05

"Finally, we met," Ma'am Perfiana said as we exchanged handshakes.

"Yes, I'm really apologetic for the previous day; my documents got bogged down in a muddy puddle," I stated. Her face was filled with both confusion and worry.

"Why? What went wrong? "She inquired as she prepared her laptop for the interview.

"I got bumped by a jackass, grr nevermind," I joked, and she laughed as well.

We're seated on a bench outside the company, which is unusual for a job interview.

"By the way, ma'am, does the job interview have to take place within the company?" I inquired.

"Look at the spot where we are," she replied with a smile.

Only a few folks were walking there when I looked around. Unlike outside of a company, there is a low population count here.

"All I see are people walking by..."

"The company was large enough to excite your desire to wander around and make you unfocused in the interview," she explained. "Here, you can relax your mind because of the quiet nature and properly think about your answers."

I simply offer her an amused nod. She's astute.

"Do you think we can start the interview right now?"

I give her a friendly nod and straighten up.

"So, based on your statistics, you're a recent graduate?" she inquired, as she went over my documents.

I respectfully replied, "Yes, Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, Major in Accounting."

"Aside from the fact that you graduated as a suma-cumlaude, which is why you're on our prior list, can you tell me more about yourself?"

I gulped some breath and considered what I could say about myself.

"Back then, I was reared by my bestfriend's parents, but today we live on our own. Before applying for this position, I worked as a barista in a café ," I remarked, a little trembling in my voice.

"Can you tell me why you left your café work?"

"I was dismissed out because I was was clumsy and dropped about half the glasses in the café," I explained. She sighed, as if she had discovered a flaw in my previous employment.

"Mr. Silvenia was a coffee connoisseur, thus you've been assigned with making him a cup of coffee as his secretary. Do you believe you'll be able to complete it without making any errors?" she inquired, her voice concerned.

"Yes, the glasses were really heavy back then, especially given the wet, slick floor. I only need to bring a small teacup and dish with me."

"Next, given that you have a bachelor's degree in accounting, why do you believe you are qualified to be a secretary? You can submit an application in the accounting area."

"Accounting does not only imply that you can manage money, but also that you can manage appointments. Since work is also about socializing, I think I'm okay with it, especially since secretaries are usually the ones that communicate with their business partners "I explained, almost gasping for air.

When she smiled at me when I replied, I felt relieved.

Sel, all you have to do is be confident. You've got this.

"How do you see your potential contribution to the company if you are hired for this position?"

My heart began to race in response to this question, shems, to which I had no idea how to respond.

"To be honest, I'm not sure what I can contribute to the company because I'm not all that familiar with it. But, knowing myself and my work experience, they told me that I'm good at persuading people, particularly business partners. With such technique, I believe I can assist the organization," I replied hesitantly, fearful of the outcome.

She gave me a friendly smile while typing on her laptop.

"Congratulations for passing the application."

My eyes widened as she spoke.

Is it possible for me to work as a secreatry now?

"Really? When will I be able to start working?" When she shook her head and chuckled a little, I questioned excitedly, my smile dissipating.

"My apologies; I made a mistake. Earlier, I referred to you as a 'interview' rather than a 'application'," she stated. 

My brow furrowed in bewilderment.

"What exactly do you mean?" I inquired.

"I mean, this is only part of the interview; you're only on the second stage right now," she added, "But you can now advance to the actual interview where Mr. Silvenia will decide whether or not you're accepted."

What I heard made me feel as though my spirit had fled my body.

I haven't been called for the interview yet?

"Does this indicate there's still a chance I won't get the job?"

She takes my hands in hers and rubs them with her thumb to make me feel at peace.

"You have a good chance of getting employed because only five people out of a thousand who applied have passed this level, including you."

My mouth was open in surprise.

Thousands to five candidates in a matter of minutes?

As a result, they're a very rigid company that prioritizes quality over quantity.

"That's why they're always the top one technological firm," I remarked, drowning in the realization of how rigid they are.

"Yeah, one mistake may cost you your job, even if it's just brewing coffee," she added, nodding her head.

"Even if it's simply preparing a cup of coffee? Are you joking?" I inquired, perplexed.

What is the relationship between coffee and technology being one of the reasons for being fired?

"Yes, many secretaries have been fired simply for spilling or dropping the cup on Mr. Silvenia's table. You'll be the 200th secretary recruited by Mr. Silvenia if you're hired."

"Eh? just because of the coffee?"

"Yes, that's why I feel little bit fear for you when you said that you dropped almost half of the glass in café you worked on. Mr. Silvenia believes if you can't take care of just a simple coffee, you can't also help the company, he always believes everything starts in small, but I know you're a careful and smart secretary," she said, and I feel my heart fluttered from that compliment.

