In Another Life

182

"I was told that my office would be on the fourth floor but I just want to make sure that I know where I'm going." She laughed lightly, and started typing away on her keyboard. "Yep, you're right here. Ms. Brooks, fourth floor, right wing. Just take the elevators up to the fourth floor, take a right when you step out, and go all the way to the end of that hall. Your office should be on the left and I'm sure someone will be along shortly to show you around." I nodded at her gratefully. "Thank you," I replied, stepping towards the elevator. "Of course, have a great first day Ms. Brooks," she called out as I stepped inside of it. I shifted my camera and my portfolio in my hands nervously, waiting for the elevator to ding and let me out. I was excited but, at the moment, anxiety was winning. After what felt like forever, the ding sounded in my ears, and I walked out onto the fourth floor. There were cubicles everywhere, in a huge spaced out area. I glanced around at all the people working, then took a right down a long hallway. There were large, shiny, wooden doors with golden name plaques on them, indicating which office belonged to who. I also passed the lounge, which I assumed was the breakroom, the copy room, the boardroom, which had glass enclosing it instead of walls. There were about five people in there at this time and they looked like they were having a very heated discussion about something. Finally, I came to the end of the hall, and looked at the big, shiny, wooden door to my left. The golden name plaque was blank. This must be it. This was my office. My name was going to be on this door very soon. I knocked and listened for any sound, before opening it, just in case I made a mistake and this wasn't my office. After a few moments of silence, I opened the door slowly and walked inside, shutting it behind me. I couldn't stop the largest grin ever from forming on my face. This was mine. After everything, I had my own office! I dumped my things in the chair that was in front of the desk and walked around behind it. It was a dark, mahogany color, with a computer monitor set up on top of it. The phone was to the left, the wire mail in and out box to the right. I sat in the black office chair, letting out a sigh of contentment when I did. It was one of those spinning chairs so I thought for just moment...then let out a giggle. I placed my hand on the desk to get good traction, then picked my feet up off of the ground, and spun myself, giggling with glee. I felt like a kid just enjoying all of the wonderous things in an adult's office. A knock on the door had me slapping my hand on the desk, and throwing my feet back onto the floor to stop myself. I straightened my hair, and tried to look professional. "Yes, come in," I spoke loudly. The door cracked open, and a woman with long, dark, lustrous hair down to her waist walked in. I was automatically jealous of that hair. It was accompanied by a high cheek boned, tan, gorgeous face. Her brown eyes were framed by lashes so thick, they couldn't be real. "Hi Terra?" I nodded at her, still kind of star struck at her appearance. "I'm Desiree, you're...well, I'm your boss," she said, giggling. "I know that you talked to Jamie, but he has since changed departments and no longer works in this area." "Oh," I answered, unsure of what I was supposed to do. "I just wanted to check in with you. Once you get settled in, just have Tasha ring me, and I'll come give you the tour. Then you can get started on your projects," she kept talking, then hastily checked her watch. Who still wore watches? She glanced back up at me and smiled. "Any questions?" I thought for a moment. "Um, who's Tasha?" I asked, standing  so that she wouldn't be towering over me. I hated that. She giggled again. "That's your receptionist. She has one of the cubicles out front, but she's your personal receptionist. Which means that she'll scan your calls before sending them to you, your visitors, go get your coffee, whatever you need. She's here for you." "Wow," I replied stupidly. Desiree laughed again. "I can see that you're a little overwhelmed and that's expected. Welcome to the big leagues Terra. I'm sure you'll show us all that you deserve to be here. I'll let you get settled and just have Tasha ring me when you're ready. Okay?" I nodded, and she started to leave. "Wait, um Desiree?" She turned back, giving me a sweet smile. "How do I ring her? Tasha, I mean?" "Oh, silly me. Here I'll show you," she replied, walking over to my desk. Once she showed me how to work the many buttoned phone, again she told me goodbye and walked out. I settled back into my chair looking around. This was absolutely amazing. I pulled my phone out to text Justin and gush over how stupidly wonderful this all was, when I remembered that he wasn't speaking to me. I slowly lowered my phone, then picked it back up again. I had to tell someone so I texted Denise. That didn't seem like enough, so I texted Sarah, and Kenzie. Then, even knowing that I shouldn't, I texted Colby. I wanted to text Kat and Tara, but I didn't' want that to be the first text that I sent them, so I tried to think of what I should say. 'hey, I'm sorry that I've ignored you for the past two years,' just didn't seem like the best way to go. "Hey, it's Terra. I'm sorry that I didn't get in touch with you before now. I had my reasons, even if they aren't very good ones. I'll explain, if you like. Maybe we can meet for lunch. I'd love to see you!"