Rising

The Interview

    "Are you ready for your interview?" I asked Niray as we were on our way to the company. Belleview Co. was an international stocks company. We dealt with many economical situations, and we were one of the top companies in the entire world.

    "I think so" she said, nervously. I chuckled, she was fidgeting with her new outfit that Minerva bought her. 

    "Niray, I will ask you a favor. I know you are nervous, but if you are going to work for my brother, you will have to grow that backbone," I said as she looked at me and couldn't help but laugh.

    "Didn't I tell you I might slap him?" she said, and that made me think. He might make her life miserable, and I just hoped she would be able to defend herself. 

    "You might, but my brother is very intimidating" I said, and that made her nervous. I took the risk and held her hand. She froze, but relaxed afterwards.

    "I am sorry if I make you uncomfortable. I know we are strangers, but there is something about you that makes me comfortable myself," I said and that brought a smile on her face. 

    We arrived at the company, and the valet took my car. I let her walk in first, and we headed to the reception area.

    "Hello, Mr. Belleview" Frances greeted us with the biggest smile she could give you.

    "Hello, Frances. I am here with Ms. Moreno for a job interview. I need to speak to José" I replied. Frances picked up the phone and called the maintenance department. While we waited, I turned to Niray, and she was nervously playing with her hair.

    "Niray, don't worry. Everything will be fine," I reassured her. She looked at me with those big, beautiful brown eyes and my heart wanted to jump out of my chest. What was happening to me with this girl?

    José appeared a few minutes later, and I guided Niray towards his office. 

    "Sir, you don't need to come with her, we will let you know when we are done" he said, trying to get me to leave her with him. I know the kind of man he is, and I was sure I was not going to leave her with him.

    "I am sorry, José, but I will go with her. You should know my reasons, and besides, I don't want my brother to find me, so this is the best hiding spot for me," I replied with a sarcastic smile.

    He nodded, and we kept walking. Niray was smiling at me, appreciating not leaving her alone in this. We arrived at his office and I sat down on a couch in the back of the room while she sat in front of his desk. My phone kept ringing with missed calls and texts from Michael. I ignored them, will deal with him later.

    I sat there waiting for Niray's interview to be over. I was sure she would be fine.

*****

    I was still nervous about this interview. I was grateful that Jayden was able to help me get a green card in such a short time. I am sure that wasn't fair to everyone else waiting for years to be able to get them, but I was still glad for myself. I needed a job as soon as possible and this was a great opportunity.

    "Well, let's see. You just came into the country?" he started asking, not sure what that had to do with finding a job. 

    "Yes, sir. Just yesterday" I still replied, trying not to let it get to me.

    "That question is irrelevant, José. Move it along" I could hear Jayden from behind. José cleared his throat and kept going.

    "What makes you qualified for this job?" he asked. I started playing with my fingers. I was afraid not to get this job, and that was getting to me.

    "I haven't done this kind of job. I am a farmer, but I am a fast learner and I assure you that you won't have any complaints," I said. I was glad the interview was in Spanish, but I needed to learn English as soon as possible.

    "Very well. We have a high demand in cleaning personnel. Some can't do the job and decide to quit. Others just get fired. There is this position, cleaning the mail room and-"

    "That is not possible, José," Jayden said again, and I looked at him shockingly "she will work for my brother. That position needs to be filled"

    "But, Sir. She is not experienced, and you know how he is when it comes to that. He just won't take anyone, and the rest of the staff who have been here for years won't like it"

    "I will take care of that. The rest of the staff don't even want to work for him, and you know it. Hire her, and put her in that position, now" he ordered and José nodded, instantly filling out the paperwork and giving me my application form. I filled it with the help of Jayden and we left the office after everything was all set.

    "I could have done that myself, you didn't have to help me," I said, not meaning to sound rude or ungrateful.

    "It's okay. I would not let him talk to you that way. But from now on, I will remember to let you do the talking," he said with a smile and I smiled back.

    As we were walking towards the lobby, a man with a very expensive suit and a fancy walk approached us.

    "Jayden! I have been calling you. Where the hell have you been?" he said, not noticing me there. As soon as he did, he looked at me with disgust.

    "Please don't tell me you have another one of those people starting to work here," he said while he eyed me from the top to the bottom.

    "She will be your new maintenance lady" Jayden said, and I hid behind him.

    "Do you think she will be able to work for me?" the man said.

    "She will be, and you will show her respect" 

    "Come on. These low lives don't deserve respect"

    I couldn't understand what he said, but I was sure that word was not nice. So I got out from behind Jayden and faced him. 

    "Does he speak Spanish?" I asked Jayden. 

    "Unfortunately, I do" he replied, and I took some courage, hoping it didn't affect me later on.

    "I will tell you one thing, Sir. These low lives are human beings. And you need to learn a lesson on respect for them. I can't believe Jayden is your brother. He is kind, and the first impression you are giving me is the worst. You are a very evil person," I said.

    He looked at me with murderous eyes, and I knew I was already in trouble before I even started working for him.