The Game Of Life

Chapter Three ~

“What?” I shook my head.

“It’s Daniel, from the newspaper?” Jade raised one eyebrow.

I snatched the phone from her hand. “Daniel! How did you get Jade’s number?” I demanded.

“Oh, she called the office before.” Daniel said calmly. “More importantly, why are you there?”

“Daniel, I told Maria I can’t do it today!” I threw my hands up in the air.

“Nicholson! I gave you no choice. Now, you come over here right now or I’ll kick you off the newspaper.” Daniel said sternly and hung up.

Jade put her arm around me, “So you have to go?”

I wiped away the tears that were brimming my eyes, “Or they’ll kick me off the newspaper!”

Jade hugged me briefly, “It’s ok. We’ll hang out another time. But for the record, I was having fun, and it felt like we were best friends again.”

“Who said we ever stopped?” I replied, and with that, I whispered a goodbye and left for school.

As I stalked into the newspaper room, I didn’t carry my usual cheerful disposition. I nodded at Maria and sat at my desk.

“Ah! Nicholson!” The voice I despised most at this moment rang in my ears.

“Just tell me what you want me to do so I can get out of here,” I snapped.

Daniel sighed, “I know I was hard on you but we have to get this issue published!”

“I get it, I get it! Just tell me what to do.” I said impatiently.

“Anne, talk to me. You won’t do a good job with that anger inside of you.” Daniel said kindly.

I almost wanted to for a moment, but I shook my head, “I’ve given you enough.”

“Anne-“

“I’ll get these articles edited so please leave so I can start.” I forced a smile.

Daniel burst out in laughter, “don’t ever smile like that again! Oh gosh, Anne, you’re hilarious!” and he headed back to his own desk.

I rolled my eyes and got to work.

A cup of coffee was placed on my desk. I looked up to see Daniel chuckling softly.

“Thanks for the coffee, and why are you laughing?” I asked, curious.

“Anne, can’t we just be friends?”

I looked up as if in thought, “No.”

“It’d be so much easier to work together, you know? Plus, I was thinking of promoting you to my assistant!” Daniel added.

“As in, just edit? All the time?”

“Well, you’ll also have to run errands for me, and-“

“Forget it!” I exclaimed, “I’m not running errands for you. Full stop.”

Daniel guffawed loudly, “I’m just kidding, Nicholson. You just plan meetings, get the word out, etc. It’s so easy your job could be done at home!”

“Sounds interesting. Tell me more.” I prompted.

“Um, You’ll receive all the articles. Some edited, some not, and it’ll be much easier if you either print them out and organised them, or put them in folders and email it to me.”

“I-I-I’m sorry, but no.” I stammered.

“Why not?”

“I came here to write, be a journalist. Not be an assistant just filing and organising. It’s not my dream.” I said simply.

“But you’re doing so well, I feel like I should promote you. How about editor?” he offered.

“No, that’s okay. I think you have enough editors on your hands. I’ll just stick to my old position if that’s alright.” I told him.

“Whatever you say, Nicholson. But you’d missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime!” Daniel sang.

“I think I’ll pass.” I said.

As soon as I’d gotten rid of Daniel, Priscilla jumped in front of my desk, “If I just heard correctly, Daniel promoted you to editor!” she squealed.

“Don’t get too excited, Pris. I’m staying where I am.” I informed her.

“Why?” she demanded, “Is there something wrong with your brain? Take it! Take the offer! Or I will!”

Daniel strode past us, “No you can’t, Reed.”

Priscilla stuck her tongue out at Daniel as he walked away. I chuckled and returned to my work.

“Anne, go for it, girl!” Priscilla interrupted me yet again.

I stood up, “Okay, anyone else wants to disturb me, huh?” I announced, “can’t a girl just get some peace around here? Is that so hard to ask of?”

Priscilla raised her arms, “Okay, okay, I’m leaving."

~

woohhoo another chapter! wow 20+ reads already? im so excited! do not judge! its a ton to me okay ahaha :'> THANK YOU!!

okaaay so this is the third chapter, hope you enjoyed it ;)