Dirty Past (1)
1335 Words
Chapter 8: Dirty Past (1)
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It’s dirty… Disgusting… Revolting… I can’t stand it yet… why can’t I look away?
My mind’s blank and all I can look forward to is getting more lost with time…
Why does this have to happen to me?
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RING, RING! The alarm clock next to my bed begins ringing uncontrollably until I turn around and stop it. I’m so tired I can barely open by eyes to do so.
After I stop my clock I just stare at the ceiling for a while… I had that dream again… That disgusting dream, but I can’t remember what I was so disgusted with…
I have this dream from when I was very young, maybe around seven or eight years old. At the time I saw something that changed my life forever… but I can’t remember what it was.
My mysophobia began then and there, the moment I saw that thing but I don’t know what it was…
It was such a dark room… There was an ever so faint light coming from the door. A single window that didn’t bring much light inside, lamps that were all turned off… What did I see in that dark room and why is my memory so blurry?
Well it did happen about twenty years ago, so of course I won’t be able to remember is clearly. I just… wish I had even the faintest idea, it honestly bothers me. Each time I have that dream I feel bothered but I don’t know why…
I ended my ridiculous thought and I got up from my bed quickly. Time was already running out since everyone in the editorial department had to be at work an hour earlier. Why you may ask? Well I don’t really know, our boss the CEO has some strange ideas sometimes and it’s probably another one he wants to share with us.
I get dressed and head to the office. The dream I had this morning was already in the far back of my mind…
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“Good morning.” I greeted everyone that was already in the conference room.
“Morning…” Richard said in a tired voice without even sparing a glance in my direction. I bet he didn’t get enough sleep as any other day.
“Good morning Lois!” Kevin said in the most cheerful tone he could muster, he also seemed sleep deprived.
“Who says it’s good…” Finally Daniel’s fain mumbling was heard, he had the face of someone about to pass out.
“Did you not sleep well?” I asked, the question directed towards all of them.
“How could we sleep? Do you have any idea why we’re here today?” Richard seemed unusually angry for some reason.
“I don’t even know… nobody bothered to tell me…” Daniel said in an annoyed voice.
Everyone seemed to be on edge for some reason…
“Tsk… I can’t believe this…” Richard clicked his tongue, he was the most annoyed out of everyone. “Listen up, we’re here because-”
Before he could say anything, his words were cut off mid sentence as our CEO entered the room.
“Mr. Carelesse, good morning.” Richard said in a calm voice, the previous annoyance and hint of anger were not completely gone. Even his expression looked softened, I really don’t know how he manages to pretend so well. I sort of admire him for that really.
“Good to see you’re all doing well. Please sit down so we can begin.” As Mr. Carelesse said that everyone did as they were ordered. After our CEO several more people from various departments came as well and took their places. This all seems so strange for some reason.
“I’m very sorry to ask you to come here on such short notice, but I have an announcement that concerns all of you.” Mr. Carelesse said in a serious tone, he crossed his hands and observed the room, I wonder if he wanted to see everyone’s reactions.
Everyone was listening intently to each word he said. “We’ll be beginning one of the biggest projects in our years of operation. The current bestseller author is coming under us for this special promotion.”
Everyone in the room seemed to have an idea who that author was, well everyone except for me. Since I hadn’t had enough time to keep up with current news because of a certain somebody…
“That author’s name is Haley Williams.” He said with a smile on his face, the other people in the room began whispering among themselves.
“You may ask questions, if you have any~” Mr. Carelesse opened the floor for questions with the big grin still plastered on his face.
“Is this going to be a one-time collaboration?” Richard asked while raising his hand.
“One time only… Well if Miss Williams decides to work with us again then it will be even better.” The CEO said without giving it much thought, it seems like he has other plans in store still.
“Isn’t Haley Williams a minor?” Kevin asked, if that was the case then it would definitely cause problems. We would need her parent’s permission for everything.
“She recently turned eighteen, so there will be no need for her parent’s insolvent or permission in the serialization and promotion of her work.” Mr. Carelesse answered as if he already knew someone was going to ask that very question.
“What about the Williams scandal?” Someone asked but I don’t recognize that person. She’s dressed in a light gray checkered suit, her black hair is up in a bun and the way she’s looking at the CEO seems strange.
“Amelia, that scandal doesn’t have anything to do with her works nor with her personally. We can’t blame her family’s mistakes on her…” Mr. Carelesse quickly answered the woman’s question, but she didn’t seem happy with that answer.
“But sir, we can’t allow our name to be associated with the Williams, that will bring nothing good to our company!” Amelia seemed really angry for some reason, she stood up from her chair as she spoke. Is she trying to show dominance or something? Just sit down…
“We don’t choose the family we’re born into. I won’t disregard Haley’s talent because of her father’s wrongdoings. You shouldn’t either.” Mr. Carelesse seemed to be fed up with the woman’s persistence. His expression showed even more annoyance than hers did, it almost feels like he understands being judged based on your parent’s past. I wonder if that’s the case…
“I… understand…” Amelia seemed to calm down a bit after noticing the CEO’s obvious displeasure at her words. She seems like a really judgmental person, I don’t want to get too involved with her.
“If nobody else has any questions, you can go back to work~” The CEO spoke in a carefree tone once again and the meeting ended on that note.
Even though this was one of the shortest meetings that I have ever attended somehow… this seemed like the most intense one.
After everyone left the conference room, I could still hear people whispering about what happened.
All kinds of speculations began forming. Such as: ‘Maybe the CEO is sleeping with her and so wants to promote her.’ and ‘He’s doing it for extra publicity.’
Most of the office staff seemed to deeply doubt Mr. Carelesse’s decision on the matter. While when it come to me, I don’t really mind either way. As long as it’s part of my job I will do it, no matter what it might be…
- Writer
