began the journey, I decided to double-check a few details about the company when my eyes caught the cloudy sky ahead of me. 'What now, haven't I had enough already? Is nature also against me?' I thought to myself. There was no doubt with the level of thickness of the cloud that it was going to be a heavy downpour but my mind was so occupied with the interview that, I didn't notice it earlier to even pick an umbrella or a raincoat. I said a quick prayer in my mind asking God to at least hold the rain till I get to the venue but it seemed that even God was against me as the rain started pouring, making the traffic worse due to low visibility.' At least I got a taxi before the rain started so I should thank God right? Maybe it might reduce or probably stop by the time we get there.' I encouraged myself.

During the ride, my mind wandered to when my mum passed away. It was also on a rainy day like this. Dad had gotten into a terrible car accident and mum had preterm labour upon hearing the news. Aunty Joy called an ambulance but there had been some fallen trees due to the heavy rain, which had caused a truck to run over a Mercedes. This made five other vehicles collide in the same spot. There were no survivors. It was one of the most horrible incidents of my life. We could not even have my Dad's body to give a befitting burial because it was burnt beyond recognition.

We couldn't get an ambulance so Aunty Joy drove my mum through some unauthorized route to the hospital since the main roads were closed. This made the journey twice longer and mum passed on ten minutes after reaching the hospital. Since then, my life has moved from a fairy tale princess to what I can't even describe. The two people who loved me so much both died on the same day.

Aunty Joy took me in but it wasn't long before she was diagnosed with cancer. It was already at stage three by then so I lost her in two months. No family member wanted to take me in after that because they saw me as being cursed. They didn't even want my parent's properties so one day when class was over in school and I made no attempt to go home, Sir Maxwell as we usually called him, asked me why I didn't want to go home.

After narrating to him the story of my life, he took me to meet his family. They were foreigners but they gladly accepted me and once again, I found a place to call home. Little did I realize that Sir Maxwell was the breadwinner of the family. He had two sisters and a brother. His mum and dad were both pensioners so he took up a chunk of the responsibilities. I didn't want them to continue with this suffering so, with careful thought, I made my suggestion. I was eight and the realities of life were gradually making me mature as the only child of my parents.

Flashback.

"Sir Max," I called.

"Maya. Is everything alright?" He asked with concern.

"Yes," I smiled. "I am just thinking that, since you are taking care of me now, you should sell off my parent's house and cars to use to take care of all of us," I said.

"What?, No way," he refused with an angry look.

"I insist because my parents wanted me to have a good education and a good life. If you do so, you can take better care of us. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I know that you are trying your best but that can help too. After all, what is a house and car to an eight-year-old? I can't live alone or drive those cars anyway."

Upon further deliberations, he agreed. A month later, he handed me some documents and told me to keep them a secret and since then, we moved to a bigger house. Not as big and luxurious as my parent's house but we were comfortable and happy. Then life was great, almost perfect until one day, Sir Maxwell and his family had to move back to their country. They wanted me to come along but I didn't want to go far from where I will have memories of my parents so I couldn't accept the offer.

To my surprise, he understood and didn't force me. Instead, he entrusted me with his best friend Jude. He gave him a lot of money which surprised me because the money he got from the sale of the house and car should have finished by now.

It has been five years since then. Yes. Five whole years. Jude, his mum, brother, and I went to the Airport to see Maxwell and his family off. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. As I hugged him and kissed his cheek goodbye, he whispered in my ears. "DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THOSE DOCUMENTS TO ANYONE". Then he handed me a card. "Call me anytime", were his last words.

We got home from the airport before the realization hit me, that Jude's family was not like Sir Maxwell's. They were so arrogant, selfish, and inconsiderate. Perhaps that was why Sir Max wanted me to keep those documents a secret. I was twelve years old by then but I was smarter than a fifteen-year-old. Maybe it was due to Sir Maxwell's training. He gave me extra tuition at home and always made me take tests in the advanced class so I was already in my senior year in high school when he left.

Jude was always busy in the office so I offered to help him whenever I came on vacation because he was the only one who cared for me. I was never comfortable alone with his family because his brother Alex was making illicit advances at me, which made me uncomfortable. His mum was always engrossed in one fashion photo or the other. Bags, shoes, make-up, jewellery, whatever you can think of. His dad was always with the newspaper. House helps did all the chores so I had nothing much to do other than study my books.

