[2] INTERVIEW

"It's Dayo, isn't it? He's trying to convince you to go back." She said as she walked over to be and knelt beside where I sat

“Girl what happened to our dream of a better future? don't show weakness now" Bola begged as she grabbed my hands into hers, I pulled away.

"You know how much I've wanted this job,” I admitted softly.

“But then again, at what price? girl. I feel so out of place here!" I said exasperated.

"Aramide, I want to ask you a question and you need to answer me sincerely," Bola said.

“Ask away,” I replied with a shrug

"What's more important? Your toxic relationship in Lagos? Or your new life here in London?"

Some questions leave a lot to be desired...

--------------------

Do you know what's worse than losing your pen during an exam?

It's arriving late to an interview, Good job Aramide! Note the sarcasm.

"Stop! Stop! It's here" I said to the taxi driver. He seemed to notice the urgency in my voice as the car pulled to a halt almost immediately.

I would have loved to admire the enormous building in front of me. But the heels I was currently wearing did not allow me to think straight. Plus, there was no time to waste. I tried running into the building but the security officer stopped me.

Like, dude no. Now was not the time.

"Your pass ma'am, I can't let you in without a pass" I scowled at him. I proceeded to dig through my purse and handed the man the blue pass that had been couriered to me the day before. I rushed straight into the halls where I was met with the queue. A long, annoying queue. I hate queues!

"Number 125" the receptionist called. She didn't look nice at all, she looked like she was being forced to be there, like a frustrated fellow. The woman was currently wearing a white shirt and had a tag attached to it, yeah. Her name was Clara.

I sighed in relief. Bola was right, my number hadn't been called. I was being paranoid for no reason, "I could do this, yeah, I'll be fine. I'm smart, intelligent, beautiful and I have the charm" I mumbled trying to convince myself. Besides, that's what Bola said. I repeated this pep talk for a few minutes till I heard the receptionist call my number, "No, I can't do this!" I mumbled panic setting in.

"Number 134?" the receptionist called out once again. it was then I accepted my fate. I walked my short walk of shame to the office, not after showing the woman - who must I add looked at me like I had murdered her kids - my ID card.

My fingers reluctantly crept to the door handle. For some reason, this felt like the most terrifying thing I have had to do for a while. I sighed, swallowing my anxiety and paranoia — I pushed the door and my eyes met him.

Clad in a black suit and black short hair with blue eyes was the man, who I assumed was my interviewer. His gaze pierced through me and I almost thought I was transparent. I had to remind myself I was here for a job interview not to check out the interviewer.

"Are you done?" He asked, his voice deep and Adam's apple visible.

"Huh?" I spluttered, coming out of my slight trance, only to realize I had been gawking at him. Great job Aramide, way to look like a weirdo on your interview.

Though, to be fair, he was gawking at me too!

"You aren't from here, are you?" He asked, as I stood there like a child being reprimanded. I had to remind myself I was me, Aramide Adegoke, I could pull this off, I will pull this off.

"Yes Sir, I am an African, I was based in Lagos, a prominent state in Nigeria, a country in Africa.” I recited. of course he wasn't stupid. He knew I was African, my melanin was more than enough!

"What's your name again? Are- Ae-"

"Aramide. Aramide Adegoke" I corrected.

“Have a seat," he ordered as he gestured to the chair.

"So, Miss. Adegoke, according to your Curriculum Vitae, you've worked in three different companies within a year, why is that?" he asked his lips pursed in a straight line

"In the file attached, I made mentions of the reasons, which included Harassment, Embezzlement and the third was because I traveled out of the country,"

"You seem like a pretty upright woman," He admitted. “But nothing is ever what it seems" He added as he looked at me through his eyelashes. Our eyes locked, I refused to break eye contact. I was never one to back down.

This man seemed to noticed this and spoke;

"So, what makes you think you are qualified to be the face of Damsel Diva's?"

**********************

"How was it?" Bola squealed as I walked into the house.

"I don't know B," I sighed as I dropped my bag and plopped down the chair.

"Don't be a bummer, I'm sure you did great!" Bola said. Her smile was wide. Again, she was beautiful. Flawlessly.

She was currently wearing a blue jumpsuit with a belt around her waist that made her hourglass figure very visible.

One thing about Bola was that no matter the situation, she would always find the positive aspect and emphasize it, never have I seen her down or sad.

She was my shield and according to her - I was her sword. She cuddled into me knowing I needed a hug but was too lazy to ask for it.

"I love you a lot, you know-" Before she could finish, a knock brought us out of our realm of thoughts. I looked towards the door nonchalantly and Bola chuckled getting up and mumbling a small "lazy bum" before walking towards the door.

The door opened and I waited for her to come but she never did, I could see her back view and she looked still.

"Bola?" I called out before deciding to get up and go see for myself.

"Bola why are you-" I tried to speak but then my eyes met him — the one person I was running from.

Dayo Adeyemi.