Windows of the Heart

Chapter Two

Unusual Absurdity

"I am not applying as a model, ma'am and I am fully aware that my application is for a corporate job, so what is this for? I am mortified for something I cannot understand!"

Three applicants were called in after the other until Gabrielle's turn. She was the last to face the interviewers of four managers. As she was walking in to be seated, Mr. Han briskly spoke to Mrs. Miranda as head of the panel, to let Gabrielle stand first in front of the panel and then was ordered to turn around in fashion sense, turning to the right then to the left, then to her back where the camera from the CEO's office was placed hidden so that Mr. Han could clearly see her face and body features. While Mr. Han was watching her, Gabrielle was suspicious on what she was asked to do so she blurted out with resentment,

"I am not applying as a model, ma'am and I am fully aware that my application is for a corporate job, so what is this for? I am mortified for something I cannot understand!" fuming with controlled emotion, so offended with what she was asked to do.

At that instant hearing Gabrielle's comment, Mr. Han realized that what he has done was unbecoming, so he hastily asked Mrs. Miranda to stop. Having grasped the outcome of that situation, she resolved to cover up Mr. Han's absurdity. She explained to her that their CEO is looking for an Executive Assistant that have the qualities appropriate to her duties and functions such as to be attractive with elegant aura, have a trendy style, while confidently modish, becoming, and must know to carry herself with refinement whenever he requires her to go with him to events, which he usually attends; and that must know how to be tactful with important people he circulates with. Mrs. Miranda saw and thought that Gabrielle has these qualities while looking at her so she believes that she will pass Mr. Han's requirements. Gabrielle, on the other hand, was surprised because she has never experienced this yet and has never had a challenging role as this.

"You mean, what I applied for is not just an ordinary job, but to be an Executive Assistant to a CEO?" Mrs. Miranda explained, "Yes, and having reviewed your personal resume, basing from what you counted on your work experiences were likened to that of an Executive Secretary, well rounded and knowledgeable; which can be measured up with that of the duties of the Executive Assistant. Your experiences can be levelled more to becoming an Assistant to the CEO."

"Although of course, you may still need some polishing to fit you in in that position. Our present EA will be leaving this lucrative job in exchange for a married life. Miss Marissa will wed soon and is leaving for Canada with his soon-to-be husband so that is where we need an immediate replacement. If ever you meet Mr. Han's standards and accepts your application, you will then be his new Executive Assistant. I hope this is now clear to you, Miss Gabrielle Marie Calma? I hope you will let this mortifying situation as you call it, slide then!?"

Gabrielle paused in silence then shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know, I'm not sure either, if my application is acceptable or amenable by your CEO but I guess it will be a pleasure to work with him. If I may ask, how old is my boss?"

Her question was left hanging. As of that moment, Mr. Han who is still watching on the monitor was pleased with how Gabrielle acted on the situation and was amused of her statement 'it will be an immense pleasure to work with him.'

So, he told himself, "Hmmm, that remains to be seen."