I got the job but I couldn't even start before being told to leave.
Why?
Someone else had been chosen. Overnight!
Someone with even lower qualifications.
And the reason she got to replace me in an instant?
Her questionable outfits and coquettish speech that happened to suit the Manager's taste. Perhaps her cunt also did some 'honourable service'.
And just like that, I was escorted out by the very bitch who replaced me.
To get to that company early and make a good impression, I had taken a taxi instead of the bus. I had also dolled myself up as best as I could and worn my best dress.
But all that effort was for nought.
I didn't dare to board another taxi home. I had to get to the bus stop, which was about twenty minutes walk away.
But along the way, I got a call from a previous company that had interviewed me. They had good news and said that the boss just needed to interview me next, and I would start today if I passed.
That wiped my sorrow away, so I decided to take another taxi to the place.
But upon reaching there, I saw that there were two extra women waiting, and each one made me look like a peasant covered in sewage.
My confidence took a hit, but I steeled myself. Perhaps this boss valued qualifications and experience more than sexy looks.
But before it could get to my turn, one of the ladies got accepted.
Once more, my effort was for nought.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I stepped out of the company, and as much as I tried to will them back, it was of no use. The escape of one bead of tear down my left cheek liberated the others.
But I couldn't let this go on for too long. I was in a public place, and I wouldn't want stares from others. I didn't need their curiosity, mockery or pity.
I kept wandering for god knows how long, I didn't even look where I was headed. When my feet were tired, I just sat on the nearest public bench that I found.
And when I checked my emails, all I saw were negative responses.
'Maybe I've been cursed,' I thought to myself, sniffling.
Discouraged, I put the phone in my handbag and threw my head back, my gaze towards the sky.
But in that moment, something watery and smelly fell on my forehead. I was so angry that I shot up from the bench and cursed like a lout.
Anyone in my situation would, alright!
After wiping of the ordure with some tissues, I tossed them in the nearby trash can before sitting once more, hiding my face in my palms.
I surely couldn't go back home at this time. I had to wait till 10 am, when I was sure my landlady would be in her shop. It was one of the few times I could successfully sneak in and avoid her harassment and insults.
I don't blame her, though. I've been owing her for over a year. Her patience had run really thin now. I had promised to pay something reasonable three months ago, but then, instead of an increased salary, I was terminated with no severance compensation.
Now my search was fruitless. Despite my qualifications, no one wanted to hire me.
'God, was I cruel in the past life? If I were, please forgive me and let me land a job. Even if it doesn't pay as high as the previous one,' I muttered, on the brink of sobbing.
My phone rang, and I fished it out of the bag.
Seeing the caller, I blenched.
It was him, my shameless father.
I didn't want to answer the call, but recalling my mum's poor health, I suspired and braced myself to answer.
And as soon as I did, I heard a harsh scolding. "You wretch, why did it take you so long to pick up, huh?"
"F-father…I…"
"I don't want to hear any excuses. Do you have the money I asked you for last week?"
I frowned, "But I told you that…"
He cut me off, "Save it, Calitha. Others have sons. All your mum could give me was you, a money-losing investment! You should be grateful I didn't make her terminate you back then. If I had a son, by now I would be living in a mansion and playing golf with my good friends. But you? You can't even give me a mere $3000?"
Did he think I possessed a money tree or something?
"I don't have such an amount yet, Father," I replied, forcing myself not to flare up.
"Then...how much do you have right now? Send it. Make sure it's nothing less than $1000!"
"N-no, father, you don't understand…"
"I don't want to understand, Calitha. Look, if you don't send me the money before noon, I'll send your useless mother to the afterlife,"
My eyes widened. "You can't…!"
He scoffed on the other end, "Oh yes, I can. You think I don't dare, huh?"
He cut the call, and then, before I could even call him back, I saw that he was calling me again, and this time, it was a video call. I answered it and saw him choking my sick mother.
My heart flew to my throat, pounding erratically.
"No, don't." I implored, my tone urgent.
"Then…you know what to do. Send me $1000 right now, or you can come collect her corpse."
"Okay. I'll send it. I'll send it! Please, don't hurt her, I beg you," I cried.
He harrumphed and cut the call.
My heart sank into the murky waters of despair as I saw my account balance. Not even up to $300. And he had demanded a thousand.
Where was I going to get the money?
And my mother's life was at risk.
Even if I went to report him at the station, before they'd get to him, he might turn crazy and do something bad to my mum. I didn't want to lose her. Not after all the sacrifices she had made for me.
'Whichever deity is up there, please help me, ' I muttered, tears rolling down my cheeks.
...
Just after I wiped my tears, I looked to my left and saw Kaedro Phillips, the man whom I had borrowed $5000 from two months ago. And almost all of that had been spent on my mom's illness.
My heart began a frenzied drum solo as I grabbed my bag and broke into a run. I was thankful I wasn't wearing any heels today, so I could run much faster. Or so I thought...
"Get that bitch for me!"
Oh God, he'd seen me and had sent his two minions after me!
For once, I wished I had ten more legs so I could be as fast as lightning.
Anyway, I was soon caught and dragged into an alley where Kaedro almost choked me to death.
Ultimately, letting go of me, the heavily-tattooed blond with a buzz cut, showed me two fingers. "Two days, Calitha. Two days! If you don't pay up, I'll take your kidney,"
Kaedro patted my face, "I believe you won't fail me, right?" He asked with a sinister grin.
And I nodded while clutching my throat amidst coughs. "Y-yes, sir. I won't fail you. I swear...!"
With my promise said, he left in a leisurely mood, hands in his pockets, with his minions following him.
With them out of sight, my knees buckled beneath me, and I held onto the wall, determined not to collapse.
But my determination wasn't enough. I swooned not long after.
When I woke up, it was already dark.
My bag was missing. Even my shoes and the simple jewellery I was wearing before.
After crying for a while, with a heavy heart, I limped out of the alley.
The streetlight shone on me, but I didn't appreciate it.
All it did was draw others' attention to my miserable state.