CHAPTER SEVEN

PHOEBE

I trudged home as soon as I was free to go. The interview started off badly with me being late and all, but ended quite nicely. However, I'm still scared because I was late and I heard the CEO in charge does not stand lateness. Fingers crossed, I'll be one of the five candidates to be selected.

I had wished to make a friend or two at the interview, but I was too unsettled. Sighing, I decided to splurge on a cab all the way to the dorm. I stood on the sidewalk and hailed one, luckily, I got the first one I hailed.

When I was settled in, my phone rang and it was DJ calling.

'How was your interview, Pheebsy?'

'Bad!' I wailed. The cab driver looked at me through the hanging mirror to make sure I was okay.

'Really? What happened?' He asked in a concerned tone

'What didn't happen? I got there very late and it was the Dominick Kincaid that interviewed me. I heard he never interviews candidates. I don't even know why he chose to be different from me. The interview started with me being nervous, but I got my spunk back and aced it. But, I don't know if it will be enough.' I ranted

'Ah', DJ started. 'Dom hates lateness. Still, don't give up yet, I'm sure you did well in the interview. Don't worry too much about it and if it doesn't work out, I'm sure I can find another firm for you.' He assured me.

'Thanks, bro.' I replied, twirling my one of my curls that has escaped from my bun, grateful for his comforting words.

'On the other hand, this would never have happened If you had accepted the car and chauffeur dad offered.'

I rolled my eyes, I knew he was going to talk about this.

'You know why I didn't accept it, DJ'

'I know.' I could hear his eyes roll through the phone. 'Goodbye, Phoebe, take care of yourself.'

'I will, bye'

Most people don't know this, but I'm the last child of Joseph and Lydia Jackson. My father is the owner and founder of JJ Capital Ventures. My father's company manages and invests the money of the crème de la crème of New York city. He has been featured in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Forbes. He's a formidable man of business but a softie as a father.

My mother, Lydia, is a heiress with ancestors rumored to have descended from those on the Mayflower. Once, I saw on a family tree that my mom is distantly related to Wiliam Astor. My mom is what you'd call 'old money'. My mom and dad fell in love when my dad was still penniless and my grandparents refused to bless their marriage. They had to elope.

They only accepted my father after he became successful. However, they love my siblings and I and that's what matters to my family.

I love my parent's relationship, they're perfect for each other and I can still see the love shining through their eyes whenever they look at each other. I wish to have a relationship just like theirs.

I haven't told Amanda and Thea about my background. All my life, most people have a preconceived notion of who I was because I have rich parents, they see me as a pampered, spoilt princess.

When I applied to NYU, I instructed my dad not to interfere by calling favors or anything like that. Luckily, I gained admission and I told my parents what I wanted. I wanted to make my way as a normal girl, Phoebe Jackson, not as my parent's child.

My parents hemmed and hawed about my decision, but they were finally convinced by my siblings. I resumed school and they've not stopped trying to buy expensive and unnecessary stuff for me. But, I don't begrudge them too much, I know they do this because they love me.

'Miss, Miss, we're here.' The driver announced, snapping me put of my reverie. I looked out the window and we had already arrived at the dorm. I paid him, tipping heavily.

'Thank you, miss'

I smiled and nodded at him.

I made my way upstairs to my room, nodding and smiling to those who greeted me.

I unlocked the door and I was the only one there. That's better, I'm too exhausted to withstand my roommates exuberant personalities. I love them, but not today. I took my time washing off the soot and grime of New York.

I wore a nightgown and slept off the minute I hit the bed.

I woke up to the bright rays of sunlight shining through the opened windows and parted curtains, casting a warm glow on my room. The shining sun brought out the beauty of my room. My room is painted in an off-white colour, there are strips of purple, pink, navy blue, the colors accentuating each other.I also made sure all my furniture match the decor of the room.

I have typical furniture students have, mine are just a little bit fancier and expensive. I've got a four-poster bed, made possible because I was the first to resume and I chose the biggest room. I also have desk, chairs and a mahogany closet. I love my room, it's my comfort zone.

I took my bath and brought out my mat for a round of yoga. I really needed it to bring balance to my upturned life and let go of yesterday's bad karma. When I finished, I went out to the kitchen, but I didn't have an appetite so, I took out some oranges, squeezed them and drank the fresh juice. I also made some toast to go with it.

As I was nibbling on my toast, Amanda came out of her room.

'How was your night, babe?'

'It was alright.' I answered noncommittally

'Mmm', she replied, stopping what she was doing to take a closer look at me.

'I wanted to ask how your interview went yesterday, but you were already asleep when I came back.'

'Don't bother, I was not chosen. I was placed on a waiting list. Now, I have to wait till someone forgoes their application or look for another firm'

'Oh, I'm so sorry, babe. I know how much you prepared for it.' She said apologetically.

I smiled at her.

Suddenly, someone opened the front door and Thea walked in slowly with her heels I'm her hand. She looked up at us guiltily. Guess she slept outside, again. I said nothing though, it was none of my business.

'Good morning, babes.' She greeted us, 'how was your interview?' She asked turning to me.

'Ask from Amanda, I just can't repeat it.'

Since we're already on vacation, I just sat around in my room sleeping, eating and going out once in a while.

On Thursday, three days after the interview, my dad called me

'Daddy!' I yelled into the phone, excited.

'My princess, how are you doing?' He asked in a concerned tone. 'DJ told me about your internship, do you want me to destroy the firm that made my princess cry?' He said playfully.

I rolled my eyes at his obvious attempt to make me laugh.

'I can get you a spot in Rutherford and Sons', he said, stating the firm he uses for work and family stuff.

'No, daddy, I don't want that. I have to get in through my qualifications alone and it wouldn't be like that there. I'll just be know as JJ's daughter.'

'I don't know why you have to be this difficult.' He complained, he had done this several times and I just let him get it out of his system.

We talked more for a few more hours then said our goodbyes. I miss home so much!