Anne Louize Clifford, I just turned 22, and I've been planning my move to New York for a long time, even against my parents' wishes. They would never understand.

I want to chase my dreams, even if my parents don't understand this fascination with New York. I could stay in New Jersey and look for a job right here, but that's not what I wanted.

I recently graduated with a degree in Journalism and had been looking for a job for a while in my town at my parents' insistence.

After all, they never supported my move to New York; they always believed that I would end up in a bad situation there, having to pay rent and fend for myself in that concrete jungle.

They finally got tired of my insistence and helped me with some savings. It would be enough to keep me afloat for a year until I could fully get back on my feet, and it would make it easier to find a decent job, as they put it.

My older brother, Alex, graduated from medical school. He's been engaged for two years and currently works at one of the most renowned hospitals in the city. That's where he met his fiancee, Holy. She's a bit controlling; I never liked the way she treats my brother, but if he loves her, it's none of my business.

I spent long weeks searching for a place to stay in New York that was within my budget. I finally found a place. The ad said it was quiet, with a family atmosphere, a detail that pleased my parents.

The apartment is fully furnished, a bonus for me. It made my life easier; now, I only have to worry about getting there and organizing my clothes and a few things to make it feel more like home.

A week went by. At the airport, I said goodbye to my family. Mom cried uncontrollably, and Dad, as always, didn't show much emotion.

Mom: "Please call me as soon as you arrive. Don't leave me worried."

"Mom, stop crying. I'm not going to the other side of the world. New York is right next door; you can visit me as often as you want. Come here, give me a hug."

We hugged. Through tears, I separated from Mom and went towards my father. I gave him a hug, and he awkwardly said,

Dad: "Be good, young lady. I wish you luck, and if something goes wrong, you can always come running home."

I rolled my eyes, teasing him. They still don't understand. I know they'll be proud of me one day.

"Thanks, Dad. I love you guys, but I have to go or I'll miss my flight."

Unable to hold back my emotions, I cried. A bit disappointed that my brother didn't come to see me off in person, only sending a text message saying he couldn't come because he was stuck at the hospital. Out of sadness and a bit of pride, I ended up not responding to his message.

After a quick flight, I arrived in New York. Still at the airport, I got a taxi and went straight to the address that would be my home for the next few months.

First impression: the chaotic traffic left me extremely exhausted. The taxi stopped in front of a building with an old facade. The taxi driver, being very kind, escorted me to the building's reception, even though I insisted that I didn't need help. I thanked him with a generous tip.

In the building, a young man, who seemed to be the receptionist, looked me up and down and, with a disdainful expression, addressed me:

Receptionist: "Hello, Miss, can I help you?"

"Hello, my name is Anne Louize Clifford. I reserved one of your apartments a few weeks ago." (Confidently)

Receptionist: "I assume you paid the rent in advance and sent all the paperwork by email as requested because I'm telling you right now, we don't rent our apartments to just anyone."

I immediately turned red, not from embarrassment, but from anger. How dare he treat another person that way, regardless of whether or not I could afford to rent one of the apartments here. He should treat customers better. I tried to remain calm and replied,

"I paid the equivalent of six months' rent in advance and sent all the documentation by email as requested, thus signing a notarized contract. It was sent weeks ago. If that's all, please give me the key to my apartment now, as I'm tired from the trip and faced horrendous traffic to get here."

Aware of who he was dealing with, with nothing more to say, the young receptionist stared at me angrily, took the key, and handed it to me. I thanked him and left his sight.

With great difficulty, I grabbed my luggage and put it in the elevator. It took two trips to carry everything.

Well, this is it. Sixth floor, apartment six hundred and one, my new home.

Being a well-prepared girl, a month before moving, I sent out some resumes to the biggest magazines in the city. Months ago, I couldn't have imagined my life taking this direction. Opportunities were there; I didn't want to waste any chance to grow in life, to be someone, and New York is perfect for that.

After a long shower, I called my parents to let them know that I had arrived safely and had a good trip. I sent them some pictures of the apartment to reassure them a bit more.

My mom was still a little emotional. Dad knew how to calm her down. Ale hadn't arrived home yet. I started to feel sleepy. I said goodbye to my parents, my body overcome with exhaustion, and finally fell asleep.

... To be continued ...

Anne Louize

The next day, an unbearable noise makes me jump out of bed. Even though I'm fighting sleep, irritated, I get up and go to the alarm clock, turning it off.

