I stood outside the sleek, glass-paneled building, my heart racing with anticipation. Aderiola and Co., the biggest company in Lagos, was finally within my grasp. I had spent years searching for a better-paying job to support my family, and this opportunity felt like a lifeline.
As I took a deep breath, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. Losing my dad to brain cancer when I was just 16 had been devastating. My mom had been our rock, working tirelessly to raise my three siblings and me. Now, at 26, I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. As the eldest, I was determined to contribute more to the family income.
I smoothed out my dress, checked my resume for what felt like the hundredth time, and stepped into the building. The cool air-conditioning enveloped me, and I walked confidently towards the reception desk.
"Good morning," I said, flashing a bright smile. "I'm Susan James, here for the interview."
The receptionist looked up, returned my smile, and nodded. "Ah, yes. You're right on time. Please, take a seat. The HR manager will be with you shortly."
I nodded, sat down, and began to mentally prepare myself for the interview. This was it – my chance to secure a brighter future for my family. You
As I waited, I glanced around the modern lobby, taking in the sleek furniture and the large, plasma screen displaying the company's logo. Aderiola and Co. was a powerhouse in the business world, and I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of being a part of it.
Before I could get too lost in thought, a woman with a warm smile and a firm handshake approached me. "Susan James? I'm Mrs. Oyebade, the HR manager. Please, follow me."
I stood up, smoothed out my dress, and trailed behind her. We walked down a long corridor lined with glass-walled offices, the sound of muted conversations and typing filling the air.
Mrs. Oyebade led me to a conference room, where a panel of three interviewers was already seated. "Please, take a seat, Susan. We'll be conducting the final round of interviews now."
I nodded, took a deep breath, and began to answer their questions, trying to showcase my skills and experience. The interviewers were tough, but I was determined to make a good impression.
As the interview came to a close, Mrs. Oyebade smiled and stood up. "Thank you, Stella. We'll be in touch soon to let you know our decision."
I left the conference room feeling hopeful, wondering what the future held for me at Aderiola and Co.
I walked into the empty apartment, the silence a welcome respite after the nerve-wracking interview. I dropped my bag on the floor and headed straight to the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water on my face was refreshing, and I felt invigorated as I changed into something comfortable.
As I walked back into the living room, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. I smiled as I saw Nana's name flashing on the screen. My best friend since secondary school, Nana was always the first person I wanted to talk to after a big day.
I slid my finger across the screen to answer the call and put the phone to my ear. "Hi, babes!" I said, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt.
"Hey, girl! How'd your interview go?" Nana's voice was warm and familiar, and I felt a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support.
I took a deep breath and plopped down on the couch, ready to relive the entire experience with my best friend. "It was...interesting," I began, and Nana's laughter encouraged me to continue.
"Interesting?" Nana repeated, her tone teasing. "That's all I get? Spill the beans, girl! What happened?"
I laughed, feeling a bit more relaxed now that I was talking to Nana. "Okay, okay. So, I got to the building, and it was just...wow. The lobby was stunning, and the receptionist was really friendly."
"Uh-huh," Nana said, her voice encouraging. "And then?"
I took another deep breath, remembering the nerves that had threatened to overwhelm me. "Then I met with the HR manager, Mrs. Oyebade. She was really nice, too. We walked to the conference room, and I met the panel of interviewers."
"How did the interview itself go?" Nana asked, her interest palpable.
I hesitated, replaying the conversation in my head. "It was tough, but I think I held my own. They asked some really tough questions, but I tried to stay calm and focused."
Nana's voice was warm and reassuring. "You're going to get the job, Susan. I just know it. You're talented, smart, and determined. What more could they want?"
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my best friend. "Thanks, Nana. Just talking to you makes me feel better."
"Anytime, girl," Nana said. "That's what best friends are for. Now, go relax and try not to worry too much about the job. You've done your part – now it's up to them."
I nodded, even though Nana couldn't see me. "You're right. I'll try to focus on other things for now."
