Graduation has come and gone, and there is still no job offer in my inbox. I sit on my bed, staring at my degree sitting in the ridiculously large frame that cost almost as much as the degree itself. I’ve been led to believe that once I had this piece of paper in my hands, I’d feel a great sense of accomplishment, or purpose, or the sense that my real life could begin.
Instead, it serves as a reminder that I’ve fallen behind my peers. A reminder that my plan continues to fall apart with each passing day. Not being able to look at my name scrawled across the piece of paper any longer, I shove the frame underneath my pillow. If I can’t see it, then maybe it will stop mocking me.
You always have Theo’s offer to consider.
The voice in my head coos at me for the tenth time this week. He texted me after the party to let me know he’d need an answer after graduation, and it’s already been a week since we walked across the stage. I hadn’tcrossed paths with him there since my parents dragged me out as soon as the ceremony ended to make our dinner reservations.
Every logical part of me screams not to accept his offer. But a small, annoying part urges me to take a chance. It’s probably a lost cause anyway. I’m sure he’s found someone else by now.
Sighing, I make my way back out to the living room. The sun shines through the sheer floral curtains draped across the large window. Beth lies in her reading chair, basking in the sunlight, frantically typing on her keyboard.
“Still hunting for a place for your bookshop?” I ask, grabbing my laptop from the coffee table and taking a seat on the couch.
Looking up from her screen, she throws her arms up. “Since when did Portland become so expensive?”
“Since always,” I deadpan.
“Everywhere is either too small, or too expensive, or too smallandtoo expensive.” She throws her head back onto the armrest of the chair.
“You’ll find a place. I’ll help you look. I just need to check my inbox first.”
Motioning to my laptop, she replies, “Please, one of us needs good news today.”
Taking a deep breath, I open my laptop. My email tab is already open on the screen, seeing as how I’ve barely used my laptop for anything other than job searching the past few weeks. I stare at the three unopened emails sitting in my inbox. These are the last three companiesI’ve applied to. If they’ve rejected me, I officially have no other options.
That’s not true, Sienna. There’s still one option you’ve yet to consider.
I silence the voice in my head before clicking to open the first email.
Thank you for taking the time to apply with us. We’re sorry to inform you…
Fine. Not a big deal, considering their employee satisfaction rating was below 2.5 on all job-rating platforms.
We’re sorry, but you have not been selected for an interview…
I feel a small ping in my chest. This one hurts a little more than the last. I had reached out to a former classmate of mine who had an internship there last year. She said she would put in a good word for me, but it must not have been enough.
Holding my breath, I click on the last email.
Thank you for your application. At this time, we’ve decided to focus on other candidates for this role…
Closing my laptop, I bury my face deep into the cushions of the couch.
“On second thought, who needs good news anyway? Bad news just means we have an excuse for anothermovie night.” Beth’s voice comes through, muffled by the pillow I’ve hidden my face under.
Finally emerging, I prop my head up on the armrest of the couch. Looking at Beth, I say, “They all rejected me. I’ve officially run out of options to find a job in the one field I’ve studied for the past four years.”
“Well…”
“Beth, no.”
“You aren’tcompletelyout of options,” she says, pointing out the one option I’ve been trying and failing to ignore for the past two weeks.
“Ah, yes.The mysterious case of Sienna Parker: How a young woman went missing after she was stupid enough to follow a man she barely knew into the woods. That’ll make for great television.” Sitting up, I make a show of my hands as though I’m unveiling the title of the future crime documentary featuring myself.
“A little exaggerated, don’t you think?”
Ignoring her comment, I respond, “How about I just work at your bookstore instead? You’ll be opening it soon anyway.”
