Olivia , the most outspoken person...
1851 Words
Olivia arrived the venue promptly at nine. There was a slight delay at the gate. Throughout her drive down there, she didn't hit a single traffic only to meet a long line of cars waiting to get into the venue. She was also affected and with the way the line was crawling, she doubted if she would get in before the ten minutes grace elapses.
She wondered what the issue could be, most importantly, why the security personnels were not doing anything about it or being so slow. They were so many that if Olivia was asked to give a rough number, she would count up to thirty.
"This summit is on a high level." She said to herself as she scanned the environment. The flowers were neatly arranged and trimmed. The buildings were also magnificent with beautiful exteriors.
From a distance, she could see people getting checked in with their tickets and in that moment, she wished she had superpowers which would get her get past the traffic without being noticed. That was how much she wanted to be in.
She heaved a tired sigh as she checked the time on her fancy wristwatch. There was still eight minutes left. It gave her a sense of relief and hope. If the securities rise up to the occasion, then they would definitely make it in in time.
Two minutes later and Olivia was now getting impatient. Others were too. People started getting out of their cars to check what was causing the delay.
Olivia debated on joining them, realising she probably won't be of much help, she stayed back and decided to hold on to her hope.
She felt pressed, but undirected. Will she really drive all this way not to be let in at the gate? On a second thought, she opened the car door and was about to get out when she changed her mind. She peered out the window instead. Some people were discussing close to her spot so she discreetly eavesdropped on their conversation.
Turns out some people couldn't book a space prior as they were late and all tickets had been sold out. However, they decided to ignore the firm memo that no one would be let in without a ticket. They came to the venue regardless and when they were turned back at the gate, started to cause disturbance. They wouldn't leave despite the securities efforts to make them and they didn't want to use force either.
Rubbing her forehead lightly, Olivia pulled her head back in and leaned into the car seat. She can't leave even if she wants to because of the cars parked behind her.
Involving the police is the best solution. Olivia thought to herself when she saw the police cars pulling in. Now the stubborn defaulters will have no choice than to listen to reason and vacate the premises.
It was now twenty past nine. Since it wasn't their fault, Olivia surmised they wouldn't be turned back.
She sang along as she took solace in her song playlist. She enjoyed the songs so much that she moved her head and body rhythmically at intervals. For that moment, she forgot all about her troubles.
Olivia took a breath and flexed her cramping legs. When was the last time she had a satisfying moment like this? She has always been deep and lost in thoughts.
Pushing the seat back, she stretched her body. It wasn't comforting. The space was too closed. She then got down from the car. That was the first time since she got stuck in the long queue. She let out a satisfied moan as she took a few steps forward.
"Oh thank God, it's finally moving." She exclaimed as she quickly got back into her car and started it. The car before her moved just then, giving her room to move too.
By the time she got a parking space and got herself checked in, it was already ten in the morning.
The hall was filled to the brim with people which made her wonder where the crowd still outside would stay.
"Well, I guess everyone has their allotted seats. Or perhaps, another delay would ensue in here." Olivia mumbled to herself as she made her way to her seat. She kept checking the seat numbers till she found hers.
"Hello there," A beautiful young lady who was sitting next to her seat said to her in a gentle tone.
"Hello" Olivia replied with a smile and then quickly took her face off of her. She was there for serious business not to make unnecessary friends that would only distract her from learning. Olivia saw no need for further discussion, the casual plesantries was enough.
It turned out the lady also felt the same way or maybe, she has an accurate record of reading people's true intentions. She quickly composed herself and minded her business as well.
The seminar started not too long after. The first speaker, a woman in her mid forties, started by apologizing for the delay which made them look a bit unorganized. She then went into proper introductions.
Her session was so interesting, mindblowing and eye-opening that Olivia thought no other speaker would be able to beat her record. Alas, she was wrong. The next speaker was even more eye-catching. However, the session was more of an interaction session which entailed the audience interacting with themselves.
Olivia's plan to seclude herself was ruined as she has to interact with the lady beside her.
