OLIVIA
I was running late for my interview. I should be there already, but something else kept me waiting, and my friend wasn't helping matters. He kept teasing me on our way to the office. I glared at Aiden, and he raised his hand when he stopped the car.
"I didn't do anything wrong," he said, acting innocent. He knew what he did, and he was trying to get a reaction from me.
"I hate you right now," I said with a pout, and he burst out laughing.
"I love you too," he said, and I opened the door and waved at him. Aiden blew me a kiss and drove away. He had been so helpful to me since I got here. He was the only friend I had, and I had learned to appreciate him.
I rushed into the company. The interview would start within ten minutes, and I was told to head to the last floor. I knew I had to run. I jogged to the elevator. Just when I thought I was going to get inside, another person walked out of the elevator and crashed into me. I almost fell to the floor, but their grip held me tight.
I let out a gasp at the sudden clash. I thought I was going to hit my head or something. I opened my eyes only to be met with grey eyes that would make any lady weak in the knees. I couldn't believe I was being held by a gorgeous man right now. I lost focus.
When he realized he was holding me longer than necessary, he let me go and cleared his throat.
"Next time, watch where you're going," he said.
I scoffed. Why was he so rude all of a sudden?
"You're the one at fault," I retorted.
He didn't wait to hear my feedback before leaving. I glared at his retreating back, annoyed.
I could feel eyes on me, but who cares? He made it look like I was the only one at fault when he was also at fault.
I scoffed and went into the elevator. I met some people inside, and they kept giving me disbelieving looks. I didn't know why they were staring like that. He was also at fault. He caused it. If he wasn't on his phone, he would have been able to prevent it.
Okay, maybe I'm being mean here, my subconscious scolded.
I heaved a sigh and hugged my file closely. He might also be here for the interview, I guessed. Maybe he didn't get the offer, and that's why he's angry at me instead.
I rolled my eyes at the thought.
The elevator finally opened, and I was surprised to see lots of people seated on chairs in front of the interview room. The funny part was that there was no empty seat for me. That meant I'd have to stand until someone went inside for their interview.
This wasn't how I pictured my day. I had thought it would go smoothly, but the turn of events wasn't making any sense at all.
I tried to be positive. I'll try my best to be positive.
From the company's profile, I found out that they needed only two people. They needed a secretary and an accountant. Comparing that with the whole crowd outside, would I get the job offer? There were a lot of us. How am I going to do this? This is going to be a hard competition.
Above it all, I came late. What in the world is going on right now? It's all Aiden's fault. He promised to come pick me up early, but he had to forget. He forgot the time he was supposed to come.
A lady came out, and she kind of looked sad. That was my cue to sit. I sat down, and the line moved. I waited for hours until it reached my turn. I was the last one after all.
I heaved a sigh and went inside the office. I met a lady seated, holding a file. I greeted her politely, and she answered with a stuck-up nose.
"Have a seat," she said, and I did as I was told.
The fact that she didn't even raise her head up to look at me made me angry. At least try and be nice, but she was kind of bitchy.
"I heard what you did downstairs," she said all of a sudden, and I was confused. "Excuse me?"
That was when she raised her head up to give me her attention. "You want to deny what you did?" she said.
What is she talking about? "What are you talking about, ma'am?" Then realization dawned on me.
"If I may ask, are you referring to the little crash downstairs? He caused it. He was on his phone while he walked out of the elevator. The least he could have done was to pay attention to his surroundings, but he didn't."
She rolled her eyes. "I bet you don't know what you did then."
She should be straight with what she meant. I don't understand her talking in parables.
We did the interview, and I was proud to give her my best answers. I made sure I practiced well before this day. I don't want to lose any opportunity that comes my way at all.
After the interview came to an end, she dismissed me to leave the office. "Why is she so rude?" I asked myself the moment I stepped out. No one was outside. I guess they all left. We were told a message would be sent to the selected one. Now I'm having doubts if I'll be amongst the lucky ones, but my fingers are crossed. I won't give up.
*****
On getting home, my phone made a sound. I didn't want to get it, thinking it was Aiden. I was still angry at him. I collapsed on the couch and let out a tired sigh. Today was hectic. Another sound was heard, and then I grew angry. I retrieved the phone out of my purse to see who was sending a message. I furrowed my brows when I saw that it was a mail, not a message. I clicked on the button, and the message came into view. I read the content and almost dropped my phone. I couldn't believe my eyes. I don't know if what I read was real, but that's exactly what I'm seeing right now. My hands were shaking. I don't know whether I should scream or maybe I should run mad, joking. I just got myself a job. That was what the message was all about. I've been selected. I couldn't hold it in, so I squealed loudly. I was so happy. I don't care what the neighbors think must be happening over here. I'm super happy, honestly. I had to call Aiden. Now I guess I can forgive him.
***
Aiden didn't waste any more time. He was wearing his singlet and pants. I gave him a look, but then jumped on him. "I just got myself a job!" I said to him.
He carried me up and swirled me around. I laughed so happily. "This is great news," he said and finally dropped me down. The smile on my face never wavered.
"Why are you putting on just a singlet?" I had to ask.
"I was in the gym when you called. What do you expect? I thought something bad happened to you or something," he said sincerely, and I chuckled.
"I'm so happy, Aiden."
"I'm so happy you aren't angry at me anymore. This calls for a celebration," he said and lifted me up once again.
I shook my head. "I don't want to be drunk. I have to resume tomorrow," I said, and he nodded understandingly.
"Okay, then I'll cook for us. I know how bad you are in the kitchen, so I'll cook," he said, and I was glad he said that. I was craving some home-cooked food, and since I'd been so lazy, I couldn't make myself one.
Aiden went to the kitchen and began work.
****
I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the car. Aiden gave me a thumbs-up and drove away. I made my way to the company. Now I'm a staff member of my dream company. I've waited so long for this day. The A&A Group of Companies. This has been my dream company all along. It's my time to rise now.
With a smirk on my face, I went inside and approached the receptionist. I was told to meet the receptionist so she could give me my ID tag. I did exactly that, and she handed me everything I needed. I was given the number to my new office.
I made my way to the elevator and got inside. I went out immediately when the doors opened. I walked along the hallway and found the door to my new office. I was told I'd be working for the CEO. I'd be his secretary.
I raised my hand and knocked on the door. I heard a slight "come in." I pushed the door and went inside, gently handling the door to avoid making a disturbing sound. I turned, and my eyes widened in shock when I saw who was seated on the high chair.
My eyes were wide with surprise. There, sitting on the chair, was none other than the man I stumbled into by the elevator.
"YOU!" I said in disbelief.