I was glad I had someone to challenge me though, to push my limits and make me work harder. We studied together, motivated each other; we balanced each other out.
I begged sleep to come but I was so hyped up. I got up again and picked out what to wear. Judging by their accomplishments, I thought they were older conservative men so I picked out my only black skirt suit, the skirt went past my knees a bit, and a white button up. It seemed that was the last thing I needed to plan before I collapsed into bed.
~
I was scheduled for noon on the dot so I got up at nine-thirty. I made breakfast and had a double dose of coffee before I got dressed. I took my long brown hair and braided it back. I wasn’t the makeup type so I just wore foundation to hide my dark circles and simple peach lipstick. I spritzed on my favorite perfume and double checked my notes and materials. I was ready to go. Just extremely nervous.
Sarai had already gone to class, or work. I couldn’t remember. She worked at a small boutique where the employees also model the looks. She always rocked the exotic, bohemian look with her deep eyes and thick brows. It was the perfect job for her. She didn’t need the money, so she just did it for fun.
I worked in the admissions office as a secretary. It was boring, but I could get a lot of studying done as I sat at the desk. I took today off to prepare, since I only had classes two days a week the job was relatively easy to keep.
My trusty, fifteen-year-old Beetle was parked across the street. The blue paint was chipping so bad, it looked gray. But it did look kind of retro and cool, all that mattered is it runs. I headed to the hall they held the interviews at, and found easy parking.
I got in with thirty minutes to spare, so I just sat outside.
“Are you waiting for the presentation?” An older woman, with dramatic features and a kind smile asked me while I waited on the bench.
“Yes, I am.” She asked me my name and I assumed she was an assistant of some sort.
“You look nice.” She told me.
“Thank you, I am a little nervous.” I smiled. She waved me off.
“Don’t worry. They like to think they are all big and mean, but they really aren’t. Especially Jake.”
I smiled a bit.
“Thanks. I’ll try to relax.”
I waited a few more minutes, and then went in the bathroom nervously to check myself. I heard noises in a stall that sounded like crying. I never liked knowing people were upset about something. I thought it would take my mind off of my own mess of a life anyway.
I knocked on the stall gently, “Are you okay?”
The sniffled stopped, and then the stall opened. She looked so pretty, and well dressed in a suit. Why was she upset?
“I’m fine, thanks. Just an interview gone bad is all.”
She went over to the sink and washed her hands, then started fixing her makeup.
“With Collegium Corp?” I don’t know why I asked that.
“Yes, do you have one too?”
I nodded.
She shook her head. “It was a disaster. I thought my presentation was good. I know the idea was a little crazy but I was prepared. But one of them was a total asshole and got mad at me for not Googling them or something. It was awful. I ran out in tears! Oh no, are you going in too?”
I nodded slowly. Now terrified to even go. I glanced at my watch. Five minutes to go. Would I run out in tears too?
“Yeah, I do. I’m sorry it didn’t go well,” I said gently.
“It’s fine. I guess I will just have to go and work for my dad or something. I just wanted to make it on my own for once.” She shook her head sadly as she looked down.
Man, I really felt for her. I felt the same way. My parents were very supportive, and hard working. But if I didn’t get this job, I would have to move back home after graduation and I definitely didn’t want to do that.
“I know. I have to go, I’m sorry.” I smiled sadly at her and left.
One minute. I tapped my foot nervously, standing by the door. What if they hated me? I imagined they would. They were so mean to her, I didn’t do well with mean. Only because I didn’t take shit from people, and I didn’t like when people come for me without warrant. If they said something I didn’t like, I was afraid I would retort with something equally unfriendly.