"Eh? Is it just because of the coffee, or is it something else?"

She shook her head and placed her elbows on the table.

"That's why, when you claimed you dropped about half of the glass in the café where you worked, I was a little concerned for your safety. Mr. Silvenia feels that if you can't handle a simple cup of coffee, you won't be able to help the firm; he always believes that everything begins small, but I know you're a cautious and intelligent secretary."

My heart suddenly fluttered when said it.

She's really sweet.

"If you ever get passed, I have one piece of advice for you: don't be afraid to correct Mr. Silvenia. He appreciates honesty, but be aware of your limitations. He's still the company's brain," she stated as she was putting her things away.

"Yes, that's something I'll keep in mind. Thank you so much," I said it with sincerity.

We said our goodbyes to each other. She was the first to go since I lingered in our apartment for a few moments.

I adore the way the wind blows at this location. It's really soothing.

I picked up the phone when it rang.

"Yeah?"

[Has the interview gone well?] Britanny had inquired.

"To be precise, 'application,'" I corrected her.

[What? Wasn't it supposed to be an interview?]

"I thought the same thing, but this is merely the second stage," I chuckled.

[There is no guarantee that you will be hired for the time being. Is that right?] When I looked up at the sky, I let out a sigh.

"It's true, but I'm in a much better position now. From thousands of applicants, I'm ranked among the top five candidates. I'm still fortunate, though."

My gaze fell on three luxury cars parked in front of me. When I saw the guy I met the other day get out of his Ferrari, my eyes expanded.

On either side of him, there are two more men. My eyes were opened when I observed how the guards were treating them.

When he looked in my direction, I immediately covered my face.

Maybe he's just Mr. Silvenia's visitor, okay? Don't be concerned, Sel.

[Selena? Hey? Are you all right?]

When Britanny called again, I returned to myself.

"Wait, what are we talking about again?" I inquire.

I look where the men are walking again, and I'm relieved when they're gone.

I straightened up and pretended I hadn't seen anything.

[I'm wondering if you're available to go to the amusement park this evening?] she inquired.

"Of course!" I responded right away.

I stood up and gathered my belongings to go to the park to relax. Nature soothes my entire system, especially when I'm in pain or happy.

I dashed across the vast road in front of the Silvenia's building, giddy with excitement.

I'm nearly halfway down the road when I hear a loud beep. Fear caused me to fall in the road; they didn't hit me, but my knees immediately weakened.

"Are you dumb?" a man asked. I was going to rise and fight him when my eyes suddenly recognized the man I had met the day before.

I immediately stood up and covered my face with my documents. I didn't say anything to the owner of the car and ran away from them.

Despite being in the top five of their previous list, I still can't believe I'm on it! However, the nervousness and excitement never go away from my system.

Is there a way I can start my day at work?

The question is, should I greet her warmly with a huge grin, or should I keep my mouth shut and pretend to be mysterious?

Gosh, What a thrill!

For Ms. Perfiana's sake, I can't conceive how big the Silvenia Company is.

Is the company really big or she's just exaggerating?

"I'm afraid for no apparent reason. What the hell happened to me?" I questioned myself.

I was afraid for some reason when I saw those three fancy cars parked in front of the company.

I felt like I knew that man I bumped into before we met that day. Is it possible that we interacted once before?

Argh, why is there so much mystery in my life?

I enjoy mystery fiction and films, but not in my own life. I have the impression that I am awash in secrets.

After shaking my head, I playedfully crossed the street to catch the bus. Unbeknownst to me, I've already crossed over a major street.

As the last thing I heard before a tremendous noise filled my ears, I heard the long beep of a car as it passed by.

Once again, I'm in my room, resting in my bed, and I'm experiencing back pain.

"Sel? Are you all right?" Haxilla inquired when she noticed that I was awake.

She encouraged me to sit in my bed.

"What transpired? How did I end up here?" I inquired.

She sat next to me and took my hands in hers. Her eyes are filled with concern.

"You were almost hit by a car earlier, but Raven saw you and saved you," she explained.

Raven has reappeared.

Is he a disguised guardian angel?

"How is he? Is he hurt or something?"

"He only got bruises just like yours, he called Britanny to tell everything."

I nod and rested my head in headboard.

She asked me a few questions before leaving the room to give me some space.

"Ah," I exclaimed as my head felt began to split in half.

I closed my eyes to try to alleviate the pain, but it only made matters worse. My hands reaching for the mint vaporub in my desk.

But my hands began to tremble, and I destroyed everything that had been thrown down.

I felt my surroundings spin around me, making me dizzy and cause me to close my eyes.