Noise and smoke greeted me when the bus door opened. That's it, I'm really here in Manila. I stepped off the bus. The heat of the sun immediately hit my fair skin. For sure, when I seek refuge in the wilderness, I will blush. Before crossing to the other side, I made sure no cars were passing by until I finally made it across. I was right. My skin immediately turned red because of the intense sunlight. "Sister, where is the jeep?" I asked the woman selling coolers. She turned her eyes to me when I spoke to her. "You see that mall?" she pointed. I followed her gaze. I nodded slowly. "Yes," I said politely. "Behind that mall, there are jeep parking lots." "Ahh, is that it? Thank you." I bought a cooler from her first, then set off. I was drinking the cooler I bought earlier while walking to the jeep parking lot. I just realized how big Manila is. If you're from the provinces, you'll have a hard time finding parking in Manila. I reached the jeep parking lot. I stood aside first and did not get in. I took my wallet out of my pocket to check if I still had enough fare for the boarding house. I only had five hundred pesos left in my wallet. It was only one hundred when I took it out. A strong wind blew. "Come on!" Unfortunately, a strong wind blew my money away. In a panic, I quickly tried to pick it up. "My bad luck!" I said to myself. I managed to pick up four hundred pesos, but one was missing. I looked for the missing bill. I noticed that the wind kept blowing it towards the middle of the road. Desperate to retrieve the flying money, I suddenly crossed the road without noticing the many passing cars. "What! Are you trying to kill yourself?!" The jeep driver yelled at me because he almost hit me. "I'm sorry..." I apologized. He shook his head before driving off. I turned my eyes back to the bill. I was very grateful it was now on the ground. I immediately stepped on it. But unexpectedly, a car suddenly appeared. Using my hands, I tried to shield myself, closed my eyes, and waited for the impact. Beep!! I thought my life was over. I slowly opened my eyes and immediately noticed the bulky figure in front of me. "Are you okay?" It was a man's baritone voice. When I opened my eyes completely, my mouth fell open. A well-built man stood before me. I couldn't help but be amazed at what I saw. He looked like a sculpture, very neat and perfectly carved. For some unknown reason, my heart started pounding. "Hey, are you okay?" I snapped out of my trance when he spoke again, still blinking. "A-Ah, y-yes. I-I'm fine..." I stammered. Electricity ran through my whole body when he held my hand to help me stand up. "Do you feel any pain in your body?" he asked again. I shook my head. "No. I'm really fine," I assured him so he wouldn't worry. "Bro, let's go!" I looked at the car of the man who almost hit me. I noticed another man in the car, wearing shades and looking obviously irritated. I turned my gaze back to the man in front of me. "This is my friend's calling card." He handed it to me. I accepted it immediately. "Just call him if you feel any pain in your body." I nodded slowly. "Thank you." "I gotta go!" he said goodbye. I bowed slightly and smiled as a farewell. I moved aside because I noticed I was still blocking the road. I watched them until they disappeared from sight. Later, I looked at the calling card he gave me and read the name written on it. "Knoxx Cassius Wolverson."
Chapter 1 my interview
Chapter 1
I am sitting here, waiting to be called. Today is my interview, and I have been feeling intensely nervous. This is my second time facing an interview, so I can't help but feel anxious.
Moreover, my past experience in fast food is vastly different from this one. The restaurant I applied to is famous and high-end, a new experience for me.
"Is Mr. Jullian Ray Francisco here?"
I quickly glanced at the woman who called my name.
"Ma'am!" I stood up and raised my hand.
"Your turn now," she said.
I nodded slowly, wiped my sweat, and walked into the interview room.
You can do this, Jullian!
"Good morning, ma'am," I greeted politely.
She was busy looking at my resume. My nervousness returned as she didn't even greet me back. She looked strict, but I won't let that deter me. I need this job and the money.
It's okay, Jullian! You've been through this before; it's just different now! I reassured myself.
I adjusted my sitting position when the woman, who I estimated to be in her mid-40s, finally looked up.
"So... let's start. Tell me about yourself." She asked immediately.
"First of all, ma'am, thank you for allowing me to be interviewed. My name is Jullian Ray Francisco..." I began.
The interview lasted long. She asked many questions, and I answered them promptly. I kept myself calm to avoid a mental block. Some questions made me pause briefly, but I managed to find my way through. I was honest with my answers, which made the interview somewhat easier.
"For my last question. Why should we hire you?"
I took a shallow breath before answering the final question.
"If you hire me, it will be a great platform to showcase my skills. I set goals and ensure to complete them within the stipulated time," I answered confidently.
