Chapter 5: Terrific News

And with that, I am forced back into reality.

I saw myself in Cinderella. I was able to transform myself for one night to escape the reality that I am faced with. It is because of this transformation that I was able to dance with the Prince the whole night.

However, unlike Cinderella, there was no glass slipper. I left his house without a trace -- no number, no note -- nothing. For the prince, Cinderella was someone he could never forget. She was the highlight of his night, while I was probably just another notch on his belt. Even though a part of me felt like there was a real connection between us, another part of me knew that all men from the entertainment industry are the same-- ruthless, cruel, and dishonest. The fantasy that I was living in for a brief moment was shattered, but I can’t help but look at it fondly.

I rolled my eyes at my stupidity. I was dumb to assume that he was just another regular person like me. I hit the palm of my hand against my forehead in frustration. I felt so embarrassed that I opened myself up to him like that and told him my secrets. I was ashamed that I got attached too easily and that I fell for his tricks. He doesn’t even know how I really looked behind all of that makeup and hair products. He probably wouldn’t even recognize me if he passed by me on the street.

My everyday look wasn’t anything extraordinary or significant; despite being a makeup artist, my skin was always bare and matched with a messy hairstyle. I was always dressed with loose and baggy clothing because I value comfort way more than style. Perhaps many would consider me homely, but never awe-striking. I was always just another face in the crowd, and I guess I’m satisfied with being just that. All I ever wanted was my skills to be recognized anyway.

And yet, what am I doing? Having a boring and dreadful job at this diner. Each day seems so repetitive at this point. I usually serve food to customers. At times, I often encounter nice people who give huge tips. However, most of the time the annoying ones who think highly of themselves drive me nuts with their arrogance. Every time I encountered one, I always thought about quitting but then again this job helped me pay my bills. I just grit my teeth and settle for what I have right now.

“Hello? So what do you think?” My client’s high pitched voice interrupted my thoughts. She scowled at me impatiently. I blinked a few times as I shook my head, trying to snap myself out of the trance that I was in.

“I’m sorry, can you please repeat that?” I said apologetically as I ran my hand through my unruly hair. I didn’t have time to really fix myself today because I came so late from Arthur’s house and so I was starting to feel a bit self-conscious because of the way that I looked today.

She let out a sigh of annoyance. “What’s your best seller here?” She flicked through the menu, deciding which is more delicious.

“Our best seller here is our very own signature Buffalo Wings. However, I highly recommend you try our new Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.” I replied while flipping through the menu showing her our dishes.

“What do you guys think? How about trying them both?” She uttered, looking at her family’s approval. As all of them nodded, she turned to me to place their order. “We’ll have the two of them, mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad.” She enumerated as I wrote down their meals on my small notebook.

I repeated back their orders to them to see if I got them correctly. She nodded her head in response and waved me off as she turned back to chit chat with her family. I rushed back to the kitchen to recite back the orders to the cooks.

As I went out of the kitchen, I felt my phone vibrate inside my pocket. I rushed to the corner of the diner to check the message. My eyes widened in surprise when I saw the notification that popped on my phone.

I gasped as my free hand covered my mouth in shock.

I got in. I got the job.

From: Williams Inc.

Good day, Ms. Bailey!

This is Charlotte Warren from Williams, Inc. I would like to inform you that you have passed the job interview. Our CEO would like to meet with you personally to further discuss your tasks as the new events coordinator. On behalf of Williams Inc., we would like to welcome you to the company. We look forward to meeting you on Monday at 9 A.M.

I reread the message to see if I’m not dreaming. This seems so surreal. I want to jump and scream in glee but I remembered that I’m still at work. I tried to keep my expression neutral but this good news really made me giddy and it’s hard to mask my excitement.

“You look like you received good news.” Ralph nudged me lightly, curiosity was evident in his eyes. He was my closest co-worker. It was his presence that made working here bearable.

“Oh it’s nothing. I only got accepted into Williams, Inc.” I declared proudly. As soon as he heard this, he squealed like a little girl drawing attention from other customers. “Shush! You’re the first to know about this.” I hushed him and bowed in apology to the customers. I dragged him to our storage room since this is a quieter place where we can talk in private.

“I just got so excited and I’m so happy for you, girl.” Ralph hugged me tightly. We were interrupted when someone called for him outside. “Let’s talk later, this is huge.” He said excitedly before exiting the room. Before following him out, my cell phone pinged to notify me of a message.

From: Ellie

Hey, Sandra! I’m so sorry about last night. Let’s meet at our usual cafe after your work, it’s on me.

I replied to her message agreeing to join her for coffee later. I was so preoccupied with thoughts about Arthur and Williams, Inc. that I totally forgot about Ellie. As I was walking out, I felt a pang of guilt all of a sudden for not checking up on her this morning. I’ll also try to make it up to her afterwards.

Work went by in a blur, the next thing I know it’s already time to clock out. I said my goodbyes to my fellow co-workers then hurried to the cafe. As soon as I entered the coffee shop, I saw a familiar brunette who’s busy checking her phone.

“Hey, you!” I lightly tapped Ellie’s shoulder to catch her attention. She looked up and got up to hug me.

“I’m so glad you’re in one piece.” Ellie commented jokingly, making us both laugh. Taking in her appearance, she also seems fine. I felt relieved that she got home safely.

“Oh look who’s talking. I was searching for you last night and you were nowhere to be found.” I sighed dramatically, making Ellie roll her eyes at me. We both giggled at our silliness.

“I got tired from all the interacting and dancing, it must be a sign of aging.” Ellie sighed dramatically and I nodded in agreement. In return, she smacked my arm which made me wince.

“Hey, no fair! That hurts.” I told her while trying to soothe my arm. She just rolled her eyes at me. “So anyway you were saying....” I urged her to continue her story.

“Anyway, I went out looking for you but I couldn’t find you anywhere so I just went home. When I got home, I passed out on the bed. I only woke up to answer your missed call but I wasn’t able to pick it up so I just sent you a text message and then I went back to sleep.” She continued to ramble, making me stifle a laugh.

“It’s fine, I’m just glad you’re safe and you had fun. I was just worried last night.” I held her hand to comfort her and reassure her that it’s all good. She stared at me intently, checking to see if I was slightly mad at her. I just gave her a big smile.

“So that’s now settled, a little birdy told me something.” Ellie raised her eyebrows at me while smirking. It seems like she knows something. “Sandra…” She dragged out each letter as she stared at me expectantly. I let out a soft sigh, knowing that I was caught.

“Alright, let me tell you about Arthur.”