A Way Back

Chapter 1

Elizabeth POV
**
They say you have to forfeit something to win another. Well, that's what I do every morning. I sacrifice my slumber for my actual work, the one that my whole life depends on. I shut off the Alarm which hits 5: 00 am. I sat on the bed holding the sheets near my chest. Everything is great in winter except the sweet warm sleep that you can't avoid. I fought my desire and walked to the bathroom to do my rituals. I freaked out when I saw my reflection in the mirror. My hair looks like a tree and the mascara is laid out under my eyes. And that's on working till 11 pm. I barely had the power to remove my heels. I took a quick shower and then looked for something to wear. There was a struggle, I needed to pick something cute but at the same time doesn't surpass the Work's area. I tried my entire dresser before electing a blue suit with a white top. I put on some light makeup, split my black cat heels. I walked to the kitchen to prepare a cup of black coffee and took the chocolate cake out of the fridge. I know it is such an unhealthy habit to have so much sugar in breakfast, but I'm not ready to let go of my addiction yet. When I finished my meal I glanced at my watch. I still got time before heading to work, So I decided to do some quick cleaning regarding the ton of papers that spread in my living room. My apartment is flashy; a vast patio, two big bedrooms - One of them is unused- and a beautiful kitchen even that I barely cook. But you know it is cool to have a cute one anyway. The walls' colors are divided into creamy beige in both rooms and clear grey in the living room along with the kitchen. The huge glass windows gave an attractive look to NYC -The city of lights- especially at night. That's not the only reason why I have them wide like that, I have claustrophobia. I bought this apartment thanks to a successful deal I made with a company for My director -The CEO- Mr. Anderson. It's not in his attitude to be this nice, but I guess the earning was really huge. I completed my household and took the elevator down. I was saluted by the doorman with a huge smile.

"Good morning Miss Elizabeth I wish you a great day," he said with a cheerful tone.
"Thanks, Roy for you too "I smiled back. 

Roy is the reason for my optimism each day. He is the only person I know in this building. I perceived my black car near the sidewalk and hurry inside placing my coat and bag on the passenger seat. I drove away to be greeted by the traffic  I hardly pass. I was extremely lucky to get on time. As my foot stand in front of the Gibes Company I took a lungful of air. I don't know why I still feel stressed every time I want to step inside. It feels like the first time. The big building had frightened me then and it will always do. It's so much like its CEO: Bossy, Scary and elegant.
By the way, the director here is the one and only Jack Anderson, and who doesn't know him, One of the Most successful businessmen here in NYC. He is in his fifties but looks like a 30 years old man. He takes quite care of his appearance; Expensive tuxedos, Perfect brown hair always sliding back, well-built body, and to not forget his deep blue eyes. However he is Scary, goofy, and Anti - happiness. I remember my first step here like it was yesterday. How can I forget the most embarrassing and fearful day I've ever had -Almost-.
FLASHBACK
" Miss Hudson, you can go in now The director is waiting for you," The secretary told me with a wide smile on her face. I know it sounds weird for A CEO to be the one responsible for the new employees. I find it weird too. I took a deep breath and collect my papers to get inside. before I opened the door I recall some basics "Don't smile a lot- agree with everything he says- trust yourself",
"Okay I'm ready "I mumbled to myself and went inside to be welcomed by a vast space with glass giving a full view of the city. The room was painted in caramel brown caring some paintings and trophies. Finally, my eyes fall to the director's huge desk and there was sitting Mr. Anderson. He was leaning back on the leather chair watching me with strict eyes. I cleared my throat.
"So are you here for the job or for scanning the place? " he said with a deep harsh voice. I felt stress filling my blood while I was taking few steps towards the chair. He folded his arms shaking his head.
"I hope your background and diploma are more interesting than your foolish behavior," He mocked taking the papers from my hand. I ignored his insult since I really don't want my aggressive side to kick me out.
After a while of paper studying he raised his head at me, blank expressions on his face "Interesting but Not Enough "He said. Not enough. The master's in management isn't enough, speaking 5 languages isn't enough? I widened my eyes at him.
"What's so surprising? So many people have the same backgrounds as you. Tell me what makes you special and worth the job." He uttered. "If it is your ludicrous attitude and lack of self-respect then you better find your way to the door" His severe gazes are about to subtract my soul away. I gazed down pulling my thoughts together. I need to stand for myself only I know how weighty this job is for me and I'm not going to lose it anyhow.
"Mr. Anderson, Maybe I have the same diplomas as people before me but I trust my competences in different domains, my excellence in languages and paperwork aren't comparable to any of them. In addition some nervous moves in the first look say nothing about my real attitude. I'm a smart dealer ,a convictive person and a passionate worker . And if I'm right that's what you need. I will be ready to leave If I show any kind of laziness and disrespect to my work . Trust me I won't let you down" I said with all my confidence, Staring straight in his eyes which seemed shocked by my speaking. I don't think he had expected this from me.
"Besides all of that, are you ready for the tons of papers, meetings, flights, and pressure," He said leaning back on his seat challenging me.
"Sir the objective is what matters for whatever the conditions can be, And my objective is the top," I said with a secure smile.
He nodded and took a glance at my papers once more. Then he picked his phone.
"Come up now, "He said. An Unreadable expression on his face, did I get the job or not? Did I convince him? I struggled in my thoughts until the secretary showed up.
"Sir do you need anything?" She said with a formal tone. He raised his head at her and claimed" I want you to prepare all the papers needed For Miss Hudson to settle in the company, I don't think we should make her wait any time. Be sure she got the appropriate desk and all her needs. She'll start next week" She widened her eyes And so did I. In fact, I was about to lose consciousness in front of him as much as I wanted to jump from that glass window.
It was way too hard to stabilize myself and say "thank you ". As I get out of his desk I jumped around like a child mumbling "I made it "And really was I proud of myself.
Flashback ENDS.
Since I get that job I was working so hard and I could win many deals, I was flying around in different countries and meeting numerous people in just 3 years. I'm glad I didn't put him down since that time. I believe that Mr. Anderson is a nice person closing the eye of his severe and mean words sometimes. He was only pushing me to do better.
I entered the company greeting the receptionist end each worker I met. I took the elevator up the floor where my desk was placed and as I was about to open the door Sarah -the secretary -shouted after me. I looked back in query.
"Elizabeth Mr. Anderson wants you in his desk Now" She declared.

End of "chapter 1" :)
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