“Come right in my office.”
Angela followed her closely.
“Did you find the place all right?”
“I did.”
They both took a seat.
Angela took out her folder containing extra CVs and a few reference letters.
“Did you have a chance to look at our web site?”
“I did. I learned so much.”
“So, you are quite familiar with the foundation?”
“Yes. I was before but even more so now.”
“As you know the foundation’s primary objective is to raise awareness and funds towards treatment and finding a cure. Our volunteers work on and organize all kinds of charitable functions; walkathons, fundraisers, various programs through schools and communities – our goal; always striving for better community involvement and awareness.”
Angela focused on every single word.
“I see from your resume, you have marketing experience...” Christine said as she browsed her CV. “...experience working with people and fundraising,” she continued. “Your resume is quite detailed,” she observed as she flipped through the pages.
Angela realized that a CV should be one page and not two, but she hadn’t been able to condense it. “I’m sorry. I just really wanted to express how much each position has affected me and changed me.”
“It’s all right. It’s a fine resume.” Christine assured her with a smile. “Well, I can tell you; you come highly recommended. Michael expressed great appreciation for you.”
Angela’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. “That’s...nice. He is a very nice man.” Angela chose not to elaborate as she wondered if Christine could see right through her.
“Nice. Yes. He’s a sweetheart. He has done so much for the foundation. I’ve known him for years.” She shifted in her seat as she looked through the resume and made some notes.
“You’re a friend of his mother’s?” she asked Angela.
“Umm...yes.” Angela smiled at the thought.
“God bless. I’ve met his mother. She’s a sweetheart too,” she said, smiling.
Angela felt herself loosen up a little. This lady was quite nice. There was no reason to be intimidated.
“I’ll turn the tables on you and let you ask me a few questions?” Christine told her but she didn’t know what that statement would entail. Angela had many questions.
A little over an hour later, after many questions and answers and much talk, they parted ways with smiles. Angela stepped out on a high; she had a good feeling.
As she drove back home, in high spirits, she wondered how Robert would take the news if she were to get the job. Would he understand? This job would be an adjustment for her. She would have to give up her play-dates with Madison. She would also have to stop her reading sessions with Dot if she was working full-time. Would Dot understand? Maybe they could meet up on the weekend. Would this be goodbye for Dot and Michael? She couldn’t bare the thought. As irritating as Dot could sometimes be, she held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed the silly banter and romance stories they shared. And Michael; she would miss everything about him. Christine had said he had great appreciation for her. She was warmed by the thought; he appreciated her. She appreciated him; very much so. But then, she thought about it for a second. It hadn’t occurred to her; how did Christine know she knew Michael? There were no references to Michael in her application. That damn Michael; he just had to get involved, didn’t he. She told him she wanted to get this on her own. Did he not think she could?
The following Monday, Angela spent her morning with Madison; they had lunch at the play centre; hot dogs and pizza; not themost nutritional lunch. Madison wasn’t feeling too well; she barely had a bite. Angela thought she might be coming down with the flu. She decided to take her home. As she was leaving, she realized she was running late for her weekly meeting with Dot.
Before she handed her to her grandmother, she gave her a little kiss on her cheek.
“Bye-bye little cutie,” she bounced her a bit in her arms which did not ease her crankiness.
“Why are you so grumpy?” she asked, not expecting an answer but she got one; all over her shirt. She could feel the warmth tricking down. Thankfully, Madison had missed her legs and feet.
“Oh my...let me get you a cloth.” Madison’s grandmother ran to the kitchen.
Angela’s first instinct was to hold her at arm’s length, letting the vomit drip down on the floor. Madison was smiling.
