An opportunity presents it self once again

An opportunity presents it self once again
JESSICA'S POV.

The aroma of blissfulness and productivity clawed into my nose. I rose from my bed hearing the sound of cars honking in the early morning traffic to get to their various destinations. Monday had that effect on people, especially those with employment. They gritted their teeth in fury going back to work to see their tasks pile up over the weekend.

The day was different for me as I started a new job. I parted the clothes in my closet until I laid my fingers on the hanger that stood out. It was a nice dress I had saved for a special occasion. Since no better day presented itself, it felt right to launch it on this day.

I stood tall in front of the mirror placing it on my body one more time to confirm if it still fitted. With a bright smile on my face, I mouthed “independent woman”, my current words of affirmation of my identification.

After completing my daily ritual of bathing, skincare routine and clothing, I left my apartment standing tall showcasing my new clothes with my shoes knocking on the wooden floor creating a rhythm that lightened up the dull hallways.

Getting to work was no difficult task. After alighting from the bus, the smell of fresh coffee and croissant crawled up my nose, a temptation that would have made me late on my first day.

On entering the building for the first time, it was more than I had ever seen. The smell of bleach covered the marbled floor, with the smell of lemon air freshener covering the air and the chattering of busy employees left no one free to put me in the right direction as I had no idea where I was going, until I saw him approach my way.

With confidence and pride, he walked majestically like he had been observing my every movement ever since I stepped into the building.

“Good morning Jessica. How are you doing?” he plastered a smile on his face and stretched out his hand to greet me.

“I’m fine, thank you.” My smile begged for an explanation as to how he knew my name.

“My name is Marshall. Darren told me to give you a tour around the whole gallery and to get you set and everything you need as today is your first day.”

“I’m sorry, Darren?” I had to ask because I didn’t know anyone named Darren.

"Yeah. He’s our boss.” He let out his words without any fear or trembling in his mouth.

I never met anyone who called their boss by name. This was a new thing for me.
My sigh lifted the questions that rested on my shoulders and I felt like I was in safe hands. I need not say more as the man who appeared in front of me seemed to know what he was doing, a sense of articulation which I admired.

“If you’d follow me to the elevator, I’d show you around and where your office would be.”

“Sorry. Elevator?” My mind flashed. I really tried not to be annoying like the Brainiac in high school who asked all the questions and delayed everyone’s time in class.

“Yes.” He replied politely without being fazed by my question. “We’re on the eleventh floor.”

I had never worked in a place that required an elevator before. The old gallery was on the ground floor and everything seemed to work fine but I couldn’t help but feel this was going to be better.

As the elevator doors parted, giving us a total view of the eleventh floor, my body trickled all over. I felt like a kid who got home to see his room stacked with candy he couldn’t finish for decades.

I thought the white painting on the ground floor was breathtaking. But the aesthetics on the eleventh floor was entirely different. Paintings were evenly arranged beside each other just like colors are arranged on a wheel. The visibility of the paintings was through carefully installed glass. I couldn’t help but feel drawn into the environment as it feels like a piece of puzzle was put to place.

“Welcome to your new place of work.” Marshall began his introduction. “One thing you need to know here is that everyone here is family and we’re glad to have you here with us. I can’t remember the last time someone got a job here and I can’t remember the last time someone quit.” The reputation of the company tracks with every visual element in its place. “Think of this as a family business and less of a workplace.”

“I’m guessing it has a bunch of annoying little brothers and sisters just like every family has.” I raised my head up high letting humor set in.

“Oh, yes. God, yes. It does.” He caught on immediately keeping the entertainment flowing.

“I’m going to let you have a moment with the paintings because I can’t seem to ignore your obsession with them. Once you’re done with the sightseeing, I want you to enter through that office. That’s where all the art assistants reside.” He pointed with his left index finger which was almost bending like a bow.

“Thank you very much, Marshall. I’ll see you in a bit.” I placed my hand on my chest to show my gratitude.

“You’re welcome and take your time. There’s absolutely no rush.” His voice receded.

After his departure, I was able to soak some of the painting intending to view the rest later. I couldn’t seem to pick a favorite yet as every one of them were nothing but unique in their own way.

I couldn’t help but notice a group of individuals chattering over a painting that almost stood out. I was tempted to give my opinion but then I would be exploiting the short privilege extended to me.

I made my way to the door Marshall’s bendy fingers described. On pushing the door open, the chorus of “Welcome!” left me heavily guarded. My facial expression begged for answers as I saw smiles all around people’s faces I’ve never seen.

“This is our way of saying welcome.” Marshall came in again to save my questions.

“Wow. You really weren’t kidding when you said this was a family.” I smiled hard appreciating what was right in front of me.

I greeted everyone and introductions and laughter filled the air. On settling in, I realized something I hadn’t realized for a very long time; I didn’t think of David today. For me, that was progre
ss and I could help but mouth once more “independent woman.”