Painted Face

Chapter 1: Rejection

Emily sat in the waiting room, flipping through a worn copy of a magazine.

She had been waiting for what felt like an eternity for her interview. Finally, the door opened, and a stern-looking woman called out her name.

"Emily Wilson?" the woman asked, her voice firm.

Emily stood up, smoothing out her dress and trying to compose herself. "Yes, that's me,"she replied, trying to sound confident.

The woman barely looked at her before turning and walking back into the office. "Follow me," she said curtly.

Emily trailed behind Karen, her eyes taking in the sleek, modern decor of the office.

They walked past a bustling cubicle farm, the sound of keyboards clacking and phones ringing filling the air.

As they approached the conference room, Emily's nerves began to spike. This was it – the moment of truth.

Karen pushed open the door, gesturing for Emily to enter. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning.

Seated at the far end of the table was a panel of three interviewers, their faces stern and unyielding. Emily recognized the CEO, Mr. Jenkins, from her research on the company.

"Welcome, Emily," Mr. Jenkins said, his voice firm. "We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us today."

Emily smiled, trying to hide her nerves. "Thank you for having me."

"So, Emily," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Tell me, why do you think you're qualified to work for a company like ours?"

Emily felt a surge of anger at the tone, but she pushed it down, trying to remain professional. "I believe my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the company," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mr. Jenkins raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "Really?" he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Because from where I'm sitting, you look like just another desperate job applicant."

That was harsh, Emily thought, as if she had been slapped. She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat.

Karen Brown stepped in, her voice firm but polite. "I think that's all for now, Emily, thank you for coming in today."we surely will get back to you.

As Emily stood up, her eyes locked onto Mr. Jenkins, who was watching her with a cold, calculating gaze. She felt a surge of anger and humiliation, but she pushed it down, trying to maintain her dignity.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She turned to leave, and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face pale and drawn. She looked like she had been through a war.

The walk back to the elevator was a blur. Emily felt like she was moving through a fog, her senses dulled and muted.

For a moment, Emily felt like she was back to square one. She was just a plain, ordinary girl, and she would never be able to compete with the beautiful people of the world.

As she stepped into the elevator, Mr Jenkins one of the interviewers stepped in also. "You really don't have to keep your hopes high" he said, because you are actually out of the picture.

"You know i was wondering what planet you're from?"He continued, you don't seem like someone from earth.

I can imagine this prestigious company hiring someone as ugly as you're, it will tarnish our reputation so much.

In fact allowing you step in here was one of your greatest luck of your life, of which i don't think you can get anywhere.

You are totally out if the picture Madam Emily or whatever you're been called, like it's a capital NO. I hope this sinks well into your ugly skull he added, and just then the elevator arrived at the last floor, and he left.

Emily was fixed at her spot.

How could he be this rude and mean! And how on earth is this my fault, do i really look like an alien on earth? why will there judge by mere appearance? am i looking that bad? with tears dropping down her checks.

"Why is my life like this?" Emily her voice filled with despair. "Is it my fault that I was born ugly? I'm not asking for perfection, just a chance. But everywhere I go, rejection, Job interviews, relationships, friendships...

it's like I'm invisible, or worse, visible but unwanted. Did I create myself? I didn't ask to be born with these features.

Why do people judge me based on how I look? Can't they see beyond my face? I'm tired of this life, tired of being rejected, tired of being treated like I'm not worthy. I just want to live, to be accepted, to be loved for who I am, not for how I look."

Her words trailed off, lost in a sea of frustration and sadness. She felt like she was fighting an uphill battle, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep going at least he was being sincere enough to her, other than living her to stay with her hope up, it was better this way.

She couldn't explain what she felt in her heart, her life was a mess, with no brightness at all.

She took a cab, and wasn't even sure of where she was going. where is your destination ma'am, asked the driver, just keep driving she replied.

"Ma can you please be specific about where you're going ", the driver asked?

I will pay you whatever you charge but please just keep driving, came the reply from Emily.

The driver sensing something was wrong, quietly obeyed. He drove her around until evening, and finally she decided to stop somewhere, paid the driver and continued walking.