The Sanctuary

All I've Ever Wanted (1)

***

Walking along the busy streets of Bangkok gave him a different feeling. He has been to some busy streets in other countries, but this was so different. People walked around on their phones without considering whether they bumped into other passersby. People anxiously waiting for taxis or their ride to God knows where.

He smiled at what he was observing. He loved people-watching. Here he was, slowly walking in a place where everyone was moving too fast. He could already picture what she would paint next.

Prem Warut Chawalitrujiwong, a young artist, has just arrived in New York searching for ideas for his next exhibit. With his big backpack on, he continued walking while observing the people around him. He stopped at the corner of a modern building to take some pictures of the place. When he moved his attention to the hallway of the building where he was standing, he noticed a job post at the reception for temporary help for the Executive Assistant of the CEO.

Without even thinking, he went inside to inquire about the said post.

"Excuse me," he said as he approached the reception.

The receptionist, a tall brunette woman, looked at him from head to toe. "Yes, how may I help you?" She said, a bit rudely to Prem's perspective.

"I'm just gonna ask about the post you have for temporary help for the Executive Assistant."

"You're gonna apply?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "In that outfit?"

Prem then looked at what he was wearing, an off-white sweater and denim ripped jeans.

There's nothing wrong with them. He thought.

"Uhm. . . Yeah. . . Is there anything wrong with them?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just that. . . You're different from the others who came."

"Oh. . . kay. . . So. . . Where can I go to apply?" He said dismissing the receptionist's remark.

"Go to the 28th floor. Here's an information sheet you should fill out. Give it to the receptionist on the floor." She instructed without even looking at him after asking for an identification and giving him a visitor's pass.

"Thanks." He said even though he knew she wouldn't mind if he said his appreciation.

He walked towards the elevator. While waiting, he felt some people arrived and stopped behind him. He entered the lift and stayed in the far corner. His attention was still on the paper in his hand when someone cleared his throat.

"Applicant?" He heard him ask.

He looked up and saw the most beautiful face of a man he had ever encountered. He was in a gray suit that fit his lean body. Next to him was a woman as beautiful as he was, a bit older than him, he guessed, but looked smart and approachable because of that big smile she had on her face. "For what position?" The woman asked.

"Oh. . . For the temporary assistant of the EA, ma'am."

"Really? I heard there were already a few applicants who arrived earlier. Good luck then."

"Thank you. I'm not expecting much, though." He said then smiled at him.

"You can leave your backpack at the reception when you reach the floor."

"Oh. . . Can I? That's good. Thanks."

He felt a little chill when he sensed someone was looking at him. When he looked at where that someone was, he saw the man in a suit staring at him. He didn't even bother looking away.