One Wish

24

When Elijah saw the Langley Building she was sure that the calling card she was holding was not phony. And the curiosity deepened even more. From where she stood her eyes gradually rose to the building.

Whew! She exclaimed. She counted more than fifty floors and there were still floors up. And her neck arched in surprise.

She decided to just enter the lobby. Blending in with the people inside. There were five elevators on each side. She did not know which floor the calling card owner's office was on. She approached a security guard.

Excuse me, on which floor is Ms. Langley's office?

Which of the two Langley, ma'am? The eldest or the younger one? Elijah didn't answer right away. What does she know if the eldest or the youngest owns the calling card? She opened the shoulder bag and took from there the calling card and showed it to the guard.

The guard's forehead furrowed slightly and from the calling card, his eyes lifted to Elijah. So, the boss changed her taste. He thinks she's just a student. Unsophisticated with her hair in a braid. No makeup is other than pinkish lipstick. Wearing blue jeans shorts and a white cotton blouse.

This calling card is for the younger Langley, ma'am. He pointed to the elevator. The vice president's office is on the thirtieth floor. Just ask when you get there.

Thank you.

Elijah arrived on the thirtieth floor. She approached the woman in front of the computer. The woman is in her late thirties.

Good morning.

The secretary turned to her. May I help you? She asked in a trained professional voice. Her eyes tactfully surveyed her appearance. Elijah cleared her throat for a moment before speaking. I'd like to see Ms. Langley... J. N. Langley.

Do you have any appointments?

She smiled and shook her head. I'm afraid none. But I have her calling card here along with a note that I could see her anytime. She said, editing the message in the bottle. If the secretary asks for the note she is sure she will not be able to show it. It was still inside the bottle and she left it on the lawn by the dock. As she shows the calling card to the secretary she begins to think about what excuse she's going to say in case she asks for the note.

But when the secretary stared at the calling card she had a feeling she didn't have to invent anything else to say.

She picked up the intercom and punched three numbers. Oh, ma'am Jessica! The secretary was not expecting Jessica to be there although the office of the company president and vice president had connecting doors. There's a visitor out here. She wants to meet your sister. She waited for a moment, then looked up at Elijah. May I know your name, Miss?

Elijah... Elijah Hope Peterson.

A certain Miss Peterson, Ms. Jessica. And she doesn't have an appointment, but she's holding your sister's blue calling card. The secretary looked up at her again. Who referred you, Miss? Elijah gasped. She did not think that talking to the card's owner is not that easy.

A common acquaintance. I'm sorry, but he doesn't say his name.

The secretary repeated Elijah's answer. There was a moment of listening to what was being said on the other line before lowering the inter-phone. The secretary faces Elijah.

I'm sorry, Miss, but Ms. Langley wants to know- She stopped speaking when the boss's door opened.

Both of their eyes were focused on the door. From there came out a woman. Poised and stunning. The makeup is light. Wearing a gold-yellow dress accented by large black pearls on the neck and ears. And black high-heeled shoes.

Who wants to meet my sister, Camille? She asked as she shifted her gaze to Elijah.

A little frown appeared on her forehead. And like the secretary, she tactfully stared at Elijah. Then a friendly and accommodating smile appeared on her coral lips. She stepped towards her.

Hello. I'm Jessica. You were looking for Ms. Langley?

She swallowed. Good... morning. Elijah was momentarily confused. Can't find the right word to say.

What was her purpose in that office? And for the first time since she found the message and calling card, why now she suddenly doesn't dare to ask. And what will she answer if they insist on knowing who gave her the calling card?

She was an idiot. They will laugh at her once she says where the calling card came from. And Marley was right, she must have thrown the calling card in the trash bin earlier or maybe the very day she saw it.

Well? Jessica asked again.

M-maybe it was a mistake that I came. She cleared her throat. I-I'm sorry...

Jessica's eyebrows arched again with confusion on her face. Sympathy sees on her face for her. She took her by the arm and led her to the door as if she were a lost child.

What do you want with my sister? Have you met her in person?

She shook her head. No, ma'am. It was foolish of me to come straight here. I'm applying for... for a job. She said the first alibi that entered her mind. Perhaps it was better if I went to the personnel.

I see. But here you are. Camille said you showed my sister's blue calling card... who gave it to you?

Before Elijah could answer they were already at the opening of the open door. And from where she stood she saw the woman she intended to see. In an all-black suit. Crouched at the large executive desk and writing. Behind her is a tinted glass wall that overlooks the entire city.

Jasmine looked up. Stretched her body lazily. Who wants to talk to me- She stopped in mid-sentence. Her eyes blinked slightly. Hoping her sight only deceived her. She fought to believe that Elijah was not there. She must have longed to see her desperately and her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Jasmine! Elijah's eyes widened in disbelief. Quickly picked up the calling card and re-read the name written on it.

J.N Langley. Jasmine means the abbreviation J.

She looked up again. You're the J.N. Langley here on the calling card? Her eyes are wide in disbelief.

Even as the world shattered around her, Jasmine gave her credit for the act of surprise. She was very good. If she were an actress, she could win an award for her performance.