A Photograph

Chapter 1

"You punched her?"

"Did you miss out on the 'she was being a bitch' part?" I questioned Alfie with a scowl.

"But still Av. Punching her wasn't the solution." I can't help but roll my eyes at this. Alfie has always been the good, responsible guy.

"It doesn't matter now, does it, Alf?" I wonder who told him. I for sure wanted to keep it hidden from him, knew he would react this way.

"What's got you in a rough mood today?" He again tried to probe. I know he won't rest until he gets the answer, so I might as well tell him the truth. But later.

"I'll tell you later. Gotta run, skeleton." And without giving him any chance to speak I left the canteen. The lunch is almost over and I have to proofread yesterday's article before going back. Get to work Av.

Three hours have passed and I'm still here. The only good thing is I completed all my work and just have to submit it to Charlotte.

I leave for her cabin, making sure not to bump into Alfie and to get the whereabouts of Mr. McCarrol. He usually leaves by now but what's the harm in trying. Apparently, the two-minute conversation two weeks ago didn't do any good and I guess he's dodging me. Again.

"Come in" came Charlotte's voice as I knocked on her door. She's a pretty cool lady in her mid-forties. I don't have to pretend to be nice around her. Her kind and lovely nature makes everyone love her. She's the head of the department. Her job is to appoint us for interviews and make sure the result is satisfying.

She once caught me spray painting Kara the office bitch's car. Well, in my opinion, she's not worth being called that. She's got silly ways of taking revenge throwing coffee, tripping, like, cmon girl we are not in high school. You can do much better than that.

So, instead of calling the police or informing the round face, she took the drunk me to her home. Made me milkshakes and laughed at the story. I like her since then.

"Hey Char. I rechecked the interview and made the report as you asked me to. Anything else you'd like me to do?" I asked with a polite smile. Well, luckily for me she treats me normally in the office and hasn't told anyone about that incident. Wouldn't want to spoil the good girl image.

"Thank you, Averly. Any updates on Mr. Slade? Is he willing to interview with us now?"

"No. His secretary said he's busy doesn't have time for an interview "

"We need to interview him before any other magazine. Their new project and his relationship are hot topics. Try to convince them."

"I'll try my best."

Smiling at her, I left her cabin. Just before I could enter mine I saw Dad...Mr. McCarrol exiting his. Perfect chance to talk to him before he leaves for that stupid trip. Why does he have to keep traveling all the time?!

"Sir? Mr. McCarrol?"

He didn't even turn! Louder Av, louder. I again call him while trying to catch up with him.

"D..Sir. Do you have a minute?"

Please Dad, please. It's been too long. For me. I need to talk to you. If not today, I won't see you for another 10 days.

"I'm not sure if it's a good time Averly." The panic was back. He was trying to act cool but he wanted to go out of here as fast as he can. I know it. I saw it.

"Please Sir? I won't waste much time." I whispered in a low tone, my voice dejected. Going over the same thing, again and again, has made me tired. I know he's a busy person but can't he take out 5 minutes to talk to his daughter? Or Am I asking for too much?