A good shower to dispel the sleepiness. In the kitchen, I make coffee. It's not the same as my mother's, but it's a start, and to be honest, I'm starting to miss home. I shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away.

Suddenly my cell phone starts ringing. I run to answer it, and looking at the phone's screen, I notice an unknown number.

I answer immediately. A female voice on the other side of the line; I pay close attention to what she says.

"Hello..."

"Hello, Miss Anne Louize, this is Amara speaking, I'm the executive secretary at Empire On Faces. Would you have a moment to speak with me?"

"Hi, please go ahead, I'm listening."

Amara_ We have analyzed your resume and would like to schedule an in-person interview with you.

I'm silent for a few seconds, trying to absorb part of what the woman is saying on the phone.

Amara_ Miss, are you still there?

"Hi, yes, sorry, I'm still here, you can speak."

Amara_ As I said before, I'd like to know if you'd be available for an in-person interview here at the company?!

"Yes, of course, I'm fully available, what time would the interview be?"

Amara_ How about ten-thirty this morning?

"That's great."

Amara_ Great, we'll be waiting for you. See you soon, Empire On Faces thanks you for contacting us, have a great day.

Amara says goodbye, ending the call. I still can't believe what just happened. I was simply asked to attend an interview at one of the biggest magazines in the country, a company I've always dreamed of working for. I never imagined that one day this could happen. I have little time to get ready.

I wasted a few minutes deciding what to wear, finally finding something decent to wear to the interview.

I'm determined to get this job. I put on all my confidence and leave the house. On the sidewalk, waiting for a taxi, I check the company's address for the thousandth time. The nervousness of being late and messing up on the very first day.

The taxi arrives, thank God the traffic was less chaotic today. Moments later, the taxi stops in front of a huge building, the facade is breathtaking. I pay the taxi driver and head for the entrance.

With firm steps, I walk quickly. It's times like these that I love my punctual side. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I barely realized where exactly I was going, and without realizing it, I end up bumping into someone.

The impact was inevitable, I crashed into him and ended up dropping all the papers I was holding. Without time to protest or open my mouth to say anything, the stranger snaps.

"My God, watch where you're going." (Irritated voice)

Still on the floor, I try to compose myself quickly. I pick up the papers around me, with everything in hand, I straighten my clothes, getting to my feet and face the man standing in front of me.

(In thoughts)

"How rude, didn't your parents teach you any manners, you jerk?"

On top of that, he's rude, he didn't even offer to help. I wanted to shove my heel down his throat to teach him how to treat a lady.

"Aren't you going to apologize?"

He looks enraged, he made an ugly face, I felt like laughing, but I didn't.

"Should I apologize to you? Did you at least help me pick up my belongings?" (I asked, astonished.)

"I don't have time for this, stay out of my way, next time I'll step over you."

"What?" (I retorted "I thought the man's rudeness was a joke.)"

Without giving me a chance to answer, the man turns his back on me and leaves the way I just came in. Well, how insolent, if this type of man is common here, I'll be in trouble. I look at my watch, I almost missed my interview.

I arrived on time, waited sitting down for a few minutes, a very elegant and well-dressed young woman stops and calls my name.

"Anne Louize Clifford."

"Yes" (I answer immediately.)

"Please follow me."

A little nervous, I follow the young woman in silence. I can't help but notice how graceful this woman is, walking in her high heels, she has perfect posture, clothes of very fine fabrics that cover her delicate silhouette. I quickly glance at myself, I'm well dressed, even overdressed for the occasion, but I can't help but notice how much this place smells of luxury. I imagine what the owner of this place must be like, he must be a very rich and grumpy old man for sure.

"Right this way, Miss."

I snap out of my daydreams and follow her.

"Well, you must know me by now, I called you earlier today, I'm Amara, Mr. Johnson's secretary."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

Amara nods and continues.

Amara_ Well, the position you've been called in for is that of a secretary; it will be to supplement what we do here.

"Understood."

Amara_ Mr. Johnson is a very busy man, he needs extra support to organize his day-to-day life, his schedule has been very full lately, I'm not able to handle all the work, any questions, Miss?

... To be continued...

..........

Louize_ There is no doubt, everything is fine.

Amara_ Great, come with me, I'll show you your office.

Trying to follow Amara, I run to catch up with her.

