Chapter two

I sat in the lobby of Veridian Corporation, my hands gripping the edges of my resume a little too tightly because of nervousness. I tried to focus on the bright, modern decor of the room, but my mind kept wandering back to my previous job ---- like how everything had fallen apart there, and how it might ruin my chances today and in the future.

As I was sitting there the door opened. And a middle-aged women with blond hair stepped out, smiling as she walked over towards me.

“Emily? Hi, I’m Rachel, the hiring manager. Thank you for coming in immediately.” I stood up, shaking her hand and trying to keep my nerves in check.

“Thanks for having me,” I said as I followed her into a small interview room with a large window and overlooking view of the city. The view of the city was very nice, but it didn’t calm my nerves as we sat down.

We sat down and Rachel glanced at my resume.

“So Emily, I see you’ve got some experience managing projects in the tech industry. So what made you interested in Veridian Corporation?”

I swallowed hard before I answered the question, knowing I had to keep it together.

“I’ve always been passionate about health care and technology and I think Veridian is doing amazing work combining those two fields together…”

To cut everything short, Rachel asked me a lot of basic questions, and I could say that our conversation is pretty much comfortable compared to the first time. After answering the questions, Rachel always smiled that made me feel good about this. Not until--- I could see the shift in her eyes when she flipped to the next page of my resume. And there it was---- my previous job at Nexara Park Innovations.

“And can you tell me about your experience at NP Innovations? And why did you resign from that company?” Rachel asked her voice calm but curious. I could feel the heaviness of the question.

I hesitated trying to find the right words. “ Yes, I was a project coordinator there…. and we--- hmm -- we have some challenges” I felt my face flush, this was the part I was scared of  “I made mistakes… there were challenges with the team and communication issues within the group. Things just got complicated and I couldn’t manage the situation well enough. So, by the time I tried to fix it, it was already too late to fix things.”

I shifted in my seat, avoiding eye contact

“I should have handled the situation better but it was a learning experience and I know it doesn’t look good”

I couldn’t say the truth-- that my former boss had been harassing me, belittled my work, and always found a way to sabotage my efforts until I couldn’t keep up. But admitting the truth won't help me now.

Rachel was quiet for a moment as her pen was still in her hand. “It's good that you can reflect on that. But it does raise concerns about how you handle the situation, which also has similar situations and challenges like that here in our company” she said while looking at my eyes. Seems like she doesn’t like my answer that much “But I appreciate your honesty, Emily, we’ll take everything into consideration”

I just sighed as I knew what that meant. The rest of the interview felt like going through the motions. Where I answered her questions, and asked a few of my own, but I could already feel her decision and the outcome of this interview --- I wasn’t getting the job.

As I walked out from the building, I was not even far from the company I couldn’t stop my tears streaming down my face. I tried not to let the disappointment crush me but I failed. I was hoping for a fresh start but my past kept coming at me. Maybe--- maybe next time…. next time will be different.

I got home late that night and my body is so heavy, not just because I was tired but also because of disappointment, which made my mind even heavier. The interview is like a disaster. I replayed every word in my head and wondering if I had said the wrong things, or if they somehow seen through me--- or am I just that obvious?

I kicked my shoes off and slumped onto my bed and staring blankly at the ceiling of my apartment. My phone, in bag, keeps buzzing with notifications but I don’t have the energy to check any of them. I just wanted to sleep and escape the endless loop of regret even just for this night.

So I forced myself to sleep even though my mind wouldn’t shut off. Every time I closed my eyes I saw the face of Ms. Rachel and heard her last words echoing in my head. ‘We’ll take everything into consideration.’

I tossed and turned for what felt like hours. But eventually, I managed to drift off but my sleep wasn’t that deep. It was restless and filled with fragmented dreams of a job that I didn’t get.

---

When I woke up, the sun was already up and my phone buzzed again. I groaned knowing what was coming from that notification. I grabbed my phone and expected the worst and sure enough, there it was…. an email from Veridian Corporation.

From: Veridian Corporation Inc. Office

Dear Ms. Emily Jones,

We appreciate your time and interest in our company. After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with other candidates for the position. We encourage you to apply for the future roles…

I stared blankly at the screen of my phone, and my heart just sink. My heart tightened and I feel like the walls were so close around me that its feels so suffocating. It was like a repetition of the last few weeks with another rejection, another door slammed close in my face. I don’t even have any energy to get angry and sad anymore. Just…… exhausted.

