Chapter 1 (My Dream)

Akesha’s Point of View

This morning I woke up early, brushed my hair and teeth, put on my best clothes and ate my breakfast.

I take a bus to go to my destination. After an hour I get to the front of the building. Today is a great day. It's a good opportunity I've been looking for.

[Smiling] You can do it Aki, it's a dream come true. Fighting! I shouted!

I look at the big building in front of me and I hold myself upright and walk in a very secure manner.

How come I have a degree in business management, a major in marketing, and now I find myself today in front of a publishing company? How can you imagine that this is not the usual way. As a graduate in Administration Major in Marketing, I must say that I can set up a business or apply for a job that is related to my course. But writing is my style, my hobby and my first love. My own family pushes me to this course even if it is not my dream. But here I am chasing after my lifelong dream, becoming a great writer.

Upon entering the building, I open the glass door and the security staff greets me politely.

“Good afternoon, Ms.?” He asking me to tell my who I am.

“My name is Akesha Melody Anderson, I’m here for my job interview.” I smiled and slightly bowed my head to show a bit of respect.

“Welcome to Hera Publishing Company. Please follow me and I will accompany you to the HR office.” He smiled back and started to walk

“Thank you!” I followed the security  staff. I look around to check the whole building.

[Amazed] I can't help but fall in love with the structure of the building, the good ambience and its size. Hera Publishing Company is one of the prestigious Publishing Company here in the Philippines and now it begins to be famous all over the world. I’m so excited to be part of this organization. I will do my very best to be part of this.

I greeted and smiled at every employee I came across. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I’m sure I can do better, I must do my very best. I know I can make it. I’m really confident about this.

“Ms. Anderson, we've already arrived in the HR office. Are you alright?” the security  staff tap my shoulder. The door ahead is closed. I'm kind of nervous, but the excitement is at its peak. I bowed to the security staff before it knocked and entered the room.

As I returned to my senses, I nodded with excitement. I ready my curriculum  vitae and other requirements  and give it to the security  staff. The security staff nodded and entered the room, while I'm here looking at all the things in this building. Soon! I will be part of this and I will work here. I hope I can have a good boss, who l can be friends  of.

A beautiful  lady come out in the room. She's taller than me, she's lighter-skinned, with brown eyes and sulky lips. She's an absolute goddess. I can't take my eyes off her, and I'm so insecure of her beauty. This is really quite interesting. I smiled widely  but I received  nothing as return. This is awkward. She’s so professional  and serious. I should pretend, I am not nervous. I just keep smiling.

[Poker Face] “Are you Akesha Melody Anderson?”

[Confident] “Yes Ma'am, I am Akesha Melody Anderson  at your service.” I offer my hands for a shake hands. But, my hands left hanging. I faked my smile. This girl is getting on my nerves. I just pretend that I still listening but I’m starting to slap her in my mind.

“I am aware of that don’t say anything that is already written on your resume. And, we will be calling you for your scheduled interview.” and she already left without smiling.

[Shrug] I just feels so weird. I’m just being friendly, that's all. Awhile ago, I felt nervous but now I felt angry.

What a bitchy attitude she have. I just rolled my eyes. I hope my other boss have a good personality. I really hope so. I wish I have a hunk boss so I can have inspiration while working. I’m just joking. I just want to have a decent job right now.

The security personnel who brings me here, suddenly popped out in somewhere so I got shocked. So weird.

“The girl earlier, she is Ms. Amanda. Secretary of the President of Hera Publishing. She’s really unsociable and super strict.” He suddenly spoke up and tell some about the girl I encounter earlier.

“Oww… Okay I see. Thank you for the information, Sir.” I smiled and bow may head.

“Good luck to your interview.” Then he left me dumbfounded.

 

I walked away with smile on my lips. As many as I meet, I will greet them and they will greet me. This is a really a great day for me. A one step to reach my dreams.

I should prepare myself and wear a professional outfit.  I should pass this new interview to be part of this organization, and I can't wait to get it. As I left the building, I received a message from my best friend Shainna.

[Message] Sis, we have a problem.

My heart race because of her message. I call her immediately to know what happened.

Shainna and I live in a small place. When I moved into that apartment, Shainna offered me that she wanted to be my roommate to help me pay the bills. When Shainna moved to my apartment, it was a great help to me in terms of paying the bills because after graduation as a marketing student, I can't find any work associated with it. Sometimes I'm hired, then I make something ridiculous, then I get fired.  I remember my first time at work, imagine I lost a page of an important file. My boss blames me, and boom, I get fired. Nowadays, it really hard to find vacant job so I’m so happy I found new one. I finally can pay my bills and rental fee. I’m very thankful to Shainna for helping me in paying my bills but I need to get money on my one. Afterwards, a few memories of my professional life, my best friend responded to the call.

(Phone Call)

[Loud Noises] Hello, Bes! I think your ex-boyfriend mom is here, and she's causing a scandal.

[Shocked] What?! Whose this lady? Hold on a second, I'll get as far as I can.

[Gasping] You should be there as soon as possible. Take care my best friend.

“Okay, wait for me. Just handle this lady for me. Thanks a lot, Shainna”. She said. I heard a loud bang in the door. I hope Shainna will be alright.

I end the call and run as fast as I can to get to the bus station. I took some air after arriving at the bus terminal. And then I see a lot of people are still waiting for the arrival of the bus. I checked the time on my phone and I already consumed 20 minutes just running to go here. I'll ask somebody when the bus will arrive.

“Hi, can I ask something?” I ask the girl next to me.

“Yes, what is it?” the girl nodded and smiled.

[Smiling] Can I ask what time the bus will arrive?

“If I recall correctly, you will still have to wait 20 minutes for the bus to arrive.”

“Thank you.” And bowed my head lightly.

I waited over 20 minutes, but no buses showed up. My phone keeps beeping, I received a lot of messages from Shainna. It's driving me crazy, I better get going. I can't wait anymore and Shainna is already under a lot of stress in the situation she's in right now. Shainna is a shy girl and I think she can’t handle this kind of situation. I always drag her to a problem and I hate it. Shainna is like a sister to me. She is the person, I trusted.

I texted Shainna that I’m on my way home. I explained that the bus is not arriving so I decided to take a private cab.

I checked my wallet and as expected I can’t ride a private cab. I can’t afford the fee for riding a private cab.

[Sigh]  You should run now, Akesha.

Then I start running as fast I can. This is getting to my nerves. I really hate my life.

I love to run but not in this outfit. A woman in a professional outfit but running so fast, this is not fetch. I hate the fact that I’m in a pencil skirt and a blouse. I’m really sweating right now but I don’t care anymore. I should hurry, so I can arrive in our house. I’m really tired. I hate that bus. If I only have enough money.