As I stand at the entrance just before opening the double glass doors, I tilt my head back to gaze up at the tall building in the middle of downtown Chicago. Excitement and nervousness burst through me, giving me shivers that dart from my fingertips to my stomach. Breathe, I tell myself as I walk in.

I feel like I am walking on gold as I step across the highly polished, cream-colored floor. I don't like to compare, but my current place of employment is nothing like this. Of course, a school is different compared to a corporate office. Glancing around, I continue my rapid pace due to the time. I notice men dressed in suits and women dressed in either pant or skirts. I couldn't help but wonder which companies they are working for since there are so many of them in the building.

Seeing the elevator sign, I head in that direction. There are six elevators, three on either side of me. Several other people are already waiting for the elevator doors to open. Since the button to go up has already been pushed, I wait just like everyone else. When the ding sounds, I stand back allowing the ones who are there before me enter first. It is crowded inside the elevator, but I don't care. I am just happy to be on it so I could get to my interview in time.

The rows of buttons tell me there are fifty-four floors. I know the building is tall, but I haven't realized there are so many floors. The thought alone makes me queasy. It is bad enough that my stomach drops when the elevator starts to climb upward. Since the button for my floor has already been pushed, I close my eyes and wait for my turn to exit.

On several occasions, I have stepped out so the person behind me could get off, but I am glad when I finally reach the twenty-eighth floor. A lady about my age walks out at the same time I do and trails behind me. She must have been the one to push the button for this floor. Perhaps she is my competition for the job. I wish he is here to soothe my nerves. I shake my head and chant the mantra to quit thinking about him. It is for the best.

The sunlight beaming through the clear glass window catches my eye first. It covers the entire back wall. What a fantastic view of downtown Chicago. The receptionist sitting behind a semi-circular desk peers through her glasses and stares straight up at me. She has obviously heard the embarrassing clicking noise of my heels, which makes me feel like an elephant. With her hair tied up, she seems sharp and businesslike.

"How may I help you?" she asks, peering through her glasses.

"I'm here for an interview at 9 am," I reply, giving her a smile.

"Sit here. We will call you shortly," she says, pointing towards the several chairs.

"Thank you."

I walk and sit on the chair. I take a deep breath, ease my shoulders, and relax for the first time since I step into the building. As I wait patiently, I couldn't help but check out my competition from the corner of my eye. In a black suit, she appears confident, and I am somewhat intimidated by her as I am not dressed formally. Maybe, she is experienced, or it is my own insecurities. Who am I kidding?

There must have been tons of applicants. I sigh, realizing that I have not prepared for this interview. I don't even know the name of the CEO. I make a decision that I will not mope around now. I take out my phone and check that I have texts from my aunt and Rachel wishing me good luck. Though I am excited to get texts from them, there is one person's name I wish to see on my phone.

Someone calls my name, and I break away from my pitiful thoughts.

My head pops up and my heart races than it ever had, except for the time when I had him. Oh God. Why am I thinking of him at this time? Strangely, It helps me calm down. Okay. I can do this without him.

"That'd be me."

I turn my head to the receptionist to get more direction. She points to her right. "They are ready for you. It's the second conference room door on your right."

"Thank you." I stand up. Not wanting to be rude, I turn to the girl beside me. Before I could say a word, she speaks.

"Good luck."

I am not sure if she means it, but at least she is polite. "Thanks. You too." Then I turn and head to what is hopefully my future. This interview would be the first step to my successful life. It's a huge opportunity, and I have to do my best.

             💢💝💝💝💝💝💢

Three pairs of eyes settle on me as I walk toward a rectangular table. "Good morning," I say, hearing the sound of my own two-inch wedges. Why do they have to click so loudly? Wedges do make a sound then.

"Good morning," they say in accord.

There are two men and one woman, and they each have their own wooden nameplate in front of them. Feeling a bit flushed, I try to take several discreet deep breaths as I sit and place my bag next to me on the floor.

"Why don't you introduce yourself?" the lady asks with a smile.

I sigh internally, already expecting that question. Why do they have to ask this question at every interview? "I was born and raised in Springfield. My resume, which you have in front of you, lists the schools and colleges I've attended, along with my extracurricular activities." For the next ten minutes, I brief them about everything that has been stated in my resume.

"You have excellent academic skills," Mr.Jones says. "I want to know why you haven't tried anything related to your studies."

Mr. Jones words spark a confidence in me even though he has directed a tough question. My face lit up, and my tone becomes different- stronger, with conviction. I tell them about how I had to deal with family emergencies. I clarify that everything is settled now.

"Ms. Rain," the other gentleman speaks, "that's good to hear. We want to know why you chose this company?"

I am speechless for a second. I don't know anything professional to say. I seriously blame Rachel for doing this to me. She should have at least given me a heads up. What do I want? "Mr. Jones, Mr. McMillan, Ms. Potter" -- I gaze into their eyes, one person at a time as I speak their names -- "I want to work for a company that is fair, where I can learn, grow, and challenge myself to be better. I want to give my all to a company that will treat me as I am a part of their family. I feel like this is the company I am looking for."

Silence.

It's so quiet that I could hear the whistle of the wind. They don't make eye contact with me. I don't know if I have said something wrong. I have no doubt that my insides are quivering.

Several more questions follow, mostly about my current employment. I feel like it's already night based on the way the interview is being dragged. I release a breath I don't know I have been holding when they speak.

"Ms. Rain, we wish to fill this position as soon as possible," Ms. Potter says. "We also have a long list of candidates, so it may take a week. If we decide your qualifications meet our standards, you'll be hearing from our HR Department. Thank you for your time."

With that I stand up and shake their hands, giving each of them a smile. "Thank you so much." Then I walk out as softly I can. These wedges.

Closing the door slowly, I sigh. Carefully hiking the bag over my shoulder, I walk back in the direction to reach the elevators. Tapping my heel on the floor, I wait for the elevator to reach my floor. The chime of the elevator hasn't done anything to calm my nerves.

Don't panic. This is just your first interview.

I stumble into the elevator and collide with a wall of muscle. The file drops to the floor, and I cringe realizing that it is not a good sign.

Serves me right for not paying attention to the surroundings.

I lift my head to apologize but stop short when I gaze into the all too familiar face. He is in the process of collecting my papers. When he lifts his chin, recognition hits him, and his stare becomes cold. We stare at each other, and neither of us blinks our eyes. His face is devoid of emotion. I can see the way his whole body tenses and I inwardly flinch.

At last, I muster my strength and whisper, "Cal, I'm so sorry."

So, how is it? Let me know. What do you think will happen now? I am dying to know what you are thinking...

See you soon! :)