The Rise and Fall of Aspen Dawn

o n e

My palms were sweating, I wiped them on my skirt.

Don't screw this up

I swallowed a lump in my throat and stared at the clock on the wall, 12:46. My interview was supposed to be at 12:30, and no one would tell me what was delaying it. I wiped at my forehead, was that sweat or oil? Either way it was gross, I started rummaging through my bag, looking for a compact mirror.

"Aspen?" My head snapped up.

"That's me." I said, way too panicky. The girl standing in the entryway who called my name looked about my age, she couldn't have been that much older than me.

"He's ready for you now." I nodded and got up to follow her, the doors to the hallway were much larger up close. The hallway was dim lit, which made for a sort of menacing effect. I thought about going to the bathroom to throw up now so I wouldn't do it during the interview. When we got to his office, she opened the door and poked her head in.

"Mr. Reynolds? Oh I'm sorry-I didn't mean to-your 12:30 appointment?" I couldn't see inside his office but I could hear lots of movement and a flustered Mr. Reynolds say,

"Yes! One second, just one second, I'll be ready momentarily. Shut the door, Cassandra." She pulled her head out of the doorway and hugged her clipboard to her chest. She had a weird look on her face and she was blushing. Just as Mr. Reynolds said he would he opened the door a moment later, and a tall blonde lady came out with her skirt all rode up and her shirt unbuttoned.

My interview was delayed so he could have a quickie in his office? What the f*ck? I scoffed as the lady walked past me, pulling down her skirt.

Calm down, Aspen, this is your dream job.

I took a deep breathe and put on a smile, then walked into his office. He was older, probably in his 40's, and he was balding. This was the chance of a lifetime, to work with the biggest production company in the world. I needed this job more than anything, I needed to be a producer. If I didn't nail this interview my life would be over, I'm not exaggerating.

I reached out to shake his hand but he stayed sitting and all he said was,

"Take a seat." I did as he told. It was quiet for second. I took the initiative.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to-"

"What's your name?" He interrupted. I stuttered for a second. What is this guys problem?

"Um, Aspen." He rolled his eyes.

"Okay 'Um Aspen,' do you have a resume?" I nodded and reached for my folder, with shaking hands.

"Yes, here you go." He licked his lips, it made an awful smacking sound and I cringed.

"I see here you put down, 'film festival winner' in special achievements?" I beamed.

"Yes, that was in high school and we had to submit short films for film class and mine was about bullying and I used this really cool software that-" He put his hand up, like he wanted me to stop talking, so I did. Finally he put it down.

"What have you achieved since you graduated?" I opened my mouth but didn't say anything.

"Well, I've started a few things, I just haven't finished them..." I trailed off, embarrassed that I didn't have anything impressive.

"Are you any good at camera work? Directing?" He asked, I sat up straight and pulled out my folder,

"Yes, very." I said, sure of myself, excited to show him the work I'd done.