"Good plan," Nana said. "Call me later, okay?"
"Will do," I promised, smiling as I hung up the phone.
I sighed, feeling a pang of hunger as my stomach growled. I hadn't eaten all day, too excited about the interview to think about food. I headed towards the kitchen, ready to rummage through the fridge for something to eat.
Just as I reached the kitchen, my phone buzzed again. I assumed it was my mom, calling to ask about my interview. I smiled, expecting a warm conversation with her.
But when I looked at the screen, my heart sank. The number was unknown. A shiver ran down my spine as I hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Hello?" I said cautiously.
"Hi, babe," a familiar voice said on the other end. "It's Segun."
My blood ran cold. Segun, my abusive ex, was the last person I wanted to talk to. Memories of his infidelity, his temper, and the physical pain he had inflicted on me came flooding back.
"What do you want, Segun?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Why won't you let me be? And why do you keep using unknown numbers to call me?"
I didn't give him a chance to respond. "You know what? I'll just block this number too."
But Segun's voice was insistent, pleading. "Listen, Susan, I'm sorry. I know I hurt you, but I still love you. I want you back."
I didn't let him finish. I hung up the phone and blocked the number, feeling a mix of anger and relief. I didn't want to get drawn into Segun's toxic games again. Not today, when I was feeling positive and hopeful about my future.
I took a deep breath, pushing aside the negative emotions that Segun's call had stirred up. I was determined to focus on the good things in my life, starting with the possibility of a new job and a fresh start.
As I finished preparing lunch, the sound of chatter and laughter filled the air. My siblings trooped in from school, their energetic presence a welcome distraction from the earlier phone call with Segun.
First to enter the kitchen were the twins, Julia and Juliet, both 12 years old and in Junior Secondary School 2. They were identical in appearance, but their personalities were uniquely different. Julia, the more outgoing of the two, was always eager to share stories about her day, while Juliet was more reserved, preferring to listen and observe.
Behind the twins walked Benjamin, my immediate younger brother, who was 19 years old. He was attending JAMB lectures at a center close to the twins' school. Benjamin was a responsible and focused young man, determined to secure admission into a top university.
"Good afternoon, aunt Susan!" Julia and Juliet chimed in unison, dropping their bags on the floor.
"Hey, guys!" I replied, smiling as I watched them wash their hands and gather around the kitchen table.
Benjamin greeted me with a nod and a smile. "Hey, big sis. How was your day?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to share about my interview and the unsettling phone call with Segun. But something about Benjamin's kind and concerned expression put me at ease.
"It was...eventful," I began, and my siblings leaned in, eager to hear more.
"What happened?" Julia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
I smiled, trying to decide how much to reveal. "Well, I had a job interview today."
Juliet's eyes lit up. "Ooh, congratulations! How did it go?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to share about the interview itself. "It went well, I think. I'll just have to wait and see."
Benjamin nodded thoughtfully. "You'll get it, Susan. You're the most hardworking person I know."
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my brother. "Thanks, Benjamin. That means a lot coming from you."
The twins started chattering excitedly about their day, and I listened, happy to be surrounded by my loving siblings. For a moment, I forgot about the stress of the interview and the unsettling phone call with Segun.
As we sat down to eat, my mom walked in, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, kids! How was everyone's day?"
Mommy! We chorused in unison. How was sales today? I asked". My mom owned a small shade in the market where she sold food item.
"Not quite bad" was her own reply.
So how was your day and your interview?"she asked me.
"Not bad either, I'll just have to wait and see.
Oh don't worry my dear, you will get the Job because in this family God is by our side " my mom prayed
So Julia and Juliet how was school today?
The twins started talking at once, eager to share their stories. Benjamin smiled and nodded, while I just smiled, feeling grateful for this loving family of mine.
But as we ate and chatted, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Segun's phone call had left me with. A sense of unease lingered, reminding me that my past was still very much a part of my present.