October 19, 2018

*Amelia*

I put on a white running shoe, black trousers, and a black bottom-up shirt, I stood in front of the mirror as I did my hair and makeup, and was ready to start my crazy day. Let me briefly introduce myself to you. My name is Amelia. Los Angeles is where I was born and raised. I've lived in Los Angeles all my life. I had always dreamed to enter university since the day I graduated high school. Standing in front of the mirror as I remembered how hard it was to find a job.

But as we all know, dreams do not always come true, and I had no clue that after graduating from high school, I would have to start looking for a job, but no one would hire me since I lacked experience. I needed a job, and not just any job, but one that would allow me to support myself.

Three months have passed since my graduation. Due to my inexperience, despite searching for employment for months at the age of 18, nobody has employed me. I've sent applications to 15 multiple occupations and retailers.

I looked at a variety of job postings online and visited a variety of stores. I even tried a cleaning service, but that didn't work out either. I got a phone call Monday from a small coffee shop that was far too small, but I still accepted, so I dressed 30 minutes before my interview. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to walk from my house to the shop.

Oh, Emily, she's been my enemy for the majority of my life, just joking; she's my cousin, so we grew up together and have become increasingly close as we've gotten older. Her parents are extremely wealthy, so they could provide her with everything she requires. My parents died before I was nine years old, and Emily's family took me in and raised me. They offered to assist me with everything so that I wouldn't have to work and pay for my college tuition, but I refused.

If my parents were still living, I informed them, I would have to do everything I'm doing today. I wouldn't describe us as poor, but we spend all of our money on rent, groceries, and bills.

Even grocers didn't always have what we needed, so my father would go to the cheapest supermarkets and buy us the cheapest food they had. Emily and I both graduated from high school at the same time, but she went straight to university to study law. And I continued searching for jobs.]

I wouldn't have to do most of what I'm doing today if my parents were still alive. When I lived with my parents, we weren't poor but we were on a budget, we used to spend all of our money on rent, groceries, and bills. We didn't always get the groceries we wanted, or rather, I wanted, so my father would go to the cheapest supermarkets and buy us the cheapest food they had. Emily and I graduated from high school at the same time, but she went on to study law at university. And I continued to look for work.

"Hasn't someone called you yet, Amelia, for an interview?" "Can you tell me what's going on with you and why your job application was rejected?" Emily stated as soon as she heard me approaching. "Would you look at that, what you got a date?" Emily commented when she saw me walking down the stairs, completely dressed, makeup and hair done. I rarely put on makeup or style my hair.

"No, not a date something else, "I teased, winking at her.

"No, but I have an interview in 20 minutes and that's the only reason I'm dressed up like this," I sighed as I came closer to her, placing my hands on her shoulders. I left Emily in the living room and walked into the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and grabbed the first thing that caught my attention.

I made myself a sandwich and poured myself some orange juice. I finished, washed my hands, brushed my teeth, and went out. I was anxious, and I began to imagine that if I got the job this time, it might be substandard because I had no experience. When I arrived at the shop, it was even worse than I had expected. I took a deep breath and stepped in.

"Hello, what can I get you today? the guy standing behind the register asked he looked lat 30s brown and white hair olive skin and ocean blue eyes. "Hi umm, my name is Amelia I got called for intr..."

"Oh yes, Amelia please do come in" he ointment towards the two empty seats behind me "I'll be right there. I nodded and sat down I began shaking my legs up and down as I tried to calm myself down. He came back with 2 mugs of coffee and he sat them in front of me. he asked me a few questions like my schooling, strength and experience I remained silent didn't know what to I didn't go to school or did I have work experience.

I explained my situation and told him that wanna work first and then go continue schooling I told him that I haven't had any work before so I didn't have much experience but I am a fast learner.

"Okay...can you at least manage money?" he questioned." If you know how to do cashier, you're ready to go."

I remained silent since I didn't know what to say, he keeps asking me silly questions even when I hold him I haven't worked before.

"Well Miss Roman?" he interrupted my thoughts.

"Well..." I began he looked at me and raised his eyebrows.

"No, I don't" I sighed.

"Well miss Roman It has been nice meeting you, but I don't assume you're the proper person for this job because, as you know, this store is open even late at night, and I'm the only one who tends to work here anyway, and I'd like to find someone who can cover for me rather than someone I'll have to stay with all night, I'm sorry."

I gave him a friendly nod. We exchanged handshakes and I thanked him before leaving, but the weather couldn't have been worse as it began to rain. I worked hard to remain cool. I was thinking about beating the shit out of him. he didn't even say "it's okay no worries I can train you until your good at it and I am confident leaving you alone."

