Obsession

Chapter 1

Beep. Beep. Beep. The alarm kept on buzzing. I'm fully awake now, just need a hot cup of coffee to start my day. The street is lively with so many people passing by. Observing the passers-by from my window calming myself with a cup of coffee and preparing for the upcoming interview.

Thinking of how I will face the interview, I have to be there by 9 in the main city it will take an hour for me to reach there. Just about time for me to get ready to leave.

I took a shower, dressed, combed my hair, took my phone and got my bag ready to leave. When I closed the door and was about to leave when the house owner called me "Evelyn, I want my rent today or you can vacate the house by tomorrow" the lady shouted, standing by her door.

"okay" I replied and took off to catch the bus. I don't want to be late for the interview. I went to the bus stop boarded a bus, I have one hour to reach the main city. I plugged in my headphones and started listening to my tunes.

The world has never been kind to someone like me. I don't look pretty, I wear big reading glasses, messy hair, my worn down clothes and a darker skin tone makes it difficult for me to land a job. Even if I get one it would be with less pay but a lot of work has to be done.

I have only finished high school. I haven't been to college so most of the work I ended up with will be of minimal wage. I happen to work two to three jobs a day to pay for my expenses.

I have lost my waiter job when an arrogant young lady couldn't stand my appearance when I went to take her order. She called the manager making a point of saying that my standing there is making her lose her appetite. The manager straight away fired me saying that "she a rich lady and she often comes here to dine. I can't lose a customer for you."

I often wonder why people are so mean. Is it only happening to me? God, why do people, have to rely on beauty and fail to see the heart. Isn't character more important than beauty?

I have to get this job or it would be difficult to pay rent and to get groceries. I was so lost in thoughts that I almost missed my stop. I got off the bus and went to the building for my interview. It's a construction company, they need a clerk to record paperwork it's a tiring job staring at papers throughout the day but that job will get me food and accommodation. I have to get that job.  I stood outside the building it's a developing company, neither big nor small. If I get this job I can resign from my other job sorting letters.

I entered the building, went straight to the reception desk to enquire about the details of the job. A fair lady in her late twenties kept staring me up and down before pointing me in the direction of the interview. I was asked to wait outside the manager's office. While I was waiting another Lady came and sat leaving an empty chair between both of us. She snorted with a look that said something like look at you I already have this job.

I glanced at her, she wore tight work clothes that show a bit of cleavage and heavy makeup with high heels. It looked like she is here to seduce someone.

We both waited for an hour and the interview hasn't started. I relaxed, no matter what I should get this. I noticed her getting a little impatient. She started tapping her heels, on the other hand, I tried to remain calm and composed.

An hour becomes two and we were still waiting for the interview to start, it seems it's just us who came for the interview. Now the lady who sat near has completely lost her patience and went to the reception to enquire about the whereabouts of the interview. After a short while, we were called inside she had a proud look on her face.

I on the other hand remained calm. When we entered the room there were two men one younger and the other in their early 50s. We were both asked to take our seats. They started questioning the other woman. I think She has a good education and experience in this field, her answers were very professional.

The old man turned to me asked me certain questions about myself and my experience. While I was answering the old man had an uninterested looking towards me. I concluded that I will not be able to get this job. But unexpectedly the young man spoke seeing my resume "Miss Evelyn, though you lack education and experience I liked the way you waited patiently for the interview, this job requires a lot of patience to record everything and filing them. You have to go through a lot of papers, throughout the day. I think you can do it better"

For a moment I can't believe his words so the two hours waiting was also a test. God thanks for my patience. The other Lady who was full of confidence now she looked dissatisfied and kept staring as I had done something.

The old man was not pleased with the young man's decision but still never said anything about that. The other lady was sent away. I was asked to fill in the details and to discuss the condition and the pay.  I was asked to start my work from next week. I thanked them and left the place.

I still can't believe that I have got the job. I went to a small restaurant to have dinner. I have very little money with me. So I ordered a sandwich. After having that, I went to the postal service and started my work of sorting letters. After my work, I went to John the in charge of this place old man in his sixties, a kind and helpful man.
" Ah... Evelyn, it's nice to see you. Is the work done?" He asked. "Yes. John, I have something to say" I replied. " go ahead spill it," he said.

"John I went to an interview today. I have got the job. it'll be difficult for me to continue working here" I said. He replied" it's ok Evelyn, everyone has to move on" the fatherly care was visible in his eyes and words. He settled my salary and when I was about to leave he called me " Evelyn come visit me when you have time and don't forget this old man. All the best for your new work"

Evelyn smiled and waved for the old man and headed to the bus stop and boarded a bus. She was thinking about the things that occurred today. She has been fortunate today. She got the job and the money to pay her rent. She got off the bus and started walking towards home with a smile on her face.