Chapter Five
1432 Words
“Jack, I'm really sorry. Let's talk about it, and I promise I'll tell you everything. I was just in a really tight spot,” I said calmly.
“Please, give me a chance to explain.”
He stood still for a few minutes, gazing at me in silence. Finally, he hissed. “Alright, come in.”
Relief washed over me. Losing my dumbass family was one thing, but losing my best friend? That I couldn't bear.
I filled Jack in on everything that had happened: my expulsion, the night at the club, Damian's birth, and my arranged marriage with Stanley.
“All this was happening, and you thought you could handle it alone?” he asked, incredulous.
“We promised to always be there for each other, no matter what. And you still ran away.”
“I know, Jack. I'm sorry. It was all just too much,” tears welled up in my eyes and I began blinking hard, struggling to stop them from gushing down my cheeks.
“You know I can't stay angry at you for long. That's why you came to me whining like a Chihuahua,” he teased, gently tugging at my ear and wiping my eyes.
“You know I can't stay angry at you. Come here.” He opened his arms wide, and I quickly hugged him, releasing a loud sigh of relief.
“So, Dalma, what's next? What's your plan?” Jack asked.
“Ummm, I don't know. My new boss texted saying the other customer found my presence disturbing so back to job hunting I guess,” I said, letting down my pony tail and brushing my fingers through my hair.
“Oh, s**t. Sorry about that.”
“It's okay, I've had worse days,” I chuckled.
“Umm, I could pull some strings at Worthington Enterprise. I know someone there, and they're in desperate need of a graphics designer. Do you think you can do it?” He turned and smirked at me.
“Do I think so?” my eyes widened. “Dude, I know I can do it!” I jerked up in excitement. “Thank you, thank you!”
“It's nothing, I'm just glad you're back….Also when can I meet your son? I want you both to move in with me. I know how things are at home”
“Soon I promise, you will meet him very soon .”
The next morning, my phone rang waking me up from the one place I found peace. “Hello,” I said while struggling with sleep.
“Good morning, am I speaking with Miss Dalma Millie?” a masculine voice requested from the other end.
“Mmmmhm, yeah yeah. Who is it please?” I grunted, with shut eyes
“My name is Valentine from Worthington Enterprise,” I jerked off my bed with clear ears immediately. Jack mentioned Worthington Enterprise last night, no way he already got me a job.
“Okay? How may I help?” I said, trying to sound more professional.
“I'm pleased to inform you that your application and design has passed the review. You're invited for a brief interview with the President by 12 noon. Do well to arrive on time.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you very….” the line went dead. “Ja…..ck! Jack!” I screamed running down the stairs. I had to spend the night to cool off from all the drama.
They didn't give a s***t about my welfare, but I was sure my son would be safe so I just stayed over.
“Bring down your voice, your majesty. How may I be of service?” I heard him tease from the kitchen.
“I love you! love you! love you!” I said, quickly jumping on his body.
“Whoa!!” He caught me just as fast. “What's the good news?”
“I know you know, don't mess with me young man.”
“Anyways, I got a call from Worthington Enterprise, they've reviewed my designs and guess what. It passed the review” I said, almost breathless, jumping around the kitchen counter.
“Congratulations, I'm sure you'll ace the interview. Your designs are splendid.” he replied with a broad smile.
“Wait…” it suddenly dawned on me. I haven't sent any of my new designs to Jack.
“Jack..” I stared at him suspiciously. “ How did you get my designs,”
He immediately broke into laughter. “ Don't tell me you did what I think you did,”
“ Yes baby, I did,” he continued laughing.
“Did you really send them my designs from high school? No way, you know I've gotten better,”
“Well I was trying to prove a point you know. Show you just your good you are, ” he suddenly became serious. “You always doubted your abilities…”
“And you never doubted me once,” I interrupted, then he smirked.
“Thanks for being my best friend. Muah Muah,” I gave him a kiss on the cheek, cause my joy was still full.
“You're an angel. This beauty needs to get ready.” I said, as I snatched an apple and cat-walked back upstairs.
Jack chuckled as he watched me go back to the room. “Don't forget you'll have to move in with Damian tonight,’ He screamed
“I know….” I yelled back from a distance. Hopefully he heard me.
*************
“Good Afternoon, I'm here to see Mr Valentine,” I politely spoke to the receptionist. Can't afford a bad first impression before the job. She pointed me in the direction of his office.
I dressed up in my most classy outfit. A slim fitted black gown, a gold purse and a pointy gold heel to go with it.
My heart was in my mouth as I walked in the direction she pointed. This is the one shot I have at getting a good job and I can't mess this up.
I could feel beads of sweat dripping down my cheek, my palm became sweaty too. “Dalma you can do this,” I murmured repeatedly.
With shaky hands, I gently knocked before walking into the office. My heart kept racing as I tried to steady my breath.
“Good afternoon, sir. My name is Dalma Millie. I'm here for the interview,” I said in a courteous manner, though I could hear the tremor in my voice.
“Alright, we'll go ahead with the interview since the President is currently in a board meeting and wouldn’t want to keep you waiting,” he said, glancing at his watch. “After that, you can go introduce yourself to him.”
The interview began, and it was nothing like I had anticipated. Instead of asking about my educational background or work experience, he inquired about my opinions on recent media trends and asked me to critique some designs on the spot.
After the interview he imputed some of my information on the computer.
“Congratulations, Miss Dalma. You're officially the new Social Media Manager and Graphics Designers at Worthington Enterprise. Proceed to the office of the President then resume fully tomorrow,” he stood to give me a handshake.
What? Graphics Designer, and? There's an ‘and’. My mind reeled as I tried to process his words. I froze at the sound of ‘congratulations.’
“Thank you very much, sir,” I said, trying to mask the excitement that bubbled up inside me as I returned the handshake.
I stood up from the chair, adjusted my gown and proceeded to the President's office with boldness this time.
I walked briskly but met an empty office so I decided to offer myself a seat while waiting.
After a few minutes, I heard the door open and I stood up immediately. No room for disrespect.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Miss…..” he said as he walked towards his table with eyes fixated on the file he carried.
“Dalma, Miss Dalma Millie,” I interrupted because obviously he didn't know my name.
That voice… I feel like I've heard it before. Well people talk alike so no need to overthink it.
He raised his head, finally looking at me. His eyes widened slightly, and a hint of recognition flickered across his face. “YOU?”
I froze. My breath caught in my throat as the realization hit me too like a ton of bricks. It was him.
Not again!
- Writer
