Chapter Two | You're Hired!
+ + + And just then, as I stumbled down the crowded pavement, a miracle did happen. I caught sight of a job advertisement in a large, shiny window. Little did I know how that one ad would change my life + + +
I was greeted by a rush of air conditioning when I stepped into the building. It had a spacious lobby with a large front desk and cream carpeting. On the wall there was a large engraving that read: Altitude Enterprises. My jaw dropped —- Altitude Magazine was the largest fashion magazine in the country! I was standing in the very building I hoped to one day work in. I suddenly felt self conscious; I had my stained work shirt on with ripped skinny jeans and converse. To her credit, the woman at the front desk didn't look too disgusted to see me. "May I help you?" She asked politely. She had shoulder-length hair and staggering stilettos. Her name tag read "Mirella".
"Um, yes." I stammered nervously. "I saw your job advertisement in the window and I was wondering if I could fill out an application?"
Mirella's eyes crinkled with pity. "We're currently holding interviews. The deadline for applications was last Tuesday." She gave me a smile smile though as she slid a stack of paperwork across the table. "It never hurts to try. If there's any time left at the end I'm sure we can squeeze you in." It never occurred to me to ask what I was applying for — I just grabbed the pen and began writing. By the time I was halfway through my hand was throbbing and I had a small headache.
"Excuse me?" I asked. "Where's the nearest restroo—"
"Shhh!" Mirella warned. She coughed awkwardly and began typing furiously into her computer.
"What?" I was beyond confused. Just then I heard the sharp thud of high heels entering the lobby from the elevator.
"Mirella? Who's this?" I heard a sharp voice behind me ask. I tried to turn away but it was too late —- I had been spotted.
Mirella was temporarily speechless. "Uh, no one? Yeah! No one," She rambled nervously. "She's just a model who got lost on the way to a photoshoot."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Who are you, girl? My assistant's a terrible liar." I felt like melting underneath her piercing gaze as she directed her attention towards me. She had icy blue eyes and gray hair pulled into a tight bun. I guessed her to be in her late fifties, though she had a timeless beauty and elegance that came with power. "Are you deaf or stupid? I asked you a question!"
"Felicity. My name is Felicity." My face turned pale.
"Do you know who I am, Felicity?"
"No ma'am."
"My name is Elizabeth Parker." She was Elizabeth Parker?! No wonder why she looked so powerful...she owned the entire building!
"It's very nice to meet y—"
"Save it," She interrupted me. "I run the most successful fashion magazine in the country. I have homes in New York City, London, Paris, and Milan. I was named the most influential woman in the world — now can you tell me why the hell you're in my lobby dressed like a slob?"
I was temporarily at a loss for words. "Um..."
"Answer my question."
"I'm sorry," I snapped angrily. "I was just fired from my last job because I was 'too clumsy'. And now apparently I dress like a slob. I guess I can't make anyone happy today, can I? I was planning on filling out an application for the job advertised in the window, but I'd rather not waste my time thank you very much." I felt a surge of power that only came from the anger burning in my veins. I grabbed my purse and was about to storm out when Elizabeth caught a hold of my arm.
She smiled, catching me off guard. "Congratulations, Felicity. You're hired."
"What?" I nearly choked on my spit.
"Meet me at my office at seven o'clock tomorrow morning. I like an employee that can stand up for themselves." With that she turned around and exited the building. My mouth was open in shock — did I just get a job by yelling at my boss?
"My god," Mirella whispered. I almost forgot she was standing right behind me. We wore similar looks of disbelief on our faces.
"Is that normally how she hires someone?" I asked after a pause.
"Never. In fact, I've never actually seen anyone talk back to her."
"Should I be worried?"
"You should be scared out of your bloody mind."
[ i apologize for this short chappie. you guys deserve a lovely long chapter for your amazing support! i promise i'll post longer chapters; i just had to get over my writer's block. ]
