> speechless >> n.h. >

7.

>> Delilah.

"You're kidding."

"100% serious." Mark replied. He had a serious yet smug expression tugging at his lips, his arms lay folded on his chest. Tony, the executive manager, stood behind Mark as he leant against the wooden drawers of the office.

My lip quivered as I stammered, the words I wanted to produce unable to come to the surface. My lips were dry and chapped, my tongue lapping at them cautiously and biting the corner with nerves. I tended to get very nervous in certain situations; this most definitely being one of them. Sometimes I found it hard to get my words out without sounding tongue-tied.

"How long?" I blurted, fiddling with the ring that lay on my middle finger. The sharp point of the flower head grazed me back and forth.

"Since you've started. We like to do a lot of research on our employees beforehand, get a real sense of their style, you know? Yes- we did see your portfolio, but this blog really captures what we thought you stood for as an artist. It's outstanding." Tony spoke up.

I could feel my cheeks flush a hot red at the compliment. I smiled back at the two of them, completely speechless.

"And that's why we're offering you this position!" Mark gleamed. "It's about 13 weeks on the road, working with some of the best other photographers around the world."

"I really think this is the best opportunity for you- you can really get your name known out in the photography business!" Tony interjected once again.

They continued to ramble on between them, spilling details every which way about the job and how much I would enjoy myself. I sat there in a mild form of shock, pinching my thigh every now and then to make sure this wasn't just another daydream at my desk.

Here I was- 22 years old and landing my first official job in photography that had a cause. The timing was immaculate. Just when I thought my job was a dead end, the best thing possible is here to surprise me. I could feel myself glowing, radiating complete happiness for once at my own personal achievement. This was insane- I felt the urge to tell someone.

"We've set you up with a meeting with the head office of the company. Don't worry, they've seen all they need to- it's more of a contract signing and first introduction basis. They get to see if they like you face to face, go over dates and other important details." Mark explained.

"You're definitely up for this, aren't you Delilah?" Tony questioned. He seemed to be the blunter one of the two.

"Yes! Definitely. 100%!" I grinned nervously. They both chuckled, shaking my hand in congratulations.

As I walked out of the office, many workers around me began to applaud. I stood their awkwardly, smiling at all of them and watching as one by one they continued with their work.

"Congratulations Delilah!"

"Yeah, congrats! That's awesome."

Many compliments ran on as I weaved back to my beloved corner. I didn't know so many employees knew my name, let alone the position I was just offered. I had always thought I'd been a shadow in the company, one you could see but didn't ever notice was there. I guess that all changes once you get something they want.

Me: HARRISON

Me: ANSWER YOUR GOD DAMN PHONE THIS IS IMPORTANT

Me: I'm so happy why aren't you here

Me: You'll never guess what just happened at work today!!!

He read the messages straight away. I loved how prompt he could be at times; as if his whole world revolved around me.

@surrounded_: what's up ?

Me: I just got offered a 13 week placement photography gig! I'll be touring around the world with an musical artist at concerts omfg can you believe this

Me: No more shitty development or processing!!!!!!!!

Me: or having to pretend like I don't wanna kill everyone

Me: or myself lmfao

He didn't reply straight away after that, acting like a watched pot. If you watched him intently, nothing in form of a reply would stir upon the screen. However, the second you took your eyes off of it, it would boil over with messages before you knew it.

@surrounded_: who's the artist ?

Me: I don't know, they didn't mention it. Are you not happy for me?

@surrounded_: course i am.

@surrounded_: gotta go. talk later

I stared down at the phone, the blunt reply making my heart lurch. Where had the attitude come from? The one person I was interested in telling was the one who clearly didn't want to know anything about it.

As I reread the message on the screen below, I began to rethink exactly what he had asked. Here I was, excepting a job when I didn't have the slight clue who it would be for. My mind clouded over as I thought of the many possibilities.

"Mark!" I called, beckoning him over sheepishly as I spotted him a few desks away. "Do you know who it is I'll be working for in this new position?"

"Don't you worry about that. You'll be finding out very soon."

>>>

I really don't like what I'm writing but hopefully it'll pick up!
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