Chapter 2: Congratulations
The day ended. Nicolas sat back, letting out a small cry. His head pounded, leaning into his desk and gazing down at the files in front of him. It became a day that someone would crave for: No work and no worries. But to Nicolas, someone who always wants something to do for his father's company was tired out of his mind. He hated doing interviews and he was expected to do them every time someone tries out for a job in the company. He hated them because it was just him listening to other people's wishes and motivations, trying to prove to him what they're worth. It was all boring to the CEO. Nicolas wanted to hear about money, about his games and the contributions he was doing that were working for the company, but he also wanted to hear jokes and wanted to meet someone genuine and not faking a formal picture of themselves to get the job.
Nicolas's soon-to-be ex-assistant walked into the office, "Picked anyone yet, sir?"
The CEO gazed up at the ceiling, leaning back onto his chair, "Do you have to leave so soon, Ms. Henning?" His eyes scanned the pattern of the tiled ceiling above him before looking down, staring at the red-haired woman who smiled genuinely, "Can't stay here for the rest of my life, now can I, sir?" She handed a cup of coffee to Nick after walking towards his desk which was organized. Folders were stacked in front of the CEO, being neglected by him.
"Half of the people that showed up for the interview didn't mumble a word," Nicolas scoffed, leaning forward to reach for the coffee that was directed to him, "They just stood in fear."
The woman snickered, crossing her arms as she watched her friend drink from the cup of coffee, "To be fair, sir, you did give every one of them little time to prove themselves."
"On my defense, Ms. Henning, to be my assistant, you have to be able to talk on the spot with the little time there is." Nicolas placed the cup of coffee on his desk, staring at it as he thought for a bit, "You know this. I'm going to put them in the spotlight at meetings."
"Yes, I'm aware, Mr. Anderson, but that's only because it entertains you how people react with sudden attention." she giggled, pulling out a chair that was placed in front of the desk. She sat down smoothly, "The files. Have you gone through them?"
"Not really," he returned bluntly. The ex-assistant scoffed, "I assumed you wouldn't, so I went through them myself beforehand."
"See," Nicolas yelped, "No one would have the intention to do my own work!"
"I'm only babying you, Mr. Anderson. It's not an assistants job to babysit their boss," she remarked with a smile spread on her face. She watched the man in front of her groan with exhaustion. It dishearted her that she wouldn't be in the building anymore, but she'd be lying if she said she was happy in this job, "How about that man?" she asked, once again, calmly.
Nicolas rubbed his face, "Man?" he mumbled before letting out an exhalation as he freed his face from the warmth of his hands, "What was his name again?"
"Serene Ochoa, sir. I was quite surprised when I saw him in a swarm of females."
Nicolas ridiculed, "I was quite astonished by his honesty and confidence. The other women were only waiting for me to ask them a question so they could answer, but Mr. Ochoa- "Nicolas scoffed, shaking his head, "he walked in and just stated the reasons why the job would be fit for him."
Nicolas' index finger tapped on the table, thinking about Serene's approach.
"Why not pick him, sir?" Ms. Henning asked," I also did go through his accounts and he did meet your expectations more than I did."
"Yes, I was kind of fascinated."
Nicolas whined, feeling a headache pound out of the blue, "It's late Ms. You should go on home. Good luck with your new job."
"Thank you, sir." The woman rose, shaking Nicolas' hand that was raised for her, "It's been a pleasure."
Nicolas felt his heart sink, already missing the friend that's been by his side for the past four years," Always is, Ms. Henning."
She stepped out of the room as Nicolas' emotions broke out. A frown plastered across his face, looking down at the files that were stacked in front of him, mocking him. He flipped through them, in search of Serene's file. Of course, he was aware that an assistant is not to be a friend of the boss for that will distract them. His father told him that. However, to Nicolas, having a friend at a job so stern would be helpful to him. It'll make his job less frustrating.
Nicolas pulled out a file that was marked with Serene's name. He gazed at it for a bit before opening it up. A sly of anxiety crawled up his skin. He wanted someone to excel at their job and someone his father can accept. He didn't want to choose someone only to get fired by his dad.
Nicolas opened up the file, analyzing the highlighted portion that Ms. Henning had done. It showed that Serene equaled all of the qualifications for the job and exceeded in all his classes. Nicolas' eyes darted at the phone that was placed next to his coffee. He reached for the telephone and dialed the number that would connect to Serene.
Serene frowned, staring at the empty wall. His breathing would increase for a quick minute before going back to normal. It was rough, waiting for a phone call that was probably not going to happen. He was already falling asleep, but he knew that once he falls asleep, there's no telling whether he'd neglect the call or not. Serene's eyes closed slowly, losing all hope of a ring from his phone that was lying next to him.
The room echoed with a phone call the moment Serene's eyes closed. He jumped up, grabbing the telephone, and without hesitation as to checking who it was, he pressed the green button, answering the call, "Hello?" his voice cracked.
A snicker responded from the other side of the call, "Evening, Ochoa. I would like to congratulate you. You got the job as my assistant. Please come tomorrow at 6 am sharp. Your attire will be formal wear as you wore today. I expect a dark coffee on my desk as soon as I come in at 6:30 am. As you wait, please do not mess with anything. Thank you."
Serene's heart raced with glee, but before he can express his gratitude, the call ended. It felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders as he dropped his phone on the side of the bed. He flopped on his back, letting a smile spread on his face.