Serpentine Desires

The prey

"I'm so sorry, dear, but we need someone who can... understand...take...orders?"

This was my sixth rejection. Even though I tried to make them understand, nothing worked. They needed someone who could make their job easier, a local, not a foreign student like me who struggled to understand the language. To some extent, I could understand where they were coming from. Hiring me would only add to their workload.

Sighing, I smiled at the kind woman. "Все в порядке, я понимаю"

Come on, I can speak Russian. You don't have to look at me like I'm some dumb American-

She looked wide-eyed at me for a second but then gave me an apologetic smile. "Have a good day."

My smile faltered. What? That's it? She could've reconsidered. I need this job for god's sake!

I mentally kicked myself for not putting on a better show, for not conjuring up some miracle to sway her decision. Unfortunately, it seemed fate had other plans, and I found myself dealing with the bitter taste of rejection once again. Time to dust off the resume and try, try again. Who knows? Maybe lucky number seven would be the charm.

Well, rejection number six didn't sting any less. Maybe next time, I'd charm them with my proficiency in French or my knack for making a mean batch of pancakes. It was all about finding the right fit, even if it meant enduring a few bumps along the way.

Clutching the bag tighter, I trudged towards the dorm, feeling the icy tendrils of cold seeping through my jeans and freezing me to the core. My teeth chattered as I futilely blew on my hands, hoping to coax some warmth into them, but my efforts were in vain. I cursed under my breath, regretting my blind faith in the weather forecast today.

Note to self: never leave home without an extra layer, or ten, in this hard Russian winter.

After changing into warm clothes, I skipped dinner and lay in my bed. The day's exhaustion had taken a toll on me. From embarrassing myself in the class, spending five hours in the library, hunting down every café and possible part-time job place in the area, I was ready to call it a day.

I didn't have to overthink today to sleep. It came naturally. Subconsciously I reminded myself to get the glasses fixed on my way to university tomorrow.

*******

"Everything's good, dorogya?" Alina asked when I slumped on my seat next to hers.

My mouth twisted at the sight of the breakfast, bowl of soup and bread. "If getting rejected from six places is considered good, then I'm feeling fucking marvellous." I didn't feel like eating anymore. I had lost all hope that I'd find a job anywhere. Only if I showed interest in the Russian language in my high school.

"Told ya'. You can still consider my offer though," I scoffed at her response and narrowed my eyes.

"No thanks. You enjoy your shady part-time, I am fine," I ate the soup in silence, running through my options. Maybe I should try a pet shop next? At least they'd accept me, since I speak animal language sometimes. Or maybe I could become a professional napper? I've got the sleeping part down to an art. How about a Netflix binge-watcher? I was practically a black belt in that.

"Oh, come on, it's not shady, it just offers more. See," she turned towards me with a mischievous grin. "You just have to dress pretty and sway your hips and they'll give you money for that," Alina exaggerated.

Dress pretty and sway my hips? Sure, because I totally have the grace of a swan and not the coordination of a drunk giraffe.

Maybe I could give them a good laugh and charge for entertainment. Watch me trip over my own feet and still somehow spill drinks on myself. I could just see it now.