  

I spent the next few hours wallowing and too drain to even think about leaving the house. That was when my phone buzzed again so I glance at my phone, expecting more bad news. But this time it was a message from my old colleague from Nexara Park Innovation that I haven’t heard from in months, its Jake.

Jake: Hi Emily! I know thins have been though for you but I have heard about an opportunity that you might want to consider. It’s a little out of the box and its not something related to what you used to do, but I think you will find it interesting. I cant go into too much details but there but I’ve get this from one of my relatives work there. Mr. Sterling is looking for a tutor for his child. You know him, he is the CEO of big companies in this country. It might not be exactly what you’re looking for but it could be a good way to get  back on your own feet. So let me know if you are interested about the job.

I blinked at the message that Jake sent me. A tutor? For Mr. Sterling child? A billionaires child!? To tell you, my first instinct was to laugh when I read the message, but then I stopped. This is the first opportunity I’ve received of this week that somehow I feel hope about it.

I let the idea sink in and feeling a flicker of hope stir inside me. Maybe this wasn’t the job I imagine but at least it was something. And for once it was something that didn’t end in a close door opportunity.

I quickly text back even though my fingers trembling a little while typing.

Emily: Hi Jake! I don’t even know what to say to this…. but I’m definitely interested. Any details about this job?

Jake response immediately.

Jake: I’ll email you the contact info and job information. The CEO is a guy name Mr. Nathan Sterling, his family has always been private but I hear and I know for sure he’s a decent guy. After you apply, let me know how it goes okay?

I smiled while reading Jake’s message.

Emily: Of course! Thank you very much Jake! You’re a life saver!

My heart beats fast, Nathan Sterling…. I’ve heard of him, I mean of course! He is the kind of billionaire that you always sees and read in magazines. The kind of person who’s name is always spoken in hushed tone and usually tied to incredible feat of business or technology. And he is always a talk in any social media platform --- the young handsome billionaire that every girl dream of.

For the first time in a while, I felt a little lighter and little more hopeful. This could be it --- this could be my way in to stand up again.

The text from Jake sat in my inbox for a while before I finally gather the courage to open the attachment he sent. My hand tremble a little as I click the link to the job description.It wasn’t a normal tutor job ad -- well nothing about this situation is. I mean how any people can apply to this job-- to tutor a billionaire’s child?

Not to say the job description…. well the job description is straightforward and in the same time, intimidating.

Position: Private Tutor \ Personal Nanny

Employer: Mr. Nathan Sterling

Location: Sterling Estate

Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in any field as long as you ca demonstrate competency and skill for teaching young children.

Ability to create a personalized curriculum base on the child’s learning style.

Strong communication skill and emotional intelligence.

Patience, kindness, and calm demeanor that can set example to young children.

But the last line really caught my attention,

The most important requirement: The child must feel comfortable with you and liked you. If the young lady do not respond well the position will not be offered.

I sat blankly at my chair, trying to process of what I have read. Of course, it made so sense that this is wasn’t just about your qualification on the paper, but most importantly its about how well I can connect with the child. That part--- that part scared me the most cause…. how can you make a five year old like you, when so much is at stake?

But still, this is the first real opportunity I have in a while and I couldn’t afford to let my fear stop me now. So I decided to send my application and see where things will take me.

----

The next morning, I woke up feeling excited mix with anxiety. I have been invited for a job interview at Titanis Industries, one of the biggest company in the world and it was owned by the Sterling family. Titanis Industries have its all kind of industries, technology, manufacturing, and even energy supply, but today they were hiring a tutor…. for the CEO’s daughter. That’s -- it felt surreal.

I’ve arrived early in the morning taking in the sight of Titanis’s glossy, and modern headquarters. The building is enormous, with all glass and steel, that towering over the city like a monument. As I walked inside I cant help but to feel nervous -- there were a LOT of people here, more than that I expected

The lobby was packed with applicants, who are neatly dressed and clearly just as nervous as I am. Some were flipping through their resumes, and others were chatting in a low voices. But we all have the same thing on our minds…. getting the job. Being a tutor of the daughter of a billionaire comes with unique set of benefits. One, of course the high salary and compensation of the job, secondly, you have the access to exclusive high end resources, and many more.

As I sat down and waited for my turn, I overheard some of the conversation around me.

