TINA
“Hey, Juls, someone slipped a letter under the door.”
Julia came out of the bathroom with a yellow towel wrapped around her hair and a matching bathrobe that shows a little of the v at the center of her chest. She and I had been roommates since college, until now that we’re both hustling to find a job. She’s now working on a salon as a hairdresser, quite far from the four-year course both she and I graduated from but it is something she always liked. And she’s happy doing it. There’s that.
As for me, it's something I always wanted. The four years I spent in college is all worth it. I love it very much and I know there's nothing else I'd like to do except this. There's that.
“what is it?” – she asked, using a cotton ball to wipe her face with a toner
“I don’t know.”
I picked up the folded piece of paper and read the contents silently. The red capital letters atop the rest of the words were emphasized with a yellow highlighter.
“it’s Notice of Eviction.”
“what?”
Julia stopped whatever she’s doing in front of the mirror and stood behind me, reading over my shoulder.
“oh no. do you think we can still talk to Mrs. Estada to let us stay?”
I bit the insides of my cheeks. I don’t think so. We’ve talked to her about the delay of our payments and she has given us one last chance… and that was a month ago.
“maybe we can. Anyway, let’s do that tonight. I have a big day today. I’m coming to the interview with Sy Group of Companies.”
A look of sudden realization crossed my roommate’s face. She must have remembered what I shared to her last night on how big this opportunity is for me. suddenly, she shrieked and gave me a hug.
“I’m so excited for you, sis! I know you’ll ace this one.”
I smiled. I was feeling nervous, to be honest.
“thank you, Juls. I’ll do my best.”
After the hug, Julia continued her daily skin routine. On the other hand, I washed the bowl, spoon and fork I used for the cereals I had for breakfast. As I did, I saw the empty cereal box sticking out of the trash can at the back of the door. What I had minutes ago was the last serving. I looked all around our small kitchen and the cereal box wasn’t the only thing that’s empty. Almost all our groceries.
I sighed.
This is why I really needed that job.
-
-
I stood in front of the building with my feet shaking in my shoes. This is it. A giant leap towards the life I want. I just need to be brave and fearless.
After two calm deep breaths, I took a step forward to the main door. The security guard asked me for my intention and I showed him a printed email of the company’s schedule for interview. He nodded and inspected my bag. He then pointed the surveillance camera at the entrance and told me to face it briefly. I did all of those precautions and entered the building. There was a woman at the front desk calling on a telephone. I approached and waited until she placed the phone down.
“can I help you, miss?”
“hi. My name is Tina and I came here for Mr. Sy’s interview.”
“wait a second.”
She dialed on the telephone again. She waited for the other line to pick up, her red painted nails drumming on the counter.
“Good morning, Mr. Sy. Someone named Tina is here. she said it’s her interview today.”
She gave me a glance and I nodded.
“…okay, sir. Have a nice day.”
I exhaled. I think Mr. Sy gave her the permission to let me meet him. The lady put the phone down and got a small logbook.
“please sign here, miss.”
I grappled on my pants’ pockets for pens but didn’t find one. The lady behind the counter frowned and seemed to get my dilemma. She opened a drawer from her right and handed me a black pen. It wasn’t used.
“please write your name, your purpose and please sign at the last column.”
I nodded and did as I was told. She gave me the instruction on which floor to go and I abided. Luckily, there was no one else on the elevator and I had it all for myself.
Their elevators have mirrors on all walls anyway. I don’t why it’s like that but it creeps me out. When the elevator door dinged, I got out and inhaled. The lady said it was the last door on the left that the CEO will be waiting for me. As soon as I spotted the door she was referring to, I fixed my hair a little bit and knocked three times.
“come in.” – a man’s voice said
I cleared my throat and slowly turned the knob. I entered with a bow and a smile. As I walked towards the table, the new Mr. Sy closed his laptop and leaned back, both his hands on his front pockets. He eyes me up and down.
“please take a seat, miss….”
“Fuego, sir.”
“Ms. Fuego.”
He stood up and inspected the files from the cabinet. He pulled out my application folder and placed it gently on the table.
“Good morning, sir.” – I greeted
He was a young man. Perhaps only a couple of years ahead of me. He’s very tall, has a muscular and toned body with dark hair, thick eyebrows and brown eyes. They were right about what they say about him. He has an uncanny resemblance with Mr. Daniel Sy. Only without the beard. I guess genetics don’t lie.
“a good morning to you, too. Let’s get straight to business here. I’m impressed by your resume. Your grades are high, you’re young, which means you’re idealistic and driven. To be honest, of all the interviewees, you’re the one I was looking forward to meet.”
If that’s not pressure, I don’t know what is.
“.. thank you, sir.”
“so let’s start. I only have three questions for you.”
My heart thumped. Is it just me or the man really looked familiar? Have we met before?