INTERVIEW

Alexis

The sky was shining beautifully under the embrace of the glorious sun and instead of enjoying the evening with Aunt Sol, I was running to get on time for an interview. 

I can't remember the last time when I had free time. All the time, I had pushed myself to get a decent job. Of course, the city has provided me with a better and more peaceful place but the money I have earned here isn't enough. 

I have thanked God that we haven't starved but life is above that. We are a job away from becoming homeless. The bills, due dates, and living life since the moment I came out of the hospital.

I don't remember what my life was like before the accident. I don't even remember how I got in an accident. Every time I try to recall the memories, my head hurts. Again, I was thinking about those memories. They were no longer a part of my life since I can't recall them.

I had let it go. And presumed my life that I am leading now. However, I want a life above what I have right now. The person beloved to me and my only family, Aunt Sol, was a nurse in the hospital where I was in a coma for months. She retired a few years ago and since then, I took the responsibility to feed our empty stomachs. She is everything to me. 

I took a cab to the nearest subway station and boarded the train to the eastern part of the city. This city is too big for my dreams. I never imagined traveling to this part of the city. The most Porsche and high-end society. My heart palpated and my palms were sweating but I kept my posture erect. I need that confidence to succeed in achieving the job. 

Still, deep in my heart, I was scared by the competition. I was clueless if they judge me by my qualifications or my living status? There were many questions that kept increasing my anxiety. Hope I won't get a panic attack till the time I reach the royal castle.

Soon, I deboarded the train when my stop arrived and booked another can to the royal premises. All this time, I kept chanting in my mind about getting this job. 

When I reached the royal residency, I was shocked to see the line of interviewees. The competition was on high. I could stop almost twenty to thirty interviewees. I was afraid that I could beat all of them to secure the job. 

I sighed and went up to grab the form to fill. Once done, I submitted my details and documents. The woman on the reception desk gestured to me to wait. I checked the time which was half-past four. I still had thirty minutes before the interview started.

"Sorry, the entries are closed…" the receptionist announced and I was surprised to see that I was the last person to fill out the form.

What if I got late by just five minutes? Phew!!! What luck do I have today? Later, I waited for almost an hour when the receptionist asked me to follow a man who will guard the interview hall.

The moment I stepped into the royal palace, my eyes were glued to the interior of the place. The walls were painted with gold, brown, and cream shades and they made the whole place look luxurious. The furniture and decorations were simple but elegant. My jaw hung open when I saw everything screaming in luxury. It was like a dream come true. I may not get a job today but I was able to explore a bit of the royal palace. 

"Follow me, Ms. Martin…" the man in front of me snapped and I fixed my gaze at him.

"Sorry, I got…" I tried explaining to him…

"It's alright. Kindly wait here, you will be called shortly…" He informed me and left.

My heart was beating loudly and suddenly, I got a call for the interview. My heartbeats were racing rapidly and it was too difficult to move swiftly.

As soon as I entered the hall, I was shocked to see Four gentlemen and one lady sitting across the table. One of the chairs was for the interviewees. I approached them with a smile on my face and bowed to them in respect. Since I don't know who they were, bowing to them was my option to send my regards.

They gestured to me to take the vacant seat.

"Good Evening everyone, My name is Alexis Martin and I am a high school teacher. I have been teaching for three years. I have my bachelor's degree…" I was introducing myself to them when I got interrupted.

"We know that… we know your qualifications and your details…" one of the gentlemen said while pointing out my form and documents.

"Alright…" I smiled at them.

"So, what we don't know is… your way of teaching. Although Mr. Barton has praised your performance, we wanted to see that personally…" The way that gentleman remarked, I was sure he was damn serious about looking for the best tutor.

"Kindly let me know what task I have to do," I asked for more information.

"You seem ready for it…" The lady spoke this time.

"I was ready for it the moment I stepped in for the interview and I believe that I will accomplish it successfully as well," I said to them,

They appeared surprised at my statement.

"Young lady… there is a huge difference between confidence and overconfidence… I hope you know the difference…" The lady raised her eyebrows at me.

"Yes, I do… And I have my trust in my abilities. I might not have the qualifications as you expected but I have faith in my career of teaching. I won't explain everything verbally to you. That's why I am more willing to accomplish the task you will give to me." I responded to them.

They looked shocked as if I had said something out of the box.

"We have interviewed many volunteer teachers before you but none of them appeared as confident as you are. Apart from that, all of them were not able to take the task and were excused, except you." One gentleman said.

"We wanted someone honest to their profession, not someone with high qualifications and low professionalism." The lady remarked and I was still in a daze if I was dreaming.

"Really? I don't know what to say…" I was still shocked.

"Yes, you are hired… let's discuss the salary." The gentleman said with a smile on his face.

They accompanied me to another room where all the documentation processes were done. 

"This is the amount we will pay you on an hourly basis. Let us know if you have any queries?" The man asked me.

I went through the document where it clearly stated that they will pay me $100 per hour. I was shocked to receive such a big deal as I have made $2500 per year, which is mostly used for our living. It wasn't enough to save for a better future.

"Once we verify that your work is up to the mark and pleasant, the salary will be increased after a month." The lady stated.

"Alright…" I was more than happy that now I will be able to save my family from becoming homeless and I can buy everything I want to give to my Aunt.

"Are you satisfied?" The man asked me with a serious tone.

"On behalf of the salary, yes but I don't get the term about hours. It states that I have to give eight hours a day as a private tutor. I don't want to offend anyone but it would be hectic for me to up-down daily from my home." I was in doubt.

"Exactly, that's why we have offered you free accommodation in the royal palace. Kindly read all the terms carefully…" The lady responded.

I read each term carefully and asked, "Does that mean I have to shift into the Royal residency till the job time?" I was surprised.

"Yes…"

I wasn't sure if Aunt Sol would be fine with it. I don't have any issue as I am going to get decent. But convincing Aunt would be a problem.

"I will confront my family first. I need to take their permission. Can I contact you tomorrow or before midnight?" I asked them hopefully.

"I am really sorry dear, but you have to take this job now by signing the document at the end of the paper. Or we have to transfer this job to someone else." She replied straight forward.

Oh no! If I wait too long, I will lose this opportunity and it would be difficult to find another job like this. I know Aunt would be mad and there will be a conflict but I have to take the risk.

"Is it possible if a member of my family could stay with me?" I asked them.

"It's not allowed…" she said. "However, you can have visitors on holiday." 

I sighed deeply and nodded my head in understatement. Leaving with no other option, I signed the papers and returned them. I can't afford to lose this job.

"Alright… Thank you for your cooperation. After the official formalities, you can shift in your apartment tomorrow." The lady explained and I smiled at her.

"Fine… Thank you." 

"Congratulations…" she returned the favor.

Once the formalities were done, I rushed out from the halls and corridors, and left the royal residency. I headed back home. I couldn't afford a long drive cab, so I decided to take a train instead. The station was closer so I walked through the way. It was late and a few passengers boarded the train. I had nothing to worry to secure a sit since the coach was had vacant seat. I relaxed myself and focused to do next. All the time, I was planning how to break the news to Aunt.

She will be mad, so mad. I understand that she cares but I had no other options. Hopefully, she will understand my decision. My stop arrived and I started heading back to my house. It was a small, one-bedroom apartment. Too small, even a shelter for gs got a better place to live. My Aunt deserves better than this. I will make this better for her. No matter how worse the argument will be, I have to convince her that this job is the only way to make our future recognizable.

I exited the cab and paid the fare. Then stood at the door. I was hesitant to knock on the door when the door suddenly opened and Aunt Sol was glaring at me.

This is going to be bad…