Chapter 5

Sophia POV

Graduation day is finally here!!

It was just as easy, like the end of a marathon I had been running for years.

My legs weren't tired, but my heart was full of pride and relief, but a peculiar humming sense of uncertainty was there, like, what should I do next? I got a few offers at some big firms, but it wasn't paying me enough as it should according to my qualifications.

Sweeping all the thoughts away, my hands jumped towards my dress as I pulled the zipper on my black gown. The fabric felt heavy against my skin. And of course, Mama was there to help me out.

Brushing away the edges of my hair with the same tender care that made me feel ten years old again

"You will get it all wrinkled", she said, in case you move. The tears were blinking out of her eyes.

Nick was leaning against the door-frame, with crossed arms, and an old familiar smile.

“Finally, Sophie. Your grandma's energy has paperwork to prove it.”

I laughed, biting my lip and rolling my eyes, choking on the sound. He didn’t know how deep it struck me. This moment was no longer just mine.

Every late night Mama had spent hunched over her sewing machine, every basketball practice Nick had skipped so I could save for my books—all of it was stitched into this robe.

Even Dad’s absence was here, silent but heavy, like a shadow creeping into the morning. This was his unfoldment too.

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Later at the graduation ceremony I walked out onstage, a mile in length it seemed, and when my name was called. The entire scene felt dizzying; light applause and body and face movement swelled around me. I was grinning so widely that it hurt my face from ear to ear with my shaking hands as I held the rolled certificate.

When those caps reached the height of a blackbird storm,

"This is only the beginning." I murmured

By the time nightfall came, the city’s golden light melted into a silver glow. The celebrations wound down, pictures were snapped, hugs were exchanged, and flowers were pressed into my arms. Mama insisted on a small dinner at home, while Nick had already absconded with two cupcakes from the box she brought us, laughing, but my thoughts wandered, restless and unsure.

Where would I go from here?

What office, what job, and what future had the best space for me?

I might envision well-dressed lobbies and inexhaustible spreadsheets; however, I can't see myself in that race.

I did not want a paycheck job I wanted something where I could use my ideas and enhance my talents. I came out on the balcony with the lot of people.

As a soft wave of breeze touched my skin, I felt my phone vibrating in my palm. I could see an unknown number calling me

Perhaps someone is calling to congratulate me

I slide on the green icon and receive the call. 

"Hello, Sophia. This is Edward Hayes." His voice held a kind of composure that straightened your spine.

It was the name itself that jolted me: Edward Hayes of Hayes Global I, which was instinctively tightening my grip on the phone.

"Hello, Sir."

"I called to congratulate you," he resumed again in the same smooth and confident tone as he bore that rare combination of easy and commanding.

"Graduating top of your class is no trifle affair, Miss Rivera. I make it a point to observe young people who do not merely perform well but who make their own way."

I gulped, attempting to subdue the shaky tone of my voice

"Thank you, Mr. Hayes."

"What was it next you were planning, Sophia? Have you any plans arranged? Somewhere you hope to put that quick wit of yours."

"I guess I haven't worked that out yet. I confessed that I would prefer to seek a place in which my ideas can indeed have a purpose, not simply get buried in the red tape."

"I believe that Hayes Global would be that kind of place to you. We were going to open a new textile and sustainability division, and I believe you would fit in there mighty well."

"How would you feel about an interview next week?" he continued

"Are you you serious, Mr Hayes?"

"I do not do such calling, Miss Rivera; I have read your work on ethical design and sustainable production. This opportunity could make a good start for your career. This would give you that sort of base upon which possibilities become heritage."

There was a time I could not talk.

I heard the laughter and talking in the room, but all was distant.

"I ought to be thankful to have this chance," I said.

"I will get my assistant to post you the information about the interview and position Take care." He stated while ending the call

As I hung up the phone and simply stood there with the phone still weighted against my ear and the city muttering softly as it was beneath me. 

By the next day, the email came at dawn.

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Subject: Call to the Interview at Hayes Global Enterprises.

Dear Miss Rivera,

As I have mentioned in your conversation, I would have you in an interview session with Hayes Global Enterprises so as to offer you a job. We are very much impressed with your good academic work, as well as your leadership in sustainable designing.

If the interview is successful, we may give you an opportunity in our Textile Division.

I would be glad to discuss it with you.

Warm regards,

Edward Hayes

Hayes Global Enterprises

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The coffee I held in hands went cold, as I read the email over and over again as if  the words would vanish if I blinked

Hayes Global.

The name carried a weight in every business journal every conference, and every whispered dream among students in my department

Mama caught me sitting on the edge of the bed with the laptop open with my mouth partially open.

"What's wrong, mija?" she questioned, with concern, which made her brow furrowed.

I turned the screen toward her.

“Nothing is wrong,” I whispered.

“It’s… Hayes Global. I got an email from them regarding a job opportunity.”

Her hands flew to her mouth, tears already pooling.

“Sophie! Dios mío!” She hugged me tight enough that the laptop almost fell.

“I knew it. I knew someone would finally see what I see in you.”

Nick burst in seconds later, half-asleep but alert at the sound of Mama’s cry. “What happened?”

“She got Hayes!” Mama squealed.

Nick blinked, then broke into a grin. “Damn, Sophie. From Brooklyn to Boardrooms. That’s my sister!”

It was a laugh that made something different of me, and the future no longer seemed to me like a closed door. The future was an open elevator shaft that I could get into.