Chapter 9

MELISSA’S POV

The sharp irritating sound from my alarm jolted me awake the next morning. I swept my hands across the bedstand to turn off the alarm as the consistent sound it made threatened to tear my earlobe. In times like these, I always wished I could throw it out the window and destroy it.

But I simply can’t. If not for anything at all, I partly owe this alarm clock for the woman I am today.

During my dark days, when I felt like the world had turned its back on me, it was the only companion I had. Its irritating sound always jerked me into action. It would always ring till the sleep in my eyes vanished.

I was also able to write the law school entrance exam, all because of this my red apple-shaped alarm clock which woke me up five minutes before the starting time.

A wide smile formed on my face as I took a glance at the time on the alarm clock. It was exactly 7 AM. I had set it last night after my bath. I didn't want to be late for my new job at M&M Legal Firms.

“Today is another day” I muttered as I pulled my blanket off me and stretched out my arms while rising from bed.

A little yawn escaped my lips as I made my way to the bathroom. Memories of the previous day rushed in as soon as I stepped inside and I couldn't help but feel accomplished at how swiftly I escaped Listowel’s car yesterday.

A smirk played at the sides of my lips as my gaze fell on my reflection in the mirror. I couldn't believe it was really happening. I can’t believe I’m finally going to work in my dream firm.

I was skeptical when I wrote the application letter, I doubted they would accept me. Just when I had lost hope of ever hearing from them again, my acceptance letter came in together with my invitation to the Legal Hour Conference.

I could see my eyes lit up with joy in the mirrors as I reminisced about the happy dance I made that day.

I will be late for work! It suddenly dawned on me as I realized I had spent almost fifteen minutes, admiring my achievements in the mirror. I quickly opened the tap, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and did my skincare routine.

I stood in the shower to wash down and soon I was done. I threw on my favorite royal blue shirt and white pants, paired with black heels. I did minimal makeup, threw on my blazer, and headed out to my car.

A few drives away from my apartment, I could see the M&M Legal firm skyscraper in view. “I hope today goes well” I prayed and confidently walked into the building.

The office was sleek, and modern and had a sophisticated ambiance. Each of the staff vibrantly dressed in their official attire. I giggled softly at the thought of me mingling with them soon. I spotted quite a few prominent attorneys as I made my way towards the reception. I could see people staring at me for a few seconds when I passed by them, but I didn't think much of it.

Maybe because I was new here. The receptionist, a petite lady greeted me with a bright smile as I approached the desk.

“Good Morning, you must be Melissa?” she asked as if she'd been informed of my coming.

My head tilted in awe as I responded, “Y…yes”

“We’ve been expecting you” she tried to justify when she realized the look of surprise on my face.

I forced a smile and nodded politely, “Oh… thank you”.

She handed me a small packet with my ID badge and a file. Just when I was about to leave, with a smirk that I found creepy, she said, “You’re already famous around here, you know. Everyone’s so excited to have you on board.”

I blinked, taken aback by her words. Famous? What does she mean by that? Am I not a recruit just like everyone else? Why would anyone care about me?

But before I could ask, the receptionist was already gesturing me toward the elevators. “You’ll be in orientation with HR on the fifth floor. Good luck!”

I nodded again, confusion drawn all over my face. I stepped into the elevator and pressed the key that had 5 on it. As I rode the lift up, sunken in my thoughts, the only sound that could be heard was the hum from the elevator.

Her words had left a hint of nervousness in me. It wasn’t the fact that I was famous on my first day at work that bothered me. But the reason behind my popularity. What could be the cause?

I let out a heavy sigh as the elevator door dinged open, ushering me to a long hallway. Just like I envisioned, the fifth floor was swamped with senior attorneys and their juniors trailing up and down the hallway, holding files and other important books, probably preparing for a court hearing.

The stares from people continued even as I passed by these people as well. As my uneasiness became visible for them not to notice, they replaced their curious stares with polite smiles and welcoming gazes.

After a few steps, the HR office came into view. I hurriedly entered as soon as I knocked, not waiting for consent. The door swung open and I was ushered into a room full of files and folders. In the middle of this heap of documents was a large desk, behind which sat a short plump lady in her mid-fifties.

Surprised by how swiftly I entered her office, she stared up and down at me through the top part of her round glasses.

“What do you want young lady? Don’t you have manners?” she asked, her voice shrill and stern.

“Forgive me for my ill manners Miss…” I pleaded before saying “I am Melissa Mugins and I've been directed to meet you at your office”

The frown on her face suddenly melted away as it was replaced with a warm smile.

“Have a seat” she said and gestured me to come closer.

What the heck is happening? Why is everyone treating me this way? First, it was the receptionist, then the attorneys, even the seniors, and now the HR.

Lots of unanswered questions swarmed my mind as I strolled towards her but I maintained composure. I sat across the table right opposite her and she discussed with me the firm’s policies, benefits, incentives, and whatnot.

After I met with her, she instructed that I join an orientation they were in a section, organized for newbies in the next room.

I obeyed and joined. Throughout the orientation, I could see people stealing glances at me.

Some looked at me in jealousy while others looked at me in admiration, although I still couldn't figure out anything about me that was worth admiring or being jealous of.

Finally, the orientation came to an end and we got to the real deal. They were about to allocate each of us to our respective departments. This was the part I have been waiting for ever since the start of the meeting.

I sat well, leaning forward slightly, my ears pegged up in the air, attentively listening to the department I will be assigned. I wanted to know the kind of clients I would be working with.

The HR rep started listing off names and companies I recognized, others I didn’t—and I jotted down notes, trying to focus.

After a few names, mine was next.

“Esquire Melissa Mugins” she called out my name, turning to face me with that same strange, knowing smile I had been seeing all morning.

“You’ll be our representative for Gordon Inc,” she announced with a broad smile that threatened to tear the sides of her lips.