Bankrupt

Chapter 1. Job interview

I gazed over the large lane ahead of me. The gate had just opened up for me and carried a large 'B' in the middle of it. I stepped forward on the gravel path. It ground with every step I took. On each side of the gravel path was a huge field. I couldn't even see the end of it but I knew it stopped a few lines in the woods. The lane leads to a modern house, build only five years ago by Mr.  Thomas Barlowe. One of the richest men in the world and the founder of the Barlowe enterprise. A company that was making and marketing technologies but also weapons for the military. Unfortunately, Thomas Barlowe died two years ago and his son Colin took over. 

I can to a stop as I neared the porch. An elderly man, nicely dressed in a suit smiled warmly at me. 'Miss, Davis... welcome on the estate. My name is Jim. Please, follow me...' He gestured for me to go ahead as he held the door. 'Mrs. Barlowe will be here any minute. Can I get you something to drink?' he asked as he led me to what I assumed would be an office. 'Water is fine, thank you,' I replied. He opened a modern white door and gestured for me to sit down. 'Have a seat.' 

I sat down and smoothed my skirt down. A skirt I was ashamed to wear, especially in a place like this but all my pants were torn and ugly. The skirt was the best looking. My family was poor, my dad worked in a factory and raced me and my four younger siblings. It's surviving and he didn't have enough money for me to go to college. All I could do was get a job and help out my father. He's in debt and if he doesn't pay it off soon, he and my siblings end up on the street. 

Jim returned and placed a shiny glass, filled with water in front of me. A crystal glass, decorated with beautiful shapes. I looked at it for a moment. 'Thank you, Jim.' He bowed his head a little. 'Of course, miss Davis,' he replied and retreated. A woman stepped in, her hair tied up, her face covered in makeup and she whore the clothes of Chanell by the looks of it. I got up and shook her hand. 'Nice to meet, I am Ava Davis,' I introduced. 'Nicole Barlowe.' She shut the door and sat down behind the desk, folding her hands together. My eyes fell on her fingernail, they had a nice pastel color and tiny flowers. It made me feel underdressed. 

'So, tell me why you think you should get this job,' she said and slightly tilted her head. She didn't sound scornful or arrogant. 'I have experience as an assistant. The company I worked for went bankrupt. I am looking for a new job and I heard a lot about this your company,' I said. 'Right, well... you will be my son's personal assistance. We came to an agreement that I could pick his assistant. You will accompany him on business trips and makes sure everything is ready. My son went through several assistants already. Most of the time he ends up in bed with them so I am looking for someone who doesn't end up like a whore.' I gulped and nodded. 'I read that you're 21 years old... shouldn't you be in college or something?' 

'My dad can't afford it. He raised me and my four younger siblings alone. I am helping him pay off his debt. He works in a factory,' I added. 'Right, I already figured you are poor,' she said while looking over my skinny body. Uneasiness overwhelmed me. Rich people always look at me like this when we met. As if it's my fault. My father works hard but we come from a poor family. 'I want to give you a trial period. 3 months to see if you can do what I expect you to do. My son is critical and has high hopes.' I nodded, 'Of course. I can definitely do that,' I said. She eyed me for a minute. 'I will give you $7,25 per hour and if you keep working for us, I will give you a higher salary.' I smiled softly and nodded. 

'You start Monday and I expect you to be at the company at 7 AM so I can introduce you to my son. I will give you this...' she handed me the contract. 'Read and sign it. Take it with you Monday,' he said. I nodded and grabbed it. 'I also want to ask you if you can change your clothing style. You can't appear in the office like this...' she pointed at me. 'This is the best I have in my closet, ma'am.' She pursed her lips together before turning away and opening a drawer. 'Would 150 bucks be enough for you to buy some clothes?' she asked. I looked at the money she was holding. I took the money, even though I didn't want to take it. 'Yes, Ma'am, that would be enough,' I mumbled. She folded her hands again. 'Any questions?' she asked. 'No, I have everything I need to know.' I offered a smile, hoping to break the ice a little. 

'Alright, Jim will let you out,' she said and got up. I got up as well, shaking her hand. 'Thank you.' She hummed and walked off. I heard her high heels echo off against the walls and disappear in the distance. I left the office and faced Jim. 'You got the job?' he asked. I nodded and followed him. 'Yes, I did. I have a trial period of 3 months,' I said. 'I don't want to discourage you, but Mr. Colling has high hopes and is very critical when it comes to poor people. I am from a very poor family as well. Mrs. Colling hired me fifty years ago... I know the family very well, but Mr. Barlowe is spoiled and rude.' 

He opened the front door for me. 'Thank you for sharing.' Jim gave a small nod. 'See you soon, Miss Davis.' I shook my head. 'You can call me Ava.' A weak smile stretched on his lips. 'See you soon, Ava.' I smiled and turned around, leaving the property. On my way back, I bought some clothes. I never bought expensive clothes like this. I didn't spoil all the money and bought some food for my father and siblings. 

I walked into the poor neighborhood. The houses were small and clearly in a bad shape. My dad had one of the 'bigger' houses on the corner of the street. Instead of a two-bedrooms, we had three.  One big one, and two smaller once. I shared a room with my younger brother and sister. The twins shared a small room and my father had a room.

My father was sitting on the couch as I came in. He looked exhausted. I shut the door and placed the paper bag on the counter. He turned his head. 'I got the job, dad. Mrs. Barlowe gave me a trial period of three months. She also gave me 150 dollars to buy some new clothes and from the remaining money I bought food.' He got up and embraced me. 'I am happy for you, Ava, but next time, keep the money for yourself,' he said. 'You need the money dad. If you don't pay off the bills, you end up on the streets.' He rubbed his face. 'I got this dad...' I opened the fridge. 'Can you help the twins with their homework? They have some troubles.' I nodded, 'I will.'