PARKER | Dark H.S. AU

lv. extra miles

Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2014

It had started to rain the moment the sole of her boots made contact with the pavement, sliding herself out of the cab. She winces as the downpour pelts over her now damp blonde hair, streaming her forehead and cheeks. She ignores it as she stops in front of the intimidating structure before her, taking a sharp breath in just for a brief moment before she decides to man up and cut the distance between her and the entrance.

A receptionist behind his small podium regards her through the glass, but his gaze do not hold a friendly expression. He watches her like a hawk, studying her steps until her feet leaves the stoop as she opens the double-doors.

Entering the building feels like stepping to a whole different world. The soft warm air that engulfs her soothes her skin, heating up her cheeks. The rain has been silenced by the thick glass walls, even more as the doors went to a close behind her. Her eyes go wide, marvelling at the opulence and extravagance of each material. Even the shiny floors seem like they're made of rare gems and crystals. The interior, in general, is just as intimidating as the outside. Only inside, you're provided with an even more impressive perspective.

People rush about the large lobby, holding some sort of important papers, some stashed in black cases. Some hold conversations with others, while the others are obviously preoccupied with their tasks as they lounge in an allocated space with plush couches. More are running to and fro the silver elevator. Charlie stands by, observing and feeling like a fish out of water. Her eyes scan the area in a sort of panic way.

Where should she probably start looking?

She has never been inside the Aviculars' building until now and the more she stands still, not knowing what to do next, the more she regrets ever coming. And then she remembers the very reason why she did.

She starts for the elevator, but decides against it just as more employees come and huddle behind and pass her by to use it. She doesn't even know which floor is his office. She'd probably look utterly lost and stupid if she just walks in a random floor full of working people.

Needless to say, she backs away and head back to where she came from minutes ago. Swallowing hard, she approaches the small counter provided for the male receptionist. The man, tall and mighty with a day-old scruff framing his square jaw, fixes his steely gaze down at her. He has an air of cynicism around him. Just by his boring eyes, Charlie could sense him sizing her up, judging...suspecting. Nevertheless, the blonde retains the tight smile stretched on her lips.

"Hey." She starts through a breath, her hand coming to her forehead to sway a few strand of hair before placing it on the counter. She keeps her blue eyes on his gray ones. The man only straightens a little and raise a brow to show he is waiting for her to say something. "I'm looking for Mr. Harry Styles' office."

"Do you have an appointment?" He tries to sound polite, but it's obvious how low he looks down on her.

She could almost hear him calling her names such as ambitious, opportunist...and the like.

"No. I just really need to talk-"

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I can't let you go further without an appointment." He cuts her off with a snide undertone in his voice.

"You don't understand. I really need to talk-"

"That's what everybody says, Ma'am. I do understand, but that's the rule. No one sees the big man without an appointment." He tells her as if it's final and she couldn't refute about it anymore.

When Charlie finally releases an audible sigh of defeat -- her eyes cast down to her toes, her shoulders slump --, a glint of a wicked smirk rise on the receptionist's face.