CHAPTER 8:
I jumped out of bed even before my alarm rang, extremely grateful the night was over. I had a shower, hurriedly put on the first outfit I grabbed out of my suitcase and headed downstairs.
"I'm not going to stop you from leaving but at least have breakfast" Leah called from the dining table. She was dressed in a beautiful black two-piece suit with a skirt that clung softly to her perfect figure, a cup of coffee in hand as she scrolled through what seemed to be an office file.
I sat beside her, quietly munching on the mountain of pancakes placed in front of me, I was so focused on leaving, id completely forgotten to eat.
Breakfast was had in silence even though we had a lot to say to each other, we both held our tongues. I hated it when we argued and I knew she always meant well but I knew what I was doing or at least I hope I did.
"Thanks for breakfast" I voiced out trying to break the awkward silence. She got up reached in and gave me a big hug, a hug I desperately needed.
"I'm going to ruin your outfit" I whispered breaking down in tears in her arms.
She didn't mind, she held me tighter allowing me to cry it all out "I'm sorry, sweetie, I'm very sorry" she comforted.
We made up after the hug and she decided to drive me to the subway. Half way there I dipped my hands into my bag only to realize that something was missing.
"Leah have you seen my ID card?"
"Maybe you left it at my place, let's turn back and go look for it"
Half an hour had gone by, we had searched every nook and cranny of the apartment and there was still no sign of it, I didn't want to leave without it, I needed it for work and couldn't afford to replace it.
"When did you last see it?"
"I used it for my … INTERVIEW" I sighed realizing that I was probably cursed at this point. I had to return to the one place I desperately needed to get away from.
"You have to help me go get it" I pleaded.
"You know I'd love to help you but I'm running really late for work plus its probably too early for him to be at the company, so you don't have to worry about bumping into him"
"But its going to be weird, I haven't replied their email"
"You got an email!!?" she half screamed.
She questioned even further, failing to hide her excitement.
"What does it say, did you get the job?"
"It doesn't matter, I'm not staying"
"Yes it does, if you got the job it could only mean one thing Nyla, he doesn't recognize you"
I brought out my phone to check my mail bracing myself for the worst possible outcome and there it was:
~REED'S CORPORATIONS
Dear miss Nyla,
Following your recent interview, we are please to inform you that you have been selected for the position.
Due to the urgent nature of current activities you are required to officially resume duties as soon as possible.
Further details regarding your job description, dress code and compensation packages will be discussed upon your resumption.
I couldn't believe that I had actually gotten the job.
"Well, what does it say" she asked eagerly snatching my phone from my hand to see for herself.
I stood still trying to take it all in, I couldn't believe I had actually gotten the job, the life that I had wanted, the life that I needed just at my finger-tips, I could give my baby a better future.
"he wouldn't have given you the job if he rembered you, think about it"
"But what if he does eventually"
"He's a business man nyla, he probably wouldn't care about it, most CEO's have flings with their secretaries its not a big deal and the rumors of his possible engagement would make things better"
"You can keep your work life and your past separate" she continued convincingly.
I couldn't believe I was actually considering it.
"Why don't you go check if you forgot your ID there and if u still feel like leaving, just let me know and I'll call you a cab okay"
I nodded in agreement watching her grab her stuff and head out, she dropped me off at the company.
"You can do this" I muttered to myself mustering the courage to walk in and up to the secretary.
"Are you lost?" she asked staring at me like I was filthy.
I suddenly realized that I was dressed in an oversized tee and joggers. I looked like I had ran a marathon, I hadn't even taken time to comb my frizzy hair, it was probably a birds nest up in there.
"Do I have to call security" she asked picking up her phone.
"umm.. no, sorry I came here for an interview, I think I may have forgotten something" I stuttered.
"Nyla park?"
"yes…"
"HR's office, she mentioned you'd come in today, but maybe next time not dressed like that"
She replied, her voice laced with irritation.
I marched right to the elevator ignoring all the weird stares I got from most of the staff members I came across, It was so obvious that I didn't belong here.
I hesitated before pushing the elevator button, I was so close to leaving but now I was back again.
I took a deep breath and pushed it, the doors popped open revealing a bunch of hostile and slightly disgusted faces.
"What is she wearing"
"do you think she works here"
"well I heard that she's the CEO's new personal assistant"
"That's impossible, she doesn't look qualified"
"and she isn't even pretty"
The elevator finally came to a stop putting an end to their gossip, I hadn't even taken the job yet but I already had haters.