I WOKE UP early the following day to take a shower. I have prepared what to wear and the resume that I will need to apply for work.
"Dad, I'm leaving!" I quickly drunk the milk that Aunt Melva had prepared for me and pulled out my shoulder bag.
"Be careful!" he said after I kissed him on the cheek.
I chose a cream pastel skirt that didn't reach my knees, a white top shirt that I dyed with a cream-colored ring blazer. I also decided to wear flat black shoes because my height might be overwhelming if I wore heels.
I was just thankful that Dad didn't notice what I was wearing, nor did he ask me where I was going today.
I got out of the jeep and looked up at the luxurious building in front of me. I will try to apply as secretary today. I was actually nervous because I had never applied for a job related to my business management degree.
I've regretted the reason why I have no experience in such kind of job. As much as possible, I want to forget Calixto and how I acted stupid to him then.
"We'll just call you once you've passed the interview," said the woman who interviewed me.
"Thank you!" I politely answered after shaking my hands with her.
I came out of the building with a heavy chest. Because I knew it would be a long time before I could be contacted, I applied to another company. And they say that if the employer says they will just call you, don't expect any more.
"Sorry, Miss Banaag, what we're looking for now is someone with at least two years experience as a secretary. For the meantime, your resume is on the waiting list. We'll just call you if there's a vacant slot for you." The frustration was evident in her voice.
She wanted to hire me because of my educational background and height-because that's one of the qualifications they're looking for in a secretary-but she was firmly instructed that the secretary she will hire must have experience.
"Thank you so much, Ma'am!" that's all I could say and quickly left the establishment.
I slowly sat down on the bench outside. I wiped the sweat on my forehead. I also feel hungry because it's already past noon. It's not a joke because the queue of those who want to apply was long, but what hurts more was that I waited for so long but got nothing.
"Please, not now!" I said emphatically because I felt like my migraine was attacking me again.
I searched my bag for my medicine until I found something. I quickly adjusted my seat and pulled the thing out of my bag.
"Bingo!"
***
The sky was almost orange when I got off the jeep. The traffic was to blame, so I just got to where I was going.
I crossed the pedestrian lane and quickly took the sidewalk towards Cindy's boutique. My feet were numb when I reached the door, but I was speechless when I saw the door. The giraffe seemed to fit in the oversized door.
If I hadn't been bumped by someone outside the boutique, I wouldn't have stepped my feet inside.
When I first entered the store, I was taken aback. The dresses that welcomed me made me feel like I was in a fairytale. I went for a stroll and marveled at the beautiful dome-topped structure.
I swallowed a few times because of the beauty I witnessed.
"Excuse me, miss, how can I help you?" The woman at the front desk called my attention.
"Ah, wait." I quickly searched my bag to find the calling card given to me by Cindy. "I'm looking for Cindy Fajardo." I dropped the calling card at the front desk.
She glanced at me from head to toe before speaking. "Your name, Ma'am?"
"Cherry Mae Banaag. I actually don't have a business meeting with her. I just want to talk to her if it's okay?" I determinedly said.
"Can you please wait for a few minutes? Ma'am is in the meeting right now," she replied politely.
"All right, no problem!" Then I smiled.
Again, she nodded at me and guided me to the waiting area.
"What do you want to drink, Ma'am? Coffee or juice?" she asked.
"Just juice, thank you!" I replied softly.
When she left, I looked around the boutique again and was amazed for the second time.
She brought the glass juice to me shortly. And I just sit there comfortably while waiting.
"Ma'am Cherry? Please follow me," a tall woman said to me after half an hour.
"I'm Lenny, her secretary," she introduced herself to me when we get on the elevator.
I just smiled slightly at her and clasped both hands while waiting for the door to open.
"This way, please." She guided me to the office and made a knock before she turned the doorknob.
The room had a peach color scheme and lovely paintings on the walls. It was comfortable and warm. It was as if I wanted to lie down on the couch to feel its softness.
"Miss Cherry is here," Lenny told the woman who was busy signing some documents.
She looked up at me before a sweet smile appeared on her lips.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Banaag!" She got up from the swivel chair and walked closer to me, then kissed me on the cheek.
I couldn't speak right away because she immediately grabbed my arms.
"I'm glad you finally decided, so let's get started?" she absolutely said and turned away from me.
I just watched her went back to her seat and showed me some folders.
"Here are my designs, take a look at it." She handed me a folder. Out of curiosity, I picked up the folder and opened it.
My jaw fell in shock. I also couldn't stop moving the page out of amazement. The gowns were almost pure and gorgeous.
"Those are the designs that will be released this year. That's what I'm going to sell with the new clothing brand I'm launching soon. And since you're here, I'd want you to wear them all," she said frankly.
"Ha?!" My eyes widened.
"Yes. Is there something wrong? Aren't you here because you accepted my offer?" she replied with furrowed brows.
"Yes, but I just can't believe you want me to wear all of these." I shook my head repeatedly.
She stood up and leaned on the mahogany table, and folded her arms in front of me.
"You're the one I've been looking for a long time. These gowns are simply waiting for you to put them on. I had hoped for my best friend Margaux to be my model, but she declined due to her busy schedule. Fortunately, I came upon you. I'm certain you won't reject me." Then she smiled at me.
I couldn't answer. I seem to have lost my voice.
"So, I want you to come back tomorrow for your contract signing. After that, you will undergo a makeover." Then she smiled broadly at me.
I could do nothing but nod. I left the boutique without realizing what happened. I didn't even realize how I got in the jeep and got home. My mind was occupied with what she offered me.
I didn't expect to get accepted right away. I just wanted to give it a try. In addition, I have no clue how to walk like a ramp model.
"Cherry, glad you came home. Your boss was waiting for you!" Dad greeted me from the gate of our house.
My nerves seemed to immediately suck all the blood in my body, so I quickly turned pale because of shock.
I hurried inside and found Rexon talking to Aunt Melva in the living room. Then he looked up at me with no trace of emotion.
"Here's our girl!" Aunt Melva stood up and walked over to me, and pushed me to sit on the couch.
"He was here since this afternoon, so we invited him to eat but he strongly refused," she whispered to me.
"I'll take care of him, Aunt Melva, thank you," I said without taking my eyes off the man sitting on the single sofa.
"Okay. I'll go upstairs first. Just enjoy your conversation," Aunt Melva said goodbye, and Rexon immediately nodded.
I didn't take my gaze away from him. He was wearing a white long sleeve polo with the button still open at the top. He was also wearing black slack pants.
"What are you doing here?" I speak after a long silence.
He quickly adjusted on his seat, and I immediately leaned on the sofa. Damn it! Why do I need to be uncomfortable in my own house? My hand curled into a fist, and I had to bite my lips to control my temper.
"Can we talk in private?" he said in a low but with a lace of seriousness.