Science Fiction Multi-Feature Picture Show

The Interview: (4) Edith

Edith took one look at the overdressed player in line ahead of her and felt her chances of landing this job plummet all over again. She'd been up since five, making sure her babies got up, fed, and on the bus before fussing over their daunting mountain of bills for an hour. When she was satisfied that not landing this mystery job at the Prime building wouldn't break them, she got dressed in her best professional wear, checking and double checking herself in the bathroom mirror.

Nerves and the unpredictability of the public transit system had her gearing up and heading out the door a full two hours before her interview, hopping three different buses to reach Beach Street nearly forty five minutes early. No matter, if the receptionist didn't mind her cooling her heels in the lobby, she'd slipped a Stephanie Plum novel in her bag to distract her until it was time.

What Prime was and did was a mystery, though she was sure in the slew of CVs she'd sent out, she must have hit them up as well. She was simply grateful for the chance at an interview, never mind if she had a shot in hell at landing a job or not. She walked in to interrupt Mr. Smooth working over some poor girl who looked like she'd run through a wind storm to get here.

She'd listened to him talk to the receptionist, slime practically oozing out of his pores before he sauntered off to the elevator. When he was well away from the desk, Edith approached herself, offering the tired looking receptionist a warm smile.

"Hello, Edith Chandler, here for a 10:45 interview."

"My goodness, you are early," the receptionist smiled back, pleased to see a friendly face. Her expression turned worried as she glanced over at the lobby where the other girl wandered, her eyes cast toward the ceiling. "Why don't you have a seat in the lobby?" Edith couldn't help but grin at their shared awkward feeling.

"Would you like me to grab you some coffee or something? There is a stand up the street?"

"What?" The receptionist looked taken aback by the offer. "Oh, no, thank you that is very kind. I'm alright."

Edith's smile turned positively dazzling. "Well if you change your mind," she leaned in to finish on a whisper. "I think I am going to see what I can do for our little friend over there."

The receptionist nodded, staring after her as Edith approached the spaced out young woman.

"Hey, sweetie, are you here for an interview?" She said gently, touching the girl's elbow. The touch caused the girl's unfocused eyes to settle, meeting Edith's for a brief moment. Ah, just like her darling Maggie, probably high on the spectrum to be here. "What's your name?"

"Sharon, Sharon Green."

"Well Sharon, why don't you come with me to the ladies room and I'll help you finish getting ready for your interview?"

A light flared in Sharon's eyes. "Would you really?"

"Of course, sweetie, come on," said Edith, linking their arms. A beautiful girl, and a little lost. Edith wondered how old she was and if her parents dropped her off here, hoping for the best. She spent the next half hour gently untangling and combing Sharon's wild dark locks, until they fell properly in place in glossy curls across her shoulders. She showed the girl how to shake the wrinkles from her blouse beneath the bathroom's hand drier. As a final touch, Edith added a bit of lip gloss to Sharon's pouty lips, leading a completely different woman from the restroom if the receptionist's expression was any judge.

"Um, Mrs. Chandler, it's about time for your interview," said the receptionist.

Edith nodded to her, leading Sharon to a seat. She took her book out, placing it in the girl's lap. "Why don't you read this until I get back?"