Love and Passion

Prologue: Metronome

'Careful, or your grades will drop. You should study for a little longer. All that matters right now is your GPA. Are you recommended for honors?' Those were the only words I heard in my household. It wasn't bad, I could understand their concern with my grades. When are my efforts enough?

I heaved a heavy sigh as I closed my locker. Everyday, it was the same routine. Like a metronome, the days just ticked by, never missing a beat, it was always steady and always echoed in the background. I kept on walking to my next class, course #105, Chemistry.  My mood instantly lightened as the thought of formulas filled my mind. I've always liked the subject, I loved the fact that there were so many unanswered questions in life.

"Good morning, Ms. Margaret. What will we be learning today?" I entered the classroom with a smile plastered on my face.

"Ah, good morning to you too, Adeline!" She grinned "Sorry, we're not going to be doing much today, just reviewing for midterms." She showed me a thick packet filled with a series of numbers, equations, and charts.

"Oh, that's nice to hear, I haven't been doing well on the last few lessons, so I'm glad to know that I have some time to practice before the quarterly finals!" She chuckled in response.

"You do realize that you have more than a month to prepare, right?" I did understand her logic, but I needed to ace this test, I wanted to.

"I know, but I just want to get a good score on this exam. After all, it is ten percent of my grade this quarter."

Only one year left... I thought. Till' then, I just need to follow the beat of the metronome. Don't go too fast, don't go too slow....

---

Senior year, my last year of college before I abandon my studies and enter the working world. It felt like an eternity of high school, late night studying, and SATs. Yet, when I looked back on the past, it's not that long, at all.

It was not long before my graduation. The only thing on everyone's mind was the party going on next week. I've always wondered how others don't feel the stress of final exams. Stupid bastards, I thought. They were all so blind, none of them thought of their futures. I had no time on my hands to party, or drink. There were simply too many things to do. Job interviews, final exams, move out of my dorm. Too many things, so little time.

I felt my phone buzz in my hand as I thought of interviews. I had high hopes, I wanted a chance to work for a well respected company. I lifted my hand to read the number displayed on the screen. Anxiety struck me as I read the phone number across the screen. Harmony Cosmetics, sister company to Melody Cosmetics. The prestigious company that I have looked up to for so long was giving me a chance. With a shaking hand, I tapped the green icon to pick up the call.

"H-hello?" I sheepishly answered.

"Hello, is this Miss Adeline Weaver?" A young, female's voice reached my ear.

"Yes, how may I help you?" My panic only increased every second.

"I am Ellie, one of the sales managers of Harmony Cosmetics. I've looked over your resume, you seem to fit what we are looking for. Are you still interested in the position?" My heart leapt out f my chest as I heard those words.

"Yes please!" I could hardly contain my excitement.

"Alright then, I'll see if I can schedule an appointment for you, I will warn you, however, our boss is very hard to impress, he has very high standards." She said in an almost menacing tone.

"Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you! Goodbye!"  I removed the phone from my ear and ended the call. I couldn't believe it, I had a chance to work toward my dream. My heart soared as I made my way through the halls, I was now in high spirits. It was as if the tempo of the waltz was increased, everything was colorful.