5
I drop my bag along with my heels in the hallway of my apartment and plop down on the couch.
I am exhausted.
After the interview, I drive to the hospital where Louis is and stay with him for a little while. I still have a headache and my neck hurts, as the last few days I have not been sleeping very well because in the hospital, I can only rest next to Louis on that small couch.
I just want to rest and eat something before going back to the hospital. I am so tired.
My eyelids close and I let myself fall completely into sleep. When I wake up, it's a little later. I stand up and head to the kitchen, where I take the time to reheat yesterday's food. I have to hurry. I promised Louis I was going to read him a story tonight. I pick up one of the books he likes best, specifically; his favorite. He hasn't read it in a long time. After eating a little, I head for the hospital and arrive at half past eight.
Once I enter the room, I approach my son, who smiles at me.
"Hi, sweetie. "I hug him." How are you?
"Fine! Aunt Carol came to visit me this morning.
"I'm glad to hear that. "I caress her cheek and take a seat next to her on the bed. I brought you a book to read.
She smiles and clasps her little hands together.
"Can you read it now?
"Have you had dinner yet? "I ask. He nods his head." Then I'll read it now.
He carefully settles down on the bed and I take the book in my hands to start reading it calmly. I start reading the first few paragraphs softly, trying to get the room used to this peaceful atmosphere we have created just between us. I know Louis enjoys it by the smile that lights up his face, by the way he seems to relax more. I wish we could always be like this, but at home, drinking tea, sitting on the couch in the living room.
I don't know how long I read to him, but I notice that, much later, he has fallen completely asleep. I close the book I leave on the small table to my right and lean over to him, placing a kiss on his cheek. I can't help but feel the rush of emotions, the effusion and helplessness that seeing him like this generates in me. I feel the sting of tears in my eyes. I lean back and settle down on the small armchair so I can sleep. It's not hard for me to fall asleep after the long day I've had.
The next day, I wake up agitated.
I stroke my temple and walk out of the bathroom. I'm surprised to hear the vibration of my phone lying on the table and I frown when I see that it's a private number. I glance at Louis, who continues to sleep peacefully and cautiously, I quietly leave the room so I can take the call.
"Yes? "I say, once I close the door behind me and find myself in the middle of the hallway.
"Good morning, can you connect me to Eva Miller?
It's a female voice.
"Yes.
"This is Gillian Smith, speaking from Hills Corporation. "My pulse skips a beat when I hear that." I'm calling to give you the news that you got the job as a secretary. I need you to report tomorrow morning at eight o'clock so you can start your workday. You have nothing to worry about, you will be given full instructions so that you can familiarize yourself with our work rules.
I don't know what to say...
I... Did I get it?
"It's okay... "I don't know where I get my voice from." Thank you for communicating... I'll be there tomorrow.
"I hope so. Have a good day, miss.
"Likewise.
I hang up the call.
Excitement courses through my veins. I did it, I did it.
Immediately, I dial Carol, who takes my call instantly.
"What's up, how are you? "That's the first thing she says when she answers.
"I just got a call.... Carol, I got the secretary position at Hills Corporation.
I have to pull the phone away from me a little when the screech almost deafens me.
"My goodness, congratulations! I knew it! When do you start? Tomorrow?
"Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock.
"That's amazing! If you want, I can go visit Louis in your absence, I mean, I visit him most of the time, but I'll do it usually. I know you'll be busy with everything and....
"Carol, don't worry, really. I don't want to be a burden to you, I can ask Harmony.
"You're not a burden! You know I will always support you, you guys will never be a burden to me. We've known each other for a long time, I'm very fond of you.
"That's fine. But I don't want you to feel pressured, I would never want you to feel like I'm abusing your time or...
"No, Eva, you're not abusing anything. I'm your friend and I want to help you through this situation. I know how difficult it is for you and I want to contribute to putting all this behind us.
I nod.
"I've got to go, I'll see you tomorrow at your apartment at eight o'clock. Bye!
"Carol, wait...
"See you later, I don't want to hear any more complaints from you.
She hangs up before I can formulate anything else. I tuck my phone into my jacket pocket. I'm still having trouble processing it.
I'm going to work at Hills Corporation.
I'm going to work for Nicholas Hills.
It's exactly seven-thirty in the morning and Carol is with me in my apartment. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, because I am. I feel anxious, different. I have just finished getting dressed and ready for what is stipulated as "My first day on the job''. Yes, it's still hard for me to assimilate and I don't know how to take it.
"You have to calm down "Carol tells me." Everything will be fine, trust you.
"I'm afraid I'll screw it up, I can't miss this opportunity.....
"Don't worry, you won't screw it up. It's the nerves of the first day, it happens to everyone. Then you'll get used to it and little by little, you'll adapt.
"I hope so. "I pick up my bag." I have to go now.
"Good luck.
He gives me a kiss on the cheek as a greeting.
I leave the building and get into my car, start the engine and start driving in the direction of Hills Corporation. I try to control my nerves a little, after all, I have to remember Carol's words; I have to trust myself. If they chose me, it was because they saw potential in me. However, I can't help but wonder what it would be like to work for Nicholas Hills. I hear he has quite a temperamental and demanding attitude, maybe it's hearsay, maybe he's nice.
As I park my car in the parking lot, I pick up my bag and get out of my car. I feel my throat dry up once I find myself in front of the dizzying building I stepped into just a few minutes ago for my interview.
When the doors open, I walk slowly towards the center. Everything is just as I remember it, completely shiny and neat.
"Miss Miller.
A female voice behind me makes me turn on my heel. I glance at the woman with her blonde hair pulled back in a neat professional ponytail.
"Miss...
"Wilson "he adds, shaking my hand." Welcome.
"Thank you.
I accept her hand and she smiles warmly at me.
"Follow me please, I'm in charge of giving you instructions so you can get to know Mr. Hills' ways of working.
"Of course.
I follow her down the hallway until we stop in front of a door which she opens, leading into what is a luxurious office that leaves me speechless. It's...mesmerizing. The view of the city captivates me.
"From now on, this is your work office. This is where you will be working in your secretarial position. Your office is right across the street from Mr. Hills' office, so, if you need to deliver anything to him, just go to the front door. "I nod." On the computer you can find information about the projects the company has completed over the years. You can easily find them in the archives. "Forward to the desk." Also, you have the landline phone at your disposal so you can make calls. Everything understood?
"All understood. Thanks for the introduction.
"You're welcome, Miss Miller." She smiles at me and starts to walk toward the exit, but stops." By the way, I forgot to tell you; Mr. Hills is not in New York right now. He will be back soon.
"That's fine.
"Chances are that when Mr. Hills returns, he will ask to meet with you alone in his office. You have nothing to worry about, this will be to discuss working terms.
You speak of Mr. Hills with too much respect.
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you.
"You're welcome. Have a good start and make yourself comfortable.
And without further ado, he leaves, leaving me alone in this splendid office that steals all my attention. I walk around the wooden desk and take a seat on the office chair. I open the computer, look at the projects Ms. Wilson told me about; they are interesting.
I stretch out on my seat, walk around the office one more time and a few seconds later, the first call comes in.