Every Rose

Chapter 1

I am sitting here, waiting to be called. Today is my interview, and I have been feeling intensely nervous. This is my second time facing an interview, so I can't help but feel anxious.

Moreover, my past experience in fast food is vastly different from this one. The restaurant I applied to is famous and high-end, a new experience for me.

"Is Mr. Jullian Ray Francisco here?”

I quickly glanced at the woman who called my name.

"Ma'am!" I stood up and raised my hand.

“Your turn now,” she said.

I nodded slowly, wiped my sweat, and walked into the interview room.

You can do this, Jullian!

"Good morning, ma'am," I greeted politely.

She was busy looking at my resume. My nervousness returned as she didn’t even greet me back. She looked strict, but I won’t let that deter me. I need this job and the money.

It’s okay, Jullian! You’ve been through this before; it’s just different now! I reassured myself.

I adjusted my sitting position when the woman, who I estimated to be in her mid-40s, finally looked up.

"So... let's start. Tell me about yourself." She asked immediately.

"First of all, ma'am, thank you for allowing me to be interviewed. My name is Jullian Ray Francisco...” I began.

The interview lasted long. She asked many questions, and I answered them promptly. I kept myself calm to avoid a mental block. Some questions made me pause briefly, but I managed to find my way through. I was honest with my answers, which made the interview somewhat easier.

"For my last question. Why should we hire you?"

I took a shallow breath before answering the final question.

“If you hire me, it will be a great platform to showcase my skills. I set goals and ensure to complete them within the stipulated time,” I answered confidently.

I felt nervous again because she didn’t show any reaction. She just kept looking at me. Will I be rejected? I hope not. I need this job.

“Okay...” she said briefly, then looked at my resume again. “Based on our interview today, you answered everything I asked. There were only a few things I wasn’t satisfied with, but I saw your interest in this job. So...” she paused, “Congratulations Mr. Francisco. You passed this interview!”

It felt like a thorn was removed from my throat, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Is this real? I have a job. Yes!

"Thank you so much, ma'am,” I said happily, shaking her hand. I couldn’t believe I passed the interview.

"You will start tomorrow."

“Thank you, ma'am. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.”

I smiled widely as I left the interview room. It’s true; I have a job. Finally!

My smile remained even when I got back to the boarding house where I stay. I immediately took off my shoes before entering.

“I’m home!”

I heard the bathroom door open. Marjie came out, still wrapped in a towel.

“Oh, you’re back,” she noticed. “You look happy today, huh! How was the job interview?” she asked right away about the result.

I approached her. "I got the job! I passed the interview," I said happily.

"Oh my god, congrats! I told you, you’d get it."

"Thank you. I couldn’t believe it when I got accepted," I said. The interview kept replaying in my mind.