What did just happen? I found myself asking the same question. I looked at Jefferson and he can see that I was equally puzzled too.
He laughed and said, "Trademark of Edison Hunt. He can confuse a lot of people with his words." He looked at me intently and after a short while said, "It is best for you to just forget about what he said for now and let everything unfold."
"What is it with you and your cryptic remarks?" I asked.
I found him looking at me intently again. I turned and asked "What?!"
"Nothing." he then turned and looked at his phone.
"Are you not going to give me some coaching or clues about the interview? You know that is what friends do. That is how friendship works." I said nastily.
He smiled and said, "Me and Ed's friendship is not like that. We let ourselves deal with whatever we face but I know that he always has my back."
"Hmmmmph. Great friend you are. You are absolutely of no help. And besides I am not Edison, I can and appreciate some help." I retorted.
"You can do it. I believe in you." came his vague response. I was so annoyed that I just did not bother talking to him.
But since I am the impatient kind, I started bugging him again. "Are you really not going to tell me? Or just set my expectations? Like a little clue of the questions or what did they make you do?" I asked.
"Nope. Will not do it." he said calmly.
"You are so not my friend. I am officially unfriending you." I pouted like a little child.
"Unfriending? I don't think you can do it. Our friendship was mutually sealed and stamped in a pinky swear. So there is no unfriending between the both of us." he said.
Why can this man be so calm. It made me feel like he was dealing with his spoiled, younger sister! Well, I guess I was kind of behaving that way. I resolved myself to no longer ask him questions about the interview.
"Do you think you made it?" I asked instead.
"You will see." came his cryptic response.
Mr. Cryptic is really starting to annoy me. He has been dropping those cryptic remarks ever since he saw Edison react earlier. I decided to just stop talking to him and wait for my turn. I'm really nervous. I can feel butterflies on my stomach.
I really want to make it through. I just have to. I don't know what to do anymore if I don't make it. I reached rock bottom and right now failing is the only thing that will save me, I desperately thought.
I did not know that the desperation that I felt was clearly written on my face. I felt Jefferson looking at me and when I looked up to meet his eyes, I saw unbridled concern in it. It made me warm and somehow I knew that no matter what happens I was able to gain a great friend today.
I smiled at him warmly, "I'm really nervous. I really want this job."
"Don't worry babe, you will get it. I know you will." he said. I was honestly grateful that he caught on my attempt of hiding what I felt a few minutes ago. I guess I was truly desperate to make it.
***Jefferson's thoughts***
I looked at her head which was downcast. She really has great hear. Chestnut and its really shiny to.
She looked desperate. It was as if her entire being was dependent on getting this job. I wonder what is going on with her. I wanted to ask her but since I think she doesn't want me to delve into it right now. Maybe when I earn her trust a little more she will open up.
She makes me feel very protective towards her. I thought of the remark that Edison made about her making a pass at him. I wonder if she makes him feel overprotective to.
She is the only woman that manage to elicit a reaction from Edison for a long time already. Meeting her here is really interesting.
I wonder if she has the ability to change both me and Edison. Interesting indeed. Even I considered her as someone who might be able to affect me.
But right now, what she needs is a friend and not someone who will pry her secrets open. So I will give her that.
***Helena's thoughts***
I really wanted someone to give me a hug. I really need it right now to calm my nerves. I wish Audrey was here. She will know what to do to take my mind of my nerves.
Jefferson has been looking at me in a different way. Warm and friendly but there are questions hiding behind his eyes. I know he wants to ask me things that might have stemmed from the expression that he saw on me earlier. I just hope that he will not ruin everything by asking it. I am not ready to face what I am feeling right now. I am just trying my best to make a semblance of reality that is bearable.
A face flashed through my mind. A dearly beloved face. And I felt like someone is squeezing my heart. Even breathing hurts. I wish I could be with him right now. Too late though. Too late. I lost him. Losing him also made me loose my heart and soul. I no longer know how to patch myself up anymore. I smiled bitterly.
I really need a hug, I thought again. I felt Jefferson moving and before I know it I felt his arm around my shoulder. I looked at him in surprise.
"You looked like you need it." he simply said. He started combing his fingers through my hair which brought me great comfort.
Before I knew it, I leaned onto his shoulder. It has been a long time since I leaned onto someone. Jefferson has no idea how great the comfort he gave me today. It made me feel like I am still worth something. Even if it is just as a friend.
After a short while, the door opened and Edison came out. I noticed that he steps faltered and anger flashed in his eyes when he saw Jefferson's arms around me. I hurriedly straightened up.
"Jefferson was just comforting me. I was really nervous." I said. What! Why did I have to explain? His face made me feel like I have to dish out my explanation before something goes wrong. Weird.
"Hmmmm." was all he said and went to sit in front of Jefferson who was looking sheepish.
I could no longer pay them any mind since Ms. Jennifer called me in. I hurriedly walked towards the conference room when I heard a husky voice saying, "Good luck." When I turned, I was surprise to see Edison looking at me while Jefferson was looking at him with surprise too.
"Hmmm. Thanks." I replied and turned around again.