Jude had a big office and made HR hire me as an intern to be his assistant so he thought me a lot about office practice, letters, mergers, and all. It made me sad when I had to go back to school but I knew that I needed my education as well. As the years went by, Jude got Married and his wife didn't like me so I decided to rent a one-room apartment. I was fifteen but very mature. He got me a decent and well secure apartment even though he had wanted me to continue living with his family till I completed college but I knew I wouldn't be able to live with them, so I insisted and he didn't have a choice to agree. Sir Max called from time to time and I explained to him as well so it was fine.

Life was extremely lonely so I used the time to do a lot of research which helped me well in college. Only then did I remember the documents Sir Max gave me. For the first time, I gently opened the envelope and my eyes could not believe what was inside.

Inside that envelope were documents for the complete insurance of my education to the master's level. There was another kiddy account that had an investment made for me. So my whole education was being funded by the insurance he did. Then the cash investment could only be assessed when I was eighteen. So I got a part-time job to support myself when I got to college. By the time I completed my undergraduate, I could assess my investment account but I was so used to working that, I never touched my investment account till now. The only change is, I am working full time now, doing my EMBA part-time.

End of flashback.

I currently worked as a senior administration/procurement officer. When it was time for me to be promoted to the role of Administrative Manager, I was transferred to another branch. Not only was it far from my home, but it was also extremely difficult to get to school from there so I started applying for a new job. That is why this interview means so much to me.

"Ma'am," I was startled when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was the driver so I gave him my full attention. "We have arrived".

"Ohhh, thank you," I said to him, as I got out of his taxi.

"Payment Ma'am," he said harshly.

"Sorry," I murmured, shoving my right hand into my bag, removing my purse, and bringing out money to pay him.

"Keep the change," I said while walking away. I didn't miss the broad smile on his face.

"You can take my number Ma'am, anytime you need a taxi, call me". He yelled behind me. I could feel him grinning.

"Sure." I turned around and took just in case of any emergency. I headed to the tall building in front of me. It was drizzling so I needed to hurry. Just as I got to the security I froze at what had just happened...

I couldn't believe that the hem of my dress and shoes were covered in mud. Then I laid eyes on the car. The driver of that Black Bugatti splashed water mixed with mud over me. 'Couldn't he slow down after the heavy rain?' My thoughts were completely overshadowed by this breathtakingly handsome guy who peeped through the window of the car. I never knew a guy could be this good looking, but my admiration for him ended with the words I heard coming out of his mouth.

"Hey, watch where you are going next time Bitch..." his voice was coated with arrogance. My jaw dropped open at his words. He was supposed to apologize and look at what he said instead. Before I could even utter a word, he wind up his window and sped off. I watched him till his car disappeared around a corner. How could he be so insensitive? I should have bought a car two years back when Jude advised me to. I didn't want to overspend because I have been saving all the money I made to start up a consultancy firm. This encounter made me think about going over that decision after I am through with this interview.

I wish I could reschedule this interview. How can I face a panel looking like dirt?

"Hello Ma'am," came the voice of the security guard. "Sorry about that. Let me show you the ladies, perhaps you could get some of the dirt off". He said pitifully.

"Of course," I responded looking at the time.

"OMG, it's already 15 minutes past my scheduled time for the interview. Hmmm sorry, Sir, may I go in first, to at least register my presence?" I asked sadly.

"Okay. Walk straight and take the first turn on your left. You will see the receptionist there," he said. I thanked him and rushed in the direction he delivered. I located the place easily and I instantly felt out of my niche upon reaching there.

As soon as the receptionist saw me, her eyes widened.

"Excuse me, Ma'am, how may I help you?" She asked.

"I. I am here for the interview, my name is Maya," I stammered in embarrassment.

"Maya Jacobs," she retorted, looking at her computer. "You are number five, you will meet the panel after the lady in the grey suit," she pointed out.

'Thank you but may I use the ladies first please, I need to freshen up."

"Sure you can and you need to," she said sarcastically, "turn left," she added. I rushed to the washroom without uttering another word.

I stood in the washroom, looking straight in the mirror. I was a total mess. If there was a boutique close by, I would rather prefer buying a new dress as the hem of this one was completely ruined. I picked a tissue and started cleaning my shoe. I did a great job cleaning the shoes. They looked as clean as before. Then the biggest challenge was the hem of the dress. Even though it was black, you could easily see the dirt.

I searched through my bag to see what I could use since using tissue will only worsen the situation. I found the small face towel I usually kept to wipe my shoes when I had to walk to the junction. What a relief, I turned on the faucet and wet the face towel. Then I began removing the dirt, making sure it didn't spread and even though it took a lot of time, I was glad at the result. Finally, I had to straighten my hair when I heard the receptionist by the door.

