INTERLOCKED: A JOURNEY.

7.MATE-SHIP ROOM!

The Flakes.

        THE FIRST THING THAT came into view as they reached the second floor was a door. This wasn't just any door. The door was designed like an opening to a beach house. It was decorated with flowers all around.

        Snow guided Willow deeper into the mate-ship room. The view was just out of place. This room was the largest in the entire office, as it contained the entire 2nd floor. The right side of the room was made up of glass whereas the other three sides of pure wood. There was a huge chandelier in the center of the ceiling but what added to the beauty were the small lanterns scattered all around the ceiling. The left side of the room contained huge sofas and round tables. There was a small kitchen at the end of the hall which was beautifully decorated as a mini cafe. Besides the door in the far corner there was a podium.

       "The room looks beautiful." Willow remarked.

        "Thank you. But it's not the room that holds the real beauty it's the people in the room." She was grinning like a five year old kid.

        Willow found her optimism pretty amusing.

        "Willow kindly follow me towards the podium. It's time to make the announcement."

        "Sure. After you." Willow encouraged her to walk before him and lead the way.

        The podium was around 2.5 feet tall. It was a combination of silver and black, which made it look elegant.

       Snow stepped up on the stage and stood right in front of the podium. Willow was just beside her.

        "Guys, can I have your attention please?" Snow began, her voice screaming a friendly authority.

        At once the room went silent and all turned towards Snow.

        "Today I have four special announcements to make." She paused for a deep breath, "Firstly, let me introduce you all to our very special guest, Mr. Willow Chase Garner, the CEO of The Garner Enlightment." Everyone seemed to be shocked.

         "Secondly, as you all know that we have been trying very hard for the merger with them, I'm really proud to announce that we have made it. The deal is signed." By the end of her speech everyone had a relieved smile on their faces, finally after trying so hard for the entire year they had accomplished their goal.

        "Thirdly, we have two new employees that've joined us today." She looked around searching for them and once her eyes met theirs she called out, "I welcome Miss. Samantha Clark and Mr. Rayden Grey. Kindly come up the podium stage." The quickly obliged and were standing on her right within a minute. Turning towards the crowd of over 500 people Snow began, "I know you guys have heard me giving this speech for 3 years at a stretch. However feel free to walk out if you don't want to listen to it. I will call you back for the fourth announcement." She waited for people to leave but none left. Instead everyone rewarded her with their smiles. Her heart swelled with pride.

        "Samantha and Rayden for one, you can call me Snow. Two, all I ask of you is trust. You see everyone standing in front of you are here because I trust them and they trust me back. In business, we have rivals and what do rivals ever need? Just to destroy their enemy. And if you know they use the trusted ones to get their job done. Three, whenever you have any problem you both come straight to me I will help you and do my best so that I have your trust as long as you wish to serve this place. Four, none of us will look at you as high or low. You are equal to me and everyone over here so just be open with your views. Lastly, thank you very much to join us all here." After finishing her speech almost everyone had tears in their eyes. She said it with so much of conviction that it even stunned Willow and Jude. As a symbol of promise Snow quickly hugged Samantha and Rayden and let them down the stage.

        "For the last announcement" she looked up at Willow when he caught her off guard by slipping his hand in hers, giving it a light squeeze, as an assurance that he is with her "I and Willow are to be wedded next month."

        At first the room was quite. You could hear a pin drop, that quite. The moment the news sunk in their heads everyone hooted and cheered. They all were happy for their boss. One by one everyone congratulated the new couple.

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        IT WAS ALREADY 8 P.M. when everyone left the office. Willow, Snow, Alicia & Jude stood by the entrance of The Flakes. Three cars ready to pick them up.

        "Exchange your personal numbers a**hole." Jude hissed in Willow's ear. If looks could kill, Jude would be ash right now as Willow was practically burning him by his intense stare. Jude mouthed "You will thank me later" and excused himself taking Alicia along with him, leaving Snow and Willow in an awkward silence.

        "I think we should get to know each other in this one month, don't you think so Snow." Willow smirked when Snow started blushing.

        "Sure. Let's catch up for coffee tomorrow?"

        "That would be great!" Willow exclaimed. He wasted no time on this golden opportunity saying, "We should share our personal numbers. I'll just think a bit of where we can meet."

        "Okay!" Snow shyly replied. "Willow?" she called out.

"Yes?"

       "Thank you for your support." she expressed her gratitude with a shy smile.

"Always Snow."

       They stared at each other for a while. Something in Willow's words made Snow blush till the tips of her toes. It seemed to be a hidden promise.

        They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't notice Jude and Alicia approaching them. Both of them had smirks plastered on their faces. Jude cleared his throat bringing Snow and Willow out of their blissful moment.

        "Are we intruding?" Alicia asked politely, the smirk never leaving her face.

"No. Lets go." It was Willow who replied.

        All four of them exchanged their numbers and drove on their own ways.

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