I felt nervous again because she didn't show any reaction. She just kept looking at me. Will I be rejected? I hope not. I need this job.
"Okay..." she said briefly, then looked at my resume again. "Based on our interview today, you answered everything I asked. There were only a few things I wasn't satisfied with, but I saw your interest in this job. So..." she paused, "Congratulations Mr. Francisco. You passed this interview!"
It felt like a thorn was removed from my throat, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Is this real? I have a job. Yes!
"Thank you so much, ma'am," I said happily, shaking her hand. I couldn't believe I passed the interview.
"You will start tomorrow."
"Thank you, ma'am. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity."
I smiled widely as I left the interview room. It's true; I have a job. Finally!
My smile remained even when I got back to the boarding house where I stay. I immediately took off my shoes before entering.
"I'm home!"
I heard the bathroom door open. Marjie came out, still wrapped in a towel.
"Oh, you're back," she noticed. "You look happy today, huh! How was the job interview?" she asked right away about the result.
I approached her. "I got the job! I passed the interview," I said happily.
"Oh my god, congrats! I told you, you'd get it."
"Thank you. I couldn't believe it when I got accepted," I said. The interview kept replaying in my mind.
She held my hand. "You deserve it. You're a hardworking and kind person. Treat me when you get your first paycheck, okay?"
"Of course, why not. I also want to repay you. You've helped me so much."
"Oh, stop. Think of me as your own sibling. Don't worry about owing me."
I'm so lucky to have a kind boarding mate who became my friend and support during tough times. In the years I've stayed here, she always covered for me whenever I couldn't pay. I owe Marjie a lot for all her help.
"Thank you so much. If you hadn't lent me money, I wouldn't have been able to apply. I promise I'll repay you."
"Hey! Don't be a stranger. We've been living together for two years and a few months now. And my help is nothing, as I said, you're like my sibling."
Her words made me smile.
Marjie is a year older than me. She's twenty, and I'm nineteen. It feels good to have someone like her around. I'm glad she's my roommate.
THE NEXT DAY, I woke up early because today the new employees will be oriented, and I'm one of them. We will also have an inspection today, so I need to be early to avoid any complaints. I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement because it's my first day.
When I arrived, they hadn't opened yet. I went straight to the headquarters, where I was greeted by two employees. They must be my future colleagues.
"Good morning," I greeted them. They responded with simple smiles. I walked over and sat on a single chair.
After a few minutes, a woman in office attire entered. She wore a red coat and looked young, probably in her mid-30s.
"Good morning, before we start, I want to congratulate all of you. You passed the interview. Out of a hundred applicants, only three of you got accepted. So, congratulations!"
I was stunned and couldn't believe what she said. Really? Only three of us passed the job interview, while other applicants seemed more qualified and better at answering questions. It's surprising.
"By the way, I'm Roxanne De Lavin, the manager of Wolverson Restaurante. It's owned by Mr. Wolverson's second son, Knoxx Cassius Wolverson, a brilliant businessman. You'll meet him later during the inspection."
We nodded as we listened to Ma'am De Lavin.
"If you don't know, this place is frequented by wealthy people: CEOs, politicians, celebrities, and other professionals. So always be presentable and never serve them if you're dirty. Avoid touching them. Do you understand?"
This place is impressive. I didn't realize how expensive the restaurant was. I feel like I don't belong here. I took a deep breath. It looks like this job will challenge me.
"And another thing, don't listen to the conversations of the diners. Most of them discuss business and want privacy. Since you chose this job, strive to be professional. Avoid making mistakes if you don't want to be fired quickly. Be polite and careful with every move."
I felt a surge of nerves, but my goal to go back to school prevailed. This might be the key to saving up money.
"So... you can go now. Change your clothes in the locker room. Have a nice day everyone."
After Ma'am De Lavin briefed us, I went to the restroom first to relieve myself. I was too tense from what she said earlier. Especially when she mentioned that only professionals eat here.
I was the only one in the locker room. Since I was alone, I took off my jeans. There probably won't be anyone coming in since I was just in my boxers. As I bent down to put on my slacks, I noticed someone walking in with expensive office shoes.
Wait...
Walking?
Office shoes?!
Someone's here!!
"Hello, excuse me."
I immediately looked up and saw him glance at my whole body. I panicked.
" I screamed and started hitting him with my slacks.
"Fuck! W-wait, dĂ mn it!" he groaned while I continued to hit him with my slacks.
"Get out of here! Leav-"
"What's going on here!" Ma'am De Lavin's voice echoed through the locker room.
To Be Continued...
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