Like Magnets (ongoing)

Interview

I sigh as I look at the tall building before me. It was at least 50 stories tall and very intimidating, might I add. How did people even build this thing?

Education, Marie. Something that you lack entirely.

I slapped myself on the arm in annoyance. I need to stop being so immature. Today is the start of a new era. If I get the job, that is. If not, I'll figure it out later. But this is my chance to finally have a normal life, to leave my traumatic childhood behind.

I somehow landed myself an interview at a big business in New York City. What does this business do, exactly? I have no idea. I prefer to cruise along and learn as I go.

Ever since I was little I had dreamed of becoming a biologist. I've always been fascinated by plants and animals, I used to collect bugs and plants in jars to draw them. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to fulfill that dream. Personal issues got in the way, and I guess I just strayed slightly away from my vision.

And by slightly, I mean I dropped out of school at 15, perhaps got addicted to some substances whose names shall remain undisclosed, and completely wasted my teen years. That pretty much sums up my nonexistent high school experience. I know, it's a lot to spring on someone all of a sudden.

I check the time on my phone to make sure that I'm not running late. It reads 8:42 am.

Shit! I was supposed to walk in 10 minutes ago but instead I've been standing out here like an idiot. I straighten out my skirt and speedwalk into the building, resisting the urge to spin around in the rotating door.

Jesus Christ, Marie, stop acting like a 5 year old.

...

I look up at the huge clock on the wall in the lobby, that thing must be at least seven feet in diameter. It's black with gold numerals and hands. It looks expensive, too. Do people really have this much money to blow on clocks? Of all things?

"Hi, how can I help you?" The voice of a lady at the front desk startles me. Can't a woman admire clocks in peace? Then I remember why I'm actually here.

I plaster on a smile. "I'm here for an interview." Wow, public speaking is hard. A sudden wave of nervousness hits me. A lot is riding on whether or not I get this job. I can feel my face burn red with anxiety.

"What's your name, dear?" the receptionist lady asks.

"Marie Wright," I reply, voice slightly shaking.

Get it together, dumbass.

She tells me to go to Mr. Lexington's office on the 6th floor, and I nod politely and walk towards the elevators.

I step into a shaft with a middle aged, wealthy-looking woman. Pearls drip off of her wrists and neck, and she reeks of money. She casts me a glance and looks me up and down, as if she can sense my poor-ness. I smile at her, pretending not to notice the better-than look she's giving me, as if she's inconvenienced by my mere presence.

Fuck off, bitch.

I press the button for the 6th floor and notice she's going to the third. The elevator doors close and we start moving upward in silence.

I hear a ding, and the doors open. The woman scoffs like I offended her somehow and strides out.

Once the doors close again, I let out a giggle. What was that all about? I swear, rich people are annoyed just by poor people existing. I'm sorry I'm not as privileged as you, your Highness.

Another ding and I hurry out of the shaft, worried that I'm already late. What was this guy's name again? Lemontine? I turn right and scan the hallway, looking for some kind of clue.

Ahh, yes. Jacob Lexington, a plaque reads. I look behind me to ask a receptionist or assistant if it's okay to walk in but the desk in front of the elevator is empty. Noticing a door behind the front desk, I walk closer to it and read the plaque. Vincent Alderidge, it says. I peek inside the window to see if anyone is in there. Through the closed blinds, I can barely make out two male figures, who seem to be having a conversation.

I press my ear against the door to hear what they're saying but get nothing. Are these offices soundproof? Suddenly, one of the characters disappears from my view and I try to see where they went but a black blob obscures my view of the room and the door opens abruptly.

The said blob is actually a man in an expensive-looking in an immaculate black suit. I'm tall, about 5'8, but this man towers over me. His gray eyes pierce into mine as he looks down at me.

I expect him to ask what I'm doing or tell me to leave, but he just stares at me with a frustrated look on his face. Finally, I stutter, "I-I'm supposed to have an interview with Mr. Lexington."

He stares at me for another minute before finely speaking. "Can you read?"

I'm a little confused by his question but also startled with how deep his voice is. "Yes, of course I can-"

"Then you'll know that this is not, in fact, Mr. Lexington's office. And I advise that you go there immediately considering your interview was scheduled to start 3 minutes ago."

I  grab my phone out of my purse and frantically checked the time. 9:03.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath.

"Very unprofessional, Mrs. Wright. I'd be surprised if Jacob even considered you for the job," he says, still glaring at me. I blush at his words and I'm about to turn around before I hear an unfamiliar voice behind me

"Don't be so hard on her, Vincent. She's new." I whip my head around and find a woman who looks to be in her mid twenties looking at the man in the doorway.

She turns her attention towards me and smiles. "You must be Marie, Vincent's assistant. I'm Rachel." She smiles and holds out her hand. I shake it in awe.

"Have you set up your desk yet?" Rachel asks.

"Um, actually-" I begin, but I'm interrupted.

"You heard her, Mrs. Wright. Please set up your desk," the man says behind me. I turn around and stare at him, mouth wide open, but the door slams in my face.

Did I just get a job with even being interviewed? That was easy. I face Rachel again and smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you," I say.

"Have your desk set up in 20 minutes and Mr. Alderidge should be out to discuss some terms with you." She spins on her heel and walks down the hallways into an office.

What the fuck just happened?

...

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Stay safe,

Rowen