"It's beautiful." The young couple exchanged approving looks upon examining the draft for their tailored rings.
"Thank you so much! The lady said, "we look forward to wearing it."
"You're welcome! Unfortunately, I'm ending my internship today, so I won't be able to personally construct and deliver your rings, but I guarantee that the final product will be nothing short from perfection."
"We understand, and we are grateful to have you design the rings for us. We wish you the best of luck in your career." The lady chimed.
"Please have a drink on us." The man offered.
"Oh no, I couldn't."
"Please, I insist. It's just a small gratitude from us for the hard work you've done." She urged. Looking at the display of sincerity by this couple, I relented.
Before I knew it, the day went by in a blur. Despite the events for today, from the exchange of documents to meeting multiple clients, seeing the smiles and satisfaction from my customers has been and always will be my ultimate reward.
With my passion for science, I've always thought that I would end up somewhere along the lines of the healthcare industry. But ever since that encounter 5 years ago, I felt a newfound fascination with the arts, especially on the side of jewelry. When I first told my parents about this, my mom reacted just the way I'd imagined. Supportive and understanding. And as for my dad, though a little convincing was needed, the victor was ultimately you-know-who.
It was about 3.30pm when I finally reached the office. Plopping down in my office chair, I savored the respite that I could finally obtain after an exhaustive day.
"Ava!" My short break was crushed at the sound of Ms. Paisley's voice. "Could you come in for just a sec."
No.
As I sobbed internally, I forced myself to my feet, entering the office with a dreaded feeling that she might push a few final assignments to fill up the remainder of my final hours.
"Please have a seat."
It took every effort not to sigh as I braced myself for the oncoming tasks.
"I am really satisfied with your performance for the past six months, Ava."
Woah. That was not what I was expecting.
"It appears that not only your clients were exceedingly pleased with your designs and service, but also the other staff members who have also come to appreciate your working attitude."
I did not know how to respond. It felt weird for Ms. Paisely to praise me to such an extent, especially after my fair share of her criticism. In truth, I have always thought that Ms. Paisley was overly critical of my work ethics. It was no doubt that the constant fault-finding in my drawings has left me in constant sleep deprivation. But I knew that this was a necessary phase to hone my professionalism.
Peering at my dumbfounded expression, a chuckle was heard from her lips which left me in greater shock.
She laughed!
"I apologize if I have been really hard on you these past few months. And indeed, you have lived up to my expectations. So, I would like to offer you a position in this company." Her words hit me as I recalled the job offer from Estelle.
"Uhmm...about that. I sort of happened to receive a job offer from Estelle during the document swap." I mumbled, feeling a little awkward after her attempt to offer me a job. Her eyes glimmered with joy and unbelief. Anyone in this industry knew fully well about the competition, a grueling battle, that must take place before one could even get a job interview.
"That's great!" She exclaimed, "I'm so proud of you!"
"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."
"What's there to be sorry for? An opportunity like this is hard to come by." She comforted, opening a new perspective of how I saw Ms. Paisley. "Though as a superior, I would very much like for you to stay on in this enterprise. But, for someone who wishes nothing but your success, I encourage you to take up Mr. Crosby's job offer." Her genuine smile warmed my heart as I returned it with mine.
"By the way, this is for you." She handed me a letter which I then opened to unveil a cheque. It was not an extremely huge sum, but it was more than my stated pay.
"I can't accept-"
"You will accept this. Just count it as a bonus for all your hard work. Besides, you need a little something to help you get started." She winked. "You have so much potential for success in this industry, Ava. I have no doubt that you will make a name for yourself."
"And please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any difficulties in the future, alright?" She spoke.
"Thank you for everything, Ms. Paisley."
"You're welcome, dear. Now come on, you wouldn't want to be late for your own farewell party."
***
"Welcome to Estelle. As you may know, our company hosts a monthly welcome every Saturday for the new recruits. So, take this time to enjoy yourselves before the real work starts." The man who was most likely one of the employees, announced before leaving the stage.
Geez, this place looks like a ballroom.
Although this was a welcome party, the soft murmurs and shuffling of feet gave an awkward vibe. Afterall, it is a little uncomfortable to be shoved into a room with a bunch of strangers. I would be lying if I didn't feel anxious about having to socialize with others. Who wouldn't?
The fact that they had managed to get into this company by themselves, speaks a great deal about their individual potential and capability. On the other hand, I'd like to consider myself as one who entered based on pure luck.
The smell of cuisine wafting in the air sent my stomach into a loud growl, prompting me to join the buffet line. Grabbing a plate full of tomato-sauced spaghetti and a few nuggets on the side, I grabbed a cup before filling it with fruit punch.
"Ah!" The contents in the cup were sent hurling on my white blouse, staining the new garment I had purchased for the first day of work, pink. Meanwhile, the horror-stricken lady who stood in front with a now emptied cup was apologizing profusely for her blunder.
"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me." Quickly, she grabbed a couple of napkins to wipe the stains off my blouse.
"It's alright." I sighed, clearly knowing that I was feeling the exact opposite of what I said. But, looking at her guilt-filled eyes, I decided to let it go. "I'll just clean this up with a washroom."
"I'll help you." She replied.
"It's okay." I assured, politely declining the offer. But in truth, I was afraid that she would proceed to accidentally worsen the state of my shirt. "I'll be back. In the meantime, please take care of these." I smiled, pushing my plate and cup into her hands.
