The Opportunity Came (Like A Dream)
Eight months after college, my life was fading slowly. No job, no social life, nothing.
I was sick of calling my big brother, Zain, for everything. He didn’t complain but I knew it was hard for him, managing our mom’s needs on top of mine.
As time passed, I enrolled in culinary school with my savings, hoping to get a good job after graduation.
But after finishing, I applied everywhere I could, eateries, hotels, resorts…but didn’t get any positive response.
I grew tired.
My only friend Jessy, brought up the idea of cold emailing.
First off, i was in disbelief because if the traditional application process didn’t work, why would sending the email directly to the employer’s inbox make any difference?
“That’s the essence of cold emailing (jess laughed) let’s give it a shot”
So I bought the idea. We did some research and got the personal email of most of the C.E.O’s and owners.
Jess had fair knowledge about the whole process, so she edited all the letters to fit in each mail and sent. Pretty cool.
Jess is like my underwear, she has been around literally all my life, helps me through thick and thin. I wish life treated us better and she didn’t have to spend half of her income on college loans.
Luckily, Zain was a lifesaver during these times, and if not for him, i would also have been swimming in the same dilemma.
We dreamed of when it’ll all get better and a super rich guy would come by and sweep us off our misery’s. Unrealistic fairytales!!!
When reality hit hard, like cold dust. Jess’s ex boyfriend was able to get her a job at a four star hotel. She helped with most kitchen stuff. A kitchen porter.
And me? I spent months applying to dead ends.
Not until two months ago, while Jess and i were pondering over some jobs, she stumbled on the idea of me enrolling in a culinary school because her superiors were chefs and they earned generously.
We checked out some schools and settled for a two month duration because I couldn’t afford the costs. I started.
All through the process, we kept hoping that I would get employed for a big hotel as an assistant chef.
I graduated in due time with high hopes and a new skill. But before the graduation, we had sent applications to several hotels.
Another harsh reality set in when they all declined mostly because of the duration of my training and no prior experience. Of course no one wanted to give a newbie a try.
~~
Now back to our cold emailing plan.
When Jess suggested it i was just slacking off. Full efforts, just lost hopes.
We waited.
Seven days, a reply popped up. I was too scared to open it, so i called Jess.
She persuaded me to open it. What’s the worst that could happen? We’ve spent the last months bagging No’s, there’d be nothing special ‘bout this one.
I resisted, insisting she opens it herself.
Jess stopped by after work.
When she got to the door, I rushed to open it..my optimism and anxiety filled the air. Jess was also perturbed but she had more control of her emotions compared to me.
As we reached my laptop, Jess went directly to open the inbox while I waited, my heart beating, like a drum.
Reading the contents was long enough to make an egg hard. It was simple and short but I wondered why Jess stared for so long.
I couldn’t wait anymore.
I peeped in; HELLO KAREN,YOU ARE INVITED TO A FORMAL INTRODUCTION ON THE 18th. 9am
DOMAIN ST 10013
I stared at Jess dumbfounded. Is this real? What if it’s a scam?
Jess navigated to confirm the sender’s email. “SOLACE MARTINI” her eyes widened as she gasped.
I asked, who is he?
Jess answered hastily “not a he, its a she. The MARTINI’s are renowned…..highly respected and admired for their contributions.”
Me: that’s good for me right?
Jess smiled confidently: “perfect….if you get accepted. Which you will.”
I stared at jess still uncertain. Wondering how we got here and whether i’d actually be accepted.
Jess went on and on about the Martini’s achievements, giggling all through.
That night I drifted off to sleep, pondering on what I’d wear, how I’d be interviewed, and whether i stood a chance.
The next day, Jess stopped by after work, she brainstormed possible questions I would be asked and i rehearsed the responses.
After eating a delicious spicy spaghetti she brought, we relaxed and eventually fell asleep. When I woke up, it was almost dark, i tapped Jess. “It’s 7 pm”.
She mumbled…
After she left I scanned my closet in my head, searching for the perfect fit. Found nothing.
I’d search properly tomorrow. I thought.
That night, my mind wandered, imagining what my interview would be like, picturing unknown faces and scenarios.
Next morning, I was up early doing my morning stretch. It helped me release tension from my thoughts.
Sometimes I get aroused due to my erotic posture. Looking at my own body tickles my fantasies.
As i stretched, I imagined being made love to, I imagined my breasts being fondled and sucked savagely.
I fantasized male domination.
As it was getting intense, i got up to close the blinds, then went to my shower room.
I turned the shower on.
As my hands traced my breasts…sensation increased. While I fondled one breast, my right hand slid into my shorts.
My fingers met warmth…dripping like jelly juice. As I stared at my bare breasts my arousal flew high. My fingers rubbed gently……. A thin moan escaped my mouth.
My hand increased pace… focusing on my juicepot. It felt like electric current…more juices streamed down.
I felt bliss. Like a pleasure stack being released.
Stepping into the shower felt good. I let the water run down my back, through my legs.
I walked out, patted myself dry, then smuggled into my bed. I Slept deeply.
Tension released.
When i woke up, i reached for my phone to call Jess.
I checked on her routinely. “Hey Jess, what’s up.”
Jess: All good ma’m. What you up to?
Me: just woke up. I took a little nap. Have you had lunch?
Jess: oh… yeah… i had a cheeseburger. Quite tasty. I’ll grab some for you on my way.
Me: okay…. You forgot your scarf..
Jess: Right…I knew I did. See you later, ma’am.
Me: okay. Miss working class….Bye
Jess: byeee
As i ended the call the thought popped into my head. Tomorrow’s my interview, what do i wear?
I jerked upright.
Heading straight to my closet, the search began. I picked up dress after dress, skirt after shirt. For each one, It was either “this isn’t suitable or nah, not this”.
I wished I had enough to shop at the boutique. I grabbed my phone to check my credit balance:$180. Can’t afford a new outfit right now, unless I was willing to go without food afterward.
Not wise.
Finally, I decided to wear my navy blue blazer. It was a remarkable fit that i paraded on my graduation day. Too formal but I didn’t have much of a choice.
I took it out and placed it on the bed, observing whether it needed pressing.
The doorbell rang..
Jess came in smiling from chin to chin. She shoved a package at me. “Try this juicy dress on.” She giggled.
I stared at her, my eyes welled up as I unpackaged it. “Jess……you didn’t have to”, I sniffled, Trying to suppress my emotions.
Jess: I would, and more, mi amor..
She reached up to slip her hands through my hair.
“A silk dress”. I said. It was perfect.
I slid into the dress in seconds. As she zipped it up, the folds fit perfectly. The silhouette was sleek.
Jess stared at me mesmerized, like I was a Danish princess.
I turned to the mirror, admiring its elegance. I was so emotional, i gave Jess a hug. “Thanks Jess”
Then I went to my closet.
My stilettos, waiting patiently for me. I picked them up. I had worn them just once and they were a lucky find.
As i turned, jess giggled, obviously knowing they were the best choice. I put them on and walked to the mirror again, this time with charisma.
Jess cheered. We were happy.
What’s better than a friend who is kind? I wished to be accepted for this job so I could reciprocate everything she did.
Love you Jess.
As we had heartfelt conversations about our college life, the night came calmly.
I walked her to the bus stop and bid her farewell.
As I slept, peace and joy filled me.
Tomorrow is going to be a good day.