Shadows and Stars ✔

Chapter Seven

It was no surprise that I awoke way before my alarm went off this morning. I'm too nervous to think about anything else apart from the fact that this is my first day of work and it just has to go well. If it doesn't, well, then I'm screwed.

Hailey watches from my bedroom doorway as I stuff the corners of my blouse into my skirt. She giggles because I'm getting myself flustered for no apparent reason.

Handing my flat shoes to me, she says, "Chill Mia. You're gonna be fine!"

I take them gratefully. I considered wearing heels, but after reminding myself of the commute, I decided against it; flat shoes are much more practical.

     "Sorry," I sigh, "I just need today to go as well as possible. I want to make a good impression."

Hailey smiles, following me down the stairs. "You'll make a good impression without even trying, Mia."

I take in a breath. "Thanks Hailey. I'll see you later?" I curl my sweaty hand around the door handle, ready to take on the city.

     "Have a great first day Mia," Hailey sings, standing lazily at the front door as I head onto the street. "You'll be great. I promise."

I smile, nodding as I venture into the cold chills of the city. I know I'll be fine once I'm used to the routine my new life will bring me, but for now I will have to deal with the surge of anxiety that seems to be weakening my body with each passing second.

You've got this Mia, just breathe.

***

The sight of the Saint and City office right in front of me is a huge—no—it's a phenomenal relief.

I exhale after what feels like hours, smiling at the extravagant, glass-built office I get to work in for at least the next three years. Thankfully, none of my trains were delayed today, and although at one point I felt I was falling into a full-on panic attack when a swarm of tourists gathered around me on the tube, I'm beyond grateful when I arrive at work with at least twenty minutes to spare.

Inside, the office is just as magnificent as I expected; the reception area is clean, modern and painted in shades of grey and white; glass lifts fill one side of the sizeable area and a large, spiralling staircase fills the other. Tasteful, exotic plants have been placed strategically against the back wall, with rows and rows of fashion related wall art only adding to the exquisite feel of the place.

In only a matter of seconds, my nerves are replaced with giddiness.

At the reception desk, a pleasant, brunette woman is there to greet me, her hair pulled neatly into a bun.
She smiles, grabs a pen from a draw and says, "Good morning, welcome to Saint and City. How can I help you today?"

I grin nervously, tapping my foot against the marbled tiles beneath me. "Hi," I say, trying to project my voice over the bustle of the entrance hall. "My name is Mia Thorpe. I'm new here. I'm due to meet with Michael Phillips."