Insanely Obsessed

Chapter 1

"I'm Lacey Collins," I shook the hand outstretched in front of me, a smile spreading across my face.

"Joan Mathews. So, where are you from?" The lady replied. She had beautiful golden locks that cascaded down, stopping just slightly above her waist. Her caramel brown eyes filled with curiosity as she stared at me. Her sharp nose defined, her lips, thin though, the only feature of hers that would probably deter her from winning the next Miss Universe Award.

Seriously, she was stunning. If only her lips were fuller.

I gulped nervously, "I was from California, I moved here just for a change in environment I guess. I'm looking for a new job since I plan to stay here for a while."

She did not need to know the truth about me. I was certainly not from California - never been there, and definitely did not move to this huge city for a simple reason of an environment change.

She nodded knowingly, a ghost of a smile lingering on her red lips.

"I just graduated, pretty excited about clinching a job and settling down to do something I truly like. You know, we aspiring writers should share similar traits.

"Yes, journalism is an area I would love to work in, in future."

That part was half true, I wanted to be a journalist all my life. Had been, but things turned ugly.

We continued with our polite conversation, waiting for our turns.

I was at an interview for a journalism job at the local press, the Daily Quest.

Around us, hopeful individuals were seated on the edges of their seats, stomachs churning as they prepared for the interviews lining up.

We were all vying for a few positions. Chances were slim.

Still, it would not hurt to make a friend.

"Joan Mathews," A sharp voice pierced through the still air, destroying the heavy tension for a split second.

"Here," Joan called out as she packed up and got ready.

She glanced at me, "Good luck Lacey, here's my number, maybe we can go out for a coffee someday?"

I grabbed the tiny piece of paper that she had scribbled her number on.

"Sure, I'll love to, best of luck to you too." She waved and left, her heels clicking noisily behind her.

I heaved a sigh and brought my watch close to my face, it has been over an hour already and I was still waiting.

Gradually, the people around me left. I slumped into the soft sofa seat, counting the seconds as time passed.

"Lacey Collins?" The familiar voice rang out after what seemed like an eternity.

I stood up immediately, straightening the gentle folds on my blouse, I advanced towards the huge door - MANAGER'S OFFICE.

I took a deep breath and tugged lightly at my high ponytail.

My heart was beating rhythmically, my mind clear and focused.

Best of luck, Lacey, I thought to myself as I yanked open the door.

*****

"Have a seat," said the bald man seated at the other end of the table. His arms were crossed, an air of arrogance emitting from his posture. He reminded me of an eagle, a creature that needed watching and be cautious of. A horrible memory jolted my thoughts and I spur myself to keep my cool.

Twisting his tie forcefully, he raised his thin brows.

"So Lacey Collins, 24 years old, you come here with a bright sunny portfolio, screaming in huge headlines, I'm the best for this job! This is what every interviewee that I met earlier had, nobody's outstanding. Well, why did you try out for this job may I ask?"

The man scoffed as he skimmed through my files.

I pushed down the nagging urge in me to reveal my snarky side and mustered the most genuine smile I could afford, "Passion, sir. I love writing and I could foresee myself pouring my heart and soul into my future career."

He shook his head, bore and doubt flickered in his eyes. He was unimpressed, the look in his eyes told me he probably heard that line a million times before.

"Why our company then?"

"Because your newspapers are always captivating and your company produces top-notch, thought-provoking articles." I lied through my sparkling white teeth. I have never flipped through a single edition of the Daily Quest.

I'm just looking for a new life, a new beginning. And right now? I really need some distraction in life and some cash.

He asked me a couple more questions, and I replied promptly, my lies seemed to work somehow.

At the end of the interview, his original expression had a 360 degrees change. I was certain I had managed to wow him a little.

"That's all Miss Collins, perhaps we may end up working together in future, or maybe you will begin with working under me as a supervisor." He nodded slowly, scribbling a couple of notes furiously on a writing pad.

"Certainly looking forward to that. Thank you sir, have a nice day," I got up and flashed him a wide smile. He nodded once and gestured to the door.

Walking out of the office confidently, I could still feel his gaze on me, I was sure now that the job was mine.

"Time to reward yourself with some chocolate fondue, Lacey," I muttered softly under my breath as I exited the building.

Maybe I could really start afresh here.

The idea alone thrilled me to bits as I walked towards my car. My heart swelled with the slightest ounce of hope and relief.

Your future is bright now, Lacey Collins, treasure it.

*****