BEHIND GLASS WALLS

I got up today with my head held high and my heart filled with gratitude — I finally landed the opportunity I’ve been working my ass off for the past two years. It felt unreal when I saw the email from Vans and Sterling Company confirming that I have been accepted to work as a member of the Computing and Cybersecurity department.

This has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I had applied for a higher position, but they chose me for this one instead. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed initially that I didn’t get the role I had aimed for. But my sweet best friend encouraged me to make the most of what i have been given, reminding me that I could work my way up and possibly earn a promotion. That advice really shifted my perspective, and I started focusing on the bright side of things. I put some thought to it and realise i was just being ungrateful and wondered why i was thinking like that knowing very well that i had worked so hard to be part of the Vans and Sterling community.

So I kept my head up and began preparing for the amazing day ahead. As always, I started my morning with gospel music while I got ready. After thirty minutes work out, I took a refreshing shower and made a simple breakfast. I’m not much of a breakfast person, so I just made some scrambled eggs and paired them up with orange juice. I ate mainly because I had no idea what a day in my new company would hold.

I wore my tailored blue office dress, pairing it with classic black block heels my mom gifted me a while back, and completed the look with my sleek black office bag. I kept my make up light, just enough to look professional. Just then, I got a text from the driver saying he was outside. I quickly rushed out of my house. I thought to myself that if only my family were here, they would be so proud of this milestone. I miss them so much.

I was still in shock — I was really going to work at The JACOBS Company. That’s crazy! The thought of it made my stomach flutter. I had only been to the office once for my interview, and it wasn’t much of a distance from my house. Yet, I didn’t want to show up all sweaty, so I quickly ordered a ride, which was just a few minutes away. Before going i saw my reflection in the mirror and whispered to myself, “Damn, your girl looks so fine. I’m not about to play with this position.”

In about 10 minutes, I arrived at Vans and Sterling Company — and boy, this place was flashy. From the security men dressed in all black uniforms who happily opened the doors for me, to the gleaming polished floors and sky- high walls, I instantly knew I hit the jackpot with this position.

“Thank you, Jesus,” I whispered under my breath, fully aware that it was only through Him that I had gotten this spot.

I walked up to the receptionist who appeared to be a pretty lady probably in her late 20s to early 30s and said hi. She greeted me with a wide smile that oddly made me feel at home. She asked why I was there — I guess new people show up every day. I showed her the email, and she directed me to the fourth floor, where I was to meet the Head of Computing and Cybersecurity. He would then guide me to the office where I’d be working. Buckle up, girl, i told myself.

I made my way to the elevator which opened immediately I pressed the button. It was empty. I walked in with my mind racing at 100 kilometres per second. Would I even like the job in the first place? Would my boss be supportive? or is he going to be a reincarnation of my old boss-who was a pain in the ass. Would I would click with my work colleagues since i am new and they might have already made their connections?

 I was anxious to say the least. I reminded myself that God didn’t give me this position to let me fail but to make me excel. I totally forgot that i was in the elevator, it seemed to be slow which was unexpected for a building this big and modern. Suddenly, the elevator stopped. what the hell? I exclaimed, panic rising in my throat.

 This can’t be possible. This can’t be happening to me. Not today. Not on my first day. I was so lost in my thoughts that i got stuck in the elevator on my first day at work. What?!  I started to cry, my emotions were all over the place, I couldn’t process it. Was my presence a jinx or was this God’s way of telling me that i shouldn’t take this job?

 To be honest, i was crushing out on myself, having a panic attack and an anxiety breakdown all at once. I had to put myself together and be strong because no one was around to help me with that. Yes, this is very rare, but that also means the security team would work extremely fast to get this elevator to work, I reassured myself.

After about five minutes of pure panic, I reached into my handbag and pulled out my stress ball, squeezing it over and over again for comfort. It was helpful. I checked the time on my phone, it was 8:05 am. I had been in the elevator for less than ten minutes; they are probably working on how to get me out.

 I tried to call my mom, my first source of comfort. My best friend being the second whom I know would be asleep because she works the night shift. Unfortunately, the service in the elevator was not the best so the call didn’t go through.

Suddenly, I heard banging on the elevator door, I banged back making my presence known to whoever at the other side of the door. The doors slid open to reveal a tall, dark and handsome figure in black suit, he stretched out his hand towards me. I couldn’t see his face because i was sitting with my head down at the conner of the elevator. But as I lifted my head, ready to meet his eyes, I heard someone shout my name.

 “Cierra! Cierra!”.

 And just like that- I woke up.