"I'm really sorry." Her watery eyes sent off an alarm that blared loudly at the back of my head; my reputation sullied if I were thought to have made this girl cry before my first day of work.
"I'm really fine. Besides, it's not like I'm bleeding or anything." I swiftly uttered, hoping that my words would comfort and persuade her from letting those tears fall. "I'll be back in a bit." Briskly, I strolled out the room and followed the signs to the washroom, ignoring the stares that others sent my way.
Why does the toilet have to be so far away when I need it?
When I finally reached my destination, I thanked God that there was no one to see the mess I was in. Leaving myself with only a singlet, I rapidly removed my blouse to run the stained area under water, scrubbing the pastel contents away.
I am pathetic.
That miserable feeling overtook me as I stood in that quiet place, furiously washing away the stains. Perhaps I was overreacting, or that I was letting my emotions get ahead of me. But is it so hard for me to have at least one perfect day?
Squeezing the wet fabric, I strolled over to the hand dryer before stretching out the cloth, hoping that the heat would at least help straighten the scrunched-up portion.
-Flashback-
"Oh honey, that's great! I knew you could do it." My mom burst out, enveloping me in a tight embrace.
Meanwhile, my dad who previously had his eyes focused on an article before him, looked up and said, "proud of you, kiddo."
Dad was an overseas representative of his company. And most of the time spent would be him travelling to some other countries. Mom wasn't quite happy when he broke the news to her, but she eventually gave in upon seeing how much we needed the money. I guess you could say that it was a double-edged sword.
"So, when are you starting work?" My mom asked while setting the table for dinner.
"Monday." I replied, but somehow feeling a little doubtful about the job offer. I mean if it were not for the stack of documents, I would have never been given this opportunity.
Mom, who seemed to have noticed, stopped from whatever she was doing and placed both her palms on each of my shoulder. "Be confident in yourself, Ava. Your dad and I know that you have really worked. Hasn't this been your goal to work at Estelle?"
"Your mother's right." My dad boomed, placing his newspapers down. "Do not belittle yourself but believe that you have what it takes to do great things; every little thing that you do will amount to greatness."
-End of Flashback-
Alright.
With the blouse now dried and relatively straightened, I donned it back on as the heat from the hand dryer spread throughout my skin. Looking at the mirror for a couple more seconds to adjust my attire and hair, I took a deep breath before exhaling, putting on a confident look.
Let's do this!
Just as I stepped out, a sudden impact pushed me back into the bathroom, causing me to stumble as I clung firmly on the doorknob to prevent my butt from kissing the floor.
Urgh! What now?
A sense of irritation arose with the temptation to reprimand that jerk. Steadying myself, I looked up to see a tall man standing before me. I drew back a gasp as the palpitation that throbbed against my chest threatened to break free. The painful ache in my heart brought back every single memory from 5 years ago. My hands fell from the doorknob as I felt all the strength sucked out of me. The overpowering emotions drew tears to my eyes as I cupped a hand over my mouth in utter shock.
Many times, I dreamed of looking at your face once more. But it is only when I am asleep that it could have been made possible. But yet, here you are...
"Nicholas."
"Excuse me?" The man that held the same eyes as Nicholas stared at me with a confused expression; even the depth and richness of his voice mimics that of him.
Impossible. I must be dreaming.
I continued staring at him, wiping away the tears from my eyes, unaware of what to say as my heart continued to thud at a furious rate.
"Who is Nicholas?" He questioned.
Quickly, I snapped out of my current state and focused my attention back on him.
"Umm its nothing. You just uhmm...reminded me of someone." I closed the bathroom door, stepping away from the entrance, closing the distance between us.
"And who should that be?" His cologne now filling the air, prompting me to nervously lick my lips before I increased the space between us.
My lover.
Idiot. I can't possibly say that. He'll think that I'm hitting on him.
"Just someone really close to me." I simply responded, sorely wanting to get off this subject.
"A lover?" His sudden words took me aback. And after a few moments of silence, a scoff was heard.
"Cat got your tongue?"
"I am not trying to flirt with you if that's what you mean." I defended, feeling a subtle annoyance.
"I didn't say anything. Why are you getting so defensive?"
"Because I do not want you to think that I was hitting on you."
"Why? Were you attempting to hit on me?" A smirk surfaced upon his lips.
"If you are aware of what I spoke a second ago, then no, I am definitely not hitting on you." I pursed my lips, trying to douse my anger before it decided to break.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. After all, aren't the meaning always the opposite of what a woman actually says?"
This punk.
"Well, I guess you are mistaken. Might I remind you that you have yet to apologize to me?" Holding back the urge to punch him in the face. Then again, this was how it all started with Nicholas.
Ohhhh this is way too familiar.
"Right...But weren't you the one who bumped into me?" He taunted.
"You little-"
"Shit?"
"Look pal, perhaps your eyes are stuck on top of your head, but I beg to differ that I was the one bumping you." The man before me chuckled, flooding my head with memories of Nicholas that threatened a sudden and sharp pain in my chest.
"Why are you laughing?" I questioned. Staring at him with the most intimidating stare that I could muster.
"What's your name." He spoke, his voice void of any form of tease or taunt but rather, replaced with a respectful one.
"Ava Winters." I replied coldly. "You?" He began walking away without any answer. "Hey! What's your name?!" I shouted, as he walked further and further away.
"Crosby," He continued walking with his eyes kept straight ahead. "Nathan Crosby."
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Ava."
It was right then that I realized one thing...
I'm screwed.