She got up. She hadn't had any sleep since last night's incident. She roamed around her apartment like a zombie. Her apartment. It wasn't really hers,Lily had let her stay here because she was out of town. No questions asked. Her head ached. She glanced around for the painkiller she had seem lying around yesterday. She spotted it under the table and bent to pick it. Her attempt at standing up led to her body being riddled by pain. It was 3 months already, when was she going to heal up. Get over it. Him. She hated him,how he was deeply rooted in her memory. She ached to forget it.
She put on her clothes,a plaid skirt and a white collared shirt. A pair of black shoes. Typical job seeker. She smiled to herself.
Go get em.
She walked out,locked the door and tossed the keys in her purse. It felt like she had been inside for weeks. Technically she had. She waited for a cab,but everyone was a man.
What were you expecting? Wild horses wouldn't drag her to get in one,no matter how decent they looked. The men. So she began walking, the place wasn't too far. For a determined woman of course. She didn't break a sweat as she got close to the place. Her back suddenly felt sticky. She groaned,embarrassed. She hoped this wouldn't ruin her chance. Nobody would want to hire a sweaty looking woman. Not cedar conglomerate to say the least. She kissed her teeth as she got close to the massive sign. It was beautiful, a cedar tree with its branches stretched. And the name of the company in gothic. She walked through the door when it opened and made her way to the receptionist. She had the usual professional smile all receptionists had. Such fake mannerism.
"Hello,I'm Irina Tates", she said catching the woman's attention. The receptionist looked at her through her glasses.
"Hello,Irina,you must be one of the applicants ". She said in a tone that showed it wasn't a question. Damn she knew her job. Irina thought as she nodded. "You're quite late ", she said with pursed lips. Irina glanced around only for her eyes to land on a clock. 9:10am. She cursed under her breath, she was really late.
"I apologise, there's no excuse for such nonchalance, I walked here you see...", she began.
"...its alright, the others are getting interviewed, It'll take time before you're called anyway ". The receptionist said in a bored tone. Irina's eyes landed on the crest above her chest. Emily Akane. She heaved a sigh of relief and smiled in appreciation. "The elevator is over there,floor 33"
Irina muttered her thanks and half walked and half ran her way to the elevator. She got in and chose 33. The highest floor huh. What was she expecting anyway?
The ding pulled her from her train of thought. She stepped out and it took all her willpower not to gasp. This place. It commanded respect and got it from her. She made her way,cautiously as though she was scared she'd break something, to the sign that said waiting lounge. She knocked and opened the door,her eyes widened. Sure there were people there. All women. She suddenly felt overdressed,she didn't know why. Perhaps it was because the women had their boobs spilling and their skirts just beneath their asses. Was this an interview for an official job or a strip show. She sat down and waited. If this was the criterion,certainly she won't get in.
Finally,the bell dinged and she was the only person,she got up just as the last person walked out. She knocked on the door and waited until she heard a grumble before she opened it. She muttered a hello and waited for the man to turn. Her heart stilled as she remembered that she was the only person with him. He could do anything if he wanted,she was panicking. He scanned her. Probably sizing up his prey. Something in her whispered. He sighed,in somewhat relief.
"Finally,someone not dressed like a hoover,you're hired...umm what's your name?".
"I..Irina. Tates", she replied quickly, her head spinning.
"Yes, Ms Tates,you begin next week Monday,don't be late. Emily will discuss your arrangements ".
Wait...no interview?
"You may leave ", he said and turned around. Irina gladly did so,excitement bubbling within her.
You're hired.