RC.

Ch1 ........... K

I look at one then the other. Somebody's gonna have to explain and quick!

Mark:"Hello, Miss White. Sorry to interrupt your work..."

T:"It's not a problem. What's going on?"

Mark:"Well..."

Mark looks very uncomfortable.

Mark:"Mr. Carter has asked for you to be his new assistant."

T:"I beg your pardon?"

I let out a little nervous laughter. It must be some sort of joke!

Mark stays very calm and continues to look straight in my eyes.

Mark:"You're gonna work in close collaboration with him. It's the opportunity of a lifetime..."

(Yeah right... Having to put up with all of Mr. Carter's demands, is not exactly what I call a lifetime opportunity.)

T:"Wait a minute, I don't understand... I don't fit any of the requirements for the post..."

Mark:"Mr. Carter thought otherwise."

T:"Wait a minute, Mr. Carter has obviously made a mistake, it's not possible..."

T:"And... I can't just leave like that!"

Mark looks at me unflinching.

I look at Gabriel who's staring at me silently. Where have his fine words gone...?

Mark:"Miss White... I understand that it's all very sudden..."

(You bet!)

Mark:"But it's an offer that can't be refused."

To put it into plain English you can't say no to Mister-I-take-what-I-want.

T:"Allowing that I accept. When would I start?"

Mark looks at me, surprised.

Mark:"Well now. Your office is ready.
Mr. Carter wishes for me to show you there."

T:"Now?! Are you searious?"

Mark:"Very much so, yes..."

I look desperately at Gabriel. He just calmly stands and invites me to do the same.

Gabriel:"It's a great opportunity, Tayla. We will miss you but you will learn a lot."

I don't know what to say! Working with the very man who's been triggering such strong and contradictory emotions in me?

And still, the question lingers in my mind ever since they told me : why me?...