Disillusioned Disappointment

“Hello?”

“Miss Lauren Canfield?”

“This is she.”

“Miss Canfield, this is Derrick Weiss from Dr. Martin’s office.”

Just hearing his name made my breathing irratic.

Collect yourself! You don’t want to sound like a complete idiot on the phone!

“Oh hello! Please…call me Lauren.”

I tried to sound professional but endearing.

“Lauren, I’m calling about the research team you applied for.”

My heart began to race. This was it. This was going to be my chance to prove myself. I had studied this mans work for years and now getting the chance to finally work with him…this was the chance of a lifetime.

“Oh good!”

“Lauren, regrettably the doctor has gone with another canditate. He wanted me to thank you for your time, but we won’t be asking you to join the team.”

And just like that my heart sank. I thought things had gone well. The doctor seemed interested in my answers. I thought I had hit it off well with the other interviewers. The tests were easy enough. There must be some mistake.

“Are..are you sure you have the right name? There must be some mistake. Surely you…”

“No Laur..Miss Canfield I am afraid we will not be needing you at this time. But please, apply with us again for the next research project.”

My blood was starting to boil at this point. Who did this idiot think he was? Did he know how qualified I was? For christ’s sake, I did my senior thesis on how paranormal occurences affect the human psyche! There had to be some mistake.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Weiss was it?”

“Yes?”

“Perhaps I could speak to Dr. Martin himself. I think there has been a mix up. I
think you’ve made a mistake.”

“Are you telling me I don’t know how to do my job?”

“No, no! That’s not what I am saying. Just maybe my name got mixed up in the wrong
pile or something. I am sorry if I offended you. Please…is Dr. Martin there?”

Now I was just putting my foot in my mouth further. I could hear the tension in his voice. This was NOT how I had pictured this call going. I looked in the mirror, disgusted with myself.

“Miss Canfield. Dr. Martin is out of the office.”

“I see.”

Way to blow it Lauren! First, you suck at your interview and now you are offending his assistant! He’s never going to want to talk to you again.

“He asked me to call you specifically to tell you we would not be needing you. He said that it was a pleasure to meet you but unfortunately you didn’t make the cut. Please feel free to apply again for our next research team.”

“Thank you Mr. Weiss. I appreciate the call.”

“Sure. Goodbye.”

And with that, I was further away than I had ever been. I could feel the disappointment welling up inside me. I sat down on the couch, numb. How could this be?

Harlow jumped up beside me, purring and rubbing his face on my hand. I stroked his smooth fur, scratching under his chin softly. He always made me feel better.

“Well Harlow…I blew it. Back to the drawing board I guess.”

I would apply again. But this time, I would be ready.