C5 5

She sighed in relief and put her phone back atop the cupboard with an eased countenance. She got her feet off the bed, put them into the flip-flops and rose. She made the bed before heading to the bathroom.Tuesday morning.Cynthia opened her eyes and yawned after sitting up, stretching her hands sideways. She gasped when she recalled something of essence and reached her hand out to take her phone that lay atop the cabinet beside her bed. She checked the time and saw that it was 6:21 am.

…

30 minutes later.

She’s now dressed up in a beautiful plain blue gown. It was a little old but she’d ironed it well before she slept last night. She had to make a good impression at that company today because just as her classmate back in high school always said: ‘Appearance matters a lot’.

She twirled in front of her vanity mirror twice before exiting her room. She checked on her aunt and Jessica, knocking on their doors but their replies to her showed that they were still hungry for sleep.

So she seized the opportunity and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. When she was done, she returned to knock on their doors, inviting them for the real. Surprisingly, Jessica was the first to come out.

“Morning Jessie,” she greeted.

“Morning, Cousin,” Jessica answered in a hoarse voice, her eyes half open.

Seeing her like this, Cynthia couldn't help but ask: “Did you sleep late last night?”

Her cousin shook her head. “No. I lucid dreamed again.”

“Oh. So what did you dream about?” Cynthia asked with interest as she placed a tray containing plates of rice on the table.

The latter shrugged before replying: “I don’t remember all the details but I think it was about me riding a fearsome dragon.”

“Woah. Your imagination’s great. From dinosaur to dragon. Why can’t I even dream of a dancing flower?” Cynthia sighed.

Lucid dreaming has its benefits and of course, its disadvantages. One advantage is all those exciting adventures one can get to go on at their own control and one can even at least deal with the one they don’t like as brutally as they want in the dream. One downside to it is the sleepy eyes her cousin has and it drains energy a lot depending on how exciting it was. She’ll rather pass!

Jessica followed her to the kitchen to get some other necessities for the meal they were about to partake in. Some minutes later, Mrs Anderson joined them for breakfast. Cynthia left mother and daughter to have a chat and bid them goodbye after taking what was necessary for the event today.

...

Outside the apartment, she checked the time and nodded.

It was 7:59 am.

She greeted the neighbours as she walked down the street to a point where she could wait for the taxi she’d booked. The taxi arrived 3 minutes later and she got in. She cheerfully greeted the driver and told him to take her to Jewel’s Empire. The journey from the junction to the venue was uneventful, the atmosphere seemed friendly today.

…

Alighting the taxi, she paid the driver and went into the building. She headed to the receptionist and greeted her cheerfully.

“You really beat the clock.” remarked the smiling receptionist.

“Yeah. I need to show my sincerity right?” Cynthia chuckled and the receptionist nodded.

“Um… I didn’t tell you my name last time. I’m Faustina Roxells.”

“Oh, a beautiful name.” Cynthia praised and both laughed.

“Please have your seat. Once it’s time, I’ll tell you to go in. And since I like you, I’ll definitely put some good words for you.”

“Thanks, Tina.” Cynthia then headed to the waiting couch and sat, placing her bag on her lap. She looked around the vicinity and couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Am I really worthy to get a job here? Will I even pass? I didn’t graduate from a top school and…” she was suddenly taken to reality as someone threw a pen close to her feet. She looked in the direction that the pen came from. She saw a tall, red-haired young man dressed in a beaded black suit. He was waving at her with a goofy smile.

She sighed and looked at the pen on the floor. It was a high-end pen. Why did he throw it at her? To show he was rich? Who was this guy even?

“Pick it up, miss. I mean... please bring it to me.” his voice was a melody to the ears but his words weren’t. She was unhappy but then this guy might be a big shot client here. She was here to get a job not be tossed out before the interview.

“Miss, are you deaf?” said the impatient man with arms folded.

“That’s it!” she thought and then rose from the couch. She picked up the pen and threw it at his feet.

“Your belonging’s now close to you. Pick it up yourself.” she spat before sitting on the couch again, cross-legged.

The man’s face changed to an enraged one. He ignored the pen and walked to her. “You threw back the pen. Do you know how much it costs?”

“Can it be costlier than my life?” she snapped.

Hearing this, he pointed at her speechlessly.

“It’s just a pen…” she said in a leisurely manner.

“It’s costlier than everything you own.” he snapped.

She raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying it’s costlier than my womb?”

“You… what does your womb have to do with this?”

“And what does your stupid pen have to do with me? Did I beg for it?” she snarled.

“You… Forget it. Many would kill go kiss my shoes and here you are…”

“You’re clearly a spoiled brat.” she walked to where he’d left the pen and picked it up.

“Faustina?” she called out softly.

“Honey, don’t pick a fight with him. Don’t you know who he is?”

“Is he a god?” she questioned.

“Um… no?”

“Then since he’s human no matter what his background is, he should know proper manners and have respect. I won’t grovel before him because he has money.” she then put the pen in the receptionist’s hand.

“It’s yours now.”

“No, I can’t take this.” Faustina gave it back to Cynthia who sighed.

“Fine.” she headed back to where the smug-faced man was standing and then put the pen in his pocket. “Now it’s with you. You can go find someone else to bug.” she sat on the couch.

The man just chuckled weirdly before leaving. Deep inside, her heart was beating fast. Usually, she wasn’t like this but she just couldn’t stand his attitude. Just because he’s rich, he expects every female to grovel at his feet, willing to even eat faeces just to get on his good side? She internally scoffed and sneaked a glance at Faustina who was shaking her head.

“My dear, even if you get the job here, I’m afraid that guy might send you out with just a word,” Faustina warned.

“If it’s my fate, let it be,” Cynthia replied before closing her eyes to rehearse in her mind. The receptionist shook her head again before putting on a smile to attend to two beautiful ladies whose attire screamed ‘I am rich!’.

“Hello, beautiful angels.” Faustina greeted.

“Hello. We want to take a look at your products. I hear its quality can make one drool.” one of the ladies wearing pink sunglasses said in a coquettish manner.

“Oh, then head right. I wish you a happy, rewarding tour.” Faustina slightly bowed her head and the two women cat walked in the direction that the receptionist had pointed in.

Some minutes later, Cynthia was still engrossed in her rehearsal. Several others were seated on the couch too, each wearing serious faces. The interview session had begun. One by one they were called to the managers’ office. Most of them left with dejected faces, the reason obvious to anyone- they didn’t pass! Cynthia’s heart was beating hard and she heaved.

“Are you nervous?” a young lady who sat beside her asked.

“Yeah.” she nodded.

"Me too. I don’t have much hope for this interview. I just want to participate at least. I’m Ariel Jabington. You?”

“I’m…” Cynthia couldn’t finish the introduction as Ariel heard her name. The black-haired lady quickly rose and waved at Cynthia before running forward to meet the person who called her. Cynthia sighed. She had come early but ended up being the last to be called. Life can really play tricks!