A Job With Him

Second Chances

"Okay. I'm here already," I hung up the phone as I walked into the Italian restaurant. A week had passed after Josh and I fought. It was our first serious fight after we became a couple. Sure, we had a few arguments when we were together 10 years ago. But they were petty and we resolved them within minutes. However, his words really hurt me and this time, it was going to take a while before we can resolve this issue. I will admit though, Josh never stopped trying to contact me. He texted me every day with messages like:

Josh:
Good morning love!
Josh:
Hey, are you alright?
Josh:
Amber, please talk to me
Josh:
I'm really sorry, please reply

I couldn't bring myself to text him back. I didn't know why. I just felt that forgiving him now wouldn't make him realise that Wayne wasn't the problem. It was between us. In addition, I still need to keep meeting Wayne for my counselling sessions so if he remains unhappy about it, it wouldn't be healthy for our relationship either.

The waiter led me to the table at the far end of the restaurant and the person I was meeting waved at me.

"Hi, Wayne! How have you been?" I asked as I took my seat. Yes, today was our second session so we decided to meet up in a restaurant this time.

"I'm fine. Are you and Joshua alright? I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time." I gave him a small smile and shook my head. We have chatted over the phone before and I told him about what happened between Josh and me briefly so he kind of knew that we weren't on good terms.

"It's not your fault. Josh just needs to realise that people can change and they deserve a second chance. I trust that you have changed so don't prove me wrong ah!" I told him playfully and he grinned. We then ordered our food and began talking about the process of applying for a job in entertainment companies. There was only one big company in Singapore that supports artists but many smaller ones that require actors or singers for projects on their YouTube channels or podcasts. Wayne then went on to talk about applying for overseas entertainment companies. Before he continued though, he asked what languages I learnt or was pretty fluent at.

"Hmm... well I'm obviously fluent in English. My mother tongue is Tamil and I picked up a bit of Chinese when I was younger so I know those too. I also learnt Korean in junior college." Yes, I learnt Tamil as my mother tongue as my mom was Indian and my dad was Chinese. Wayne's eyes sparkled when I told him that I could speak Korean.

"That's perfect! You can audition in Korean companies like SM, YG, JYP and many more!"

"But would they accept foreigners into their company?"

"Of course they do! There are many artists there who are from around the world like Thailand, Canada and even the US. You can go for their auditions when they hold them in Singapore. They do that sometimes to search for talent in other countries."

Excitement could be seen from my expression. I could actually audition for a Korean company and be close to my favourite K-pop singers! Like Lee Taemin from Shinee and Byun Baekhyun! Wait, Byun Baekhyun... Joshua is also from this industry so, would we see each other more often? After all, I would need to move to Korea if I pass the auditions and become an official trainee.

"A penny for your thoughts?" I heard Wayne ask and my head immediately snapped up to look at him. I guess I was in a daze for so long while thinking about everything that I didn't focus on what Wayne was saying.

"Sorry, could you please repeat what you mentioned earlier? Hehe," I chuckled nervously and he giggled. He then said what he was telling me. My smile kept growing bigger and bigger as the thought of me becoming a singer kept repeating in my head.

We finished eating and talking about how I could apply for the job. Our next session would be after I apply and see if I get in for an audition or not. I was paying for the food as we headed out when Wayne stopped me. He was about to take his wallet out to pay instead but I told him that it would be my treat since I left the cafe that time and he had to end up paying for the both of us. He sighed and just thanked me. I smiled at him and we started walking out.

"So Wayne, what happened after junior college?" I started the conversation as we walked together towards the train station. Neither of us had a car and we were going in the same direction. So we decided to just head to the nearest station together. Wayne turned to me and I could see his expression sadden instantly.

"I-I mean, you don't need to answer me if you're uncomfortable with it! Just wanted to know how you've become a career counsellor hehe," I tried to lighten the mood. Wayne sighed and just smiled back at me.

"It's not a big deal. After what happened, the principal expelled Melissa and I. We both ended up in jail and were released after six months. However, the time being in prison must've taken a toll on both of us. We couldn't get jobs and our families showered us with resentment. We were constantly criticized by our relatives and friends. It went on all the way to the point where Melissa slept with an old man to get money so that she could support herself and move out of the country. She left me after we fought. I found out about her sleeping with a random stranger for money and asked her for an explanation. But she didn't seem to care about what I thought. All she said was, "What's it to you? You were a useless boyfriend anyway. Because of you, we both got expelled, arrested and ended up in this situation." "

My eyes widened and mouth went agape. How could she just put all the blame on him when she was the mastermind behind everything that happened too?

Wayne continued on. "So in the end, Melissa sold her dignity and moved to another country. I was fortunate enough that one classmate of mine offered me a job at his company. He said that he felt bad about how people kept discriminating against me for being an ex-convict and decided to take me under his wing. I'm still ever so grateful to him for what he has done for me the last few years. And so, here I am now. Just a regular career counselor who is trying to help those lost like how I once was."

I smiled at his last statement. He has indeed made an impact on my life by helping me find my passion. I'm glad that he was able to live a better life even after what he went through. He must've suffered a lot after Melissa left him. Although they were a cruel duo to me, I could see that he really loved her and would do anything for her. I guess, she just wasn't the one for him.

"I'm sorry for what you've been through. But I'm proud of you. You overcame so much and have really changed for the better. I'm glad we managed to meet again. If not, I never would've known how much effort you have put in to become a better version of yourself."

"Thanks, Amber. I'm glad you have forgiven me too. I should've told you who I was from the start but I was afraid you would get mad at me and leave. Thankfully, you didn't do any of that even after Joshua pointed me out."

I sighed as he brought Josh up. If only he knew what Wayne went through, then perhaps he would've forgiven him by now?

We reached the train station and waved goodbye to one another. I got onto my train, plugged in my earphones once again and headed back to home sweet home.

"...
Nobody sees me
Now, I'm a one-man show
I'll do this on my own
We knew it all then
Now, this is all I know
Guess I'm heading home now
..."