Painted Love-Matisse Thybulle

Chapter One: New Beginnings

On some nights like this, shawty, I can't help but think of us
I've been reminiscin', sippin', missin' ya
Can you tell me what's with all this distant love?
If I called, would you pick it up?

The alarm on Casey's phone rang as she rolled over to her side, stretching her body before sliding her eye mask off. She was still getting use to her new apartment in Connecticut which she had only been in for a week. The biggest smile spread across her face as she remember what day it was.

Today's the day! Can't be late.

Just a few weeks ago, Casey had graduated from the University of Louisville where she not only worked part time as a data analyst with the athletic department but also cheered on the All-Girl team. Not only did she walk away with connections and work experience, but a couple of NCA collegiate titles. She also picked up a couple of Worlds titles with GymTyme Allstars which her college coach Misty owned. Her last title came one week after graduating with a 4.0 in Sports Administration with a minor in Applied Statistics. For the most part, she loved her time at Louisville and cried as she drove away for good. Tears started to roll down her face at the thought of leaving her second home but she pushed it away. No Case. We aren't doing this today. Casey wasn't going to let homesickness get her today. Bristol was her home now.

Casey slide out of bed and turned on her favorite Spotify playlist. It was the same playlist she used when getting ready for every gameday and cheer competition in college. Not only did it help calm down her nerves, it hyped her up. As she got ready, patting herself on the back for preparing everything the night before, she replayed the moment she found out she would be receiving her dream job. She had just come off the competition floor at Jamfest when the phone call came. She still couldn't believe it, even months later that she landed the job. Casey put on her outfit, black pixie pants from J. Crew, a white button down top from Ralph Lauren, and black pumps. She pulled half of her long, black curly hair back, leaving a few pieces out to frame her face. As she put on her jewelry, she wondered if she should wear one of her championship rings. At the last minute, she pulled on her very first worlds ring which was a simple silver ring that said 'World Champ' around it as she headed out the door. She continued to jam out on until she reached her destination. As she reached the building of her office, she could see the big letters ahead of her, ESPN. Casey held up her phone to the security guard to show that she was a new employee. 

"Welcome to ESPN! Glad to have another fellow Card up here in Bristol! Just take a left up here and park in the spaces that are marked Employee in red. That's the parking for all the newbies. Once you get your ID and parking tag, you can park in the unmarked spaces. My names Maurice. I'm here everyday if you ever need me. Have a good day and Go Cards"  

"Thank you!"  Casey held up the Louisville L hand sign at Maurice and waved as the gate opened. One thing she loved about the 'Ville, was how homey the community made her feel. Had the job at ESPN not come through, she would have easily moved on to working full time at Louisville. She loved it there that much. She was excited to have a fellow Alum at the front gate. 

Casey parked her RAV4 and walked through the door with a few of the other new employees. A balloon arch was set up in the lobby for the "Employee Draft Day" or new employee orientation. Casey made sure to snap a selfie to send to her dad and older brother Chris. They were more excited that she had this job than she was. 

Casey: Day One! Here we go! Wish me good luck.

                                                                               Chris: Luck? Nah, you got this. You're going to kill it SeSe.

                                                                               Dad: You're built for this SeSe! Daddy's proud of you!

Casey: Love you both! Will send updates when I can.

Casey put her phone away with a smile as she picked up her new employee bag filled with information and gifts before grabbing some of the complimentary breakfast. Casey was beginning to met some of the other employees but realized that it would be a little harder to make new friends at work. Most of the other employees were working in the production, writing, and radio departments. Her job was in the Data and Statistics department which was much smaller than the others. Casey was the only new data analyst to the company, so once the main part of orientation was over (so much paperwork), she would be meeting her new boss apart from everyone else. A small, blonde middle age woman with a big bright smile and bright colored clothes strolled in. 

"Casey Bailey? Right this way! Mr. Wilkinson is finishing up a meeting and asked me to bring you right up. My name is Erica! I'm the administrative assistant for the Data and Statistics department. Anything you need, you let me know! Now what is this I hear about you being a cheerleader? Mr. Wilkinson said you were quite the athlete." 

"Yes ma'am! I was an Allstar Cheerleader for 18 years. I also was a cheerleader at Louisville. on their All Girl team."  Casey beamed as she told her. People didn't consider cheer to be a sport so it was nice to hear someone call her an athlete.

"Louisville Cheer? I knew I recognized you from somewhere! Mr. Wilkinson always shows us the Nationals Routines since he graduated from there. That program is something special. I hope you bring in your rings and show the staff. I hear you have quite the collection." 

Casey chuckled as she tried to keep up with Erica who walked as fast as she talked. Erica stopped every so often to point out different parts of the building to Casey, who was taking as many notes as she could. Before she knew it, she had reached the office of Jeremiah Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson was an active Louisville Alum who went to many of the  games. One day in between the men and womens basketball double header during Casey's Junior year, she was introduced to him by her boss. Jeremiah had kept a close eye on Casey and offered her a job in his department during her senior year. 

"Well it's about to Ms. Bailey! Welcome, Welcome! I have BIG plans for you. Come have a seat and let's talk about your role here. You need anything?"  Casey sat down and took in her surroundings as Jeremiah talked. Jeremiah was a tall, lanky white guy who looked like he should be working for Apple or Microsoft rather than ESPN. He was just as animated as Erica, waving his hands around as he spoke. "I have been trying so dang hard to fill someone for this role but almost everyone around here isn't up for traveling all the time."  

Traveling? Casey thought to herself. This is LIT! Dad and Chris are going to flip when I tell him! 

"Casey, you are the perfect person to work under Maria Taylor. She's swamped with so much that she needs some help pulling player stats and analyzing them. You did such a great job under Nate, so I have confidence you can handle it here." 

"Wait, What! Maria Taylor!?!?!?"

"Oh yes ma'am! You will be working exclusively with the College Game Day and NBA Countdown Crews."