Newspaper Boy

First Day on the Job

(Samuel's POV)

Today was the day where I can prove it to them. I was excited, yet terrified of how it'll go, but my positive attitude drew me forward. Heading towards their office made me more and more anxious, but I had to focus on what was to come.

As I approached the elevator and hit the button for my floor, an older serious man raised his eyebrow at me, as he saw me excited. I looked up at him with a giant smile on my face.

"Hello sir." I announced but he rolled his eyes.

"Today I'm going to finally fulfill my dreams!" I happily told him. He probably though that I was a bit too immature but I didn't care, I was just glad to have this opportunity.

"Oh really? Now what dream will that be?" He asked sternly.

"Working for Mr. Sander at LetterX." I quickly told him, though I probably should've kept my mouth shut.

The man looked at me concern. "Hm. Good luck, you're gonna need it."

The bell dinged for his floor but right before he was about to leave, he stopped.

"Oh and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get that lousy job, it's pretty useless anyway." He commented and the doors shut quickly.

Puzzled, I questioned his comment but shook my head from the ridiculous thought. Lousy job? Yeah right. I could name a thousand more boring jobs than this one.

Finally my floor was next and as the doors opened, I confidently walked out of the elevator and towards the front desk lady once again.

"Hi. It's uh, me again. I'm here for-" I started to say before she cut me off, once again.

"Mr. Sanders will give you your instructions in his office." She ordered, not looking up at me.

I sighed. "Okay, thanks." And walked into his office, still excitingly.

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There he was again, at his desk typing away. But this time, he looked up earlier than before and glared at me, giving me chills. I could've sworn I could feel myself turn red.

"It's 10:30am, Mr. Evans. You're late." His tone was serious, making me shiver inside. Late?! How could I have been late if I didn't know when to come in the first place?

"I-I'm sorry sir. I just didn't know when I was suppose to arrive." I apologized, but I knew it was no use as he sighed deeply.

"Well now you know, and you will not make that mistake again, understood?" His face didn't change. I nodded my head. He seemed more strict than before, I suppose I had to get used to it.

"Now." He got up from his chair and gathered some paper before walking towards me. "I need you to find out each of these companies and tell me which ones are higher or lower." He handed me the booklet of papers.

I looked at it puzzled and then back at him. "But, uh how am I-" He held out his hand in front of me.

"It's a simple task, Mr. Evans, figure it out yourself." And with that, he went back towards his desk.

Taking a deep breath in to calm my nerves, I went back out of his office. Nervously I went to the desk on the left and stacked the papers next to me. Turning on the computer, I could feel myself shake but I had to do this, despite if he's harsh on me.

As I got ready to work on my task, I glanced over at the other lady's desk. She was typing away just like Mr. Sanders. I guess this company is really intense like I've read online, but regards, I was determine to give my all.

Looking back at my computer, I started on my work, searching up all the names and writing down which ones were required, hoping that I was good enough for this.

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It felt like hours have already passed by but when I glanced at the clock, it was only 11:30am. I sighed deeply and looked back at the stack of papers that I have yet to finish. I wasn't even half way done.

Straightening my sore back, I continued to work diligently. I had to prove that I was good enough for this, no matter how much the work was.

As I concentrated hard on my work, I couldn't help but glance at the lady next to me again. We haven't spoken a word to each other since I've arrived, I suppose I had to earn my talking abilities.

Sighing, I looked back at my work. I thought that this would be more exciting, where I could go out and explore the world around me and tell people about it all in the paper; but I suppose it was all a fantasy. Now I know why that man in the elevator wished me good luck, I really did need it.

But that made me remember that this was a test, just to see how well I could be. That's right. And with that knowledge in my brain, I refocused on my work better and continued to successfully finish my task.

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By 10:30pm that night, I walked into Mr. Sanders office and dropped the two stacks of papers onto his desk. Though to my surprise, he just glanced over at them and glanced up at me.

"You're finally finished?" He asked.

Finally?! I worked my butt off and you just said finally?! My mind was furious but I kept my cool.

"Yes sir." I replied quickly.

He nodded and went back to his work as I stood there impatiently waiting for my next command.

As I waited, I studied Mr. Sander's features. His demanding brown eyes glued to the screen again, his perfectly black slick hair, his spotless structural face; everything about this man's body was incredible, well his face that is.

I saw his eyes shift towards my direction and paused for a moment, making my heart bounce around inside of me.

"Why are you still here?" He asked angrily. I swallowed down my fear.

"Was just wondering if there was anything else you needed me to do sir." I confidently said, even though I could feel myself tense up.

His eyes continued to look over me for a moment before sticking back on the computer.

"Nope. You may leave now." He commanded.

Relieved, I nodded at him. "Thank you sir."

Right as I was about to leave the room, Mr. Sanders cleared his throat.

"Remember, it's 8:30 tomorrow morning. Alright?" He glanced up at me.

I turned to look at him, nodding as I smiled.

"Yes sir." I replied, slightly perking up as I saw himself grin.

He nodded back at me and went back to his work.

That look gave me hope as I walked out of his office. Maybe things will finally look up in this position.