"Ma'am, you are next."

'What? have I spent so much time?' I questioned myself. "Okay, I will be out in a minute, I shouted. I straightened my hair as fast as I could and hurried out of the washroom. She directed me to a chair and I sat there nervously, holding my bag. I noticed a few people had come after me but they were not as executively dressed as the batch I met before rushing to the washroom. Perhaps they are here for a different role.

Then my eyes glanced at the glass door in the opposite direction. There were two ladies and a gentleman. I had seen them earlier when I walked in. But if they have finished with their interview, what are they still doing here?. Could it be that they have already qualified for the position? I was getting more and more nervous as these thoughts ran through my mind.

Then, the door opened and seated on the panel were three men and a woman. The men looked friendly but the woman had no smile on her face. "Good morning," I greeted, as confidently as I could.

"Good morning," they chorused in response.

"Have a seat," said the woman, in a slightly friendly tone, as she pointed to the chair in front of her.

"Thank you," I replied courteously. Then began their usual questions.

"Tell me about yourself." I have heard this question in every panel so I was prepared for it but this time, I wanted to add more to suit the role. I used the opportunity to sell my ambition and leadership abilities. I saw nods from the panel from time to time as I glanced at their faces in turns. I seemed to sell myself perfectly. Yes, I know when an interview will go well from experience. It always begins with the first question

I had my first real interview during college. Even though I tried my best, I didn't get the job because they wanted me to work full time but I was a full-time student so I wanted the part-time job. I regretted not taking that opportunity as it was a multinational company. Since then I have worked in local companies till this opportunity came. So here I am, trying my best to make up for my foolishness.

Then came another question from the man in the middle, "Why do you want this role?" Another popular interview question. I thought questions for this role will be different from the ones I was used to, especially as officers but it seems interviews are always the same. I responded to that question as well. Then came another one from the man to the extreme left. "What are your corporate objectives?"

Now that seems like a question for this level. I had so many ambitions related to the corporate structure. The policies to put in place to ensure smooth and effective flow of work in the organization. I wanted to tell them about the effective communication structures I have developed and the policies to govern the staff and all but what if I don't get hired and they end up stealing my concepts? I didn't want to take any chances so I gave a general answer without any details and also made them aware that I could give them the details if they employed me.

I guess it worked as the last question popped up. "What is your salary expectation?" This question is kind of tricky even though it is famous because if I mention a figure too high, they might not give me the position and if it's too small, they will doubt my capabilities. So I decided to play safe and said, "why don't you hire me for the first two weeks, then you can decide how much to pay me.

"Thanks for your time, Maya, this is the first stage of the interview. Do you have any questions for us?" She asked.

"Yes Ma'am, I will like to know who my reporting line will be if I get hired, I asked, trying to hide my nervousness.

"That will be the CEO so he is going to pick who he wants to work with. The second and final stage will be done in his Office. Kindly wait in the room next to the reception."

As I headed in the direction given, everything started to make sense now. The group I saw were also going through the second stage of the interview. I became more and more panicked seeing that four people had qualified. I didn't know if I would get this job but I needed it so much to prove to myself that I can make it the right way. Jude is a business owner and knows the CEO. He wanted to give me a recommendation but I refused. I wanted to do this on my own.

Upon getting there, I sat on an empty seat next to the lady who was next in line. You guessed right. I was late so I am the last person to interview for this role. The man who had gone before us came out smiling. It made me heartache, thinking he got my dream job. Then the lady who was next in line went in. It wasn't for up to 5 minutes when she also came out with a smile on her face. I got more confused as I headed to the room.

The CEO was a man in his early forties. He looked mature and refined. He turned gracefully in his Executive swivel chair as he beckoned me to sit. I couldn't hide my admiration for his office. It was well organized and classy. He had a leather sofa set on one side, then his desk on the other side. There was a well-designed cabinet for his documents and the blinds were black zebra stripes that matched his furniture perfectly.

I greeted him again and he responded in a husky and bold voice.

"Yes good morning Maya. I will go straight to the point. I have viewed your interview with the panel from here so I do not need an introduction."

'What? he was watching us the whole time on his CCTV? That's awesome but also illegal. How can he do something like this?'

