EVE'S POV

I heard some screams like there was a fight going on, and that was what woke me up from sleep.

What's going on? I wondered.

Then… I heard those two familiar screams.

Aunt Sarah and …the grocery woman. Without having to check, I knew what was up already. The entire neighborhood even knew what was happening without having to ask around. I knew my Aunt was out causing trouble by buying things on credit since I didn't meet her at home last night.

"Better go in and give me my money now, you old jargon." I heard the grocery woman shout.

My Aunt retorted back violently, "Hey, I've got nothing to give you this morning until crazy bitch Eve comes here, stupid."

I wore my slippers and was about to go downstairs to settle the case as usual by paying up her debts when I remembered I didn't charge my phone last night. I decided to plug it in when I remembered a message came in last night but I couldn't read.

I unlocked my phone and saw a notification on my Gmail from last night, the heading read 'MEET WITH OUR TEAM - INTERVIEW INVITATION'

I was surprised and perplexed, "Interview?"

My heart pounded in my chest as I scrolled through my phone, and my breath caught. It was an interview request! I had applied for a position a few weeks ago but I hadn't expected to hear back so soon.

With a dancing heart, I quickly clicked on the email and it read through the details:

"Dear Eve Louis,

Congratulations on your outstanding academic achievement as a first-class graduate in Psychology!

We are pleased to invite you for an interview at Royal Prestige Hospital, following your application for a position. Your exceptional academic record and passion for psychology make you an ideal candidate.

Date: 10th February, 2023.

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: As directed by the hospital receptionist.

Please confirm your attendance by replying to this email. We look forward to discussing your qualifications further.

Best regards,

Royal Prestige Hospital"

What?!! I'm being invited to an interview. I checked the time, and it's still seven in the morning, so I still have a lot of time to get ready and get there in time.

I was both excited and terrified. This was a huge opportunity, and I couldn't afford to mess it up.

I vowed within myself to be punctual, "You need to bag this job, Eve." I told myself and picked up some cash in my purse ready to go downstairs and pay for my Aunt so my day would go smoothly, at least. I need to do her will so I'll leave this house early and peacefully this morning.

"My beautiful daughter," The grocery woman said immediately after she saw me, and I heard my Aunt snort, "Your aunt said you're going to pay, so pls, go in and do that. I've got things to do this morning."

I frowned at hearing that. It was the best stupid thing to hear in the morning. Aunt Sarah wouldn't say anything but look at me in a disgusted manner. Tch, I didn't even care about her.

"How much is it?" I simply asked the woman.

"Fifty dollars."

"What? That's a lot." I exclaimed, but the woman just shrugged and rolled her eyes, "Give me my change, pls." I stretched three $20 notes to her, and she gave me $10.

"Thank you, damsel," She said as she left our compound, "don't live a useless life like this old fool here."

I smiled at that great compliment given to Aunt Sarah and turned to go inside. I need to get ready and leave the house.

"And where do you think you're going to, young lady?"

I paused on my track and just made a soft sigh. What's it this morning again?

"Give that change to me. I need to get some snacks." She commanded.

I snorted out loud and made to go in again when she pulled my dress, "I said you should give that ten dollars to me. Are you dumb?"

Breathe, Eve. Breathe. I subconsciously told myself that I might lose it, and I didn't want a troublesome morning for myself.

"Here, Aunt." I forced a smile and gave it to her.

"Don't address me as your aunt, fool. I don't know where your mother took you from!" She gave me a hard knock on my head like I was some naughty kid, "And also," she continued, "I'm sure you'd have seen the laundry baskets while you're on your way out so get down to business and wash everything clean."

"I have an interview this morning, and I can't afford to be late, pls. I'll do whatever you want as soon as I get back." I tried explaining to her, hoping to convince her but little did I know what was coming until a hit slap landed on my face.

"Do you think I have the chill to wait for you till you're back? And do I care about whatever damn thing or interview you have?" She shouted, "I'm only giving you now to do what I want, or you're not going anywhere today in this house." And with that, she walked away.

I was heartbroken by the way she has always treated me, but not this morning. I was not getting any chill pill to waste any more time, and she was not ready to take no for an answer either.

I was left with no option but to do what she wanted.

She was insistent.

Reluctantly, I agreed to do it. "I'll be quick with everything and just let peace reign."

I took the laundry basket and went to the laundry room ready to start washing while practicing my answers to common interviews.

The clothes were very, very much, so I did half and went into my room and picked up my laptop. I needed to get some personal stuff done before I left for the interview. I updated my resume and, thereafter, ironed my favorite suit. I was determined to make a good impression.

I went back to the laundry room to continue washing and by the time I was finally done, it was 9:45 AM when I checked the time.

"Fuck!" I panicked as I rushed to the bathroom to clean up and dress up. I had only fifteen minutes to get to the interview.

I checked around and Aunt Sarah was not around. I guessed she had left the house after seeing that I had done the laundry.

I was a little bit relieved knowing that any more trouble in the house was gone.

I rushed out the door, hailed a cab, and prayed that I would make it on time.

"Can you please speed up? I have a very important meeting." I told the cab driver for the umpteenth time and very unfortunately for me, the traffic was terrible. The cab driver got stuck in a traffic jam, and I couldn't do anything but watch helplessly as the minutes ticked by.

"Fuck! God help me on this, pls." I said a silent prayer as I bit my fingers anxiously.

When I finally arrived at Royal Prestige Hospital, it was 10:20 AM. I was late.

I rushed towards the receptionist like I was in with an emergency case, "Good morning. Please, where is the interview taking place?"

I was in a hurry, but the receptionist was still smiling, "Good morning, ma'am. May I know why?"

"Fuck! I'm here for the interview, please." I apologized profusely to the receptionist.

"Ohh," she nodded and just informed me, "I'm sorry, but the interview has already started, and no one is being allowed in again."

Jeez! I was devastated. I begged, "Please, help me in any way you can. I beg of you."

"I'm sorry, ma'am." That was all she said, and she turned her attention to something else.

I knew I had blown my chance. I walked out of the building, feeling defeated and heartbroken. I had worked so hard, and now it was all for nothing.

And this was all to my wicked and cruel Aunt.