“I’ve been a private tutor for year,…” someone said. “Working with kids in high profile families, elites, CEO’s, you name it.”

“I have a background in child psychology and I’ve been consulting on childhood education for past 3 years.”

I swallowed HARD! While gripping the edges of my chair. These people have serious credentials. Meanwhile…. I was a former project coordinator, and someone who loves kids but doesn’t have long resume full of teaching experience. And that makes me feel completely out of place!

Eventually, my name called.

“Emily Jones?” The receptionist called out.

I stood up although my legs is a bit shaky as I followed her down a hallway with glass walls and chandelier lights. She led me into a conference room where three interviewers sat there and waiting to me.

“Good morning Emily.” one of the interviewer said with a polite smile.

“We will start by asking a few basic questions and about your experiences.”

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves as the interview began.

They asked me about my educational background, and my previous work, and most importantly my experience with kids, and how could I handle various situations related to children. They seem focused less on formal qualifications but more on whether I have the right personality for the job. Someone who could connect with a young child and help her feel comfortable.

“You also might know about this, but Young Lady, Ms. Lillian has been through a lot…” one of the interviewer said. “…So she is very selective about who she could trust. Can you explain to us on how would you approach her and earn her trust to make her feel safe?”

“I believe children respond the best to the sincerity and patience that we show to them. Children are very sensitive that is why they can sense when someone is genuine or not. So I would not try to force a connection but instead I will take my time ti understand what Ms. Lilliana needs and feels. Whether that is through playing, talking, or even just simply giving her own space. It’s important to let her set the pace and create a comfortable environment for her, where she feels heard and respected”

The interviewer nodded and write something down in her notes.

“Thank you Ms. Emily that is the end of this interview. The next step is the most important one…. which you will be meeting Ms. Lilliana today. If she feel comfortable with you, then you will move forward but if not, we will let you know. Good luck with Ms. Emily”

---

A few hours later I’ve arrived at the Sterling Estate. My nerve only gotten worse knowing this is the final test. The estate is breathtaking with a grand gates, huge and wide garden, and a mansion straight out from a fairy tale. Rich people are really something and different to normal people.

The butler greets me and lead me through the large house to a big and bright room filled with toys, books, and art supplies. At the center of the room little miss Lilliana --- a tiny, quiet figure with dark, curly hair and wide brown eyes,  was sitting at a small table and drawing quietly.

I walked into the room and quietly moved towards her.

“Hello Ms. Lilliana…” I said softly while kneeling down to her level. “…my name is Emily--- Emily Jones”

She glanced at my direction for a brief moment, then returned to her drawing without a word. I kinda feel uneasy, I knew this was going to be a bit difficult but I hadn’t expected it to feel this tense. I pulled up a small chair placed it and sat across from her and tried again.

“That is a beautiful drawing,” I said pointing at the paper. “What are you drawing Ms. Lilliana?”

She looked at me again, even though she is a bit hesitant. “It’s a unicorn” she whispered, I hardly heard her answer.

I smiled gently “Unicorns are my favorite! Do you think I could draw one with you too?”

For a moment Lilliana just stared at me. I could almost hear my heartbeat because of the silence of the room. Then without any word, she pushed a blank sheet of paper towards me along with crayons. I feel relieved after that cause I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.

We spent the next hour quietly drawing together. I didn’t even try to talk too much because I didn’t want to overwhelm her too much. But every now and then I asked her some simple questions and slowly she started to talk and responded to me. After a while, she also started asking me questions, just some simple questions like my favorite color, food, cartoon character, or if I like animals.

At some point, she paused for a while and looked up at me.

“Do you know my mommy?” she asked.

I don’t know how to answer her. I know that her mother passed away 4 years ago, although no one has mentioned it directly how she died but a lot of rumors speculate. I don’t want to say something wrong so I just smiled at her and said. “I don’t know your mommy Young Miss, but I bet she is a wonderful person.”

Lilliana nodded her head and smiled slightly. Then out of nowhere she stood up and walked over to me and wrapped her small arms around my waist to hugged me tightly. “You can be my mommy now” she whispered.

My heart nearly broke right then and there. I kneel down to her level and hug her back, don’t know what to say to this sweet little girl who is just searching for comfort and a mother's love. We hugged for over 10 minutes before we ended our session.

“Thank you for your time Ms. Emily, the HR will send you an email soon.” the butler said and led the way out.

“Thank you” I said before going home with a light heart.