Paper Boy //h.s. (ON HOLD)

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"Mr. Styles, Sir, I have a request. If you could just take a minute to look over this article-"

"Not- now." Harry let out a deep breath, struggling to keep his composure with this new employee he had regretfully hired just last week. "I'm very busy." Harry shuffled the messy papers on his crowded desk. By now Harry had loosened his tie and sweat nervously. He had lots of articles to edit, being the chief editor of London's famous, 'The Times' newspaper. This made his weekdays terribly busy. He arrived at work at approximately 7, every morning and came home at 5 every night. There was hardly a change in his schedule. 

He rushed to clean up, but doing it neatly. His OCD nature has taken over him on more than one occasion. 

"Mr. Styles, Mr. Banks would like to see you in his office." Mrs. Elaine Cook appeared by his desk, fiddling with her white blouse, pretending a button had 'accidentally' come undone. For Harry was often lusted after by most every woman in the building, but he didn't care for a single one. "Mr. Styles." She reminded impatiently when he didn't respond.

"Give me a minute please I'm quite busy." His temper grew shorter. 'People' he thought. 'Nosy, pesky people who never give you a minutes rest'. He had completed his task in stacking papers and was off to see his boss, Mr. Banks. 

After flying through the doors and adjusting his tie, Harry took a seat at Mr. Banks desk with of course, permission granted. 

"What is it Sir?" Harry asked, trying to calm down. The building seemed to get smaller and smaller and there were new employees getting fired and hired most every-other week. 

"Well. I want you to write a letter to Ms. Wilcox. She is fresh out of college, 24 years old and teaching about journalism at the city hall, a session every Friday. She wants one of us to come in and show a few things about journalism to her class. I have decided that we decline accept her offer and I want you to write a polite and understanding letter to her. I will address the letter and have it done as soon as possible."

"Yes Sir." Harry nodded, frustrated with another assignment to his list. "Anything else?" 

"No, that'll be all." 

"Thank you sir." Harry rose his seat and exited, swooping a few loose curls off from his forehead and back in place. He let out a puff and made his way back to his desk, checked his watch and took a seat. He licked his bottom lip and began sorting the papers on his desk before writing that letter. 

Once everything was taken care of and out of his way, he fetched himself a pen and a note-pad and began to address the letter.

__

Dear Ms.

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'What's her name again? Dammit'. Harry stuck the pencil between his teeth, trying to remember her name. Wilcox, that's it. 

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Dear Ms. Wilcox,

  We have taken your offer under consideration. First off, we are all greatly honored that you would want us to show your class techniques and thoughts on journalism. We also respectfully and thoughtfully decline. We all think of you highly but refuse this very tempting offer.

I hope that we might be able to come in another time however. 

  With much respect,

    The Times

___

Harry nodded, proud of his work and shot up to show Mr. Banks, tearing out the page from the pad cleanly. He bit his lip and sped-walked to his office, knocking politely on the door. He was welcomed with a raspy: "Come in!" He opened the door and entered. 

"I finished the letter, Sir." Harry slid the paper across the smooth, polished desk and Mr. Banks picked it up, pleased with Harry. He read over it, muttering the words and adjusting the petite glasses, positioned on his nose. He put down the letter and gave Harry a beaming grin.

"You've done it again my boy. Did you have your coffee break yet?"

"No, Sir." 

"Well get yourself a a big cup o' Joe and come back in here for your break." He let out a hearty laugh. "Go on boy!" Harry nodded and rushed out, wasting no time in getting himself coffee and almost spilling over the liquids on his way back. Harry was excited that maybe, if Mr. Banks was up to it, and if Harry has been a good enough editor, he could be promoted. 

When Harry opened the door he saw Mr. Banks addressing the envelope to Ms. Wilcox's letter. He looked up and saw Harry who was trying very hard not to pant. "Sid'down." Harry smiled and complied. Harry knew he had lots to do and wondered if Mr. Banks might hold up his already crammed schedule. "I am quite impressed with your work this past month Mr. Styles." Harry nodded briskly. "I can't make you chief editor since you already hold that position, but I can offer a raise. I have been thinking about it quite a lot and I think you've earned it, this letter you wrote to Ms. Wilcox is proof of it."

"Thank you Sir, I accept." Harry sat there, not surprised. 'I've worked here long and hard enough for this raise', he thought pridefully. Harry had always treasured his pride and image and was quite satisfied with the image his co-workers had on him. He, himself was respected and thought highly of here.

"I'm glad you do. Say, are you free tonight? Me and my wife, Beatrix would like you over for dinner."

"I'm sorry Sir, I have some work to edit over yet. I would hate to be working on my time off." 

"The holidays eh?"

"Yes Sir." Harry took a sip of coffee -choosing not to react to it's unexpected temperature- and set it down on a coaster.

"I think you've known me long enough to call me Richard." Harry didn't know how to react to this new information. He always called him 'Sir' to keep it at a professional level, not a personal one. 

"Alright Sir- Richard." Harry corrected, taking another sip of coffee. 

"That's my name!" Mr. Banks chuckled and handed over the envelope and draft of the letter. "Say now, re-write this on your computer or a type-writer if that's your thing."

"I will." Harry examined the envelope. "Would you like me to include anything else on this letter."

"No, that'll be all." Harry nodded and glanced up at Mr. Banks, who was now opening up files and reading them through his thin glass lenses. Harry got up, grabbing his half-empty mug and went down to his desk which was surrounded  by many other desks of these pesky, nosy, co-workers. 

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A.N. Bwahaha This chapter is just an intro to the book so uh, things get interesting in the next chapter i swear.

Tell me what you think bc I'm proud of it so far. Let minnow whatcha think and have a lovely day!

Follow, comment and vote. I will do you favors if you want. :D

ILY

Sunny xx