I take a deep breath and begin to climb.
My first day in my first job and the elevator, or 'lift' as they call them here, is out of service - I'm hoping this isn't a bad omen.
Thankfully it's only two floors up. But still, when I reach the door my heart races against nerves and exertion.
Pausing at the door, I wait a while to allow my heart rate to resume to some kinda normal.
Ready, I push open and walk into my brand new world - I'm a working girl!
......
A woman rushes towards me: arm outstretched in greeting, wide smile, long, glossy brown hair, "Hiya. You must be Tanya. Oh My God, I love your top, where's it from? Please say it's Primark."
I don't know where my shirt is from, and I flounder a little at the unexpected greeting, "I'm sorry, my husband bought me my top, and I don't know what Primark is, is it like a clothing label?" I ask.
She links her arm through mine in a familiar, friendly way, "Yeah, Primark's cheap as chips, it's all I can afford on my salary." She leads me down the corridor then stops suddenly, "You're married? You only look about sixteen," she says, surprised.
It's clear she's not going to lead me forward until I answer, so I give it, "I'm nineteen, and yes, I'm married," I confirm.
She leads me onwards, "Bloody hell, I'm twenty nine and no where near married. How'd you find Mr Right so soon?"
"I guess I wasn't looking for him, and he just showed up." I say, hoping that doesn't sound too geeky. Then, wanting to steer us away from me and back to my first day, I ask, "What's your name?"
She shrieks, "I'm so sorry! I'm Jane.'' She pulls me forward, "I do apologize Tanya; it's just that I'm off on holiday after work tonight and I've slipped into holiday mode already. That was so unprofessional of me."
She leads me into a large open plan office with people sitting in small individual booths.
Heads look away from computers and stare at us as we walk in. I remember feeling like this when I started a new High School at fourteen; not long before I was abducted. "Pretty, ain't she fellas? But eyes off, someone's put a ring on it," says Jane, leading me into a booth. "Ere ya go, sit yourself down and I'll go and get yer a coffee, or would ya prefer tea?"
"Coffee's good, black, no sugar, thanks," I reply, smiling at her over familiarity with her co workers; which is making me feeling a little more relaxed.
Taking in my surroundings, well my desk, I'm impressed to see I've got an iMac. "Are you all right with Mac?" I turn round to see the familiar face of the dark guy with the topknot that greeted me at my interview. "Yes, I prefer it to PC," I say. "Great." He gives me his hand, "Nice to meet you and welcome to Darby and Associates, I'm Marko," he says.
He has a firm handshake, "Nice to meet you, too, Marko."
He points to the computer, "I look after all the I.T, here. Your email's all been set up, so just have a play around, familiarize your self with it all. It's your first day so we'll make sure it's chilled. Any questions give me a shout, my pigeon hole's over there," he says, pointing to the other end of the room. He's friendlier than when I first met him, I'm pleased to note.
......
"Gorgeous, ain't he?" Says Jane, putting a mug on my desk and taking a noisy slurp of hers. She pulls up a chair, "I ain't gunna lie, I'd pay to spend a night with Marko, he's as fit as fook, excuse me French," she says, with a cheeky chuckle.
A tall, stern looking woman marches towards us and I immediately feel a little intimidated.
"I've no doubt Jane's filling you in with all the important parts of our business," says the lady, perching her booty on the edge of my desk. She's much older than the rest of the people in the office, and dressed smartly. "Welcome Tanya, I'm Lydia, Darby's partner - as in business - not life." She offers her hand and we shake firmly. "Unfortunately Darby and I are in off-site meetings for most of the day, but I'll leave you in Jane's capable hands. We'll be back tomorrow for a work in progress meeting and a welcome tipple." She looks at Jane with a raised eyebrow, "Try to remember, you're not officially on holiday till 5.30. And make sure the lifts repaired before you leave," she says, before walking off with a confident stride.
