I stopped myself from biting my nails, conscious of every eye watching me. I could hear one of the voices in my head having a one-sided conversation with an imaginary god.

Life had taught me that there certainly is some higher force, guiding us through everything.

At seventeen, I recall taking up an entrance exam to the very prestigious Platinum National University. And failing purely because of my lack of faith in myself and in the higher force.

And at twenty seven, I was at an interview for a job I was almost sure I wouldn't get.

I looked around, trying to distract myself. The man next to me felt fairly familiar. Perhaps we went to school together?

I caught him muttering, "Jesus Christ. Send help," and almost instantly recognised him afterwards.

"Why don't you pray for me too?" I laughed.

He laughed too. "So you finally recognise me."

"No sane adult prays like that."

"True," he admitted, chuckling. "So... how've you been?"

"Oh same old. Still measuring my success by the industry's standards."

I expected him to laugh, but I watched him grow thoughtful.

"Huh... funny how we meet here, right?"

"Not really. That was a pretty coveted university. This is a well paying job," I said.

He nodded, agreeing. I looked a his midnight blue suit with thin silver stripes and his thin, professional glasses. He looked much more polished than before. Perhaps he made it to Platinum National University?

"Did you-" we both started at the same time, curious.

He seemed to understand what I meant, judging by his wistful smile.

"No," he said. "But I went to my second choice, I guess."

"That's cool," I said, smiling. "I didn't make it either. And I didn't really apply for any other places, so yeah... ended up at Silver National Uni."

"Dude that's- I went there too! Funny we never met, though," he exclaimed, looking slightly surprised. "Guess you weren't kidding when you said you were prepared."

I was prepared. But only for that one exam.

I chuckled to myself at the thought, wondering how the kid who refused to pray for me was now back next to me.

"Thought you went to Gold... cause everyone likes it better?" I asked.

"I didn't, and clearly you don't either," he chuckled.

"Yeah... what position are you being interviewed for?" I asked, now curious.

"Hold on, let me check," he said, fumbling through his file. "General manager for research and development," he read.

I looked at my call letter too, just to ensure I wasn't mistaken.

"Me too," I said. "Guess we're competitors again."

I watched him sigh. "Can I tell you something?" he asked.

As much as I wanted to say no, I habitually said yes.

"I think we should be friends. Not competitors."

What a freaking pimp.

"Yeah right," I said, unable to stop myself from scoffing. "Only one of us gets the job dude, wakey wakey."

-