Amara_ Your office will be next to Mr. Johnson's office, he seems scary at first, don't worry, you'll get used to it.

Louize_ I hope I don't disappoint you.

Amara_ I know you won't, you will do very well. I saw on your resume, you have a degree in Journalism?!

Louize_ Thank you, yes, I graduated a few months ago, I can't believe I'm here today.

Amara_ In the future, depending on your performance, we will be able to explore your skills, there are always editor vacancies available, as our focus is to have experienced, capable and talented professionals who grow with the company.

Louize_ That would be amazing.

Amara_ You are fluent in more than six languages, that's perfect, Mr. Johnson travels a lot to business conferences and that is certainly quite a requirement. But don't worry about the trips, he usually goes alone, you would be more useful in conferences, we receive many businessmen from other countries.

Thank goodness, having to travel with the boss would be a novelty. I hope it doesn't come to that, this idea of traveling with him makes me anxious, not least because I wouldn't know how to react if it did happen.

Amara opens a door and motions for me to enter.

Amara_ We don't require experience for this position, but I want to see your performance up close, the work is from Monday to Saturday, Sunday off, starting time at eight in the morning, one hour for lunch.-- This will be your office, next to Mr. Johnson's office.

'_ The closing time is based on Mr. Johnson's closing time, as he usually leaves the company a little late, but don't worry when this happens, he makes a driver available who can take you home safely. That's it, any questions?

Louize_ No, no questions, when do I start?

Amara_ If it's okay with you, you can start tomorrow.

Louize_ Great, that's fine.

Amara_ Oh, just one more thing I forgot to mention, dating any other employee here at the company is unacceptable, no kind of involvement with your co-workers is allowed, and if this happens, you're definitely fired, Mr. Johnson doesn't allow any kind of involvement within this company, according to him it takes the focus away from work, I hope this is very clear to you, okay Anne Louize?

Louize_ Understood, perfectly, no kind of affective involvement.

That same day, Amara gives me a little tour to get to know the rest of the company, everything here is wonderful, hasn't it sunk in that I'm here, even if it's for a secretary position, it wasn't what I wanted, but it's the beginning, and who knows after a while I can't get a job as an editor.

Amara accompanies me to the reception, before leaving she gives me a badge that gives access to the company's premises, uniform will not be necessary, she only emphasizes the use of high heels and maintaining a discreet look is essential, oh and a memo with all the information about Mr. Johnson, we say goodbye and I leave.

I arrive home late in the afternoon, exhausted.

I still can't believe I got a job, I call my parents to give them the good news, they are happy for me even though my father doesn't hide his disappointment for wasting my degree and ending up as a simple secretary when I could be a successful journalist, but it's just the beginning, nothing is enough for Dad.

I say goodbye to them, I finish organizing some things in the closet, I didn't have time earlier because of the interview, already night I take a shower, eat and go to bed earlier than usual, I want to wake up rested.

In the morning, waking up early, I take a shower and make a good coffee, get ready and go to work.

I arrived at the company ten minutes early, greeted some employees who were passing by, the reception was better than I expected.

In my office, I organize some papers that were already on top of my desk, with the following note.

_; “Read them carefully, as soon as you review them send them to Amara and she will know what to do.”

At the end of the note was a signature, probably Mr. Johnson's.

After I finish reviewing all the papers, I put them in a yellow envelope, call a messenger and send the documents to Amara.

The phone on my desk starts ringing, I stare at it curiously, because I have no idea how to answer it, I realize it's the extension coming directly from my boss's office, I pick up the phone and put it to my ear.

Louize_ Mr. Johnson's office, how can I help you?!

He answers.

__ Come to my office right now.

Louize_ I'm…

I didn't have time to finish the sentence, I just heard the phone buzzing in my ear, he hung up on me. Geez, what a rude guy, what's wrong with the men in this town?! Better yet, "What's wrong with the men in this company?"

I get up, trying to hide the blush that was burning my cheeks, and controlling my breathing, by this time I didn't know if it was nervousness, or fear of facing the man in the next room, his dominant voice scared me.

I freeze in front of the door, I'm finally going to meet Mr. Johnson, judging by his irritated voice, he must be a nerd for sure, who never gets laid and only thinks about work.

'Stop stalling Anne Louize, without further ado I take a deep breath and knock on the door, after a long moment standing in front of his door I receive the invitation to enter.

My hands are sweating, I turn the doorknob and enter the room.

. . . To be continued…