Exiled (AmBw)

Final Chapter

I had a game plan.

After sitting on a fourteen-hour flight, I was eager to get off the plane. Not because I was overflying but because I had to make an important call. I contemplated for the whole flight and decided how I was going to execute my master plan. Tucking a rough draft I was writing on a napkin in my pocket, I called a cab. I had a big day tomorrow, and I needed to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for when I went into Mr. Standford's office. Before I even unpacked and said hello to my furniture, I was at the table with my laptop, typing my life away. Signing, sealing, and putting what I wrote in my bag for tomorrow, I took a shower and went to bed.

I woke up better than I thought I would. I was surprisingly happy as I picked out the outfit I wore to my first day at BAZAAR. I was in such a good mood. I was humming in the shower and whistling as I made coffee. I was extra early for work and even walked around BAZAAR admiring the building that I never got to appreciate because I was always zipping around worried about deadlines and staying in Chris's good graces.

Sitting outside of Mr. Stanford's office brought back memories of a nervous 19-year-old praying she remembered to breathe during her interview, and now I was here, no nerves in sight, almost excited at my prospects. I was happy to say this was the first time I felt no anxiety over the decision I made.

Layla:" Mr. Standford, I want to thank you for giving me the promotion to Senior Editor. I'm sure I would have done an excellent job at it, but I must decline the offer and inform you that I have given my letter of resignation to Elizabeth."

Mr. Stanford: "You're resigning?" He questioned.

Layla: "Yes, I am." I answered firmly.

Mr. Standford: "May I asked why?" He asked.

Layla: "You may." I said, answering him. "I'm leaving because I've outgrown this place," I said briefly, pausing. "I previously stayed here, thinking I would be happy because I had a prestigious job, but my happiness didn't last. Then I thought if I could fight through having a narcissistic impudent man-child of a manager, I could work my way up the ladder and get a promotion; then maybe I'd be happy finally. But alas, a week before you sent me to Japan, I walked in on Chris's daughter having a drug-fueled orgy in his office." I said plainly.

Mr. Standford: "What?" he said, alarmed.

Layla: "Yeah, I know, but here is the best part, he threatened to fire me. Years of keeping my head down and ignoring his blatant misuse of power were pointless. Everything was about to go up in flames, but then you offered me a shot at Senior Editor, and somehow it all seemed worth it. Do you know how long my happiness lasted after hearing that I got the position?" I asked rhetorically. "Three minutes before I realized that no matter what position I got in this company, Chris would still be here poisoning the waters," I said plainly.

Mr. Stanford: "I see. So is Chris Rorie the primary reason you're leaving?" He asked curiously.

Layla: "No, it's because I discerned that the happiness I was chasing after in this job is just smoke and mirrors and that validation isn't the same as being valued. I learned that lesson in Japan, and without you assigning me to this article, I may have never come to this understanding, and for that, I'm grateful to you. Mr. Standford, I have always admired your work ethic, and I want to leave you with a warning. Chris Rorie is dangerous, and if you're not careful, he will scheme against you until he is sitting in your chair." I warned him. "Thank you for giving me a chance, and I wish you happiness and success in your future endeavors," I said, thanking him.

Mr. Standford: "Thank you, you too." He said, shaking my hand.

Layla: "Thank you, sir." I said, taking my leave.