CHAPTER 2

I ironed my clothes carefully then hung it up above the bed. I combed out my thick, curly black hair that dropped right at my shoulder, which I always dreaded. I had broken countless combs and brushes due to this uncontrollable hair of mine. When I was finished, I opened a tin of sausage and a packet of bread rolls and made myself a cup of tea. Once I was through eating the alarm on my phone went off. I smiled at myself, knowing that time was in my favor today. It was 6:45 a.m. when I left the apartment. I took the seven o' clock bus, which carried me for an hour-and-a-half further down New York. I was finally standing in front of Hollen Tower when I got off the bus. The building was a huge skyscraper with an exterior of gold glass. I entered through the main entrance and walked up to the front desk receptionist. She was a slim, blonde woman with flawless makeup who was dressed sharply in a formal, women's business suit. She wore a warm smile on her face as I approached. 'Good morning ma'am. I'm Emma Cole. I'm here for an interview,' I said in the best manner I possibly could. 'Good morning, Miss Cole. Interviews are being held on the fifteenth floor. This way to the elevator.' I had never been in one before nor did I wanted to be in one by myself. I panicked as the doors slide open. I walked in and thank her with a nod, too scared to speak up. The elevator started beeping and I almost jumped out of my skin when the door opened again and another woman came in. She wore a badge that read: Linda Steele Chief Operating Officer Hollen Tower 'Good morning,' I greeted and she gave a warm smile, similar to the receptionist. 'Good morning, what floor are you going to?' 'Fifteenth.' She pressed the digits that were lit, there was a swoosh movement, and I knew we were going up. I felt dizzy. I held onto the bar as I concentrated on not screaming to get out and take the stairs instead. 'We're here,' she said, snapping me out of my regrets. 'Thank you,' I managed to reply as we stepped out together. There was another receptionist as I stepped onto the floor. 'May I help you?' she greeted. Ms. Steele had already gone in another direction. 'Yes, I'm Emma Cole. I'm here for an interview for the personal assistant position.' She looked at me from head-to-toe. Oh no, I thought, she's already doing what everyone else has done! I became so uncomfortable from her impolite stare. Her look made me look at myself too. I wanted to ask if there was something on me. 'Um, please have a seat over there. We'll call you when the boss is ready.' 'Thank you.' I went to the waiting area and almost broke into tears when I saw six beautiful women also waiting. I assumed they were here for the same reason I was, and I was a ragamuffin compared to these perfectly groomed, well-dressed ladies; even though what I was wearing were the best professional pieces I owned. 'Miss. Lorly,' the receptionist called. One of the ladies got up and followed her through as huge glass door. I was the last to be called. I looked at my phone; it was 11:00. I had been waiting for two hours. Nevertheless, I followed her through the same glass door when she finally called my name. She knocked, opened the door, ushered me inside and left. I stood in a huge office with a welcoming scent and feel to it. The walls were painted in different shades of brown and there was a huge leather couch on the side. There were plants in large pots which added a forest-like green vibe to the room. The cool air calmed my nerves as I took it all in. I inhaled with satisfaction. Everything was amazing. It was so better than my apartment. I could live here. I just need a bed, I thought to myself. 'When you're finish admiring my office, and wasting our time, you may have a seat,' a voice said firmly, erasing my pondering on making this my home. 'Good morning sir, I'm Emm.... ' 'Have a seat Miss. Cole.' His voice was like ice-- cold but clear. I sat down and looked at him. He was very handsome with grey, almond eyes, a pointed nose, perfectly structured face, and small lips. His hair was pitch black and styled neatly on his head. His shoulders curved from his sharp suit, and his stubble beard was neatly trimmed on his  face. He was the definition of 'perfectly handsome'. 'Miss. Cole, are you hard of hearing?' 'Huh?' 'I asked you for your resume twice already.' What is wrong with me? I was so lost in his looks that I didn't even hear him asking for my resume. I handed it to him with trembling fingers. He yanked it away and read through it. 'You've only worked at a cafe?' he asked shortly after. 'Yes, sir.' I lowered my head; I had already failed. 'You had impressively good grades in high school, how is it that you only went to community college?' 'Because I couldn't afford a prestige college, sir. I've been on my own since I was eighteen, right after high school. I still wanted a college education, so a teacher made a contact for me to get into a college I could afford.' 'Where were your parents?' 'I don't know of them.' 'So you grew up in a foster home?' 'Yes, sir. Foster homes,' I corrected. He rubbed his temple. 'Miss Cole, I feel your pain, but I wouldn't waste my time and yours. The position had already been filled.' My heart fell to my toes. I wanted to beg for anything else available so I began to but he cut me off and told me he was sorry.