Chapter 95 A New Rhythm
As she walked out of Jude's office, Annabel felt a sense of purpose as the new title of partner weighed heavily on her.
Her stride had changed and she now walked with confidence on the smooth marble floor.
Outside, the city that had once been a bewildering overwhelming labyrinth seemed to hum with a common goal.
In this place people built things, had dreams and realized those dreams. She was now a part of that.
The elevator’s numbers flashed by as she descended to her floor resembling road signs.
Her office's soft hum was a pleasant sound as the doors opened. It was her own world, a blank canvas.
The cool leather of her chair was a familiar comfort as she sank back into it. On her desk, her laptop remained open, its screen a glowing canvas.
The blinking cursor was still waiting for her to come back.
The cool smooth metal of her stylus felt good against her fingertips as she picked it up.
As she gazed at the tablet’s blank page, a profound sense of joy spread throughout her chest. This was her project, her future and her space.
No silent murmurs of doubt or ghosts from the past were present anymore. All she saw was a blank screen and a burning sensation in her stomach.
The air felt fresh and clean as she inhaled deeply. She started drawing with a tiny sincere smile on her lips.
Her fingers danced over the tablet as she moved with a practiced ease.
The hours passed in the blink of an eye. She became disoriented the world outside her office vanishing into a far-off hum.
The piece was captivating. She was creating a new identity for the company that was strong, elegant and straightforward.
She worked on the homepages layout, rearranging components and changing the spacing.
She expanded the color scheme by adding grays and blues that conveyed assurance and clarity.
Her phone was vibrating softly on the desk but she was too preoccupied to notice it.
It wasn't until it buzzed once more that she became aware of it; the slight tremor kept interrupting her focus.
With her thoughts still focused on layouts and designs she picked it up. When she saw the name on the screen, her smile widened.
Fred.
“Hello?” she said in a quiet voice.
“Hey, Annabel. Just to see how things were going… I wanted to check in with you.” He said
“It’s going great,” she said. “Very very well.”
“That is good,” he said.
“I had been anxious,” she said. “It was nervous in a different way though.”
“What do you mean?” He asked
“It was kind of nervous…similar to a major test you have prepared for. I was aware that I was prepared. I only needed to make the initial move.” She said,
“Did you take it?” He asked
“Yes,” she said. “Jude and I met. He explained to me that this was more than just a job. It was a partnership”
On the other end of the line there was a pause. As she processed her words she could see his soft smile and kind eyes.
“Wow” he exclaimed. “Annabel…that's incredible.”
“It is,” she said. “This feels really different. He believes in me. He thinks I'm capable.”
“He does, of course,” he said. “You're not weak, I assured you.”
“I understand. You're right. All along you were so right.” She said,
“So tell me about it,” he said. “As a partner?”
“That’s empowering,” she said. “I feel like I can speak now. I am not merely a hired hand carrying out a task. Together… we are creating something.”
“And you're happy, right?” he asked.
“I am Fred. I'm overjoyed. This is the best feeling I've had in a long time. It is reminiscent of a dream.” She replied
“It's not a dream,” he said. “It's real. It's yours Annabel. The leap was taken by you. You are deserving of happiness.”
“I am so grateful for everything. Without you I could not have completed it.”She said
“You could have,” he acknowledged. “All you needed was a little encouragement. A brief affirmation of your own power.”
“Well, you gave me a great one.” She said.
“I'm so happy you're doing so well,” he said. “I just wondered how your day was going and thought of you. Did any of those old rumors still haunt you?”
“No,” she stated. “They're probably gone forever. The city outside no longer feels chilly and unsettling. It has the feel of a home.”
“It is,” he said. “It is now your home. And you are creating a new life in it.”
“Yes,” she replied. “And I'm looking forward to it. I feel as though I'm finally crafting my own narrative.”
“How has that story unfolded so far?” he inquired.
“Mostly it's still a blank page,” she said. “I'm filling it in though. I began with just one line…this is the tablet’s initial design stroke. It feels ideal as well.”
“Annabel, that is stunning. I am really proud of you. I'm eager to see what you produce.”He remarked
“It will be fantastic,” she said. “I'm positive of it,”
“I’m certain you are,” he said. “So will you be home tonight for dinner? I was considering preparing some spaghetti.”
She gazed at her laptop's screen which was glowing brightly with a partially completed layout.
“I don't know,” she said. “I'm currently in the midst of a flow. I can't stop at this point. I think I'll just work here for a little while longer. But I'm grateful.”
“All right,” he said. “But remember to eat. I can bring you something if you want.”
“That's very nice of you but no. I'll be all right. I'll probably just grab something when I get home.”She said
“All right,” he said. “All right, notify me when you're closing from work. Don't stay too late either. Remember not to overwork yourself.”
“I will. Once more thank you Fred.” She replied
“Thank you,” he said. “Now return to your work and carry out your duties.”
“I will.We can talk later.”She replied
“Bye Annabel,” he said.
“Bye Fred.” She said
With a warm sensation rising in her chest she hung up the phone. She was not by herself.
She glanced back at her laptop screen as her fingers once more found their way to the stylus.
Now the work felt even more purposeful. It was more than just Jude. It wasn't merely a job. She wanted it. She owned it.