Willow Weep For Me (temporary title)

Chapter 4- Apologies Do No Harm, Old Faces Does

It has been almost 3 months since Melanie and Sammy began working together, a lot of progress has been made. And because a certain ginger woman was interweaning and holding back the music director from screaming at his subordinates randomly and leaving supportive sticky notes as a protest against “Lawrence Letters'', a new board has been created next to the “Sammy’s Wall of Shame” named “Melanie’s Hall of Honor” also open to art department employees with doodles she has left for her subordinates as well as the sticky notes. Some people might think that Sammy wouldn’t be so pleased that someone else is “taking his spotlight” as the cafeteria gossip gang puts it. But, that was what Sammy wanted all along. Someone helping him. Yes, it is true that he did complain about those who tried what Melanie is doing before but none could be as efficient. Success is what he seeks after all. Also, something Melanie considers a bigger achievement is during them planning episode schedules and error-checking the finished pieces, her and Sammy talking about something other than deadlines to meet and critiques of the episodes. They had a long discussion about teenagers and current opinions about art when Melanie mentioned she used to be an art teacher. They both held similar interests about history and classic art it seemed. Sammy couldn't remember the last time he had a refreshing conversation like this, his respect towards Melanie growing bigger gradually. Although an outside perspective can think that these two are completely opposite, Melanie couldn't oversee the similarities she has with Sammy. They had passion, every product crafted by their hands is filled with dedication. Each one, even if Sammy may disagree, is more than something they’ve created as it being a responsibility. But they had big differences too, clearly. Especially about facing mistakes and difficulties in their path…
Two directors had an agreement: the two will spend the launch break in Sammy’s office every monday and friday to create a schedule and make reports and go through the progress made. That is why Melanie is making her way to the music directors office. Friday, last work day of the week which means them going through episodes made which is Melanie’s favourite part. She was just about to knock on the door when she heard the harsh voice of him.
“How much of a brain dead idiot you have to be- ugh- are you sure you graduated middle school?”
This was enough for Melanie to open the door without knocking. The person who Sammy was insulting, Norman Polk who is in charge of recording and editing, directly towards Melanie and the pissed off look on his face disappeared with a relieved smile and Sammy gradually getting more annoyed.
“Norman? What’s the issue?”
Sammy plumped down onto his chair, rolling his eyes. There goes the goodie-two-shoes, here to save the day! He thought sarcastically and intervened before Norman could even open his mouth.
“Norman here messed up the whole special episode, which to remind you is due today, the whole video is totally corrupt and he couldn't even lift his fingers up and check before sending it.”
Norman grunted in annoyance. Glaring at Sammy before turning to Melanie once again.
“Well I did check. I was trying to find the reason for the issue before he called me here. Maybe you can explain that to Mr Perfect Engineer because certainly someone refuses to understand.”
That made Melanie glare at Sammy. Pouting ,which is a habit of hers when she concentrates on something.
“That was something I should’ve been aware of before you corner MY subordinate who works in MY department and insult him, Sammy. So any complaints come to ME.”
She stated, arms crossed around her chest. Norman awkwardly keeps standing there, pretty sure he hasn’t seen the woman’s freckled face this angry over the few months he knows her. Sammy’s face isn't so bright either, making Norman feel like he’s in the middle of a crossfire.
“Alright, so you want complaints, good. Because yes, I should’ve come to you first because it’s YOUR mistake. It's because you treat this like a fifth grade art project and being oh-so-kindly ‘positive’ but just so you can play Pollyanna, your department keeps slacking off.”
Sammy snapped, many hours of work being ruined making him fueled with anger, to a point he doesn't even calculate his words before talking. And how unlucky Sammy is that the woman he’s insulting has the same authority and she doesn’t look that understanding towards Sammy’s continuous attitude.
“Alright. Good, great. Keep spitting this nonsense, Mr Lawrence but before doing that make sure you check how the studio’s production speed increased and who was helping you.”
Melanie remarked before leaving. After a brief moment of silence Norman muttered under his breath
“I owe Wally 20 bucks… couldn't you two wait one more week”
And he basically sprinted out of the office to fix the mistake, leaving Sammy alone in his spiralling thoughts and dying rage.