Hidden. (by seasidestyles-original copy)

three

My alarm blares at seven a.m., scaring the living shit out of me.

I knock the beeping clock to the floor, a groan escaping my lips. It takes me a good two minutes to realize it's Monday morning, the day I begin my new job.

I leap out of bed, rushing into the bathroom. I shower quickly and dry my hair, letting it fall in loose chestnut waves past my shoulders. I put eyeliner and mascara on my eyes, trying to make myself look professional and slightly classy.

I go to my closet and pull on a white blouse and a black skirt along with black pumps. I stare at myself in the mirror and take a few deep breaths.

"You cannot screw this up," I say to my reflection.

After a short pep talk, I grab my bag and lock my door behind me.

On the way out of the building, I pass Harry's door. I scowl and push him away from my mind. Just because I have a rude neighbor doesn't mean I'll have to interact with them. That is, unless my noise level isn't as low as he pleases.

I get into my car, the cool Portland air making me shiver a bit. Even though it's mid September, temperatures are already dropping. Not that I mind too much, anyway. I love cold weather.

The drive is short to Crystal Publishing, thanks to my apartment only a few blocks away. I mentally thank Aaron for the thousandth time for helping me pick out such a fantastically located place.

I park my car accordingly and walk into the sleek glass building. I take the elevator to the sixth floor and walk into a spacious office, stopping at the reception desk.

A brown haired woman with blue eyes smiles at me from the desk.

"Good morning, Miss Knight," she says, nodding a bit.

"Hi," I greet her. The plaque in her desk reads "Marion Johnson."

She smiles at me. "I'll let Mr. Greenman know you're here." She picks up her phone and presses a few buttons, speaking my name into the receiver before hanging up. She hands me a manila folder. "Mr. Greenman put aside this manuscript the other day for you to start when you arrived." I take the folder into my arms, unable to stop the smile from spreading across my face.

This is it. This is really happening.

A few moments later, a distinguished man with glasses and dark hair walks up to me, sticking out his hand for me to shake.

"Rose Knight, nice to meet you," he says as I shake his hand. "I'm Dan Greenman, COO."

I nod. I hadn't realize he was ranked so high in the company. To think I'll be working directly from the COO almost makes me dizzy.

"I'll show you to your workplace," he says. I nod again and follow him across the office to the back corner, facing a wall of windows.

"Over there is accounting," Mr. Greenman says. "Your desk is bordering where accounting works. Next to accounting is HR..." He goes on and I nod politely. He finally finishes talking and smiles at me. "You will be expected to read four to five manuscripts a week. I know it sounds like a lot, but judging by your resume, you should be up to the challenge. Your first paycheck will arrive to your residence on Sunday. I look forward to seeing your work in copy editing, Miss Knight," he says as I set my things down on my desk.

"Call me Rose," I direct him.

He nods and smiles. "Of course." He turns slightly. "If you need anything, my office is past accounting, over there. "He points to a rather large office off to the side. "My phone extension is 783."