She stared at the email for a while. She had heard a lot about the company, but the CEO was always in the dark.
She only knew about the company, but not the CEO, because he did not like being in front of the camera.
He was always busy, and never had the time to spare in front of the camera, so she didn't know what his personality was like.
No matter what, she would take the job. It was the company that accepted her, she could not screw up things for herself, and else she would end up having to look for another place to work.
She was told to begin work the next day, bringing along a few documents. She felt really happy.
Finally, she would be able to help her family—take care of her siblings, and pay up the debts her father owed.
He had borrowed 800 dollars from Andrew, while the other 200 dollars, he got it from people around.
She had to pay up for the ones that seemed easy to complete, so she would only have to face Andrew.
She counted the money she had in her savings, it was 250 dollars.
She decided to keep 150 dollars and pay the 100 dollars to the man next door.
"I was about to ask your father for the money he got from me because I needed it to get some stuff. Thank you so much," the man said after Rachael gave him the money.
She took out a black skirt, and a white short-sleeved shirt to prepare for work. Even if she didn't have much, at least, she would look responsible enough for the position.
She ironed her shirt and hung it out carefully in her wardrobe. She read the manual given to her that contained the rules of the company; what to do and what not to do.
She needed to look confident, or else they might think she was just a clown. Aside from that, she could not let anything go wrong.
"Hi, Sister Rachael. I want to thank you for paying our fees for us. I know how hard it is for you to leave school, just to take care of us," Judy said, sitting beside her.
"We are grateful, and we promise to do our best in school. Whatever you do, we will always support you. You have us," Jane added, and Rachael felt warmth in her heart.
She pulled them into her embrace and hugged them tightly. She was feeling tired and weak, but her sister's beautiful gesture put a smile on her face.
Even if they had nothing, having her sisters was one thing she was grateful for, and she would sacrifice anything just for their sake.
"I promise to take care of us, okay? All I want you to do for me is study your books and pass all your exams. You may not know, but this will take you somewhere. Getting scholarships, and good grades; will take you higher," she said to them, and they nodded their heads.
"Great! Now, go to your room, and get some sleep. It's already getting late."
They both got up from the bed and turned to her. "Goodnight, sister Rachael."
She bid them goodbye, kissing their foreheads.
She lay on her bed, facing the ceiling, as she drowned into deeper thoughts. How would work be tomorrow? What awaited her there?
She was so excited to start her day that she woke up quite earlier than usual.
She wanted absolutely nothing to go wrong, from going to work early to following all the rules, and not getting anyone pissed off.
She took her bath, after preparing breakfast for everyone. They all sat together to eat, and then, the girls left for school.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she knew that her life as the mother in the house had resumed. She had a lot of responsibilities to take care of, but she would endure whatever setbacks there may be.
Rachael was one determined young lady, set to do whatever she said she would do. She picked up her handbag and headed out.
"I'm leaving already, Dad. Take care of yourself," she yelled and stepped out.
She took a cab down to the company and paid the driver off. Standing in front of the tall building with the word "Archie's Establishment" inscribed boldly on it, she gulped, calming herself down, before going in.
All eyes were on her. It seemed like she was the only new worker, and most of them were not expecting her.
Her blue eyes caught their attention, as they stared at her in amusement. She lowered her head to avoid getting more nervous, as their eyes kept feeding on her.
"Hello, I'm Mia. I suppose you are the new worker, the one for the position of secretary, right?" She asked, putting a smile on her face.
"Good morning, Miss. My name is Rachael, and yes, I am the new worker," she replied, politely.
"Alright. You are welcome to Archie's Establishment. Please, follow me. I will show you around, and to your office," Mia said, waving at her to follow her.
Mia took her round the company, showing her different workstations, and the places where she ought to enter and not.
Finally, she was taken to her office. As the secretary, her office was a few other offices away from the CEO's. It was painted in white, having a computer and a few things on the table.
It was her second time working in a company, and it still seemed like a whole new experience. She entered the office, and placed her bag on the table, alongside the file she brought.
"This is beautiful," she muttered, but it was loud enough for Mia to hear.
"I know right? You are really lucky. This seat has been vacant for a while, and many people, as well as you, applied for the position. You are so lucky to have gotten it," Mia told her, and she smiled.
"I am lucky," she mumbled. "That's..a.. great news. I mean, I'm lucky to have gotten this job. I will put in my best to make sure I deliver good results," she said, confidently.
"Alright, I will leave you to fix yourself up. The CEO will be here, soon. Enjoy your first day at work, Rachael," Mia said, smiling at her.
She walked towards the door, but stopped, as though she remembered something.
"Uh, is something wrong?" Rachael asked, seeing that she hadn't left yet.
"Just a tip; only a strong-willed person can keep this seat for long."