Stupefy
1575 Words
“ouch!” I uttered as I massaged my forehead. I also felt sore all over my body.
What happened last night? I thought for a moment. But I was stunned when I noticed I was in an unfamiliar bedroom and the memories of last night were kept coming.
Oh my God! What have I done?!
It had me frozen for a moment, as my mind can’t decipher why it happened.
My heart is beating loudly as I slowly look beside myself.
No... No... Silently begging that it wasn’t true.
..Oh my God!!! I was not dreaming! Oh dear Lord! What have I done?!
There’s a man beside me lying on his stomach and facing the other side while his arm is on my stomach.
Oh my God! No! No! What did you do Hanna?!
I silently scolded myself while removing his arm around me, hoping he wouldn’t wake up. I held my breath while I swiftly put my clothes on. I kept glancing at his side to make sure he’s not waking up anytime sooner.
I don’t know this man! I don’t even remember his face!
Then I scuttled off after taking all my belongings, not even looking back. I ran as fast as I can trying to get inside my apartment quickly.
And that’s when I shouted my lungs out when I got inside. Then, seconds later, I slumped on the sofa.
Now, I’ve been slouching for hours and I felt even more miserable.
******************
I have been haunted by the memories of that night. It’s been two weeks already. It’s difficult to forget those memories, I thought, as just a dream. Worst of it was I gave myself to a stranger! I escaped from my arranged wedding because I can’t give myself to someone I don’t love, yet I willingly gave myself to someone I have never met before.. to a full stranger!
“Aaaaaaaasshhhhhhh!”
I kept tossing and turning in bed
I’m stuck in the house for two weeks as well. I have never gone out since then and I don’t think I have the guts to get out knowing I did a terrible mistake!
Because of what happened, my eating habit was affected. I barely eat because my mind is automatically thinking of the intimacy I had with a stranger.
“Oh God. Not him again!” I uttered when I heard the doorbell.
He’s been constantly knocking on my door. He’s the valet here. He had asked me if I needed help with something. He’s suspicious, so I didn’t entertain him.
Yet, he has kept coming every day. He’s doing that for three consecutive days. I have already told him I need nothing. Still, he kept on coming back.
“Grrrrrr....”
I sprinted towards the door.
“What?!!”
I think I startled him.
“Uhm... sorry Ms. Davis, but it’s my job to check on you.”
I suddenly got goosebumps thinking it could be my parents."
“Who are you reporting to?”
“I’m.. I’m afraid I can’t disclose that, Ms. Davis.”
“and why so?!” My brow raised.
‘I’m sorry, Ms. Davis. But if there’s anything you---“
“I told you I don’t need your help! Oh my, are you here to take me back to my parents?” I got rattled, but he seemed confuse.
Seeing his reaction appease my worries. I can see his reaction and he doesn’t need to answer my question.
“Pardon?”
“Never mind! ..and please don’t keep coming here or I’m gonna file for harassment!”
He seemed shock.
“My apology Ms. Davis.”
“This should be the last time that I’d be seeing you!” I firmly told him.
I slammed the door in front of his face afterwards.
I kept myself busy by writing articles. It’s almost a month and I still have never gone out. I always ordered food to avoid from going out.
I have applied to several publishing companies recently. I just submitted my resume and credentials through email and I have heard nothing yet.
I was a writer-editor, but I left my job two weeks before the wedding. My parents didn’t want me to work as I’ll be soon married to a wealthy man.
After finishing the articles, I went to the balcony to refresh my mind. This place is so breathtaking. I’m so lucky that I was the one who got this apartment. This apartment is worth the price.
The telephone is ringing, so I quickly walk inside.
“Hello?”
“Am I speaking to Hannah Davis?”
“Yes, you are.”
“Great! This is MGC Publishing and we’re inviting you for an interview tomorrow at 8am sharp.”
I smiled.
“Really?”
“Yes and be on time as our CEO will be the one to conduct the interview.”
“I won’t be late. Thank you so much!”
After our call ended, I quickly prepared my outfit to wear for tomorrow and made sure that I have set the alarm on my phone an hour early.
“You need to pass this, Hanna! This is your dream and no one can stop you this time.”
I sleep early to make sure I look fresh. I was so stressed out these past few weeks and I need to make sure that I look okay for tomorrow.
The sound of the alarms wakes me up. I quickly grab my phone and dismiss the alarm, then tap the other alarm clock on my bedside table to stop.
I hurriedly went to the bathroom to prepare and get ready.
A half hour later and I’m all set to go. Ready for the interview.
Hanna, you need this job, so make a good impression on the CEO. Be yourself and don’t make mistake! This will be your ticket to have a brand new start here.
I was hesitant to get out, but I needed to face it. What happened in the past should be in the past. Don’t let it stop you from pursuing your dream, Hanna!
In just two minutes and I’m already at the lobby. I hail a cab to get me to the address they have texted me.
I was lost in my own thoughts while watching the skyscrapers as we passed by.
“We’re here Miss.”
“Huh?” I asked him. I didn’t hear him, though.
“This is the address.”
‘Oh! Right. Thank you.."
Then I quickly hop out and heave a sigh before I walk towards the reception area.
“Hi! I am here for the 8am interview. My name is Hannah Davis.”
“One moment.” The receptionist responded and quickly typed on her laptop.
I still have time before the interview. She took my ID card and gave me a temporary one.
“Alright. Here’s the temporary ID. You can use that to the pantry, the interview room and to the orientation room. Other areas are all prohibited.” She said.
I nod, and she smiles at me. She’s pretty.
“Got it! Thanks.” I smile back.
“You’re welcome. Anyway, good luck!. Our CEO will be the one to do the interview as per the note. It’s very rare that he does that, but he probably has no busy schedule. Just do nothing stupid.” She seems worried.
“What do you mean? Oh, was he also liked an old grumpy boss?” I whispered.
"Haha! Doll, he’s not old as what you think..
But, many staffs here were fired because they did a simple mistake. Also, some applicants went home crying. Usually, the CEO only watched them at his office while Mr. Solace interviewed the applicants. There's actually cctv cameras in the interview room connected to the CEO's office. And, once Mr. Solace reported to him, he already had an answer in seconds. In fact, you are the fifteenth applicants since yesterday.”
“Wow! That’s kind of scary boss, but I’ll do my best.”
“You seem nice and I like you this instant. Weird, isn’t it?” She laughs but turns serious again. “Do your best and don’t let him intimidate you. He’ll be testing you and don’t fall for it, okay?”
“Test??” I’m confuse but still I smile. “Don’t worry, I’m here for the job and I make sure I get the position. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, I’m sorry. I already consumed almost ten minutes of your time.” She looks guilty.
"No, you're fine. Don’t worry, I still have fifteen minutes, but I’ll get going. Thank you, though.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, here’s my contact number. In case you failed, I can help you find another.”
“Oh, my! You’re such a saviour! Thank you.”
“My pleasure.. Call me Jess.”
“Thanks Jess.”
A few moments later and I was being welcomed by another beautiful woman in her corporate attire. She seems strict and intimidating, but I can manage someone like her. I’ve been through hell, so I know how to handle a person like her.
“I suppose you are Ms. Davis.”
“Hi. Uhm, yes, I am.”
“Follow me.”
She leads me to a room and tells me what to expect.
“Okay got it.”
- Writer