"Don't worry," he continued, if you didn't qualify, you wouldn't be here," he said with a smile, "I will be frank with you about this. We get numerous qualified candidates each year but none of them progressed to this stage. We did the internal advertisement and nobody passed so we had to go external. None of the candidates I have met today has also qualified so, looking at you right now, I don't know what to think" he said doubtfully.

I was speechless and just listened without uttering a word. 'If all those candidates didn't pass, then wherefrom those huge smiles they had on their faces?'

"Are you ready?" He asked, looking directly into my eyes.

"Yes, I whispered. I couldn't even hear myself. But I think he did.

"Okay, stand up."

"What?" Well, that's all I could say out of the shock I had while got up.

"Turn around," he said again, in his usual bold voice. I just turned around without thinking or asking any questions.

"Sit." He said again. I sat with a confused look on my face.

"Well," he started. "I think figuratively, you look attractive and with a little polishing, you could move from attractive to mesmerizing. You see," he continued talking, "as a company, we sometimes reach our wit's end where we have to take certain drastic decisions even if taking that decision means making a sacrifice. As the Assistant Procurement/Administrative Manager, we will sometimes require your help in the Sales and Marketing department so how far can you go?" He asked with a piercing look.

"I am very sorry Sir, but I don't understand your question," I said, trying to be firm.

"Playing hard to get ha?" He said, looking indifferent. "Well, what I mean is,'' he said harshly. "This job will pay you 150,000k annually. You will also have an official car with a driver or driven by yourself. Whatever you prefer. You are also entitled to a quarterly clothing allowance, 13-month salary and other fringe benefits and bonuses. We just want to know that, if the times comes where we require you to sacrifice your body to convince a client to invest with us, you will not hold back." he finally said, confirming my suspicion.......

"Are you saying, that I have to prostitute alongside my job?" I asked, forcing sarcasm into my words because I had lost my respect for him.

"Yes Maya, that's exactly what I mean. If you can do that, then this job is yours," he said shamelessly.

I couldn't believe my ears. What he was asking me to do was something others would do with great pleasure so why couldn't he get anyone else? Does it mean the world has grown more decent? I have heard about people ladies going to the extent of sleeping with people in authority to get the job of their dreams. "Thanks for the offer but I think you are talking to the wrong person. Have a good day sir, I said as I picked my handbag and headed to the door."

"Are you sure about this Miss Jacobs? That you will let this opportunity go?" He asked again, but this time in a softer tone.

"Trust me/Sir, if this was the last job on earth, then I'd rather be a beggar," I finally said harshly, as I stormed out of his office. I was so furious, I regretted stepping out today. Perhaps I should have stayed home when the cab driver disappointed me. All these were just signs that it was going to be a bad day but I was so obsessed with this interview that I did not notice. I had also gone through a lot to get today approved as leave for me because there was a lot of work that needed my attention at the office. Therefore, I didn't want to waste my day.

"Hello Ma'am, you have to sign out here, came the voice of the receptionist."

"She is not yet signing out, came a familiar voice behind me. "

'What? What will happen now? Am I going to be taken, hostage?'

"Why Sir, I made it clear that..." before I finished speaking, he held my hand and gently pulled me back to his office. Before I could utter another word, he spoke.

"Congratulations, Miss Jacobs, you have passed the test."

"What do you mean by, I have passed the test?"

"I will tell you. Please have a seat."

I sat eagerly as I couldn't wait for a reasonable explanation for this offence.

"You see when we choose our managers? We don't just choose anyone. We only want the best from every angle. We want the best personality, best ethics, best character and finally, best moral standard. The question I asked was only to test your moral level which all candidates failed but you, on the other hand, passed flawlessly without thinking twice. So as the CEO of this company, I have decided to not appoint you as the Assistant but the Manager instead. You exceeded our expectations in the first interview and you also succeeded in the second and most challenging phase. May I be the first to say, Congratulations! We can't wait for you to start work. The details of your responsibilities will be detailed in your Appointment Letter."

I couldn't believe my ears. So the second interview was only a test? I kept repeating it to myself. I don't know if I was trying to convince myself that I was not dreaming because it felt so. Thank you, I said with a surprised look.

"So, when can you start work? He asked again, bringing me from my dreamland."

"In two weeks Sir, I have to give a two weeks notice to my current employer."

"No problem, you can pick your contract letter from the HR department. Ruby will show you."

"Thank you, Sir..."

"See you soon, he said."

Sure, I responded as I headed to Ruby's desk. After signing the documents she gave me, I headed to the HR's office as she directed.

