Unexpected rebound

Chapter 1

"Remember, whenever this whole thing gets too overwhelming, you can come stay with me." Amie's reassuring voice rang across the phone as Karen rolled over the bed staring at the ceiling. She was always available whenever something went wrong for her and that includes all the companies that had rejected her application.

"I know but I might be a burden to you, you already have a lot on your plate. I can't possibly stress you more than how much you are battling with at this point" Karen sat up, clutching her phone tightly

"That does not cut it Karen, It's just exams and once they're done, I'll be back to Portland." She chuckled, the pitch of her voice a bit louder than normal. Karen would not take any help even when it hit her hard, but the latter did not fail to keep convincing her.

"Alright, but just make sure that you're not rushed during the process okay? Take your time." Her voice resounded.

"Okay, fine. What of the company you just submitted your application to?" The question caught karen off guard as she paused for several seconds before letting out a sigh

"The interview's tomorrow and I just hope this one works out this time around," She said with her two hands clasped together above her head as her eyes shut tight as if she wished it into existence.

"It has to work this time around, and I remember telling you to try changing your surname but you never listen" She expressed in deep concern.

"That would cost me a lot, Amie and you know that" Her hands rummaged through her hair, eyes darting across the files on the table.

"Then I'll handle the expenses, and that's not a problem for me"

"I can't let you do that, now please go and study" She insisted defiantly. If she did not dismiss her soon, both of them would definitely suffer for it.

"I see you are trying to avoid this whole talk but don't you worry, I'll get you once I come back," She threatened her voice loud enough to burst Karen's eardrums.. Soon realization hit her like a storm.

The quietness in the house dawned on her, she was completely alone.

The night wore on too quickly, but sleep refused to come. She tossed and turned, her mind restless with worry.

She lay back in bed, her eyes refused to close their lids till the first light of early morning passed through the blinds by the window, casting a soft, golden glow over her room.

Despite her exhaustion, sleep had eluded her, her mind racing with thoughts of the impending interview. She kept turning in bed as she flung her legs severally, pushing the sheets off and on her body.

As the hours ticked by, She finally pushed away the covers and threw her legs to the side of the bed as they dangled before touching the floor

She rubbed off the grit in her eyes; her eyes darting across her room before landing on the alarm clock by her side desk.

5AM

The silence was depressing, lessened only by the distant sounds of cars and the creaks of the old building. She did not move an inch but even in this silence, her heart kept racing.

With a sigh, she quickly pushed herself to stand, steadying her feet that wore out from turning too much. She shuffled to the bathroom, before turning on the light switch. The brightness made her squint her eyes

Her face looked damp and the dark circles around her eyes revealed her lack of sleep from the previous night.

She rubbed her eyes to look at her image clearly, as it made her wince in horror. She looked terrible and her heart was not even helping.

It kept pacing, and making her think the worst of things

What could be the outcome today?

Would she still be rejected like the other times?

She rinsed her face clean before carrying out her normal morning activities in preparation for the interview.

Without sparing herself any breakfast, she sweeped down on her skirt with her palms before stepping out of the house. Her bag hung from her left shoulder.

She was ready to take on any activity.