C11 Interview with the Xi company

"Oh…Look at my daughter," Mrs Roberts chuckled.

Amanda giggled and looked at herself again in the mirror.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful, sweetheart. If they do not accept you for your experience and certificates, your beauty and delicate nature would take a toll on them," Mrs Roberts complimented.

"Oh, there you go again mother, making it about my physical appearance. I get bothered if it all comes down to my looks. I will change into something less show-offy. I don't want to be seen as attractive." Amanda had a frown on her crease.

"Stop it Amanda!" Mrs Roberts cautioned sternly. "You seem to forget that just because you had babies does not mean you are less beautiful. The reality is, men would still want you. They will crave you and there is nothing you can do about it. The only thing you can do is to empower yourself, especially financially, to avoid them using you recklessly."

Even though her mother's tone was harsh, Amanda got the message clearly. She was becoming too scared and defeated by the situation from her past, but she would not allow herself to be put down by anyone or anything.

Sometimes, she felt like dressing too beautifully was putting her in the position of being seen by those men who prey on weak women, like the man who got her pregnant and the restaurant manager who tried to have his way with her.

"Whatever happened should stay in your past. Do not allow it to control your future. You are a resilient young woman and I admire that trait about you."

Her mother smiled encouragingly at her and Amanda felt a gust of confidence wash through her as she took one last look at the mirror and then exhaled with a smile.

"I think I am ready, mother." She declared and picked up her folder and her purse.

"That is the spirit. You go girl!" Mrs Roberts cheered her.

"I left a few dollar bills by my bedside for the kids in case you need to get them anything. It is the last of my savings."

"You need not worry, Amanda. I still have some change left. By the way, I hope you have everything you may need for the interview and every document they may ask for?"

"Yes I do, mother. Let's go over it again:

My driver's license

My language test, because I am not American born.

My certificate of Completion of the Supervisors course.

My high school certificate and college exemption certificate.

Is there anything else, mum?" Amanda quizzed.

Mrs Roberts lifted her head like she was in deep thoughts and then shook her head.

"I don't think so. I think that is all. Alright, run along! You do not want to be late."

Amanda hurried out of the bedroom and stopped in her tracks when her mother called her back.

"One important thing, Amanda."

"What now mother?" Amanda asked with hastiness.

"Do not say a word about the Quadruplets to anyone. This may cause you limitations."

Her mother's face was stern but Amanda could see beyond the sternness. She could see that all her mother was trying to do was help her secure the job.

As painful as those words sounded, they were the right thing to do.

"Okay Momma," she mumbled with a slight frown and hurried out of the house.

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