I watched as people trooped in and out of the manager's office, tears filling their eyes. I looked over at the rude girl, and saw she was very much confident, if not happy. I guess she really thinks she is more capable of getting the job. I'd show her.
I shook off the fear from my body, as she stood up and went into the manager's office when called upon. After a few minutes, she walked out, maintaining a straight face. She probably got rejected right there. She walked past me and didn't bother to spare me a second glance. Well, I didn't care. All I cared about was getting the job.
It was my turn and I was called to the office. I stood before sitting down when asked to. I had learnt my lesson from the other interview I attended and wasn't going to let up now. They asked for my name, qualifications, what I could offer, my experience and loads of other things. I answered to the best of my ability, and I couldn't tell if they were satisfied with my answers or not.
They asked for my email so they could message me if I got the job or not, but I had to give them that of my best friend as my phone was missing. I'm glad they understood me and dismissed me. I went back home, questioning my life choices. I thought about the answers I gave, possible answers I could have given, and committed the rest to God.
About a couple of days later, my best friend rushed into my room where I was sipping garri (cassava flakes). I tried to hide my food because I wasn't ready to share. I can't be suffering, and you will now try to collect the little that I have. He didn't seem interested in what I was eating as he kept shouting and shaking his body around the house like someone who had just won a lottery.
After he managed to calm himself, he opened his email and showed me the mail he had received from the company on my behalf. Turns out, I had been offered the job, with accomodation and a salary advance. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was such great news that I joined him in dancing and shouting, disturbing the peace of the neighborhood.
It's finally my turn to shine. No more do I have to crawl at the feet of James just to be able to survive. No more do I have to put up with the constant bickering of mama Nkechi because of how her daughter failed. I wasn't the one who asked her to be a dullard.
No more will my landlord scare me anymore because I am yet to pay my rent. I can finally lift my head high. That teacher that said I won't amount to anything in life should come and see me now.
I couldn't contain my excitement. I was to resume on Wednesday by 8:00AM WAT, and to not be a minute late. I was also to report to the office on Monday so I would be shown my new accomodation as provided by the company. I was so excited. I thanked my friend heartily, and brought out the garri (cassava flakes) I was hiding so we could eat together.
ROSE POV
I received a beep on my phone a few days after the interview. I had been selected for the role of an editor. It comes with accommodation and salary advance. I squealed in delight. I can't wait to rub this in the face of my dad. He wanted me out of his house, well, his wish would soon be granted.
I rushed downstairs, calling out to my mum and siblings to share with them the good news. My dad wasn't at home as he had gone to work and wouldn't be back until later that evening.
On showing my mum the job offer, she squealed. This is the first time that I have seen her this happy in over five years. Both of us danced our hearts out while my siblings watched from the side, wondering if we were still mentally sound.
I didn't care.
I felt on top of the world.
"So you have finally decided to become useful." My mum said, trying to catch her breath.
"Mum, I don't understand. Are you trying to say I was useless before?" My smile suddenly disappeared.
"Be honest with yourself for once, with your 5k followers on that platform…what's its name again?"
"Facebook." I replied, trying to keep my voice low.
"Oh yes, Facebook. Tell me, what have you achieved? The person who made the app has made his money. You should go and make yours. Leave those 2 likes you always get after your struggles. Engagement, you don't see. Sense, you didn't have. But I am grateful that you are becoming wise." My mum said, not minding if her words hurt me.
At some point, I was regretting showing her my job offer, but I let it slide. I won't let it destroy my mood. But let's be honest here, it feels good to get a good job. Don't get me wrong, blogging is cool, but imagine just having 2 likes for the past 2 years. Truly, my sense just returned.
Typical African parents. Rejoice with you this moment, the next they are giving you a six hours lecture on a mistake you made six years ago. I can't say I won't do this to my future kids though.
Everyone will feel it.
I waited for my dad to get home, while my mum went about making my favorite dish to celebrate. My dad got home, and I greeted him with the news of my job offer. He didn't blink, just shrugged like it was normal.
What the…?
"You got the job, so what?" My dad said, making his way up the stairs.
Are you kidding me right now? Like I ain't dreaming right now? Did he just say that? Does he have the slightest idea what this cost me? Okay it cost me nothing because the transport fare was from him, but still. My sweat, my preparation, and this is all he has to say? How did my mum fall in love with him in the first place?
My mum came out of the kitchen, her face filled with emotions. She had probably heard my dad's statement and came to console me. It hurts real deep. A father who can't be proud of his own daughter.
I shook my head as I fought back tears that threatened to fall. He's never gonna be proud of me.
***
Monday morning came and I was so excited. I could barely sleep last night out of excitement. I was just thinking of how I'd start working, the books I'd review, the people I'd sign off, and the people I'd accept. It felt like a dream.
My dad?
Still his old self, not bothered with the fact that his first daughter was leaving his care. His reason? I have over stayed my welcome. Like…I'm just 23 years old. I haven't really overstayed my welcome. Some stay with their parents for up to their 30th birthday, and my parents are already tired of me.
Well, I was moving out anyways. I hope they are happy. If they aren't, well I am. I can finally explore the world, be independent, and no longer have to answer to anybody. I sat on my bed, lost in the imagination of how the apartment would be, its furniture, and how I'd turn it to my personal abode.
A few minutes later, I was all set, and my dad drove me to the company before turning around to drive to work. I took a deep breath, and with my luggages in hand, I made my way to the reception. As expected, the receptionist was extremely nice, showing off her white set of teeth. We exchanged greetings, and after a few talks, I made my way to the manager's office.
When I entered the office after being told to, my heart skipped a beat. Sitting directly opposite the manager was someone I never expected to see. The very person I never wanted to set my eyes on. He looked shocked on seeing me but quickly composed himself. He stretched out a hand to shake me, but I rejected it and greeted the manager instead.
The manager introduced him to me as my co-editor, and everything went blurry for a while. I don't understand? My co-editor? This guy, like the one sitting on this seat. I mean the one wearing this blue faded shirt. This one that poverty has sentenced him to 5 years in penury.
The manager noticed the frown on my face and asked if everything was alright. I nodded politely and faked a smile, rolling my eyes at the poor guy sitting next to me. Gosh, he stinks of poverty.
The manager handed an envelope to the both of us, telling us that it was the cheque containing our salary advance.
But that wasn't the worst part.
He was saving it for the last.
He asked me to sit down, and I did. He cleared his throat, looking at the both of us, trying to read our minds through our expressions.
"Right now, we are having a shortage of apartments…" he paused, letting his words sink in. "And believe me, I don't want this either. But as it stands now, you both would have to live together."
What!!!
TBC
Author's note:
What's your thoughts on the story so far?
Do you think it is right to put these two together given their gender difference?
I'm actually more worried about Daniel 😂