The Big Day

“This is your final warning,” the landlord said coldly over the phone.

Gabriella held the eviction notice she had found taped to her door that morning with trembling hands.

“Sir, please, I just need a little more time,” she begged.

“More time?” he yelled, “Your rent is already two weeks overdue!”

“I know, sir, but please. I promise, I’ll pay soon. It’s just that things are a bit difficult right now.”

“How is that any of my concern?” her landlord spat. “If you can’t pay up, then pack your things and get out.”

“But Sir…”

The line went dead.

“Hello?”

Silence.

Gabriella slowly lowered the phone, dragging a hand across her face, as a wave of frustration hit her. If she didn't get this job today, she wouldn't just lose her apartment.

She would lose everything.  

Groaning deeply, she rumpled the eviction notice into a ball and threw it into the bin.

She couldn't think about that right now. She had to stay focused today.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!!!”

Gabriella lifted her purple blouse from the ironing board and stared at it, her stomach sinking. It was her favourite, and she planned to wear it to her interview this morning, but now it was ruined, the burnt fabric mocked her.

“Seriously?” 

Letting out a frustrated breath, she flung the blouse to a corner and hurried to her closet, trying to find something else to wear. Reaching for a red satin blouse that hugged her chest a little too tightly, she pulled it off the hanger and examined it.

Putting her hands through the sleeves, she stepped in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom to assess her appearance. She had mid-length brown hair that fell in soft waves to her shoulders, with matching brown eyes that complemented her round face perfectly. Pressing her full lips to a thin line, she stared at her five-two petite body frame.

“Not bad, I guess,” she concluded.

Walking out of her bedroom, she checked the time on her kitchen clock. It was already 8:20 AM.

Her chest tightened.

After seven long months without a job, today was her only shot. She had finally secured an interview. It wasn't just any interview, but an interview to be the CEO’s secretary at the prestigious KINGSTON ENTERPRISES. One of the biggest companies that produces the best smart home devices in New York.

This was her last chance to make things work. A lot was riding on the outcome of today.

“I'd better hurry.”

She gulped down the last of her coffee and put the mug in her dishwasher, turning it on. She was about to leave the kitchen when she realised something was wrong. The dishwasher wasn’t working.

Stepping closer to examine it, she pushed the square button again, but nothing happened.

Gabriella let out a small, humourless laugh.

“God, I really need this job.” She breathed as she looked up to the ceiling of her apartment, begging for patience to survive the day. It was almost as if the devil was hell-bent on frustrating her. Today was important, and it honestly wasn’t off to a good start.

Walking away from the kitchen, Gabriella grabbed her purse, which contained all the belongings she needed for the day, and stepped out of her tiny apartment into the hallway.

“When I come back here today, I will be employed, and things will get better.”

It was like a prayer to the universe. Things just had to get better, or else she was really done for.

Taking the steps two at a time, she got to the bottom of her apartment building and waved at her neighbour, who always sat at the bottom of the stairs in his wheelchair on mornings like this, watching people go in and out.

“Big day today, isn’t it?” The man said as he beamed a smile at Gabriella. He was probably the oldest man who lived in the building. Although he was disabled, he always had an enthusiasm about him that made Gabriella like him.

“Yes, Mr Austin, you remembered.” She laughed as she approached the elderly man.

“Well, of course missy. How could I forget my favourite neighbour’s big interview, and even if I did forget, your outfit would give it all away. You look amazing, darling.”

“Thank you, Sir, you flatter me too much.”

‘Did she look beautiful?’ She thought to herself. 

Well, she hoped so because even though this outfit wasn’t her first choice, she needed to make a good first impression at that interview.

“I have to go now, but have a good day, sir.”

“Good luck, little lady.” Mr Austin called after her as she quickened her steps.

“Thank you so much,” she shouted back as she stepped out of the dull ambience of her run-down apartment complex and into the hustle and bustle of New York City.

She really needed that good luck today, she thought to herself.

They say that anyone can make it here. “So take it all, the city is yours”- Gabriella remembered those lyrics from a song in the popular musical, “Annie.” She recalled sitting on the floor in the general living area back at the group home when she was in foster care. She used to imagine her life would be as spontaneous as that. Bump into a rich billionaire and have her life change automatically for the better. Unfortunately, this was real life, and her billionaire never came.

Finally hailing a taxi, she opened the door and stepped into the vehicle.

“Where to, ma’am?” The driver looked at her through the mirror and asked.

“Kingston Enterprises, and please hurry.”

She couldn’t be late.

“Will do.” The middle-aged man replied and stepped on the gas.

Gabriella let her head rest on the window, sighing deeply. She had rehearsed everything she needed to say at her interview many times in front of her mirror just to make sure she was ready.

“I’m Gabriella Whyte, and I am the perfect fit for this position.”

She had repeated those words so many times to herself and even practised her “professional smile.”

Her past lingered in the back of her mind. Growing up in foster care, she never really had a family, like everyone else. She never got adopted, so by the time she turned eighteen, she was on her own.

She fought her way through college with a whole lot of on-campus jobs and student loans. Loans that were now due and piling up. 

And now, after everything, she was dangerously close to losing it all.

“Ma’am, we’re here.” The driver pulled her out of her daydream.

“Oh, right. Thank you.”

She opened her purse and scrambled for some dollar bills to give to the cab driver and stepped out of the car.

Getting out, she stood in front of the tall building and literally had to tilt her head all the way to see the top. It was massive.

“Kingston Enterprises.” She breathed deeply, straightening her skirt and making sure her top was still tucked in snugly.

“Here goes nothing,” she said as she walked briskly towards the entrance.

This interview was supposed to save her life.

She had spent months searching for an opportunity like this. For something that could finally fix things for her. However, walking into Kingston Enterprises wouldn't just change her situation, it would drag her into something far bigger than she was prepared for.

And the scariest part?

She didn't have a choice.