FICTION – THE INTERVIEW
It happened all of a sudden, I wasn't even thinking straight, overwhelmed with anxiety, I panicked and took action, a very crazy one at that. The kind that is rarely irreversible. That Monday came slowly, quietly even. Not a single sign or warning that something disastrous was about to unfold.
I wasn't supposed to be on that airplane. I had carefully checked my calendar the week before, the interview was supposed to be on a Wednesday. I circled the date on it. Bought a new blazer just for that special occasion. Even went ahead to pack a bag for that day. But fear as always has a way of making false realities appear real. It whispered lies into my ears, spiking up my anxiety and before I knew it, I was booking the next plane to New York. The next morning came far too quickly. I had my bag in one hand, my ticket in the other, and walkig inside the airport. Within the next thirty minutes, I was seated comfortably in the airplane as it took off to New York. But I was everything but calm at that point.
Half way to New York, I decided to take a look at my email.
It was on Wednesday, not Monday.
I started at the screen for some minutes, dumbfounded. A thousand thoughts running through my mind. I had rehearsed answers all night, practicing for an interview I thought was today. I felt stupid, small, and most entirely, drained. A little over two hours, the plane landed at the airport. I carried my bag in one hand, my luggages in the other port, wandering the busy streets of New York with a lost expression as people brushed past me
I thought about going back, but it was already too late. I had already travelled too far to turn back.
I saw a small book shop at the side of the street, with a heavy sign written closing soon. I don't exactly know what prompted me to go inside but my legs moved before my brain could decide. Perhaps I was hiding from the ridiculousness of the situation. I felt stupid, all dressed fashionably to make a good first impression but roaming around the streets like someone without an aim.
“Morning”. A deep male voice greeted me with. warm a smile.
I looked up to see a young man, dressed in a black Tee-shirt, and Black jeans standing behind the counter, with messy hair that looked like he had constantly ran his hands through it. His eyes were brown, and held something kind in them.
“Morning” I replied
“Looking for anything specific?” He asked after some minutes.
Somehow that question hit deeper than expected. I wanted to say, direction, or purpose but I ended up saying
“ Just Browsing”
He stared at me a little too long, before finally asking
“Browsing or hiding?”
I looked up at him wide eyes, like a thief that had just been caught
“What?” the words spilled out of me immediately
“Well people rarely come in here on Monday morning’s at that especially dressed like that. So it's either one of two things. You're searching for something or escaping something, You tell me”
I hesitated for a few seconds, “is it that obvious?” I asked.
“Well apart from the red blazer you're wearing, it isn't entirely obvious” He teased me and I couldn't help smiling.The first real smile I had smiled that day beneath all the tension.
“Alright so I'm here for an interview which is supposed to be two days from now, but I panicked and flew halfway across the country thinking it's today, and now I feel stupid and lost.” The truth spilled out of me like running water
He didn’t laugh. He didn’t pity me.
We talked longer than I expected and he just listened, teasing me occasionally. His sense of humor was highly appreciated and before I knew it, I felt more calmer and relaxed. I discovered his name was James, the store belonged to his father. but they were planning on relocating to a different city, So that's why they were closing.
“I should get going” I said after a while, checking my watch.
“Come back after your interview and tell me how it went” He whisper- yelled when I was halfway through the door.
I hesitated, turned towards his direction and said “I just might”.
Wednesday came far too quickly, I found myself in the waiting room, moving back and forth with anxiety creeping up my spine as I waited for my name to be called. After about thirty minutes of unrest, a young lady dressed in a black pencil skirt and white blouse came out of the office with a file in her hands.
“Miss Evelynn?” She called out from the file
“Yes” I replied too quickly
“It's your turn,” she said, gesturing into the office.
I stood up straight, chin held up, shoulders back and took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. When I was sure I had it all under control, I walked into the room. The next twenty minutes passed by in a blur and before I knew it I was walking out of there with a smile on my face
“Congratulations, you have the job” They had said to me.
Later that evening, I found myself walking back to that bookshop.
“You came back,” Daniel said, his expression softening.
“I got it,” I grinned, unable to contain my happiness
He stepped out from behind the counter. For a moment, we simply stood there, the weight of yesterday and today suspended between us.
“I’m glad you made that mistake,” he said quietly.
“So am I.”
Sometimes mistakes are not disasters, but new beginnings in disguise