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𝙻𝚘𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 : 𝚁𝚑𝚢𝚜' 𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎
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"I heard you were here to meet me?" Sylvie came, almost running.

"Uh huh... You remember asking about possible jobs? I think I've made a proper list this time." Blaze Braxton (her younger sister's, Mavis' husband) replied, while taking out some papers from his bag.

"But, I don't really have an official degree. The things I know are just..." Sylvie wanted to say that all her knowledge comes from reading books and hearing tales from her deceased family. The family members were bound by a curse which prohibited them from dying before completing 200 years. Staying at one place was very tough for them so, they changed jobs very frequently. Each new job had a new tale attached. And Sylvie heard as well as remembered it all...

"I know. Luckily, there are more opportunities out there for people with no experience in a given field than you'd think. In fact, many of them have great opportunities to advance once you've been at it for a few years, too. Here. I think you should take a look at these top picks and get those applications ready-no matter how short your resume is, I'll get you a job, custom made for you." Blaze smiled towards her as Sylvie took the papers and started going through it.

"Customer Service Representative. Real Estate Agent. Sales Account Representative. Medical Assistant. Administrative Assistant... These jobs do look promising but, I don't think I will be able to manage..." Sylvie said once she had successfully completed reading the list. These jobs required talking a lot as well as, her complete attention. And Sylvie wasn't in a position to do so. Her attention was needed somewhere really important.

"I do have another option, but..." Blaze trailed off as if completing the sentence was a dilemma.

"Huh?"

"You can try journalism. Journalists are storytellers. They write and report news stories about everything, from social issues and politics to sports and entertainment. A journalist presents unprejudiced information, so folks can form opinions and make prudent decisions. They educate and inform the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives. It's a beautiful profession to persuade..." Blaze explained after witnessing Sylvie's confused look.

"But... That job requires degree. I don't have one." Sylvie was a little sad about it. This job looked fantastic and she really wanted to give it a try. If only, things were a bit different...

"Degree isn't really a problem. It's not completely necessary to have attended college to be a journalist. Though, over the past few years it has become more common to attend."

"But, it's a well known field. And, it's just growing... With this becoming more popular, jobs are starting to require a degree to be hired. Or so, I've heard..." Sylvie asked, a little unsure of what should be done.

"About that... I know someone who can help with this. He runs publishing business as well as a NGO where he hires people, who, due to some circumstances, couldn't complete their studies. He'll be able to help you but..." Blaze was hesitant with this. It was clear.

"Do I need to go through tests?" Sylvie asked. Unsure, if that's what's bothering him.

"Kind of. But, that's not really that important. You'll need to learn a few things before we go for the tests proving your excellence. You don't have to be a digital deity, but experience with HTML and CMS, on-air content systems such as ENPS (Electronic News Production System), digital editing software and analytics is smiled upon. I'll ask Rhys to arrange a tutor for these."

"Done. Is there anything else I need to know?" Sylvie asked.

"Not for now... If something comes up, I'll let you know immediately. Now, allow me to take my leave. Mavis is feeling low these days. You know the pregnancy affects..." Blaze stood up to leave, a private smile adorning his face as he remembered Mavis.

"I'll prepare everything needed. Thank you so much for this. I don't know if this was something I could do on my own..." Sylvie smiled as well as both of them went towards the main door.

"Actually... There's one thing I'd like to tell you. The person..." Blaze started but stopped for a pause. Sylvie looked at him quizzically, waiting patiently for him to finish what he wanted to say.

"The guy owning the NGO is my paternal cousin. And, he has... A bit of family issues. Growing up in an unhealthy or toxic family contributed to a number of emotional, interpersonal, and mental health challenges that caused him to be distant from people. He isn't rude or something like that. But, he isn't really a good person too. I don't even know what I'm saying... The thing is... Growing up in a dysfunctional family unit could result in frequent job loss, poor boundaries in relationships, and difficulty launching into adulthood. But, he managed everything on his own. If possible, please let some things pass..." Blaze finished. Sylvie nodded, unable to say anything on the topic. She had understood what he wanted to say though.

He knew Dewin Cole Braxton, his cousin, wasn't really a bad person, both from inside or outside. But, he had his fair share of issues. Issues, which sometimes overpowered his calmness. He didn't want Sylvie to get hurt. It'd be really troublesome of that happened. He just hoped everything would be alright.
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(𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜
𝙻𝚘𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 : 𝙳𝚎𝚠𝚒𝚗' 𝙾𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎)
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"Is this okay?" Sylvie asked Mavis before opening the car gate. Since, Mavis was going the same direction, she had volunteered to drop Sylvie before the NGO where she was going to give the interview.

"Of course. You had a job interview in a more informal work environment, so, you had to wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals. This one suits the best for this position you're applying." Mavis encouraged her elder sister, who's self esteem had dropped ever since she found out about the betrayal of her loved family member, Algyva.

