“I like that,” she laughs.
“Why should we consider you, above all of the other candidates, some with years of experience behind them?” Petra inquires.
I think about her question and meet her gaze. “I am driven, determined to do whatever it takes to be a good assistant. I learn fast, and I am not afraid to take chances. I have lived my whole life being inadequate in one area or another, but that has never stopped me from trying.”
An hour later I leave CJJ feeling depressed. The entire interview felt like a waste of time. A part of me wonders why they even bothered calling me for an interview if their intention was to highlight all of the reasons why I am incompetent. Damn my family legacy. It will always follow me.
I pack quickly when I get to the hotel, allowing the tears I held in to fall down my cheeks. I text Casey to tell her that the interview went well, not wanting to stress her out, and she texts back that she loves me and knew I’d slay it. I jump in my car and drive back to La Jolla, Coldplay on blast the entire way.
I walk into my childhood home. Everything is silent and staged, exactly the way it has always been. I look around the entrance hall, artwork that could buy an entire house lining the walls and a winding staircase that leads to two more levels. This place in all its glory has never felt like a home. When your family consists of tutors and nannies, it’s hard to feel anything but indifference.
“Where were you?” I roll my eyes at the sound of my mother’s voice.
“At Casey’s, I told you.” I start up the stairs without even looking at her.
“Look at me, Eliana,” she demands. “I think we need to talk about your future.” I know she wants to know when I’m going to start taking over for my father.
“Go drink the rest of that bottle of wine, Mother.”
I walk away, ignoring her shouts. I slam my bedroom door and fall against it, sobs wracking through me as I finally let go of all the pent-up tension from this day. I bring a fist to my mouth and shout out my frustration with my family, the job situation, and my life.