What the hell is happening with me? Why can't I live my life like the rest of the people, with their families, friends, and even boyfriends and girlfriends? It's not that I desire romance; all I want is a job so I can save money for college and become a teacher like my parents always wanted me to be. As tears started to fall, I looked up at the sky, and the rain felt beautiful as it dropped on my face that it mixed with my tears. I want to scream as I stood in the rain. I've missed you, Mom and Dad. Please mom and dad give a sign that everything will be alright.

*****

I collected myself within a few minutes as I headed back home. I decided to not give up and look for work. I decided to print a few more resumes and check any stores that might be hiring. I stepped inside the library as soon as I arrived and printed 10 additional resumes.

I wandered around the library looking for books that caught my attention while waiting for the rain to pass. After about an hour, I finished half of a novel called "the young lady with loved One," which I appear to be interested in. I returned the book to its bookshelf, grabbed my resume file, and strolled out. Thank goodness the rainfall had ended when I stepped out; I dropped off around 4-5 resumes at any hiring stores.

As I was heading back home I spotted a sign in front of a copy I scoffed thinking I was crazy a coffee shop wouldn't hire how will the company hire me? I read through the hiring sign it only said "LOOKING FOR RECEPTIONS" I just had a feeling about it so I just went with my gut I took a deep breath and walked in I still have a few resumes with me.

I gasped in amazement as soon as I stepped in, it was huge, so there was no way they were going to employ me. It was the most breathtaking sight I'd ever seen. Afterwards, I went to the front desk and asked the front reception about the ad, and she directed me to the 5th floor, the second room on the left. It's where they require additional workers.

When I reached the 5th floor, I was surprised that they hadn't informed me to come back another day or that they would contact me. I stepped in front of the door and waited as soon as I arrived. I was nervous about approaching. I relaxed and walked right in. There was a wonderful lady at the desk, and I approached her.

"Hello," I began as I saw a receptionist sitting in front of the desk she was beautiful.

"Hello, darling, how may I help you?" she replied

"I noticed the advertisement and"

"Oh, you've come for the job posting, great dear, do you have your resume?" Yes, I took out my résumé and gave it to her immediately. She took it and scanned through the page then she looked back at me.

"I recently graduated just a few months ago I don't have any experience I desperately would like to work, but no one is hiring me since I have no experience." she looked at me without saying anything as I didn't notice how loud and that I sounded like I was begging until I was silent.

She stepped up and offered me a warming smile. She asked me to wait in the waiting area, so I thanked her and simply walked to the room. So there were three other girls in the waiting area with me, I stood firm as I opened the door.

Then, all of a sudden, my hope left I knew they wouldn't choose me since the other girls were more attractive and, of course, they had far more experience. When I was fully awake and ready to leave, the secretary strolled in and called my name, and I knew immediately that she was going to tell me that I wasn't the best candidate for the job.

So with that, the secretary motioned for others to leave and for me to follow her."Amelia, my boss read through your résumé and noticed that you don't have any experience for the company, so..."

"OK, I get it, and I apologize for wasting your time and bothering you." I didn't wait for the secretary to finish speaking before interrupting. was about to leave when the receptionist begins to giggle.

"No, you misunderstood me, honey."

"What," I said softly looking up at her.

"Yes, you lack experience with the firm, but Mr. Lou, my boss, overheard you outside and wanted to offer you this position, but... he said he would put you through a three-month trial period."

"What happens after three months?" I asked.

"Well, if he approved your effort and work, you'd stay here, but if he didn't like your work, he would fire you even before you complete your 3 months. I was surprised. I couldn't believe what was happening and herding; did I genuinely get a job and... And that I might be able to begin school soon? I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"By the way, call me Charlotte," she said while she offered her hand for a shake. I was so delighted that I forgot about myself and hugged Charlotte. Once I noticed what I had done, I quickly pulled back.

"I'm sorry I'm just happy"

"No worries honey," Charlotte said and she brushed my arms.

"Mr. Lou will be with you in 15 minutes," He's just left for a meeting, so feel free to use the restroom or do whatever you want." I nodded and asked where the restroom was located, thanked her, and headed to the restroom. I washed my face and then reapplied my makeup quickly. People used to compliment me on how attractive I was, but I never felt I was attractive. I'm not sure why, perhaps it's because I dislike myself and how I seem

I checked my watch once I finished. I have four minutes left. How can time fly so fast when you're nervous about something? I packed my makeup in my purse and raced out the door. I bumped into anyone who was rather muscular just As I was walking in a rush. When I slammed into him, I crumpled to the ground and glared at him with anger in my eyes. I didn't care whether he was the most attractive man in the world. All I care about right now is getting back to work on time.