The Morning Rush
The soft hum of the alarm clock pierced the stillness of the room, its shrill sound cutting through the early morning silence. The light from the city filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room. Millie’s eyes fluttered open, groggy yet alert, her body instinctively stretching out under the crisp white sheets. At 27, she had mastered the art of balancing work and life, but mornings like this, the rush before a big day, always tested her limits.
The camera pans across her chic, minimalistic apartment—clean lines, contemporary art on the walls, a coffee table stacked with magazines, and a sleek desk with her laptop open, a news report paused mid-scroll. The clock on the wall reads 7:30 AM. She has an hour before her shift at I-Times.
Cut to Millie as she swiftly swings her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet hitting the soft rug with a soft thud. She stands, stretches, and moves toward the bathroom. The door clicks open, and the camera follows her into the bathroom, where the steam from a freshly started shower billows up.
Millie steps under the hot water, eyes closed as the warmth envelops her. The camera captures the delicate details—the soft lather of her shampoo, the way she massages her scalp, the steam rising in the air as she prepares for the day ahead.
In the mirror, the reflection of Millie’s face appears. She checks her complexion, assessing. With a quick swipe, she picks up a facial serum from the counter and applies it, smoothing her skin with practiced ease. Her movements are smooth, deliberate, each task done with the efficiency of someone who’s accustomed to managing the chaos of a fast-paced life.
The camera shifts as Millie steps out of the shower, wrapping herself in a towel. She moves toward her closet—a sleek wardrobe with neatly arranged clothes. Her fingers run over the fabrics: a black dress, a white blouse, a navy blazer. She picks up the perfect black dress, drapes it over her arm, and heads for the vanity.
Cut to the vanity—Millie’s makeup routine is a dance of precision. With one hand, she applies foundation; with the other, expertly lines her eyes. Her focus is unwavering, yet there’s a certain ease to it all. The camera lingers as she reaches for her lipstick, a rich, bold red. The color is a statement—confident, fearless, ready for the day.
As Millie pulls the dress over her head, she glances at her phone on the bed. A message from Honey flashes across the screen: “You ready? Don’t forget your coffee run, Millie!” Millie smiles and types back: “On my way. See you soon.”
She slips into her shoes, grabs her bag, and with one last glance in the mirror, adjusts her hair. The camera zooms in on her reflection—polished, poised, and absolutely in control.
With a final breath, she grabs her keys and heads for the door, the city awaiting her. As she steps out into the hallway, the sound of the elevator door opens with a soft ding, and she walks toward it, a woman on a mission.
The camera fades out as the elevator door closes, Millie’s determined yet calm expression reflected in the metallic surface of the doors.
The Office Arrival
I-Times Newsroom - Morning
The room is a mix of organized chaos, with journalists, producers, and editors all working in sync, a heartbeat of a fast-paced world.
The sound of the elevator door opening echoes down the corridor as Millie steps off. Her heels click against the polished floor, a sharp contrast to the background noise her posture perfect, each step purposeful as she weaves through the maze of desks.
She pauses for a moment, glancing at the large wall clock—8:45 AM. Not bad. She’s right on time.
Just then Honey, her best friend since childhood, who appears from around a corner, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a compact mirror in the other. Honey’s bright smile lights up the room the moment she sees Millie.
Honey (with a playful grin):
“Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence!”
Millie chuckles, shaking her head as she approaches. Honey’s signature vibe—playful, confident, and never without her latest skincare find or makeup obsession—radiates as she does a mock bow, offering Millie the coffee.
Millie (smiling, taking the cup):
“Couldn’t leave the house without my morning fix.”
Honey as she tilts her head slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Preparing for the Interview
I-Times Newsroom - Late Afternoon
The newsroom has settled into a quieter rhythm now, with most of the morning's chaos behind them. The sun is beginning to dip below the city skyline, casting a warm orange glow through the windows. The low hum of the newsroom is punctuated by the occasional click of keyboards, the swish of papers, and the soft murmur of editors discussing final edits.
Millie and Honey are seated at a corner desk, papers scattered in front of them, the soft clinking sound of a coffee mug breaking the silence. Millie’s gaze is focused, scanning through the research material for tomorrow’s high-profile interview—her first solo interview for a major story.
Honey leans back in her chair, typing furiously on her laptop, but her eyes keep darting to Millie, who’s scribbling notes in her planner.
Honey (glancing over):
“Got everything on your end, or do you need me to pull up some more dirt on the guest?”
Millie glances up from her notes, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Millie (sarcastically):
“Dirt? You mean all the juicy details?”
Honey grins, tapping a few keys and swiveling her laptop screen toward Millie. The camera zooms in on the screen, showing a list of intriguing facts about the interviewee—political connections, business deals, even a few rumored scandals.
Honey (mock seriousness):
“Well, you know me—I’m always prepared. I’ve got all the angles covered.”
Millie laughs, shaking her head, but the weight of the task ahead is evident in her expression. She flips through the pages, eyes narrowing in concentration as she reads a particularly tricky part of the interview prep.
Millie (thoughtfully):
“I’ve got to nail this tomorrow. It’s a big deal. If I get this right, it could be a game-changer for my career.”
Honey’s playful demeanor softens as she looks at her best friend. She knows Millie’s drive all too well—her work ethic, her hunger for success.
Honey (with a serious tone, soft but supportive):
“You will. No one can make people listen like you do. Just remember, you are the one in control tomorrow. It’s your show.”
Millie takes a deep breath, her fingers pausing mid-air above her notebook. She looks up at Honey, giving her a small, grateful smile. The words resonate, and for a moment, Millie relaxes, her thoughts shifting from the pressure to the trust in herself.
Millie (nodding):
“Thanks, Honey. I needed that.”
Honey grins, the familiar spark returning to her eyes.
Honey (winking):
“Of course. Now, let’s go over the key questions. If I were the interviewee, what would you ask me?”
Millie, feeling more at ease, starts flipping through the prepared questions. She picks up a pen and looks at Honey, ready to dive into the mock run-through. The two of them begin bouncing questions and answers off each other, the energy between them fluid and easy, their rhythm building with each exchange. Millie’s confidence grows with each mock question, her mind sharpening as she prepares for the next day.
Millie (as she writes down her final thoughts):
"Alright, I think we’ve got everything. Tomorrow, it’s showtime.”
Honey stretches, leaning back in her chair and looking at her friend with pride.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond the Headlines
FanfictionMillie and Honey, inseparable since childhood, work side by side as dedicated reporters for I-Times. Millie, known for her smart, flawless reporting, has earned the respect of her colleagues, while Honey-ever-playful, with a knack for skincare and m...
