6/2/08 01:05 pm
With the sweat forming on my forehead and the fear building, i took my first step into the very place i swore i would never step into ever again.
Maybe it was my imagination that i felt a certain string in my brain being pulled over and over again, warning me that this was not the only option. The only way out. But i felt it. It was more of a strange sensation my brain was sending to the very part of my anatomy that could make the choice of decision, my heart.
I knew i couldn't look back, not with the lies i already said. This was the tunnel i had created for myself that i can't dig another way out of.
"Ah, you must be Ms. Darling. This must be the first time you've come inside the reception, I'm sure you're pretty nervous. Come come, let me take you to the big man." an over-friendly guy whose teeth was too white to be real interrupted my thoughts and beckoned me to a door, as white as he's teeth. I started to wonder if i was going to see more of this color during my time here.
I was very sure that this big man must be the principal of this damned place but i wondered how the name came along. And as soon as i was brought into an office, lavishly decorated, i knew why.
He was big, like 7 feet tall. But not the scrawny-type of tall, he was bulky and muscular but, he had this charm that made everyone around him feel welcomed and warm. The one word i would describe him, a bear.
"Oh Nelton, its you. How many times have i told you to knock before entering my office?" the big man jokingly asked the white-teeth guy whose name seemed to be Nelton.
But obviously, Nelton did not see the enquiry as a joke nor a rhetorical question. Instead, he quivered a little, stumble over the carpet and finally stuttered, "I-i- m sor-r-ry s-ir. Bu-t y-you see s-ir, Ms Dar-li-ling is he-re"
I couldn't help but giggled a little at how the big man affected Nelton in such a way. And suddenly, all the attention seemed to be on me. Being Flora Darling for 21 years, i knew that this attention was not good. Being a colossal klutz and lacking in the hand-foot coordination needed for a normal person, i was certain that i would stumble and reacted even worse than Nelton did.
"Hi, nice to meet you. Im Flora Darling. You see, it took me so long to schedule a meeting because i had some things er, to take care of back home. " i said, careful not to stumble over the carpet or trip over my foot.
"Hm, you see Ms Darling, you took so long to give me an answer, i kinda, i sorta, gave it to someone else. But hm, I'm willing to give you another position as a private tutor? How about that? Ysee, some specific students here, um, have difficulty with the subjects you major in and as the position of relieving has already been filled, I'm sure this position would be a much suitable one, considering your age. You should be able to form a bond with these students and encourage and push them for the better. So...?" he said, with such uncertainty in his eyes, i was sure that this offer would be easily closed if i hesitated.
But i saw the possibilities of rejecting this offer. I could go back home and say sorry to mum but how about the Taylors? Would they forgive me for running out of their only son's wedding? Mum was devastated with my decision but the taylors, they were definitely pass forgiving and head-on into fighting.
Oh yes, i had eloped from my very wedding. Lionel Taylor was my sweetheart for as long as i can remember. I guess, i had stopped loving him for a very long time now but hadn't realised it until the day itself. Probably, my reason wasn't very just.
"Well, Mr Darling? I hope you consider this thoroughly." the Big Man advised me.
"Um, well- i think, er, well. Hmm, I guess, I'll take it. I supposed we can discuss the rest now?"
- (end of chapter 1)
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(will continue next time.)
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quixotic
exhausted
crushed