Matilda

two

"Shit, shit, shit... why does this happen now?!" I cuss to myself while wiping the coffee stains off the kitchen floor. I have to leave in five minutes to get there in time, how am I supposed to do that now, with my shirt looking like I fished it right out of the trash can...

I throw the paper towel in the trash and run out of the kitchen through the hallway and into my bedroom. I throw open the drawer and search for anything new to wear. I'm already wearing black flared jeans and my brown converse, thank god they didn't get stained with the coffee.

I throw my dirty, white cropped top over my head and except that I probably can't save it, the skin on my stomach burns like hell thanks to the hot coffee I so graciously spread over it.

I fish an old, grey Nirvana-band shirt out of the drawer, put it on and tuck it inside my jeans in the front. I hope I look still somewhat presentable. My hair's down in my natural waves and I put on some light make-up.

I make my way towards the door and grab my bag and portfolio before I rush out of my flat and down the stairs.

I don't know if this day is gonna be good, now that I already had a shitty morning. I mean it already felt too good to be true yesterday, so maybe the universe is giving me a sign to not do this and don't say yes, I have no idea. I guess I'll have to see how it goes, hopefully, the day doesn't get any worse than it already is.

I get in my car, which is parked in front of my building, and start driving. The drive to the place they emailed me isn't that far to be fair. And thank goodness that the traffic is moving today, so the drive is indeed not that long. So after good five minutes, I park my ramshackle old vehicle in front of a huge office building, turn the engine off, grab all my stuff and get out of the car.

As I'm on my way toward the front doors, my phone buzzes and I grab it out of the back pocket of my jeans. It's a text from Val.

Val: You're gonna smash it babe, don't think too much. Just do what feels right. Love u<3

I smile at her message, if it just would be that simple... I try to text back with my tote bag around my shoulder and my portfolio tucked under my arm, that I've two free hands.

To Val: Thanks:) will let u know how it goes, love u too<33

Before I tuck my phone away I look at the time and almost drop my phone, when I see that I have the appointment in exactly one minute. I cuss to myself and start running. It's the end of June and for the typical London weather, it's quite hot, I've no idea why I just didn't put on some dress or shorts or something, I'm sweating like hell.

I reach the heavy glass door, swing it open and make my way straight to the elevators. The doors open and I step in, still somewhat out of breath. I click the button for the 13th floor, at least I didn't forget this.

The doors close and that's when I lean back and shut my eyes for a second and take a deep breath. I still don't know if it's the right thing. Maybe it's the fact that I simply cannot fathom why, out of all applicants, they chose me.
I was unsure about all that from the beginning, but Val kinda talked me into it, which is not bad. She makes me do things I wouldn't do if it weren't because of her and those things make me happy once I started, so I guess it's a good thing, I just need a push.

The doors open and I step into a bright hallway and a reception right in front of me. Behind the high desk is an elderly woman, already looking at me.

"You must be Matilda Graham, I assume?" She asks me with a kind smile, already expecting me, as I step towards her.

"Millie, yeah. I'm here for an appointment with Mr Azoff." I answer, still breathing heavily, shit is this embarrassing. But the woman only smiles at me and stands up from her chair. She starts walking down the hallway but doesn't say anything more so I just follow her. She suddenly stops in front of a door on the left, knocking three times, before someone opens it.