Underdressed

Amelia

“Damn it.” I muttered under my breath, rubbing the back of my palm that had collided with the iron bars. That was exactly what I was talking about. It was as if I had a curse, a curse of clumsiness that always landed me in trouble.

“Dear God help me.” I muttered under my breath again. The last thing I wanted was for another interview to go horribly wrong because I couldn’t get my act together. I’d been leeching off mom for far too long already; it was time I helped her out.

I soon got down from that bus and got on the second one. To get to Vee theatre — the place the interview was being held — I had to take three buses all the way from home.

I just had to pray I got the job, then I’d dedicate my first paycheck to getting a car… a car and contact lenses.

After about an hour later, I stepped down from the third bus, staring at the tall building in front of me. It was bigger that it looked in the pictures. Bigger and more majestic.

Oops! Did I forget to mention that I wasn’t there for a movie role but for a job as a personal assistant? Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t have a single bone of acting talent in me, being an assistant was all I knew how to do.

I checked my wristwatch for the last time. I was already an hour and thirty minutes late. My chances of getting the job became even slimmer.

“Might as well just get it over with.” I said to myself and walked into the theatre which was strangely quiet; too quiet for my liking.

The door made a little creak as I pushed it open. The main area was empty; not a single person in sight. I was hoping I got the timing wrong and the interview was being held later in the day, which would explain why no one was there yet.

Just before I could complete that thought, I heard a man's voice behind me.

"Are you here for the interview?" He asked.

I quickly spun around to meet his gaze. His grey eyes told of exhaustion and annoyance.

"Y-yes." I stuttered and a frown appeared on his face. His eyes swept over me, from my head to my toes; his frown didn't leave his face.

"Go over to the back. The interview is about to start." He said, nodding at a door behind him. It looked like it led to the back of the stage.

I was going to thank him, grateful that it hadn't started yet. But then he just walked off angrily.

Why? I didn't do anything wrong to him, did I?

I pouted, watched him as he disappeared through a different door. He didn't look bad at all. I liked his eyes, but his face, his build, his voice, they were all appealing. He gave off the vibes of someone who was really gentle and caring if you're lucky enough to get close to them.

I turned away and went in through the door he told me to. It really led backstage. When I got there, I looked around, searching for others.

There was another door at the far corner, a half-open door. I could see a few women seated inside the room.

That had to be it.

I stepped into the room and there were only ladies in there, but I immediately fell out of place staring at them.

No one even looked in my direction. They were either busy with either fixing up their make-up or chatting amongst themselves.

Did they all know each other?

It had to be, because it looked like I was the only one who didn't get the dress code. I was wearing my usual interview outfit, black slacks, a white shirt and black shoes. But everyone else in that room was dressed like they were there for a runway show; bodycon dresses and really high heels. It was even more convincing with how much they were bothered about their make-up.

I had to ask to make sure.

I searched the room for someone approachable. I found a basic-looking lady, who was seated, staring at her reflecting in a hand mirror she held up; her jaw moved rhythmically, making me guess she was chewing gum.

Quietly, I approached her. I was nervous about doing that, but I just had to make sure I was in the right place.

"Hi!" I greeted, trying for my brightest smile.

Her eyes shifted from the mirror, to my face, it trailed up to my hair and then down my body; a sneer was stuck to her plain face.

"This is for the PA position, not for cleaners." She said, wrinkling her nose as if she was disgusted.

By what? And what the hell was that statement supposed to mean?

"Move." I heard and was pushed to the side from behind.

A pretty but vain looking lady stood next to plain lady, she didn't even bother to apologize for pushing me aside.

She was dressed like the other women, just fancier and with a strong air of confidence. Your typical Queen Bee.

"You're late, Sophia." The plain looking lady said to Queen Bee. So, her name was Sophia? Nah, Queen Bee suited her better.

"Fashionably late." Queen Bee replied. She waved her hand over her body. "Looking this good takes time, my friend."

Plain lady was about to say something but then we heard a voice through the speakers.

"The interview starts now. If you hear your name, please head to the room across the hall." The voice said. "We'll start with Sophia Grace."

Of course she gets called first. I wasn't the least bit surprised.

With a sway on her hips, a spring in her steps and shoulders that seemed to want to touch the ceiling, she walked towards the room opposite the one we were in.

The ladies were called one after the other and I was getting nervous by the minute.

"Amelia Rave." I heard the speakers and got up. My hands were sweaty. Everyone that went in returned with confidence that I have very little hope of getting the job.

I got to the door and stood with my shaky hands paused at the doorknob.

Did I stand a chance?