Battle Of Words

Chapter 2 : Battle of words. 

As I stepped into the interview room, my nerves were already rattled from the encounter with the CEO earlier. The man's piercing gaze followed me, his expression giving away nothing. I tried my best to gather my composure, reminding myself to present my skills and qualifications with confidence.

"Miss...?" the man began, his tone cold and dismissive.

"Sara Johnson," I replied, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety in my stomach.

He glanced down at my resume briefly before pushing it aside. "Well, Miss Johnson, I must say your credentials are far from impressive. I see nothing here that makes me believe you're qualified for this position."

I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. It was disheartening to have my qualifications dismissed so easily, especially when I knew I had worked hard to gain the skills necessary for the job. I took a deep breath, determined to defend myself.

"I understand that my experience may not be as extensive as some other candidates, but I assure you, I am a quick learner and highly motivated. I am willing to put in the effort to excel in this role," I stated, trying to inject conviction into my voice.

The man let out a dry chuckle, his condescending tone slicing through the air. "Quick learner, huh? I've heard that before. Frankly, I don't have the time or the patience to teach someone like you. We need competent individuals who can hit the ground running, not amateurs who need their hands held every step of the way."

His words stung, and a mix of anger and frustration surged through me. I had expected a fair chance, an opportunity to prove myself, but instead, I was met with disdain and arrogance. I refused to back down.

"With all due respect, sir, it seems that your judgment is clouded by our previous encounter. I may not have had the best start to the day, but I assure you, I am more than capable of handling this position. You're dismissing me without even giving me a chance," I retorted, my voice tinged with a mixture of defiance and disappointment.

The man's eyes narrowed, his face turning crimson with anger. "How dare you speak to me like that? You think you're entitled to this job just because you had a little spat with me earlier? Well, I can assure you, Miss Johnson, you are sorely mistaken."

I felt my cheeks flush, but I refused to let his words intimidate me any further. "Entitlement has nothing to do with it. I simply believe in fairness and giving people a chance. It's clear that your judgment is clouded by personal bias, and that's not someone I would want to work for anyway."

I could see the shock flicker across his face, his anger momentarily replaced by a mix of surprise and indignation. But I didn't stick around to witness his reaction. With my head held high, I turned on my heel and walked out of the room, leaving behind an air of defiance and determination.

As I stepped out into the hallway, I felt a mix of relief and disappointment wash over me. It was clear that this job opportunity was lost, but at least I had stood up for myself. I refused to let his harsh words define me or my worth.

Leaving the building, I took a deep breath, letting the cool air calm my racing heart. I couldn't let this setback discourage me. 

" Who is he to be so rude to me " 

As I returned home, the weight of disappointment still heavy on my shoulders, I couldn't help but feel defeated. The encounter with the CEO had left me reeling, my hopes shattered. I needed an escape, a momentary relief from the harsh reality that seemed to be closing in on me.

I rummaged through the kitchen cabinets, searching for a semblance of solace. My hands trembled as I retrieved a bottle of vodka tucked away in the back. Pouring a generous amount into a glass, I took a seat at the worn-out kitchen table and stared into the amber liquid, lost in my thoughts.

The warm burn of the alcohol offered a temporary respite, numbing the pain that gnawed at my heart. I drowned my sorrows in each sip, the bitterness somehow soothing my wounded spirit. But deep down, I knew this was just a temporary escape, a Band-Aid on a much larger wound.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and I looked up to see my mother standing there, her eyes filled with concern. She had been a maid for a wealthy family, working tirelessly to support us. Seeing her now, her face etched with worry, reminded me of the sacrifices she had made for my sake.

"Sara, my dear," she said, her voice laced with both love and sadness. "What has happened? I can see the pain in your eyes. Please, talk to me."

I sighed, setting down the glass and rubbing my temples. "It's a mess, Mom. The job interview... it was a disaster. The CEO, the same man who almost ran me over this morning, refused to interview me and dismissed me without even giving me a chance. I feel so defeated."

My mother's face softened, and she crossed the room to take a seat beside me. She reached out and clasped my hands in hers, a gentle reassurance that I desperately needed.

"Oh, my darling," she murmured, her voice filled with empathy. "I'm so sorry to hear that. But you mustn't let this setback define you. Remember, there are always other opportunities, other paths to explore."

I looked into her eyes, seeking comfort and guidance. "But, Mom, the debt is piling up. The loan sharks are breathing down my neck, and I don't know how to escape this vicious cycle. I feel trapped, like I have nowhere to turn."

She squeezed my hands, her voice steady and determined. "Sara, my love, listen to me. I have an idea. I know it might not be what you've dreamt of, but it could be a chance for us to start anew. Where I work, They are looking for additional help. Perhaps... perhaps you could join us, work alongside me."