Science Fiction Multi-Feature Picture Show

The Interview: (5) Sharon

It was a rather unusual morning. Mother warned her the outside would be loud and full of distractions, but Sharon thought she could handle it. She'd set out early, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood surrounding Beach Street until she hit the busier sections of town. A near run in with a sleek car the color of cherry lipstick left her beyond frazzled, and the wind between the boxy factory building pulled and yanked at her hair until it was a tangled mess.

She arrived at the Prime building in a sorry state, she was sure, and the gloomy atmosphere within didn't help matters. She fidgeted in the lobby, trying to work up the courage to approach the woman behind the great black slab of a front desk, laid out like a sacrificial altar. Instead she paced the stone floor, her eyes following the subtle traces of silver in the black marble. It looked like swirls of starlight trapped beneath her feet.

"You lost, honey?"

She looked up at the man who spoke to her. He was hollow inside, no soul there, just a hungry expression that make her shiver. He would eat her up if she stood still long enough.

"I'm here for an interview." It was hard to get the words out, especially when he leaned in with that wolf's smile, ready to eat her up.

A black woman entered the building, pulling his hungry gaze off her. She caught the sneer on his lips. Angry, hollow man, please make him go away. As if she heard Sharon's plea, the receptionist called to the man, shifting his focus and letting her breath again. She focused on the threads of stars beneath her toes, counting the tiny flecks until a hand touched her elbow.

"Hey, sweetie are you here for an interview? What's your name?"

It was the black woman from before, the one the hollow man sneered at.

"Sharon, Sharon Green."

"Well Sharon, why don't you come with me to the ladies room and I'll help you finish getting ready for your interview?"

Sharon met the woman's dark brown eyes and felt the light of her soul caressing her face. So warm, so beautiful, it was humbling to be in the presence of such a graceful divine being. "Would you really?" She whispered, awed by the woman's presence.

"Of course, sweetie, come on." The woman slipped her arm through Sharon's leading her to the restroom. She said her name was Edith, her angelic companion's name was Edith.

The color palette was warmer there, the walls decorated with rich brown panels. She followed the swirls and knots as Edith's dark hands worked out the snags and snarls in her hair, untangling the knot of worry and anxiety around her heart. She primped and smoothed Sharon's wrinkled clothes, leading her back when she was satisfied.

Once Edith settled her down, offering her a brightly colored book, she left for the elevator, taking the warmth with her. The only hint of her was the brightly colored book Sharon held in her lap. She drifted, tracing the raised letters until Edith's warm surrounded her again.

"Thank you for the book, Ms. Edith," she said, handing it back. There was regret in the woman's eyes, and acceptance, as if what ever happened to her in the floors above revealed a hidden piece of herself.

"Good luck with your interview, Sharon Green," she said, taking her light with her once again, out into the bustle and roar of the street. Sharon stared after her, wishing she could wrap that warmth around herself and take it with her.

The receptionist cleared her throat. "Ms. Green, they are ready for you. Elevator down the hall."

"Room 314," said Sharon, giving the woman a nod. "Thank you."

The woman nibbled on her lip, studying Sharon. "Good luck, hun. Just...just be yourself."

Sharon couldn't help the smile that ghosted across her lips. She was always herself. She made her way down the hall, following the trails of stars in the black marble until she reached the silver elevator doors. She stopped, looking to her left. She stared at the painting on the way, moving toward it without thinking. Her fingers hovered above the sleeping child within it. She wondered what the babe dreamed of. She was still staring at the picture when someone cleared their throat behind her.