Running frantically up the stairs to Joan's flat, I keep hold of the flyer. She has to see this and confirm that it is not just me making this job vacancy up. I enter into the kitchen to see her making tea for the both of us. I knock on the door to alert her of my presence. She jumps in shock and turns around with a carton of milk in her hand.
"You scared the life out of me Zi! What is the matter-"
"Look at this Jo! This cannot be real!" I cut her off mid sentence. Joan takes the flyer out of my hand and reads it, her eyes lighting up as she looks at me. A smile spreads across her face.
"This has to be a sign! Ziayn you have to take this job!" The ending of her sentence makes me laugh aloud. Is she insane?
"You are a funny person Joan. I am not taking this offer." I stubbornly say, crossing my arms.
"And what is your reason for not taking this opportunity of a lifetime?" Joan questions me.
"I am pretty sure this company is very well known and does not hire poor people like myself. I would not be taken seriously." I frown. I can see it all now - All these important business people snickering begins my back and laughing at my pathetic little life.
"If that is the case, why did you show me this?" Joan asks me another question. I open my mouth, trying to find a comeback, but I have nothing. Why did I rush up the stairs to show Joan this flyer?
"My point is proven. Call the number." Is all Joan says before taking her cup of tea downstairs into the shop. She has a valid point to be fair; what harm would it be to call up and apply?
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"How was school today?" It was three in the afternoon, which meant Daphne and I were at the bus stop waiting to get home. Daphne was unusually quiet on the bus journey home, and as soon as we got into the apartment, she went straight into the bedroom, the door closing behind her. As I walked up to the bedroom door, I went to knock, but I stopped in my tracks and decided to give her some space.
I took the crumpled flyer out of my bag and looked long and hard at the number. I took out my phone and bravely put the digits in. My thumb hovered over the call icon. I took a deep breath and pressed it. It rang once. Then twice. Three. And on the fourth it picked up.
"Hello this is Lighthouse Industries. You are speaking to Mr Bright's assistant, how can I be of service?" A perky feminine voice spoke. I stumbled and stuttered before answering.
"H-hello there, I am calling about a job vacancy you advertised. I'm interested in applying." I say, the nerves slowly fading.
"Oh yes! Let me put you through to Mr Bright." She says. Irritating music plays through my phone. I sigh in annoyance at the stupid little jingle before it stops and a deeper masculine voice replaces the music.
"Hello this is Xavier Bright. I have been informed you are interested in the Interior Designer job vacancy here at Lighthouse Industries?" His voice was like rich velvet. So smooth, yet full of authority and power.
"Yes. My name is Ziayn Xu. I saw the advert today and was wanting to apply for the job." The nerves return. Why did the nice lady have to put me through to him?
"So Miss Xu, do you have any experience in Art and design? My company is very well known and I'm looking for someone with skill as well as passion to make the company and myself look good." Mr Bright informs me.
"I have had a passion for art as a child. My father was a painter and a very talented one if I must say. I learnt everything from him, as well as picking up different methods by myself. Because of circumstances, I have not been able to take my passion further." My heart becomes heavy at the thought of my father and my damaging childhood.
"I see. You sound very dedicated to your work which is what I am also looking for in an employee. I am intrigued to meet you Miss Xu, how would you like to have an interview tomorrow morning at half ten?" Mr Bright offers.
My insides do backflips and summersaults at his words. This cannot be happening!
"That would be wonderful Mr Bright. Thank you so much for this opportunity." I smile, trying to remain professional.
"Great. See you tomorrow Miss Xu." And with that, the call ended. I squeal in excitement, turning around to Daphne, who was trying her hardest to compress her laughter.
"Who is Mr Bright?" She questions me, going into the fridge. She grabs some ingredients from in there as well as from a few cupboards. Looks like she's cooking cheese and tomato pasta tonight.
"Mr Bright could potentially be my new boss if I get the job tomorrow..." I trial off. That is when reality hit me. I slumped onto the settee, my smile vanishing than the speed of light.
"Oh my gosh! You applied for a new job? Zi that is amazing news!" Daphne congratulates me. She jumps around the kitchen, but stops when she notices I wasn't joining in on her rejoicing.
"Why are you not happy? You keep saying yourself that you won't be in the bookshop forever." She says, confused at my facial expression and body language.
"What if I don't get the job Daph? I will still be depriving you from a life better than... this!" I gesture to our apartment. I gesture to our sleeping situation. Our transportation. Our half empty to empty cupboards and fridge. What if Mr Bright does not give me the escape we need out of this hellhole?
"Ziayn. I am beyond grateful for everything you have done for me. We have not had the best start in life, but we can change the future right? So go to that interview tomorrow, wow this Mr Bright, and be the best employee I know you can be!" Daphne encourages me, before returning to the kitchen. My seventeen year old sister was right.
I am going to get this job - even if my life depends on it.
Which it kind of does...
YOU ARE READING
Don't Hurt Me
Romance"If this is just a game to you then leave!" "This is no game baby girl. This is the real deal." Ziayn Xu is a twenty two year old woman who has been looking after herself and her little sister ever since they were left outside an orphanage by their...
