Written in Love

Chapter 18: Navigating Challenges

February 2, Friday
SCPI (SteelCore Phil. Inc.)
8:45 a.m.

In the administration office, whispers floated around like feathers in the wind; they spoke of an applicant who allegedly used her beauty to secure a job without the required degree in computer science. The rumor had spread like wildfire, reaching even the ears of the newly recruited employees.

****

As Kjin and Quila stepped into the company premises, their hearts danced with a blend of anticipation and anxiety. Walking towards the entrance, they encountered the vigilant guard on duty.

"Good morning, we're here for the orientation," Kjin greeted the guard politely, a touch of nervousness in his voice.

"Good morning Ma'am and Sir, kindly log in this logbook and wait in that area," the guard directed, gesturing towards a designated waiting spot beside the guardhouse.

"Thank you," Kjin and Quila acknowledged in unison, swiftly signing their names before joining the cluster of other new recruits in the waiting area.

As they settled in, Quila couldn't help but sense the subtle shift in the air around her. Whispers and furtive glances seemed to follow her every step, stirring a knot of discomfort in her stomach.

"Maybe it's her," a voice murmured among the new hires, earning nods of agreement from some.

"Let's not pay attention to them," Kjin whispered reassuringly to Quila, who nodded in silent acknowledgment, trying to push aside the unsettling remarks.

Then Quila shifted her focus to the grandeur of the two-story building; she marveled at its pristine appearance, a testament to meticulous upkeep and cleanliness.

At exactly 9:00 a.m., a SteelCore representative, Ms. Girlienelle from the HR department, made her entrance, exuding professionalism and warmth.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Ms. Girlienelle, and I'll be guiding you through today's orientation. Please, follow me," she announced, leading the group inside the impressive building.

As they entered the orientation room, Kjin and Quila took their seats among the other new hires. The room buzzed with anticipation, as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the session. Kjin leaned towards Quila, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"We're finally here, Quila? This is the start of something amazing," Kjin whispered, his eyes shining with excitement.

Quila forced a smile, trying to push aside the unease that weighed on her. "Yeah, it's definitely a big opportunity for us. Let's make the most of it."

Just as the orientation session was about to begin, another SteelCore representative entered the room, capturing everyone's attention.

"Good day to all of you. I'm Ms. Kaye, the employee development manager." She introduced herself and began the session by welcoming the newcomers to the SteelCore family.

Girlienelle leaned towards Kaye, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "This batch is very promising," she whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.

Kaye nodded in agreement, a proud smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, they show great potential." She paused, her expression turning serious. "One of you holds a Master's Degree in computer science, a remarkable achievement. However, I must respect their privacy and not reveal who it is."

Girlienelle interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "The individual without a computer science degree who graduated as Summa Cum Laude is a part-timer. I'm not sure if that person truly belongs here," she pointed out with a hint of superiority in her tone, attempting to shift the focus away from the distinctions.

As Girlienelle spoke, Kjin's hands clenched under the table, a mix of pride and frustration swirling within him. Sensing his unease, Quila gently squeezed his hand, offering silent support. "I'm okay," Quila reassured him, though the unease lingered in her eyes, a subtle hint of feeling like an outsider creeping in.

Kaye added, "Both the Master's Degree holder and the non-computer science graduate are part-timers in this batch. The rest of you are full-time employees." Her tone carried a sense of finality, setting the tone for the dynamics within the group.

Quila's eyes widened in realization as she connected the dots. "So, Kjin has a Master's Degree," she murmured to herself, a mix of admiration and surprise in her gaze as she glanced at Kjin, newfound respect blooming within her.

As the orientation continued, Kjin actively engaged in the discussions, his enthusiasm infectious as he posed insightful questions and connected with his peers. Kaye and Girlienelle's encouragement created a sense of belonging and acceptance within the group, except for Quila.

Meanwhile, Quila found herself grappling with self-doubt, the weight of expectations and rumors casting a shadow over her confidence. She hesitated to speak up, the fear of judgment holding her back.