My First Job (Housekeeper Doesn’t Count!)

 Inhale… Exhale… Inhale… Exhale…

Apart from my breathing exercises, Ren and I were riding the subway. There weren’t a lot of people. I guess it’s because it was just after lunch and it wasn’t busy. Or maybe it’s because we were going to a station that was on the outskirts of downtown — probably the latter. But yeah, we were going to this area because Ren got me a job interview! I was excited, but I was also equally nervous.

I wonder who my employer is. Ren told me that she requested that her identity be kept a secret until I meet her. All I know is that my employer’s a girl and that she knows Ren.

“Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out…”

“Camryn?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“Are you okay? Are you nervous?”

I nodded.

“Really nervous! You know, since this is my first job — and the housekeeper job doesn’t count!”

“I see…”

“I don’t want to mess up at my interview…”

Ren nodded and put his hand on his neck. His posture looked relaxed.

“It is good that you are nervous.”

“Doesn’t feel like it…”

“Your heart is beating quicker, you cannot focus, and you are sweating more, correct? Obviously, that feels uncomfortable, but the reason you are nervous is good.”

“Huh?”

“It just means that you are serious about this — you are determined. And that fact means that you are certain about what is good for you. You said that this will give you experience about being an adult, right? That is good for the future. I said that you can take it easy for now, but there is no harm in getting experience — growing up is inevitable…”

Mr Brightside, thank you so much!

“I see… Thanks, Ren.”

“No need for that — these are just facts.”

Facts, eh? Ren’s lesson is definitely helping in calming me down. Learning that being nervous is good is helping me reduce anxiety… But still.

“That helps… But I’m still kinda nervous. I mean, what if I don’t get the job?”

“Don't think about it. And don’t worry, I will still be here to help.”

“Thanks… But still! I think I’ll still feel pretty crushed to not get the job…”

“I see… If it helps assuage your worries, remember that your employer is someone I am acquainted with.”

How would that help?

“I see… But that does nothing, right? It doesn’t matter if she’s your friend, right? After all, she’s judging whether I’ll be an efficient worker or not.”

“I see…”

Ren shrugged.

“That is generally true, but it may be different this time.”

“Hm?”

“Well… Um… Actually, I can’t tell you more. The only thing I can say is that the place is a small business, so requirements shouldn’t be too strict.”

“Oh, so it’s a local place — I guess that is why the place is at the outskirts. What is this place called?”

“Alente Bistro.”

“Alente Bistro?”

I stroked my chin. Alente Bistro… That sounds familiar.

“The donut place.”

“The donut place!?”

I perked my back up and leaned my face towards Ren’s.

“Do you mean that place where you got those donuts from like a week ago? Like, the place with the chocolate donut and the one with strawberry filling!?”

“Y-yeah…”

I gasped. I then realized what I was doing.

“Oh, sorry, I got a little excited…”

“No, it is okay. And was the taste good enough to elicit such a response?”

“Totally!”

I sat back down in my seat properly and reminisced.

Alente Bistro… It’s the place that sells those donuts… I must have more! The flavours were so good — it was almost like I was addicted to a drug. I think there’s a good reason other than the taste that I’ve been hooked on these treats. I think it’s because these pastries intrigued me — I was fascinated by its mystery. When I first tried those donuts, that taste was barely noticeable. Why was this? With everything else, other than chocolate milk, the taste was always prominent. But why was it different with these delicacies? Could it be the taste? Possibly, but I don’t know… Anyway, I want to solve this mystery.

I clapped my face twice and showed a determined expression.

“Ren, I am definitely going to land this job!”

Ren nodded.

A moment of silently riding the subway fell between us. Or rather, in my mind, I was scrambling with my introduction. Were my clothes okay? Probably. Remember to straighten your back! Remember to smile and look interested. Give your full attention! What will be your first words? Say “nice to meet you”... Maybe, but isn’t that a little bland? But it’s professional… And…

How are you going to explain your past? Oh… How am I going to explain my past? My employer will definitely ask about it, but what do I say? Can I be truthful? My past will undoubtedly be frowned upon… I… I think I’ll have to lie about it. Yeah, no one would accept a homeless person…

I sighed.

But I should forget about that for now — I’ll deal with it when the time comes. Even if I have to lie, I will solve the mystery behind the donuts from Alente Bistro. Land the job… I got this! Use your award-winning smile and do your best!

I stood up and raised my fist, pumping myself up.

“Hell yeah, I got this!”

“Huh? Oh, y-yeah… Anyways, please sit down…”

As Ren pulled me down, I looked at the few other riders giving me judging looks. Oops...