The first task they were saddled with was a gentle introduction, just name and occupation. Since she was the first one to shut the other person off, Olivia felt a little embarrassed and reluctant to start. She stole a peek at the lady with her corner eye and then looked away without saying a word.
She was even more pained when the lady chose the person sitting at the other side and ignored her. Olivia would have done the same but she didn't have this luxury as she was the first on their row. She out her ego aside and then cleared her throat softly.
"Hello, I'm Olivia Lanes, a sales marketer. I work in a marketing firm that specializes in luxury goods." She said as she swiftly turned to her.
"That's nice to know. I'm Lisbeth Holland. I'm an auditor." She introduced herself too. She was so brief that Olivia started to wonder if she was too extra with hers. Lisbeth noticed it and quickly stepped in.
"What's the name of your firm? Who knows? It might have fallen into my tight and clenching clasps." She chimed in while they both let out a gentle laugh.
Olivia mentioned the firm's name and truly, Lisbeth had audited it in the past.
"I'm so sorry for my earlier reaction. I know how distracting and over the top I can be and I honestly didn't want to be in your way." Olivia quickly offered an apology while turning the issue around.
"Oh no no, no offense was taken. I don't like being a bother too. Thanks for being understanding and considerate. Not so many people are like that." Lisbeth replied.
They stopped talking afterwards on the speaker's instructions as the introduction time was over.
The two subsequent speakers were also like the second one. Also interactive.
By the end of the seminar, Olivia and Lisbeth had known the basic things about each other. They had a short break too where they were served lunch.
The two used this break to even get to know themselves better. They kept chuckling and giggling as they talked while also enjoying their meal.
Also, Olivia won an award for being the most outspoken person. She answered three questions correctly which impressed everyone. The organisers thought it best to award her with a trophy which had the category won boldly written on it.
"See, whoever said one can't shine on a first attempt obviously hasn't met Olivia Lanes." Lisbeth said to Olivia as she admired the trophy.
"I know right. Though, I think it was just pure luck. The questions were not even difficult ones. Besides, I'm sure everyone in here knows the answer too, they just didn't want to stand and... You know, not everyone likes being in the limelight." Olivia countered.
"Remind me again please, what award did you win? Most outspoken!!! Maybe you are right about the questions not being difficult and people knowing the answer but they didn't answer, did they? So quit selling yourself short just to please others." Lisbeth said firmly while Olivia only smiled.
For future engagement, Lisbeth suggested they exchange contacts which Olivia agreed to. She then reached her hand into her purse to get her phone. It wasn't there. She thought it was stuck in a corner so she dropped the trophy and carefully checked again. It still wasn't there.
One after the other, she took out the contents till there was none left. Her phone was nowhere to be found. She quickly flashed back into the last hours while trying to remember where she could have left it.
"Did I leave it at home? No, I'm sure I saw it in the car. Was it stolen while I was stuck at the gate? Can the people here really stoop so low?" Olivia debated within herself as she scanned the calibre of people present. The hall was scanty with just few people around as most already left.
"Not to worry, why don't I get yours and then give you a call later when you must have gotten home?" Lisbeth suggested. She believed Olivia must have left the phone at home.
Olivia agreed it was a great idea after which they left the hall and made their way to their cars. Lisbeth's car was parked closer so they exchanged a goodbye hug and air kisses. She hopped into her car while Olivia slowly walked to hers. She continued trying to search for her phone in her head through the short walk.
Being an over-thinker, it wasn't a surprise that she spent ten more minutes in her car without moving. All she could think about was where she misplaced the phone. It wasn't the loss that pained her as much as her inability to figure out how and where.
It disturbed her so much that the security at the gate almost had to jump in front of her car to get the gate pass from her. She was so lost in thought.
"Are you alright?" The security person asked with a suspicious look.
"Of course, I'm perfectly alright. Sorry you had to do all that just to stop me. I didn't know I have to return this." She quickly chimed in as she handed the small square-sized card.
The man looked convinced as he immediately dropped the talk and then wished her a safe drive back home.
"Worry is never a friend of anyone." He politely mumbled to her as he waved her goodbye.
Olivia smiled and then tried to get her attention focused as she zoomed out of the premises.
- Writer
