Chapter 1: The Start
"Rose, I need your designs on my desk by this afternoon. The show is right around the corner." I looked up from my computer, eyes dull and tired after staring at the screen for so long. I couldn't help the feeling of dread that came over me as I looked at my boss. He was the youngest fashion director, being 25 and already running a successful company. Bastion Welling's good achievements also come with his good looks.
According to magazines, he fit the standards of many women. Long blonde flowing locks as bright as the suns warms rays, great straight posture that screamed confidence. He had the dark and cold icy blue eyes that froze most people in their tracks. His face alone was as if it had been sculpted by good. Taught cheek bones, the fierce and clean cut of his jaw, perfect white and straight teeth.
"I have them ready now if you want to look at them. I think that with the show theme being winter, we could probably use the white silk left over from last Christmas for the under skirts." I said handing him the manilla envelope with my latest sketches. His long slender fingers wrapped diligently around the envelope as he grabbed it carefully from my hands. I couldn't help but stare at his outfit while he thumbed through my sketches, made by Aaron Blake. He was our designer for men's clothes and one of my best friends.
Bastion's outfit was a white suit, pressed and ironed to fit his form. Even with the thick fabric that dawned his body, you could still see the outline of his sculpted muscles. It was not an unknown fact that he was athletic. In fact, all the other ladies in the company absolutely drooled over him. They have tried everything they could to get into Bastion's pants. Everyone accept me anyway. I consider relationships tedious. Always having to cater to someone else's needs, and with my late nights at the office, it would be impossible to maintain a healthy one. So, work has become my husband, and I it's slave.
"I think these designs will suffice. I would like to talk more about these designs over dinner with you and Aaron. You guys are very good at coordinating the shows. While we are meeting tonight, I would like to go over some ideas for the spring theme as well. Since spring is right around the corner, I would appreciate it if you made something people can look forward too. And as always great work Rose." He said placing the envelope back on the desk before turning to walk out. I watched him silently as he left, my fingers quietly pattering against the cool glass of my desk. I swear he just liked to ask us out as an excuse to drink. Every time we have one of our "meetings." We would always have to taxi him home, drunk, and annoying.
I let out a frustrated sigh before casually pushing my chair away from the desk. I let my legs dangle in the air as the black rolling chair rolled across the floor and came to a rest at my windows. Even though I always thought my office was stuffy, I had the most amazing view. Tall sky scrapers reached towards the heavens, always wanting to climb higher. Little cars down below looking like nothing more than ants as they clawed their way through the 5 O' clock traffic. Little colored dots of people down below walked in large close groups as they made their way through the shopping plaza's.
What would it be like to be able to be free like that? Not have to worry about deadlines, to enjoy small things like food or clothes. What would it be like to walk through the bustling crowds and listen to the chatter of the other people? I'm either always in my office, or just getting home. I am always tired after a long day and spend most of my time sleeping. I even bring work home with me, storming up designs for future releases. I don't really think I have spent a day not working. Days off I bring my laptop home and continue the weeks work.
I don't ever spend time for myself, and that's probably why I hold such a high place at the company. I've never missed a deadline, I don't show up late, and I go home later than I often should. I'm not the only workaholic either, Aaron more or less does the same amount of work I do. I don't think either one of us has actually taken a day off for personal reasons since we started. I often feel sorry for him, because at one point he did have a family. But they divorced recently because he spent his nights at work. They still keep in touch as friends, but the love they had was diminished.
There came a light tapping noise on my door. Spooked and lost in my own thoughts, I jumped in my seat. My eyes rushed towards the door, and I was met with a sneering Aaron. His hair was dyed a bright silver, almost matching the light blue sea foam eyes he had. His nose was short and prominent on his face. Silver hair was slicked back and cut short on his head. A few unkept strands fell down his face and dangled in his eyes, giving him a boy band kind of look. He sat leaning against the door frame in his gray suit jacket and pants. His gray undershirt was a tight nylon like texture that hugged his body. With a dazzling smile, he strutted into the room, clearly pleased he startled me. I huffed in annoyance before looking back out the window.
"What has you all wistful looking my dear? It's not like you to be looking away from the computer screen." The amusement in his tone dripped out like honey, almost coaxing out a snarky reply from my mouth. I gave a soft chuckle instead.
"We have worked for this company for eight years you and I. Dedicated every living second to a thankless job. We aren't getting any younger. I just wish maybe I could start enjoying a little bit of life you know. When was the last time we did anything for ourselves?" I said softly as I watched the sun slowly setting behind the tall buildings. The sky started slowly turning pink and yellow. Despite how clustered the city looked; it always took my breath away.
"I come from a poor background, so work was always something I strived for. Money became my biggest priority, even after I had a family. I still want to do good by them whether they are with me or not. I want my ex-wife and daughter to have a good life." I pulled my eyes away from the window to look up at Aaron. Despite the smile upon his face, his voice did little to hide the pain etched deep within him. His eyes clouded over as he vacantly looked outside. They became vacant and distant as he became lost in his own world. He didn't have to say anything to express how lonely he felt.
"I can't relate to how you feel. My parents died when I was young, and I was orphaned for most of my life. I was bounced around from home to home until I turned 18. Family doesn't mean anything to me, and I don't think I have the emotional capabilities for caring for someone else. I think that is why I spend most of my time at work, because there is nothing to go home too." Aaron pulled his eyes away from the window to look down at me, pity on his face. I didn't want his pity; my pain is what made me who I am today.
"I guess we all experience our versions of heartache and loneliness at some point in our lives. Now let's stop this depressing atmosphere and go eat some dinner. The boss picked a rather fancy restaurant tonight." He said with a wink. Offering out a hand, I gladly accepted It with a small smile on my face. He was the closest thing I had to a friend in this line of work and would often try and pick me up off my feet if I was feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I honestly think this is why we are such a good team.
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