Hesitate

The Interview

Location: Republic City

You take a deep breath as you stand in front of the doors of Republic City's police department, "you can do this, just step inside and make a good impression," you mutter under your breath as you hear a cough behind you causing you to step aside and let the person walk inside. Through the reflection of the doors you check that your outfit is presentable. Your clothing stuck to minimal colors, black and grey with hints of green to represent your earth kingdom roots. This all black with black boots seemed a nice enough choice for an interview. Without taking a backwards glance you head inside and get directed to the Chief's office and take a seat waiting to be called in. What seemed like a long time you hear a click and the door opening, you notice all the officers glance at the door.

"Come in" said a dominating voice

You stand up running a hand down your shirt and take a deep breath before you walk inside, the chief closes the door with a flick of her finger.

"Have a seat miss (Y/N)" Chief has her eyeglasses on and looks through your resume while she gives you some glances in between reading. You can't help but feel a slight heat rising to your cheeks but hope the spirits that it's not reddening.

"Let's see, you're from the earth kingdom, you have high remarks from teachers and letters of recommendations from the Zaofu security team. What made you decide to come to Republic City?" the Chief sets the papers and takes her glasses down as she looks at you.

You feel your throat dry up seeing her face that you can't help but give a slight cough to clear your throat and sit up "Well Chief...I've heard a lot about the RCPD as well as the RCPF all great things, of course. Though I had a great experience in Zaofu I felt like my purpose there has reached its point. I've always had my eyes at moving to the city and felt that my talents would be better suited here. That is if you agree and will take me" you try to sound confident but end up stumbling towards the end and get slightly nervous seeing the Chief cock her eyebrow towards you. You get the feeling that she sensed your nerves as well. She pushes back from her chair and gets up walking around the desk and stands in front of you slightly leaning against it crossing her arms not saying a word.
"You sure you're not here for other business miss (y/n)? Seeing you've worked in Zaofu I wouldn't want to find out that they let a mole into my police force." You can't help but get surprised and taken back. "I'm not sure what you mean Chief. What does Republic City and Zaofu have with one another?" you respond back and look beside the chief and notice the nameplate on her desk that states 'CHIEF BEIFONG' "Beifong?" you look from the plate then back at her. Lin looks down at the nameplate and slams it down looking away rolling her eyes then back at you like in a 'for fuck sake' manner.

"You're related to the Beifong family in Zaofu? You're the Lin Beifong. Now it makes sense." you can't help but smile and lean back in your chair, which you see Lin get slightly red with upset "what makes sense now?" she sputters out. "Well... on my way to Republic City Suyin had mentioned to watch out for the.... you know it's not important to finish that part" your cheeks get red and can't help crossing your leg getting especially nervous.

"No please what did the matriarch of the metal clan have to say, finish that line" she snarked back waving her hand in the air. You adjust in your chair "I'll repeat it if it doesn't cost me my possible admittance into the force, Chief Beifong." you look at her with a weak smile

"Fine." she muttered

You give a nervous cough again and sat up taking a breath before spitting out the following "Suyin mentioned to watch out, and this is her words not mine by the way, for the old bitter woman in charge of the police force in Republic City." you're pretty sure your face is red hot after repeating Suyin's words and couldn't help but cover your mouth and try to somehow wipe the blush away from your cheeks, your eyes darting for a possible escape as you notice Lin's face redden.
You quickly come up with something to ease the tension "but, Suyin is wrong. She jokes a lot and it's all fun and games, but I can tell that you are not old and I'm sure you're not bitter." You give her a weak smile and can't help but bite your lip hoping that somehow in the spirits name saved your skin. While you waited for a response you looked at Lin and analyzed her face.
"I don't care what anyone says, I don't have a follow up statement I just don't care what anyone says especially not Suyin" Lin responded back trying to conceal her emotions waving her hand around as she shrugs. "and cut the crap about me not being old." You notice the obvious scar on her right cheek, but you quickly glance away from it and noticed some rough edges and some aging near her eyes, strong bone cheek structure and some frown lines but to the most part she was incredible shape for a 50 year old. "are you done analyzing or do you need another minute?" you hear the chief and notice that she is staring right at you causing you to look down, your cheeks red and heart racing "sorry, Chief."

There is an awkward moment before Lin speaks again

"Look, your resume is good, I'll excuse this little fiasco of an interview that happened here. Crime rates are rising because of the triads, so we are in a need of officers." She takes a deep breath "Welcome to the force, kid." She reached out and shakes your hand, her hand is surprisingly smooth, and your hands hold slightly longer than normal before she lets go and turns going back to sit at her desk "Report to me in the morning for an assessment of your bending and combat skills. For now, you'll get your paperwork, salary, and uniform issued out." She gets her glasses and puts them on then looks up at you. "was there anything else you wished to tell me to further ruin my morning?"

You quickly shake your head and stand up "No, Chief, thank you for the opportunity. I promise I won't let you down" you turn on your heels and open the door to head out before hearing the chief mutter

"too late."

You close the door behind you and run your hand thru your hair not sure whether or not you are still alive or if this is some sort of dream. You manage to barely survive that interview. You get escorted by one of the officers to get your locker and uniform issued, signed some documents and got your paycheck deposit setup before you are free for the day. Not sure what life is going to bring but excited for this new adventure. One thing is for sure your mind keeps thinking back to Lin Beifong. She is nothing like the women you have met in your life.