Margaret - Chapter 6

“Hey, you! I was wondering if you saw what I wrote in your notes. I assumed you were looking over them before you turned in for the night!”

How did she–

“I got a good glance at your ideas, interesting stuff. I thought the one I circled was the best, so I think you should continue with that one. I have an eye for these things, you know!”

A lump in my throat built up. I didn’t know how to react to her sudden words. How was she able to retain that much information in such a short time? I didn’t even hand her my own notes! It doesn’t make sense at all! And I thought I was more insightful than others, but this girl is on a whole other level!

“Uh, Margie? Are you there?”

“Oh, right! Yeah, it’s impressive you seem to be very attuned to these types of things…”

‘What can I say? We both have the same goal, no need to waste time on different ideas when there’s a clear answer. I know that idea was something different than whatever you spruced up today, I could literally feel it.”

I felt the lump grow larger. Just how long has this girl been watching me…? Even realizing something like that means she’s been aware of my work longer than I’ve known. How could she know so much, and we just began talking today?

“But, anyway. Did you think more about my offer? I noticed that in many of the meetings, you seemed ready to present. But when the chance came, you never said anything. Are you a bit shy?”

“W-well, that’s–”

“Don’t worry, with me as your partner, I could do the talking! It’d be easier that way, no? With my people skills and your grand ideas. We could make a fortune here! They wouldn’t know what’d hit them!”

“That…may be true…”

“Exactly! So come on, what do you say?”

The pressure she was putting on my mind was overwhelming. It was like I was being sucked into her idea; the more I thought about it, the more sound it became. I’d never worked with partners. It was always just me, figuring things out on my own. Turning in assignments and projects quietly, I never felt the need to be too vocal. As long as the grade or approval was what I wanted, I was fine. This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for after all. Would it be dumb not to up my chances with her by my side? She seemed very liked around the office, and she has a way of reading people…maybe a bit too close. That’s needed in the business world, and something I must work on personally.

I glanced over at the photo sitting on the table, and my resolve grew stronger. If this would get me to where they wanted, then so be it. Being bold can offer glory! It’d be a waste to let something like this pass.

“You’re on. Let’s work together.”

An excited squeal came from the other side of the speaker. Delilah took my response fairly well. She responded quickly.

“Then it’s on! Let’s work and rise above the ranks. See you at the office, partner! ~”

“Right…”
“Click!”

The phone turned off as she disconnected from the call. I fell backwards onto my small bed. The cushion secured my fall as I let out a long, exasperated sigh. Even the simplest interactions can wind me up, especially with people like that. But I have to get used to these things, especially if I want to move up in the business! I clenched my fist in declaration. I was going to throw away the Margaret who wants to do everything herself and pursue her goal. Even if it meant some interaction with my peers. I can do that! Yeah!

After said declaration, a new motivation built up within me. Two weeks to get this product ready to present, and a seemingly more than reliable ally to get through it. Things are finally starting to line up in my favor. I can’t let this feeling go. I took care of my nightly duties before resting in bed for the night.

“This is the first step to getting what I want…I have to pull through!”

—

Two weeks passed in what felt like a flash, and the office was bustling more than ever. From multiple associates sitting around tables discussing their ideas, to many huddled in their cubicles going over any final touches. The day of the final presentation came about. Pressure was high in the office, and many were putting their all into these things. I’d be lying to say I was completely calm. Though seeing my partner, Delilah, seem fully relaxed gave me a sense of calm in the storm of events. She sat on my cubicle desk beside my computer, taking small sips of the company's free coffee. Her hair had been spruced up as we agreed that she’d present the project to our employers. I worked primarily on the presentation and making sure the details were easy to present.

Delilah glanced over at me, looking me up and down. “I didn’t know you had it in you to fix yourself up this much. You’re kinda cute.” My eyes widened at the proclamation. Sure, I usually go for a more business look, but for today, I wanted to look my best. I was willing to sit in front of the mirror a bit longer to make sure each strand was in the right place. I felt my cheeks burn quickly as I turned to the computer again. Adjusting my glasses and continuing with my edits. “Thank you,” I whispered. Delilah wore a small smirk on her face as she continued to sip on her coffee. I could feel the confidence radiating off of her. I wish I could be more like that, truthfully, but I’m working towards that.

I felt my body starting to wane with each tick of the clock on the wall. At any moment, the presentations were going to start. Especially since they’re in front of the employers and higher-ups. We needed to bring our best for this; everyone in this office wanted in on getting their project greenlit. With each passing second, the chatter continued, and the worry swirled in my stomach.

“Hey, are you feeling alright?” Delilah asked, placing her hand on my shoulder. She felt the heat emanating from my body with her touch and wore a concerned look on her face. “You seem to be really pressed at the moment. Do you need some water?” I stopped looking over our presentation and looked her way. I couldn’t contain my nerves. Too much rode on this opportunity, and I felt as if I was going to pass out. “I’m sorry, I’m just nervous, that's all.” Delilah’s concern turned to a small smile. She kept her hand placed on my shoulder before fanning me with a free folder sitting next to her. The small gusts of wind from each flap seemed to calm me down a bit.

“It’s just…I have so much riding on this, I want it to be the best possible presentation—”

“No, no. Your presentation looks great. You did wondrous things with this!”

“I know it’s silly but—”

Delilah’s two hands clasped onto my shoulders, turning my spinning chair to her. Her small figure felt huge in this position as she forced me to listen to her. I couldn’t help but yelp at the sudden shift. “You need to give yourself some more credit. Don’t sweat the details and just be ready for the applause. This idea is a guaranteed hit, don’t sell yourself short, okay?” Her words sat with the usual hefty weight they always have. I pressed my hand on my chest, giving myself a moment to breathe and clear my mind. She was right. I worked hard for this chance; I can’t psyche myself out of this.

“You’re right, thank you, Delilah. For everything.”

“Don’t thank me yet, we've got to get through this presentation!”

“Yeah, you’re right—”

The air in the room suddenly felt as if it was sucked out as the loud clacking sound of heels approached the cubicle space. Those same steps we heard that entered the meeting room before having now infiltrated the office space. A bright red jumpsuit and blonde shoulder-length hair entered the space. Silencing the chatter within the room. Everyone’s attention turned to her as she cleared her throat.