Chapter 1 - beginning
The savoring, teasing, and tantalizing smell of the grilled steak made my mouth water in anticipation.
The steak was finally about to enter my mouth—just a little bit as I opened my mouth wide to take a bite; I suddenly felt my throat gurgle with water as I choked, and my eyes peeled open in shock.
I coughed out, clasping my neck as I wanted air inside my trachea while my chest beat wildly in an unrhythmic manner. I was spluttering out water, blinking as I used my hands to rub my wet face and turned to my side to see the devil of a younger brother holding a jug while cackling like the devil incarnate.
I glared at him, wiping my stung eyes harshly. "Evan!" I growled in anger and pain, yet my body buzzed with disappointment at not having been able to take a bite of the steak I was dreaming about.
Just a bite and just a little moment, I would have had a taste of the best steak.
Food in dreams tastes better than in real life—talking from experience, although there was some superstition in it, but I didn't give a fuck.
Food is food whether dream or reality.
"Mom—" then the shrill clang of pots and pans from the other room startled me, my mother's loud voice following like a blaring alarm clock. Perk of having a loud mom in the house.
"Jhemma! Are you planning to sleep through your entire life? Get up! Your interview is today!"
"That's it," my brother grinned, dropping the jug on my nightstand. "Mom said I should wake your lazy ass up!"
I rolled my eyes, grabbed the pillow beside me, and threw it at him, but the little devil was already out the door, sticking his tongue out mockingly.
I'm going to get back to him.
Groaning and grumbling tiredly, I buried my face deeper into my wet second pillow, trying to get back to the dream; maybe I'd be able to taste the five-star steak in my dream. "Five more minutes," I mumbled, my voice muffled by the fabric.
I tossed on my wet bed but couldn't feel the sleep anymore, and I groaned in disappointment. Today had started rough for me already.
And I wanted to scream in frustration, but my mother's voice came in.
"You'll have five more minutes to explain to your future boss why you are late!" my mother shot back.
And that jolted me upright. I had forgotten about my interview. God! I rubbed my face to feel productive; I binge-watched one season of anime.
And did I regret it? Hell no!
Will I do it again? Definitely yes!
"Ugh, fine, I'm up!" I grumbled and glanced at the clock. It was already 6:55 AM. My body hadn't processed today's activities; I was damn tired.
I scrambled to get ready, my movements rushed yet clumsy. It'd be a great impression to arrive at the venue some minutes before the interview. Thanks to my mom waking me up before 8:00 AM.
By the time I was dressed in my one and only best thrifted blazer, my nerves were all over the place. I took a look at the mirror, trying to tame my hair. My wavy brown hair was always a problem for me. I brushed through the bush I called hair and put it in a rough, messy ponytail as a strand of unpacked hair fell on my side.
I applied light makeup to cover the little under-eye bag as I checked myself in the mirror one more time. Perfect! I grinned. Now I was ready for anything life threw at me.
I took a slice of the sandwich hurriedly, pecked my mom's cheek, then swatted my brother's head as payback for how he woke me up earlier.
Grabbing my portfolio, I darted out of the house, still muttering in disappointment about the steak.
"Fighting!" my mom chanted, and I grumbled in response. My words were muffled because I had put the whole sandwich in my mouth.
"This interview better be worth it," I muttered as I adjusted the strap of my bag. My beautiful sleep was cut abruptly, and secondly, I was unable to eat my breakfast to my satisfaction. Now I had to go to the rowdy bus stop on Monday morning to hurry for the bus.
I wanted to curse my life but decided that my life didn't need more curses than it had now as I walked briskly to the bus stop.
The morning sun was already blazing—the sun rose early in my town and was always scorching, which made me hate going out, but a man has to have a job that pays my unrealistic bills and piling-up debt.
I didn't have a choice.
The streets were already buzzing with people's activity, and the bus stop was no exception, packed with people vying for space. I sighed, clutching my portfolio tighter.
"Great. Just great," I muttered under my breath. I didn't sign up for this! I wove my way to the front, hoping to grab a spot on the bus.
As the bus pulled up, brakes screeching, the crowd surged forward like a zombie wave. I held my ground, determined to get on. I wouldn't slack off; I pushed people away from the way.
After fighting for a chance, I boarded with a huff, wiping the sweat from my face as I determined not to let the morning's fiasco ruin my day. I laughed and grinned at the little win as I closed my eyes through the ride to the company.
Getting down at the company bus stop, my mouth peeled open subconsciously as I took in the tall building. Holy shit! The company was a first-class company. Everyone knows about Kings Enterprise, and I was lucky enough to be recommended for an intern interview due to my friend's connection, and here I was, outside, my neck craned to look at the glass building.
I gulped, feeling my nerves and intimidated just from the outside as I sighed, fiddled with my hands, and clutched my portfolio harder to my chest.
I could feel my confidence simmering down, and from the people I saw walking to the building, cars pulling outside the building, they looked sophisticated while I— I quickly glanced down to my clothing and shook my head, feeling self-conscious.
I didn't fit in here. I wanted to turn back and run away but decided against it. I mustn't make my friend's effort wasted for getting me this opportunity.
As I wanted to take a step forward, the dramatic wind hit the moment. Yes, the wind. I thought this only happened in movies but damn, it was happening to me right now. And shit ain't funny!
Like out of nowhere, unprovoked, the gust of wind tore through my portfolio and life happened; it took one paper document from it.
I rolled my eyes, watching how the air spun the paper in the air, carrying it away like it was mocking my fucked-up life, already telling me, you aren't getting the job, bitch.
I didn't sign up for this shit! I took off on my heel, uncaring about my display as people shot condescending looks at me, but I ignored them.
When the wind was finally done taunting me, the paper hit the ground and I sighed in relief, mentally jubilating as I bent to pick it up but— a shiny, sleek black shoe that shone more than a bald man's head stepped right on it like dirt.
And I felt pent-up anger wash over me as I raised my head, painting a grim smile on my face to look at the culprit.