TINA
The interviewer eyed me up and down. Despite the fact that this isn’t the legendary Mr. Sy everyone knew and respected, there was something about this man’s energy and bold confidence that reminded me of Mr. Daniel Sy.
“your resume states that you graduated college with an exemplary grades. You’re the top student of the class. Why, of all company, did you choose to try your luck here?”
He closed the folder and crossed his arms across his chest. The question hit me three seconds after and I knew exactly what to say. it was one of the questions I prepared myself to answer the night before.
“Your company has been one of my inspirations when I was still in college, sir. I didn’t come from a fortunate nor wealthy family so I grew up with less than enough resources to feed everyone in the household. There was this one time in my sophomore year that Mr. Daniel Sy was invited to speak on our Foundation Day. I couldn’t forget what he said that day. He said ‘the tears you have now will be used to water the seeds of your future success” and that was very timely. My father was rushed to the hospital two days before that school event and your father’s words just came right on time.”
His Adam’s apple moved as he gulped. He then cleared his throat and his eyes wandered across the room, where a huge portrait of Mr. Daniel Sy was hanging on the wall. Suddenly I felt a bitter taste on my mouth. He didn’t meet him, I realized. If my words triggered that sad memory, I couldn’t tell. His eyes grazed at me with frozen calmness.
“I… I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t want to trigger any sad memory.”
His lips thinned.
“it’s okay. I’m kind of being used to people feeling sorry to me. Anyway, the position you’re applying for has a lot of applicants. You’re in knee-deep waters here… and it adds up. some would kill to be my secretary…. (There was a pause. I don’t know if that was only me but I noticed him looking at my red painted lips) so why would I choose you?”
I gulped.
He got a point. Many would kill to get this job. I’m one of those hopefuls and I know my lack of experience excludes me from the best choices. Who knows how many applicants has he interviewed vying for this position already? Also, what he just asked me’s one of those basic questions an applicant expects in the interview.
My lips parted, but no words came out of them.
“do I have to repeat myself?” – Mr. Sy asked. I shook my head
“I believe I’m the right choice for your company, sir. Yes, you may disagree by saying I’m young or that I don’t have any experience with the real deal of working in the business industry. However, I am confident that my accomplishments in college does not just stop there. I had those for a reason. My professors believed in me because they saw a potential I can offer to this company. I can prove that to you, sir. Let me help you and let me learn in the same way.”
It’s hard to read his expression when I blurted those words out. Both arms still crossed on his chest and the seldom blinks on his unmoving face did not help.
“I’m your best choice, sir. I’m pretty sure of that.”
I added. He smirked.
“You’re pretty confident about this. I like it.”
No. I was shaking in my shoes. But that’s the thing about confidence. It’s easy to fake it, and when you do, it’s hard to notice.
Two minutes of silence followed as he went back to his laptop. I heard the sound of typing keyboards. Every now and then, he glanced at my folder that’s now spread open on his left.
“is that… is that all, sir? Do you have any more questions?”
I said when he completely ignored me right after.
“yes. Just one more and then you’re free to walk out.”
Walk out? Did he not like anything about what I just said?
“what is it, Mr. Sy?”
“What do you say if I offer you free stay at the manor as part of being my secretary?”
Wait…
WAIT WHAT?
I frowned. I heard every word he said but I was confused on what he meant. Nothing of the sort was stated on the job vacancy announcement of the company.
“what do you mean, Mr. Sy?”
He raised one eyebrow.
“You’re hired… but if you take the job, you’re living with me in the manor.”
I heard him right the first time, then.
I exhaled and looked behind him where the glass wall was. Behind it, the clouds were clear and moves slowly with the wind. It was a good day, no hint of rain or anything that would ruin the day’s rare splendor. Some of the birds fly here and there. Up here, the city looks peaceful and relaxing, in opposition of the noise and rush that awaits below.
Mr. Sy cleared his throat.
“I don’t have all day, Miss. Do you take the job?”
In a heartbeat, I nodded. The “live with me in the manor” was something I didn’t know from the announcement. It caught me by surprise. Yet, I guess it would be okay. I have my dream job now, what could go wrong?
Mr. Sy stood up and held out his hand. I stood up as well and noticed that he doesn’t have a wedding ring. I shook the thought away from my head. Why was I thinking of such thing? I should be celebrating now.
I shook his hand. It felt warm.
“Welcome to the company, Tina.”
Mr. Sy said and I responded with a smile and a thank you. Just in time, a knock interrupted us and he consented the person behind it to come in. A man entered and I knew that was my cue to go.
“I’m leaving now, sir. When can I start?”
“tomorrow… and don’t forget to bring your things. You’ll be living in the manor by then.”
I nodded and walked to the door.