"Congratulations, Miss Jacobs. My name is Lisa, the HR Manager. "

"It's nice meeting you, Lisa, looking forward to working with you soon."

"Of course, we have finished preparing your office. If you don't mind, you can take a tour. Jason will drop you home or wherever you want to go after you append your signature on the contract. You can study the contract in your office as you tour," Lisa said.

I finally got to see my new Office even before I started work. I have never been so proud of myself. After a careful study of the contract, I signed, When Lisa took me to see my new office. I was speechless. I could view the beautiful houses from my window. The design was breathtaking. Even though it was smaller than the CEO's office, it had almost the same arrangement as his. I just wanted to start work immediately before I remembered I had to send a resignation letter to my current place of work.

I excitedly thanked Lisa and went home in my Audi E Tron. Yes, I said mine because that is the official car assigned to me. Jason will be my driver till I perfect my driving skills but if I want to maintain him as my driver, there will also be no objection. I Soo much wanted to go to a very expensive restaurant to give myself a treat but I also knew that my resignation letter should be submitted first thing tomorrow morning so I decided to call Sir Max and Jude to share the good news. Sir Max was purely excited hearing the news but Jude was totally surprised.

"Are you sure? He asked with surprise mixed with joy."

"Of course, why will I lie? Do you want a snapshot of the contract? I asked, trying to convince him."

"No, no, no, no, your contract is a personal document. I am surprised because that vacancy had been opened for almost two years now with series of interviews held without any positive result."

"Oh, it should be because of the test. You will never expect it to be a test."

"What test, he asked even more surprised."

"Ask him, I thought the CEO was your bosom friend?

"If he had wanted to tell me, he would have told me but since he didn't, then I will not ask him."

Well, I explained everything about the test to him and heard the amazement in his voice as he spoke with a bizarre voice.

"That's a smart one. I never thought about this kind of test. So glad you pulled through."

When I reached home, we were still on the phone as I got out of the car. We talked a little more and hang up. Then I went to shower and got myself something to eat. I just realized it's been a long day and I hadn't had breakfast and lunch so I made some noodles as fast as I could. I went ahead to type my resignation letter, printed and signed it. Then I placed it in my handbag in other not to forget.

For the first time, I decided to check out some cool office wears to match my new position and started going through some online shops. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I heard was the alarm.

I woke up with several missed calls from my usual cab driver. I had completely forgotten about him. I had arrangements for him to pick me to work every morning since I was transferred to this branch. I realized how uncaring I had been by not calling him to check on his wife but you can't blame me, right? After everything that went on yesterday, I couldn't allow myself to feel guilty at all. He answered the phone on the first dial.

"Thank God, Ma'am, I was so worried because I could not get through to give you the good news. I even came to your house but you were not there. Is everything alright Ma'am?"

"Yes, everything is fine. Don't worry let's talk on the way."

"Great, because I am already at your house."

"Okay. I will be out in 30 minutes. I think you came too early."

"Yes, I know. I wanted to make up for disappointing you yesterday."

"It was an emergency so no problem at all. I had a quick shower and dressed very well because I was so happy. I double-checked on the resignation letter and found it just where I kept it. I got into the cab and was surprised by the driver's compliment. He never complimented me before.

"You look very beautiful today Ma'am, are you sure you are only going to the office or do you have somewhere to go first?"

"No, I am going straight to the office, I giggled. Thanks anyway and how is your wife by the way?"

"She's fine. We had a baby girl. I am very happy. "

"That's great. You should have taken today off to spend some time with them."

"Trust me, I wanted to but her mum requested she comes to live with her for some time since I was always on the road. Even though I will miss them, it's the best option."

"Well, Congratulations to the newest daddy in town, I said laughing. I also got a new job, I blurted out."

"OMG, double celebration. Congratulations Ma'am," he said with a genuine smile.

"Thank you very much, I said returning his smile. I am going to present my resignation today."

"I am happy for you Ma'am, so it means our direction will change soon right? He asked excitedly".

"Yes, but I got an official car too so I might not be using your services after two weeks, I said carefully so that I'd don't make him sad. But his countenance briefly changed from happiness to sadness and then to his normal self again."

"I am both sad and happy. Sad that I will not be able to drive you again and also happy that, you got a higher position. Maybe once in a while when you need a cab, please don't forget me."

"Of course not. How can I forget you? And we still have two weeks right?" As we were talking, he pulled over in the office parking lot as I got down from the car. As soon as I got inside the office, I couldn't help but notice the stares from all directions.