Metanoia: A Sequel

Chapter 5: Coincidental?

After Logan left, Rory underwent the process she needed to go through in order to officially become an editor-in-chief. She signed a contract between herself and Ms. Touchard, garnered the items she would need to perform her new job, including her name tag, and was introduced to her new desk.

"You are a unique case because you are also willing to be a writer. Why don't you switch to part-time writing to free up space for your editor-in-chief duties?" Ms. Touchard suggested as she set down a form for Rory to complete to revert to a position as a part-time writer.

"I would like that very much," Rory assured her. She uncapped the pen she was grasping, put the cap between her teeth, filled out a few blanks, and signed at the bottom.

"This was your last paper to complete. You are now editor-in-chief," Ms. Touchard announced. "I will deliver the news to your coworkers so that they'll know you're in charge of the editing process." She seized the form and clicked away, her sparkling stilettos rapping the floor as she strolled away.

Rory jaunted around in her new room. The walls were bare, consisting of a thin layer of yellow paint peeling off, and the floor was cleaned out, probably because the last editor-in-chief had retired. All there was present was a single CD. Teeming with curiosity, she picked it up, searching the cover with her eyes.

Best of luck with your new job! -L

At first, Rory perceived the CD's Sharpie-inscribed message to be addressed to the previous editor-in-chief, Dr. Gillson. Maybe she could have forgotten it while she was packing, Rory told herself. She could have had another job she wanted to transfer to, right? A new place of employment?

But Dr. Gillson had retired once and for all. She was too frail to carry on with new job opportunities. The curiosity foaming at the top of her head, Rory examined the CD's message again.

Best of luck with your new job! -L

L? New job? This had to be from Logan.

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Rory arrived home, feeling upbeat. Inside her head, the active thoughts of her were break-dancing to rap songs. Rap songs that could last a lifetime. She was carrying her bag, the CD safely stored in the back pocket and her name tag pinned onto the front. She couldn't wait to tell Ashton. Her excitement was bubbling, like chemical reactions involving alkali metals, the elements that react violently. Going to Chilton High School had educated her on chemistry meticulously, even though she was pursuing journalism. She chuckled silently, being reminded of competing with Paris Geller in the class back in memory lane.

Ashton opened the door before Rory could dig out the key. He looked tired, as if he had overworked himself. However, his fatigue never stopped him from greeting Rory with his daily kisses. He carried her into the house, sat her on the couch, and leaned beside her, wrapping his arms around her hips and tickling her. Rory sighed with laughter and joy.

"How was my bunny today?" Ashton affectionately asked. He cared enough to do so every day, and this was no ordinary day like the others. Rory remembered that Logan had called her "Ace" as a way of endearment towards her, just like how Ashton called her "my bunny." She forgot what news she was looking forward to announcing to Ashton. When she did, she promptly replied, "I was promoted today. I'll still write, but I'm editor-in-chief now. Just like at Yale."