6. Interview

Ever since Carlin and Vanya met each other in elementary school, the two had been inseparable. Even though Vanya's family was in a state of chaos due to economic problems and misfortune, Carlin remained good friends with her and tried her best to support and provide as much help as she could. She always kept her promise to her best friend.

The car that Carlin drove stopped before the old and shabby apartment complex where Vanya and her family lived for the last three years. She then headed out straight to her best friend’s place on the second floor and knocked on the door thrice.

“Vanya? It’s me, Carlin,” said the girl who carried a make-up kit and a bag that contained some button-up shirts.

Henriella answered the door and greeted her daughter’s best friend, “Please come in and sit, Carlin. I’ll call Vanya.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” the guest smiled and entered the apartment.

Not too long after that, Vanya got out of her room with a fresh look. It seemed like she just showered and washed her hair as well. She waved to her best friend. “Hi, how long have you been waiting there?”

“Not too long,” Carlin responded before walking toward Vanya. “Let’s get you dressed up for the interview!”

Despite being best friends for years, their fashion sense was just completely different. Unlike Vanya who was more indifferent to fashion and makeup, Carlin was completely into them. The fashionista wannabe handed a soft green button-up and a pair of light brown pants. “Try those first.”

Vanya then put those clothes on and looked at herself in the mirror. She was surprised at how flattering those clothes were on her body. She looked at Carlin who was busy arranging the makeup kits and said, “Whoa, I’m surprised you get my size right.”

“Thank me later,” she chuckled, “come here now. Let me make you look prettier.”

Her hands skillfully brushed powder over Vanya's moisturized face and a little blush on her cheeks.

“Are you sure this is not too much? I’m not going to a party, Carlin. It’s just a job interview.” asked Vanya. She rarely wore makeup whenever she went out.

Carlin answered while her fingers neatened her best friend’s eyebrows and filled the empty gap lightly. “Just trust me, Vanya. Carlin will make you look fresher and pretty.”

Vanya trusted her childhood best friend’s skills and did whatever she asked. After some details on the eyelashes and applying the lipstick, Carlin handed Vanya the hand mirror and let her see the glorious work. “Look at you, Vanya. Isn’t that pretty?”

Vanya nodded and smiled finally after seeing her reflection. Her best friend was right, the makeup lifted and freshened her look. She smiled before hugging Carlin and said, “I don’t know how to thank you enough for these, Carlin.”

“No big deal. By the way, good luck with the interview,” she responded, “now let’s get to my car. I’ll take you to the interview.”

***

Vanya had arrived at the Autoekomsten Corporation’s building entrance. She looked around and wondered at how sophisticated and modern the place was. The girl encouraged herself to walk toward the front office and asked with slight nervousness, “Good morning. May I ask you where Mr. Mertens’ office is?”

The receptionist smiled warmly and responded politely, “Oh, are you going to the interview? Turn right at this hallway, the office is on the left side, the third room from there.”

The girl felt relieved by the receptionist’s helpfulness and nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

Vanya headed to the office on her own as her eyes scanned the surrounding. Every corner of this building was equipped with security cameras. She familiarized herself with the building situation as she waited outside. Five minutes passed, and a woman swung the office’s door open and looked at her.

“Are you Vanya?” the woman that Vanya assumed was Mr. Mertens’ secretary asked her, “Please come in. The interview is about to begin.”

The girl nodded and entered the room. A man, in his early 50s, was sitting while reading her resume. He smiled respectfully and said, “Welcome, please have a seat.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Vanya nodded in gratefulness and sat straight. On the ride here, Carlin gave plenty of tips on what to do in a job interview, from keeping a good posture to responding politely.

“So, you are Vanya, right?” the man asked before shaking hands with the young candidate. “I’m Mr. Mertens. Are you ready to start the interview?”

“Yes, I’m ready, Sir,” Vanya replied with a relaxed smile.

“So, let’s begin with your resume,” said Mr. Mertens as he held the documents in his hand. “From there, I must say you’re a hard worker and slightly ambitious, Vanya. Can you tell me what motivates you to work here, despite you’ve been working in other places as a waitress?”

Vanya took a deep breath before responding, “I believe the opportunity your company gives can be a good chance for me to work in a professional surrounding.”

Mr. Mertens nodded and was impressed with Vanya’s answer. Little did he know that Vanya had another motivation to work at Autoekomsten Corporation. He asked again, “I bet you’ve already familiar with the training system, Vanya. For the position that you apply for, this company provides one-month training.”

“Yes, Sir. In my current workplace I’ve been trained as well for around two months,” responded Vanya, “If you don’t mind, may I ask about the training system?”

“I was about to explain that to you,” Mr. Mertens chuckled before explaining, “Your salary will be paid in full at the end of each month. While you are still undergoing training, the amount of salary paid is 70% of your main salary.”

Vanya nodded and understood the company’s policy. In fact, she asked those questions just for filling the remaining time. She wasn’t too interested in how much she would make working there, because she had a greater purpose to bear. Vanya didn’t even ashamed to apply for the blue-collared position since it was the only job that received high school graduates like her.

As the interview reached the end, the man asked once more, “Tell me, Vanya. Can you start working here tomorrow morning? From 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, five days a week?”

The girl’s eyes widened, not believing that her disguise was finally accepted. She smiled politely and responded, “I can start tomorrow, Sir.”

For the last time, Mr. Mertens shook Vanya’s hand and congratulated her, “Welcome to this company. My secretary will take you to the pantry and introduce the rest of the staff”

Vanya smiled widely and responded, “Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Mertens. I will do my best.”

The girl had passed the first step of her revenge plan. Now she needed to disguise herself and blend in just like other staff in the company so Kevin didn’t put any suspicion on her.