Loving a Black Rose & Life in an Elevator

Life in an Elevator: Chapter 1

I hated this man. I really hate that man and his smirking smile; he was the type of man to tell you that you are just not good enough for the job. This company had high standards, and because I did not have an MBA, I would not get the job, that was predictable. Also, I arrived late, and that would be something unacceptable. What I hated the most was that my aunt told me I should never be late, as it would leave a bad impression. And do you know what happened? I should have woken up earlier, been well-prepared, and not completely stressed about being late to the interview. I should have eaten a good breakfast and arrived on time. Nothing happened like that.

I had partied until 5 AM just because I wanted to flirt with this girl, and at first, I had an opportunity to seduce her, but nothing happened. I woke up at 9 AM instead of the 7 AM that I had planned. I was starving and had a headache from all the drinking. I was one hour late, and I felt so stressed that all I wanted was to bury myself 100 feet underground and stay there for the rest of my life. Life felt like a spinning wheel of misery which never seemed to end. I was hoping to get that job. I needed it, and most importantly, I needed the money. What was life without money? I was living with my aunt, who used to tell me when I was a kid, "You are lucky that I did not abandon you when your parents died. I could have placed you in an orphanage, but because I love my sister, I could not do that. Your dad was a lazy man who never achieved anything. He did things that no one understood, and I don't think he understood them either. But your mother was different—she was smart, pretty, and had ambition. But those ambitions fell apart when you were born, and your father dragged her down." .

I wanted to tell the man in front of me, with his blue tie, broad shoulders, and unbearable smile, that he should be ashamed. I wanted to scream. I imagined smashing the portrait of this guy's pretty wife against his head. One day, this company would realize they needed me. They would regret not hiring me, and I would tell them the next day that I had been hired by one of the most prestigious firm in the city. It would be their mistake, they would make me an amazing offer, but I would be the one to say no.

I also wanted to explain, because I still hoped to be hired by this company, that it wasn't really my fault if I was late, it was not my fault if I did not attend the right school. I had to care for my aunt, who was old, and had little time to study. I regretted wasting so much time in my life. I regretted studying art, instead of focusing on math which would have helped my career. I was willing to work hard in this new job so that they see what a great person I am.

But nothing of that would happen. I said nothing.

The guy just thanked me for my time, shook my hand, and showed me the door.

Why didn't I say anything? I could have spoken up. I felt like a little piece of shit who would never achieve anything, even if my life depended on it. Should I go back and try to convince the guy? Maybe it would work if I cry... no, that is not a good idea. I have to live with the consequences of my mistakes. What will my aunt say? She will scream at me, accuse me of bringing shame to the family. I could lie to her and take a job as a waiter, but I despise the idea of serving others.

After the interview, I walked through the long hallway, desperately seeking the exit. Passing by a janitor cleaning the floor, I kicked his bucket, splashing water everywhere. Ignoring the janitor's curse, I headed for the elevator. I was on the 300th floor and needed to go down to the first floor.

I admired the elevator's dark decor, with mirrors reflecting my image infinitely. The ceiling was adorned with Raphael's School of Athens.

As the elevator went down, I noticed the 178th and 158th floor buttons lighten up. I felt frustrated, as I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. I wanted to sneak into my aunt's house, so that she wouldn't see me. I just wanted to lie down and do nothing.

When the elevator reached the 178th floor, a tall man entered. For a moment, I was petrified, thinking it was the man who had interviewed me. But this tall man was wearing a dark blue suit, dress shoes, and had neatly cropped black hair. He was clean-shaved and stood with his shoulders back, wearing an orange tie adorned with yellow ducks.

"Hello, would you mind pressing 1th floor? I have important matters to attend to." he said in a pompous tone, flashing a huge smile.

Rage started to boil within him. How could this arrogant man give me orders? Were there farms where they bred men like him? Couldn't he press the button himself or at least ask nicely?