31 August 2012
Chapter 2:
I was in such a daze taking in every inch of the magical store that I didn't notice the lady waiting for me to say something. "oh sorry, I was just admiring your amazing boutique. It's beautiful what you've done with the place, considering it's quite small." I trailed off, knowing that I ended the sentence badly. "thank you very much dear, yes I know it was quite a small area to work with," said the lady looking around at her creation, "but I think we did a good job." she finished proudly.
I felt so relieved she dug me out of that hole. I felt prepared to take this interview by the hands and make the most of this opportunity that i'd been dreaming about for so long.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name." "oh, sorry. I'm Sophia, Sophia Anderson." I replied, leaning in to shake the woman's hand. She gently held onto my hand which somehow calmed my nerves slightly. "well it's a pleasure to meet you Sophia. I'm Cindy, and I own the place along with my sister Maggie." "Oh, it's nice you have someone to share it with," I replied with a smile that I desperately tried to keep soft and genuine and not cheesy and desperate. "yes, it is nice. So, do you have any experience? I mean what have your previous jobs been? Do you have any qualifications?" "well, I do a lot of work for my parents, mostly office jobs like scanning and filing, and I've been working for them since I was fourteen, but that's the only job I've ever really had. I mean I get paid and fill in a time sheet and everything..."
Cindy didn't seem too disappointed, all she did was pick up the note book and pen she had rested on the coffee table next to her. She carefully untied the ribbon that kept her journal closed and began to write. She apologised every few minutes for taking so long to make her notes, but I hoped this was good news. As she was writing she asked how old I was, "I just turned eighteen on Wednesday," "oh, we'll happy belated birthday then!" "thanks."
She looked up from her scribbling, and I gathered she had finished her note making. "and remind me again, Sophia, why you would like your first real job to be here in my little store." I took a moment to compose myself and make sure that I spoke from my heart. Enough playing nicey nicey. I wasn't going to suck up to her anymore. It was about time I showed her who the real Sophia was. "Cindy, getting this job today would probably be much harder than many other job interviews I could go for. I've already been offered three guaranteed jobs with reasonable pay. But I don't want those jobs. My heart doesn't belong in child care or assistant worker, I belong here. And I know I have little experience, but just know that if you hired me today, for whatever you may have planned for me, I would put my all into it. And I truly mean that."
I took a deep breath out knowing I had done everything I could. Once Cindy could see I was finished, she put her notebook and pen back on the coffee table and gently rubbed her hands together. "I can tell you really want this dear." I nodded desperately. "you see we already have an intern doing our Saturday jobs here, and I just don't know where there's a place for you."
I felt my heart sink into my stomach. My childhood dreams were crushed and I surprised myself how badly I wanted this, despite the fact I was working my way up to becoming a rich and famous lawyer. I now knew that this is where I wanted to be despite all the work I put into my law.
Cindy began to speak again: "look, I can see from only speaking to you these past ten minutes that this is the job you want, and I've never met someone who would be so happy to work here, so what I've decided to do is let you come in on Saturdays from 12:00-4:00 and let you handle our orders."
I felt like jumping up and down, I couldn't believe it. Although my place here was small, at least I could say that I was now a part of "Blushing Brides Boutique." I bit my lip hard and tried to compose myself in my seat. "but know that this job, Sophia, although it may seem small, is very important. I've taken a big risk with you. But I believe in you. You'll do great."
I stood up and hugged Cindy so hard. I didn't care if I looked silly and excitable I was so happy. Cindy pulled me back and stretched her arm out to me, "congratulations Sophia, you're hired."
by vera©
The Wedding Shop • Opuss № I