"Thank you so much for this. I'll remember the points you told me and try to ace it." Sylvie smiled with a little confidence in her eyes, as she walked out of the car.

"All the best. Everything's gonna be okay." Mavis spoke before she finally left.
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Inside the waiting room, Sylvie sat alongside five other people. All of whom were there for the same job as her. Dressed ever so professionally so that they could aquire the position of 'writer' position in the publishing house. Some had degrees, some didn't. Finally, her chance came.

"Welcome, Sylvie. I am Maeve." The interviewer said confidently. She reeked professionalism and grace at the same time. Somehow, Sylvie felt comfortable around her

"Hello, it's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, how are you doing today?" Maeve tried easing the atmosphere.

"I am doing well, and yourself?" Mavis had told her how to make small talks before starting an interview.

"Great, thanks. I hope we didn't keep you waiting for long?"

"No, I had the chance to talk to one of your employees while waiting." Sylvie spoke. True to her words, she had the chance to talk to another writer already working there.

"That's good. Sylvie, shall we start?"

"Yeah, sure."

"First of all, let me introduce myself. I am the manager of our HR department here and we have an open position of writer, so we have been interviewing applicants to fill the position as quickly as possible."

"Yes ma'am, I read about the position on your website, and I think I am a good fit."

"We currently have several ongoing projects and the team is working hard. We are hoping to keep busy for a long time."

"What are the essential qualifications required for the position?" Sylvie had to ask that question.

"This is an entry-level journalism position, we do provide a lot of training here. But we require that you have at least a bachelors degree in journalism, though it isn't compulsory. As you may know, this is a NGO too, which specifically works to provide a better future for those who couldn't attain a degree. Previous experience in the field is just a plus." Maeve explained.

"What kind of experience would you count as a work in the field?"

"Even though we provide training, it would be great if you had some hands-on programming experience, knowledge of database systems or skills on developing applications. As well as writing experience."

"I have been working with computer for the past two years, so, I am fairly competent in developing mobile and web applications. The writing too." Sylvie explained.

"That's good to hear. I've already read that you don't have a formal degree. What are you looking for in a job?"

"The job should definitely help me grow in my career. I will be happy to learn and grow as I work in a passionate company like yours." This was an automated response that Sylvie was taught by Rhys (her twin sister, Luna's, husband).

"You are right. There is plenty of room for advancement in our company. What are your strengths? Why should I hire you?" A very typically expected question. She was taught to answer it as typically.

"I am a diligent person and a fast learner. I am very eager to learn. My friends also find me very easy to work with." She had no friends, for a fact.

"Very well. Now, do you mind working overtime?" Journalism was a tough job. It required time and effort.

"No, I do not." After doing nothing for so long. Job was the perfect thing Sylvie needed.

"Because, sometimes we get overwhelmed with heavy workload."

"I understand that's the nature of the job. When I was training to prepare for professional writing, I took quite a few courses each semester while working at least twenty hours every week. And, I handled that situation very well." Another automated response. She couldn't work twenty four hours for so many reasons.

"Do you have any questions for me?" Maeve finally said.

"No, I think I have a pretty good understanding of the requirements. I believe that I can handle it with ease, and the fact that you provide all the training sounds excellent. I hope to have the opportunity to work for you."

"Sylvie, it's nice to meet you. I can tell that you are a good candidate. Expect to hear from us within a week or so about the job." Maeve smiled.

"Nice meeting you too. Thank you for your time." Sylvie stood up to leave.

"Thank you for coming. Ohh, and one more thing..." Sylvie stopped at Maeve' words.

"Your resume is asking for the daycare facility we provide. I may sound unprofessional, but, may I ask this one thing."

"Sure." Sylvie had an idea that this question was going to be there.

"Are you a single mother?" Maeve asked in a hesitant voice.

"No. Val... I mean, the child, I'm taking care of is my sister's child. She's just busy and the child can't do without me." Sylvie smiled remembering her lifeline.

"I see. I'm sorry for sounding unprofessional. This won't be mentioned in the recording. So, you don't have to worry about privacy. Thank you." Maeve spoke, ever so elegantly.

"Thank you." Saying this, Sylvie existed the office. She was hoping the world will give her a chance in job and, she'll be able to live a normal life.

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Number of words : 2078

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Author's Note :

Finally, we're there with the deadline of the first ONC (Open Novella Contest). I had no idea that I will be able to get 2k words in one chapter only. Nevertheless, Sylvie is back and this story is completely revolving around her. Of course, 'The Sanctuary' is going to be there. So, is Mephistopheles. Let's just wait and see when will they enter. Till then, take care of yourself and everyone around yourself.

And, thank you so much for giving this book a chance.