3. My only chance to survive

I was excited to go outside for job hunting but every time I showed them my resume, they change their decision to hire me. 

It's my tenth interview with a fabric company as a sewing maker. I waited patiently after receiving a number thirty number tag. I didn't even have a proper meal since I don't want to waste any time until I didn't get any job. My stomach is now rumbling inside but I just ignored it and just drink the last drop of my bottled water. 

"Max Lopez?", I heard my name. 

" It's me, ma'am!", I quickly stood up and answered her. 

She's the one who handles all the applicants. She's old and serious. I took a deep breath for an interview. 

"Follow me." She said and I gladly came to the consultation room with her. 

"Good luck!", she said before leaving me inside. 

I smiled a bit. I thought she's a snob employee but it's true that you can't judge the book by its cover. 

I saw a Korean guy sitting on his desk. I guess he's the CEO here. I hope that he will pass me in the interview. 

" Have a seat!", he told me and I made my way in front of his table to fill it. 

Who among you here always watching Korean dramas? How about the CEO male lead, do you find them more or less attractive? Well, if I rate this owner, you will laugh after seeing him. He's not a famous type of Korean CEO you had in mind. He's chubby, bad smell, and with a huge belly. 

"Thank you, sir." I simply replied.

He checks my resume and I waited for ten minutes after he made his final answer. If you're in my situation, you will tell me if I'm still breathing or not because my face is pale as a bond paper. I keep jumping my feet and fidgeting my fingers on my lap while waiting for his interview result. 

"So, you're a mom! A single mom?", he asked me. 

" Yes, but don't worry, my daughter is seven now and she's not a hindrance to my work. I promise." I quickly said so that he can't make any second thoughts. 

I was startled when he slammed my folder on his desk. He looks hopeless so I guess I failed. 

"I'm so sorry but I don't accept women with babies here!", after telling me, I went down on my knees to beg for him. 

" Please, I promise not to middle my daughter to my work. I will work hard. Just give me this job!" I'm still on his knees but he kicked me away from him. He hit my head and I felt he made a scratch on it. 

"I said no! Lily, take this poor woman out from my office! She's crazy!", he called his attendant. 

She came in and helped me out. 

I just cried after they give me back my resume. She felt sorry for me and she told me that their boss doesn't accept single mommies. 

I went back home empty-handed. I don't know how to stay positive and wear my best smile when my daughter Taly asked me about what happened today. 

I was hopeless now. How can I have a decent job if I stay like this? If I keep telling them that I'm a mom, no one dared to hire me unless I hide the truth. I shook my head and pinch my cheeks. 

" Wake up, Max! What are you thinking?", I mumbled.

There's always an answer to any problem. I have to think positively. I'm almost near my way home when I saw flyers just at the crossing of our street. I walked closer to check it. I was interested when I saw the words Urgent Hiring on the flyer itself. 

What if this is the answer to my problem? 

I took the flyer with me and decided to double-check it when I get home. Maybe Taly is now bored waiting for me. I pressed the doorbell outside the door. I installed it yesterday since I heard and watch several news which is full of danger and stories about kids' crime and death. 

"Honey, it's a mom!", I called her from the outside. 

" I'm coming, mom!", I heard her little voice from inside. 

I waited and she finally opened it for me. It's four in the afternoon and I didn't want to tell her about my unlucky day. 

She quickly wrapped her arms around me. 

"I miss you, mom. I'm glad you're home. Did you found a job?", she asked me and I just nod my head even I haven't.

Her eyes sparkled when I told her that I got a job. 

" Really? Shall we celebrate?", she looks excited and she's jumping in joy. 

"I wish I had," I murmured. 

 

 

After dinner, I lay beside her to help her fall asleep. I almost forgot the lullaby songs I always hum for her when she goes to bed. I just hum a song Lalala. 

I slowly pulled my body against the bed and left my sleeping baby. I can't sleep even a wink because of being jobless. I took the flyers inside my bag and read the qualifications carefully. I hope I can work here this time. 

As I started reading about the qualified applicants for this job, as a general designer, my jaw drops to realize that this company only looking for male employees only. Meaning all applicants must be male. I began to burst into laughter. I can't believe that this kind of company exists. 

"Is the owner gay? Bisexual or just crazy?", I asked myself while keep staring at the flyer. 

Until a very odd idea came to my mind. I think no one will find out if I try. This Is my only chance to get hired. We can't go on living like this especially that my daughter is soon going back to school. We need a daily allowance and her school tuition fees. 

" What if I change my identity as a man? Will this plan work?", I uttered and I started to think about it over and over again.