burnt - k. smith (the rewrite)

three

"Uh," you stammered, the lights around you flickering. "Unfortunately, there's something to be attended to. We hope to be able to continue this interview another day or―" 

"Stop! Stop the interview, just stop!" The harsh clap of Charlie's hands snapped you out of your anxious trance. There at the snack table were the ninja, cooling down their anger. Cole was taking a few sips of water, massaging the bridge of his nose. 

Nya was in Jay's arms, leaning into the comfort he offered her. The stress on them was obvious. As the stage lights went down and main lights came up, you dusted yourself off and stood, readying yourself to wander over and apologize to the ninja. 

"Hey, I―" 

"Y/n!" 

You flinched at the sound of your name and turned towards a very angry Charlie who was storming his way towards you. The papers rustled in his hands as he threw his arms up. "What the hell was that?" 

"I was only doing what you were suggesting." 

"What kind of questions were you asking? I mean, you had them walking out two questions in! I knew you had a repulsive nature about you, but damn!" 

You cringed. "Thanks. Appreciate the feedback." 

"Damn right you better appreciate it, missy." Charlie yanked you away and had you follow him as the crew began to clean up their stations. "Because in your next job, you're going to want to listen to my damn feedback."

Your brow furrowed. "What?" 

Charlie spun on one foot. "Y/n, I never was fond of having you on the team. I'm letting you go." 

Your jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?" 

"Believe it or not, Y/n, this isn't a joke." 

"Please, I need the job." But Charlie was already turning his back to you. "Please, Charlie." 

"If you needed the job so badly, you should have kept it better." 

"But I've been such a diligent worker until now. Public speaking was never my forte." 

He scoffed. "That's for sure." 

"But Charlie, you have to admit that I am a good worker. I do write good stories. Stories people want to read." 

Charlie's steps paused. "You know what, Y/n." 

"What?" 

"Go out and find a good story. I don't care where, and I don't care when you come back with it. But you can have your job back when you come back with something that impresses me. Until then, I don't want to see your face again. Just pack your things and go." It hurt even more. This time, he didn't sound angry, just tired of your persistence. It was true, you were a hard worker, but it was also very true that Charlie had never liked you. 

You took your bag and started on your way out. 

"Miss?"

"What?" 

"That isn't your outfit." You recognized the makeup artist from earlier, Anna. "I'm sorry, but we'll need to have it back. Your clothes are just hanging right over there." 

You looked down at the fancy purple set, then at your tattered attempt at looking nice hanging on a rack. "Yeah," you replied. "Got it." 

- 

Beams of sunlight were bleeding through cracks between buildings, blinding you. You shielded your face and came to the realization that it was twelve in the afternoon and your stomach was still empty.