Deception - 2

As I walked through the doors of the building, I felt like I was walking through a dream.

It felt so surreal. All my life I have waited for this day and now that I was here, I couldn't believe my luck.

When I had received my call for the interview, I had jumped up and down. That whole day I was so merry that I even baked Jake a cake. And that's saying something. He kept giving me those weird glances checking if I had finally lost my mind.

As I sat waiting for my turn, I couldn't help but feel a little queasy. And the butterflies in my stomach won't go away.

Now don't get me wrong. Normally I am a very confident person. But everyone has their moments and today was mine. It was a big deal for me after all.

After what felt like hours, the receptionist finally sent me in.

The room was strangely dark. The curtains were drawn and only light coming was from the lamps. Eerie.

A man was standing with his back on me. He was the owner of this magazine. Even in this position, he exuded an aura of authority.

I went further into the room and cleared my throat to grab his attention.

When he turned around, I dropped my files involuntarily.

This cannot be happening to me. I am having a nightmare.

I pinched myself to confirm it but Ouch...ok so I am not dreaming. But my life surely had become a living nightmare.

Think I am being dramatic? Well then try handling the situation any better yourself!

The guy was smirking. He was enjoying my condition. Mr. Cool was not nice alright but at least he should have the decency to be vague.

But no! There he was smiling evilly.

He knew what this job meant to me. What was he doing here anyway? His dad was the owner of this magazine not him. I guess my face gave away what I was thinking since he answered without me asking the question.

"I am the new boss of Icon. Didn't expect to see me here did you?" he said taking a step towards me.

"No, I didn't know that the future of this magazine was going in the hands of a man who was least bothered about it." I retorted. He was not going to employ me any way. And when this realization finally hit me, I felt...empty.

Like I had lost a big part of me. And in a way I did. After all, being a part of this magazine one day had been a dream of mine since I was a little kid.

I sighed and picked up the paper. Right now I was too upset to even think about a revenge plan. Will focus on it later I guess.

As I turned around to leave, I heard Josh say, "Where are you going?"

"Hell. Wanna join me?" I said sarcastically.

"Heaven won't take me in and hell is afraid I will take over so no, you will have to go alone. But I thought this magazine was your dream. Giving up so easily?"

"Josh really, it's bad enough that you won't give me the job. please don't rub it in my face."

"What made you think I won't give you the job?"

"Isn't it obvious? You dislike me Josh." I said rolling my eyes.

"You only think I don't like you Serene. But deep down you know that as well as I do that I hate you." he said smiling. "But that's not the point. I am a practical person and I take my job seriously. And as much as I hate to admit, you are perfect for the post of editor."

"And?"

"And you are hired. But don't think for a second that I am not going to try to make your life a living hell here. After all that's where you want to go right?" he smiled his famous lop-sided smile. And if I didn't hate him as much as I did, I would say he looked rather handsome.

"Really?" I screeched.

"Yes really. No need to turn me deaf. Sheesh, you are such a girl Serene."

"And you are such a jerk. But you are one smart jerk." I said with a smile and left the room.

I have my dream job. Finally. I felt like dancing. So I danced in my head. No need to weird other people out.
........................................................................
When I finally reached home, I went straight up to Samantha and hugged her tight.

"You got the job!" she squealed. What can I say, everyone who knew me also knew about my passion for the magazine.

"Yes!" I shrieked happily.

"I knew you could do it. I just knew it! I am so happy for you Serene."

"Me too. Mom and dad would have been so proud if they were here today. They always told me I would make a great editor." Thinking about them again made my heart heavier and tears started forming in my eyes.

I knew it had been ages since they died but I still couldn't get over the fact that they were dead. Who would anyway? Parents are parents and no matter how old you get, you will always need them.

It was Jake who hugged me this time.

"Hey it is ok sis. Mom and dad would have been proud of you no doubt. And so what if they aren't here now. Aunt Jude and I are here. And we will always be here for you."

Aunt Judith joined the hug and there we stood. All three of us in the kitchen, hugging each other. We made a perfect family I knew, but I had a strange feeling that a storm was coming our way.

That the serene in our life was about to be shattered forever.