Hemlock Hunters

01 - Oath of blood

Kristen's POV

Donna publications
London, England
01.11.2020

As I walked in, I could smell a mixture of two very distinct smells, books and cologne. The room was painted a bluish gray color from top to bottom, with a simple floral design border all of the way around. The ceiling of the room was the same color as the walls and the floor was made of dark brown stained wood paneling.

Next to the only door, there was a coat rack, currently empty. You could tell it was not a cheap one, crafted in such a way that I almost felt as I could reach out and touch the different flowers that made up the design.

Flowers seem to be the major basis for the design of the room. Aside from the border and the coat rack there was also potted plants located in strategic places around the room. Numbering five plants in all, two were set on the opposite sides of the door, one was placed on the desk near the lamp, and the others were set next to a small recliner.

Over the recliner was draped a decorative fleece throw, gray with pale blue roses scattered here and there on it. Even though it seemed to have been folded neatly as if not used since its last wash, there were obvious wrinkles in the fabric that told of recent use.

"Miss. Edwards." A female voice startled me. My novel fell from my hand. She looked at me and her face registered concern. "Oh girl, I didn't mean to scare you."

My heart pounded in my ears. Immediately I was embarrassed at being so jumpy. I smiled at her. "I'm fine."

She knelt down, took my book and handed it back to me.

"Thank you," I said, looking into her deep blue eyes. Those eyes were sorrowfully happy. I liked the mixture of sky and ocean blue in her eyes, it appears to me as if the sky and the ocean was one. Her midnight black hair was tied up in a ponytail which matches perfectly with her dark black suit.

"I'm Rebecca, a graphic designer," she said, stretching her right hand toward me.

I shook hands with her and introduced myself. "I'm Kristen, a writer." I smiled, charmingly. "You can call me Kris."

"Good luck on your first day," she said and her gaze stopped by the novel. "Is it yours?"

I nodded. "It's to be published."

She smiled. Her smile reminded me of my mother, so pure and clean. It was the way my mother smiled when I told her that my book is going to be published. I remember her hugging me for minutes and crying in happiness.

"I just wanted to introduce myself to you. If you need anything, feel free to ask me."

"Thank you. It's so nice of you."

Once she left the room, I closed the door and placed my stuff on the table. Who would have believed that the nerdy Kris is officially going to be a writer at Donna publications? I took a deep breath and started to organize my stuff.

My phone buzzed. It was a text message from Augustus, my best friend.

Gus: How's Donna publication?

Me: Awesome. The office space is super luxurious and beautiful.

Gus: Lucky you.

Me: Where are you?

Gus: At your place. Eating a bowl of spaghetti.

Me: I'm arranging my stuff. I'll text you at lunch.

Gus: Bye, cookie.

I pushed the phone inside my handbag and began to organize my stuff. After placing my things in place, I took the name board I got from the receptionist which says 'Miss. Kristen Edwards, writer'. I placed it on my table, captured a photograph of it and send it to Gus. Then I gathered all my files and sheets for my first ever meeting at Donna publications. I switched on the silent mode in my phone, pulled it inside my trouser pocket and walked toward the conference room.