CHAPTER TWO: DERYN'S RETURN

WILLINGSTING'S

Maya entered the building. She was directed where to go to join the queue of people applying for jobs in the office. It was a long queue but it finally reached her turn.

"Next!" A lady called out.

"Name," The lady asked Maya

"Maya Hunts," Maya replied.

"What job do you want to apply for?"

"The position of the secretary," Maya said with confidence.

"How many years of experience have you had typing with a desktop?"

"Uhh, since I was 14."

The lady smirked as she heard this. "How fast do you type?"

"Very fast."

"How many words per minute? Miss Maya."

"Uh, I don't know like 200," Maya said sceptically.

"That's fast. Okay, can I see your resume?"

"My what?" Maya asked, confused.

"Resume." She replied without humour.

"Is it optional or....?" Maya asked, hoping for the lady to say it was.

"I'm sorry, but if you don't have a resume you can't apply for this job." The lady said arrogantly.

"You must be joking right?" Maya said, stunned by the lady's reply.

"Please leave Miss Maya." She said as she pointed in the direction of the door.

"How can I get a resume?" Maya asked, ready to do what it takes.

"Next!" The lady called out.

The next on the line came, and Maya was forced to leave. She did not give up despite being rejected. So she set out to find more jobs, unfortunately, they all required CVS or Resumes. She sat on a chair beside the bus station in dismay. She thought about her promise to her family,

"I can't give up. I can't." She said to herself.

An old Lady came up to her, and sat beside her,

"Are you waiting for the bus?" The old lady asked her.

"No, no, I was just about to leave," Maya said as tears rolled down her eyes and she immediately cleaned them off with her hands.

"What's wrong missy?" The old lady asked her.

Maya wanted to keep her reasons to herself but she couldn't hold it,

"I made a promise to my family, that we would all live a better life. But now I'm here, I don't know what to do" Maya said. She began to cry uncontrollably. The old woman comforted her,

"Have you tried looking for jobs?"

"They all require CVS or Resumes, and I have none."

"Silly girl, there are other jobs that don't require CVS and Resumes." The old lady said as she rubbed Maya's head.

"Really?"

"Yes, let me show you something." The old lady brought out a flyer from her bag. She handed it to Maya saying,

"That is Mr Weeks, his company is launching a new product and they would like a local performer to sing during his opening ceremony. For a token of 10,000 dollars."

"Woah, I'd earn 10,000 dollars in one night?"

"Look at you, already being optimistic." The old lady said with a smile on her face. "You'd have to go through an audition. If you get chosen then you get to perform. The question is, can you sing?" She said.

"I sing to attract customers to my parent's local restaurant. I believe I can attract the judges to choose me."

"I like your spirit child. If- sorry- when you cut, give me a call." The old lady gave her phone number to Maya. The old lady's bus had already come so she left and wished Maya good luck.

Maya was motivated, she took a cab to the address of the auditioning building. She entered the building and saw many singers dressed up glamorously. She took a long look at herself, she didn't look like them. She felt insecure but she went to take a number anyways.

All the singers performed one after the other, some horribly while some melodious. It was Maya's turn, when she came on stage, all the judges looked at her with disdain.

"What shall you be singing for us today?" One of the judges asked her.

"Coat of many colours by Dolly Parton," Maya replied.

The judges told her to carry on. They all thought she would have a voice as horrible as her clothes but they were stunned and agape when she started singing. They couldn't believe their ears. They discussed amongst themselves whilst she sang.

When Maya finished singing, all the three judges were on their feet, applauding her. She stood on the stage smiling, she was indeed delighted that the judges found her voice worthy.

"You can wait backstage with the rest of the singers while we discuss." One of the judges told Maya.

The judges took a while before they could conclude their overall winner. It was time to announce their winner, so they called all the singers back to the stage.

"Before we announce the winner of this audition session, we would like to congratulate you all for being a participant."

The judges took a long pause before they announced the winner,

"And the winner is, Maya Hunts!" The judges chorused.

Maya fell to the ground. Ten thousand dollars! Maya thought to herself. She couldn't believe what just happened. All the participants cheered for her. Soon, she was taken to another room to prepare for the upcoming ceremony. She was told that she needed to look prim and proper, as Mr Weeks was among the prestigious billionaires in that city, he was highly respected by all.

AT NUTRI LTD.

Mr Weeks was walking, hastily to his office as his assistant walked beside him, trying to catch up to him while reporting the information concerning his new product launch.

"Sir, the judges have successfully conducted the audition session," His assistant Marty said.

"And what were the results?" Mr Weeks asked.

"A miss Maya Hunts won the audition session, I have absolutely no record of her."

"I thought we agreed on an arranged winner?" Mr Week asked, confused as he picked up his pace even more while his employees greeted him.

"Yes sir, but the judges say she's exceptional and extraordinary."

"Extraordinary?" Mr Week said as he halted. "We're hiring a fucking local singer, not Beyonce. Arranged winners equal no 10,000 dollars." Mr Weeks said annoyed by the choice of his judges.

"Sir, I'm getting word that she's already getting prepared by our stylist for tomorrow." Marty said as he adjusted his Bluetooth on his ears.

Mr Week was already furious. He entered his office and told Marty to come in and close the door. He released his anger on Marty,

"Is this the first time we're launching a fucking product?!" He asked Marty.

"No sir," Marty said, he was trembling with fear.

"Who was supposed to be the winner of the god-damned audition?"

"Miss Hannah Shimmer," Marty said adjusting his glasses.

"And who won instead?"

"Miss Maya Hunts"

"I work with fucking idiots."

"We are sincerely sorry sir,"

"Don't try to fucking apologize Marty, the damage has already been done. Contact my bank and tell them to prepare a check of ten thousand dollars in her name."

"I would do that sir,"

"Get out of my face." Mr Weeks said disgustedly.

Marty left Mr Weeks office thanking God he wasn't fired. Soon, Mr Weeks received a call from his telephone on his desk, he was reluctant to answer it, but he eventually did.

"This better be important," He said.

"Sir, it's your son, he's here at the office." The lady responded.

Mr week suddenly became anxious,

"Send him in." He said to the lady.

Mr Week hasn't seen his son, Deryn for three years. He was a 25-year-old man. He worked abroad as a brand marketer. So he's finally back, Mr Week thought to himself. Shortly his office door opened, it was his son Deryn. Deryn was a tall handsome young man. He had black curly hair like a Jew. He was dressed in a sky blue suit and black designer shoes. He smiled widely when he saw his Father.

Mr Week stood up from his seat to hug his son,

"How have you been dad?" Deryn asked.

"I'm all right. How are you? How was Europe?" Mr Weeks asked, trying to hide how bad he had missed his son.

"The best Dad. I've missed you so much, how are you, and the company, how's everything?" Deryn asked excitedly.

"The company's always been good. Speaking of company, tomorrow we're launching a new Nutri product."

"A new product, dad, you've outdone yourself countless times. You're just too good."

"I'm flattered son. So, I would like you to be present at the ceremony."

"Definitely father," Deryn said.

Mr Weeks hugged his son again, he was indeed happy to see his son again.