Episode 2

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?