Chapter 14: Chapter 14

When Jessica got to the cafe for her afternoon shift, she was looking dull and dispirited. At the interview today, not only was she mocked by her fellow candidates but even the supervisors were giving her disapproving stares.

She knew only a miracle would make her pass the interview. She knew that if it was in terms of qualifications alone, she was more than qualified. The issue was as they always say about the Turner Group.

Everyone around knows that as much as the Turner Group values qualifications, they also value outward presentation in terms of fashion.

Although Jessica was qualified, she might be disqualified because of her dressing this morning. Not only were the clothes worn out, but it was also rumpled!

"Why are you so gloomy?" Her boss asked, looking at her.

He had heard from the other girl that Jessica had gone for an interview today. Although Jessica was a very hardworking girl, he won't hinder her progress if she finds another job. He was praying for her to get a better job.

But seeing her looking so forlorn after the interview, he guessed she must be unhappy. Was it that she didn't pass or what?

"I… I am okay…"Jessica managed to say but it looked as though she was about to cry.

"Is it because of the interview? What happened over there? Were you bullied?" Her boss asked." Did you fail to meet up at the time?"

Jessica sighed before telling her boss what transpired at the company. His boss was looking furious.

"How can they judge a person with their dressing? What's wrong with…with your dress? It's…it's just a little… I mean it's just rumpled and worn-out! That's because there is no money. Jessy, just tell me when next you want to go for an interview and I will get you a new pair of clothes" Her boss fumed.

Jessica couldn't help but smile bitterly. If a Cafe owner could stutter on her dress and someone as thrifty as her boss would volunteer to give her a new dress, it means the dress was truly bad!

When did she become a fashion disaster? She let down a sigh as she bowed her head in agony.

" Are you still in need of money? Don't worry, I will give you upfront by next week as soon as I settle everything in the cafe"

Jessica was surprised at her boss' generosity. Was he for real? Her spirit was a little lifted after hearing her boss' words.

" Thank you so much, boss! I promise to work harder!" Jessica said, trying to force out a smile.

" That's the Jessica I know! Now go to work, little pumpkin" Her boss said, grinning.

For the rest of her shift, she worked diligently even though she was very sad. Just when she was about to round up for the night, Jessica received a call.

"Hello?"

"Jessica Graves? This is the HR department of Turner Group. We are happy to inform you of your recruitment and you are to start working on Monday. Please check your mail for other details" A female voice said.

Jessica was so surprised by the call that she was unable to do anything for another five seconds.

"Hello! Jessica Graves! Are you listening?"

Jessica quickly snapped out of her euphoria." Yes, yes ma. I am grateful and I will check my mail right away!"

"You are welcome"

As soon as Jessica finished with the call, she paused for another five seconds not knowing what to do at that instant. Then all of a sudden, she let out a scream as she jumped around the cafe.

She didn't mind that she was screaming so late because she was filled with happiness. Jessica could hardly contain her joy.

As she was jumping and screaming, she heard footsteps coming from behind her. It was obvious she had alerted her boss who was outside. She tried to shut her mouth but her joy could not be contained.

"Boss! I got the job! I got the job!" She said, embracing her boss as she jumped around.

"I am so happy for you, Jessy!" Her boss said genuinely. He knew Jessica was a very outstanding person so it was likely she would get the job.

"And I thought I already lost my chance!" Jessica kept talking to herself.

"I knew you would… "

Still feeling happy, she didn't bother to listen to her boss' words anymore and she didn't wait to clock out either. She ran out of the Cafe down to her house.

Since it was just a few blocks away, Jessica quickly got to her home. She was jumping and screaming as she entered the living room. Her parents who were sitting on the couch watching a TV program looked up in surprise.

Even the twins were dumbfounded at their elder sister's jubilation. What was the joyous occasion?

"Jessy, what's the matter? Why are you suddenly happy tonight? Did something happen?" Her mother asked, rubbing her eyes as she got up to hold Jessica.

"Mom! Dad!" Jessica exclaimed, embracing her parents tightly.

"You are squashing us, baby!" Her mother said, smiling.

"Dad! Mom! I finally got the job! I have a good job now, dad!" Jessica screamed again. She bet the next-door neighbor would soon come knocking at their door!

Like she cares! She finally got a good job!

The family of five rejoiced for a few minutes at the tremendous news. Her father wasn't left out as he hugged Jessica tightly, tears streaming down his eyes.

"I knew my baby would get the job. You are our lucky charm, princess" Her father said, wiping his eyes.

"Dad, no tears today. Come on, it's a joyous occasion" Jessica said, giving her dad a wide grin.

" Princess, these are tears of joy. I am just too happy, sweetheart" her father said, smiling.

Her mother immediately went to the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous dinner for them tonight.

At least, their family would be able to live better. Once she gets her salary for this month, she would be able to foot their outstanding bills.

Jessica remembered that the girl told her to check her emails. She ran upstairs to check her laptop for the message. It must be the rules she would follow.

She was shocked at the information on it. Her salary was very high and she was given a salary and wardrobe allowance which would be transferred to her as soon as she filled in her bank details.

There was also a clause where she might be needed to travel with her boss outside the country on scheduled appointments.

Her main job was to be his second assistant. It was stated that if she was fine with the conditions then she just had to send an agreement email.

Filled with excitement, Jessica quickly typed and sent the agreement email to the company before going downstairs to meet her family for proper celebrations.

After dinner, Jessica called her friend to tell her the good news.

"Angie, I have finally gotten a job! A real job in a company as an assistant to the CEO!" She announced proudly to her friend.

"Seriously? Congratulations girl! I am so happy for you. But then I have already submitted your name for the job I told you about" Angela said after congratulating her.

"Oh! I am so sorry, Angie. Have the names been screened?"

"Not yet. I think it would take up to three months to get the list. So let's still keep our fingers crossed. If this job is favorable, all you have to do is reject the new job if your name comes out"

" Okay, Angie," Jessica said, gratefully.

The two friends talked for a long time before they said goodbye to each other. She was able to relax because she felt satisfied that at last, she would be able to foot the bills without doing extra jobs.

Since she was supposed to start working the next two days, she planned to go to the Cafe the next day to drop off her resignation letter and work the morning shift before quitting.

After Jessica left hurriedly earlier, she called her boss later on to explain her situation. Since he understood her situation, all she had to do was to drop her resignation. She just wanted to appreciate him by working the morning shift. Hopefully, he would find someone to take over.

The problem was what she was going to put on to work the next two days. She decided to go and straighten all the rumpled clothes that she might likely use through the week at the next apartment.

Jessica went to her wardrobe to select the clothes she might need but she was surprised to see that all her clothes had been straightened out.

She felt her tears rolling down. Her mother must have done it when she left this morning.

Her parents believed in her more than she believed in herself! Even when she doubted she would get the job, her mother had already believed she would get the job by straightening out all her corporate wear.

"I will surely make you guys proud of me" Jessica swore to herself silently.