After John went inside the room, the four of us let our breaths out. I guess we were all more nervous than we initially let on. I looked at the other applicants and thought, "Who could possibly be next?"
Ericka looked at as and randomly said, "Well wasn't he annoying? I can't figure out how to let him know that I am not interested about all his crap." Then she let out a laugh that would make people look at her. She's charming when she laughs. Even the two guys was not able to resist her charm and joined in the conversation.
"He definitely was. By the way I'm Jefferson Park and this is Edison Hunt." said the guy with an Asian feature.
" You two know each other?" Ericka asked.
" We were classmates back in college." Jefferson said.
" And you are Helena Smith right?" Ericka asked me.
" That's about right." I answered in a curt voice. I can't find anything wrong with her question and her tone. But something tells me to not be too friendly but instead be wary of her. Jefferson seemed to have noticed how felt towards Ericka since he tried to draw her into a conversation. Edison still had to utter a word which I doubt will happen in this lifetime.
While Jefferson and Ericka continued talking, I can feel her gazing at me from time to time telling me that she has a bone that she wants to pick with me. Well, I will just wait until she spits it out. That's what I am good at waiting. I started browsing my phone again and I saw a post from my best friend who was currently working as a high school teacher in a different country. She seemed so happy and care free so I immediately sent her a heart for her posted photo with a message, "mishu" which translates to miss you.
"So you both of you graduated from Glennwood University? Same major?" I heard Ericka asked Jefferson and saw her glancing at Edison with interest in her eyes.
"Yes. We have been friends since grade school. Practically grew up together." Jefferson added.
"Does he ever talk?" Ericka asked while pointing at Edison.
"I do. Only when I am interested with the person I am talking to" came Edison's curt reply. "Don't talk about someone as if they are not there. It's quite rude." Edison closed his eyes again.
I saw Jefferson shook his head with a smile in his face. His eyes apologizing to Ericka in behalf of his friend. Ericka's face was so red that one might think she is having an allergic reaction.
"How about you? Where did you graduate?" Jefferson asked trying to divert Ericka's attention from Edison's brutally honest remark.
"I am from Kirk City. I graduated from Prince Kirk University." Ericka said in a not so humble tone.
Oh, John Hale version 2.0. I wonder if she would also start spouting nonsense. Luckily she did not. But what she said next can also be considered showing off.
"My daddy owns a construction firm and when he branched out, I decided to go with him. I am trying my luck here and see how things pan out. Although, I am not like someone here who has a backer from the higher ups. I will definitely rely on my talents." she said.
Boom! The bomb that I have been waiting for has been dropped. So that was the bone that she wants to pick with me. I wonder how long has she been holding herself back. Judging from the look of her face, which was just happy with herself. I looked at the other guys, Jefferson looked uncomfortable while Edison looked downright furious. I wonder why he would feel angry though. Maybe he just has an aversion to people who stuck their noses on someone else's business.
"Whether or not I know someone from the higher up is none of your business. Whether or not I make it is also none of your business. And who said about not showing off their talents. Knowing someone from the higher up doesn't guarantee you a secured position in this company. As you have said it would still be about talent and what you can do to further the company." I said.
Wow! That was the longest defense I have ever made for myself. Normally, when someone accuses me of something I would just keep quiet and let them be. I normally do not care whether or not people would believe the rumor. But something did not sit well with me, knowing that Ashton might be implicated with the rumor. I do not want to cause him trouble since he managed to get this chance for an interview.
I can feel someone looking at me. I turned and saw Edison looking at me with a complicated expression. I can see that he is amused but at the same time angry. Why would he be angry when I was the one who was being attacked? I just shrugged it off. I don't have time to worry about someone else's business nor emotions.
I can feel Ericka's gaze on me. I just let her be. If she's going to make another comment, I will just ignore her. What is important is that I have already said my piece. This job has nothing to do with backers from a higher position.
"You know what, Helena? I do not like people like you. You appear to be innocent but you are scheming and vile serpents in the society." Ericka said.
I laughed so hard. Both men were quite taken aback with my reaction. That definitely is not a way to react to that vile comment. But I had a quite graphic image of how Ericka described me. And what popped into my mind was definitely funny. Me? A scheming, vile serpent. Hahahahaha!
Ericka was about to say something, when the door to the conference room suddenly opened. Mr 75% hiring rate came out strutting and sure looked quite happy with himself. Maybe his 75% projection is accurate. He left the room without even looking at us. "Such an interesting character, John Hale is!" I thought to myself.
Jennifer called "Ericka Roberts, please come inside."