Margaret - Chapter 7

“Today is the day, everyone. Time to show us what you have to offer! I’m super excited to see your developments, don’t let me down, you hear?” Various stammers and gulps enveloped the room before she turned back and walked to the conference area, where the presentations would be taking place. Soon, everyone followed behind her pace, with their presentations loaded onto their devices. Delilah made sure to place it on her tablet as she was presenting for both of us. I couldn’t get over the idea of presenting in front of such important people, especially in this condition. Thankfully, I have a reliable partner for that task. I know she’ll do great.

“I hope she can do her best with what I provided. I sent over the notes, so they should all be there.” I whispered to myself as I kept the folder she fanned me within my hand. It truly did help, especially considering the crowded hall.

Groups began to be seated within the large conference area one by one. I sat as Delilah went to sign our names into the order, and the nerves only grew as each passing minute continued. Every group began to present their presentations, offering many different product ideas to the board. The same group of individuals from the previous meeting sat in front, judging each group. The stout woman and lanky man from before held clipboards in their hands, marking down things with each group's presentation. It was nerve-wracking to see them up close and personal.

As the names continued, my stomach began to twist itself into a pretzel. Constantly messing with me, it felt as if I could fall apart at any moment. Delilah glanced over to me as she looked over the presentation once more on her small tablet. “Maybe you should go to the restroom to settle down?” she mentioned, seeming to be more worried about my condition. My eyes felt heavy and my breath short. The anticipation and anxiety I felt were overwhelming.

“I'll freshen up. Maybe it’ll clear my mind…do your best with the presentation if we’re called.” I said, excusing myself from the seat and trying to head out before the next presentation started. “I’ll do my best, take care of yourself,” she whispered, giving me a small smile as I tread off to the door, letting myself out of the crowded room.

The sudden bright lights of the more than empty office halls filled my lungs with air once more. I felt as if I’d been suffocating within the room. I walked off to the restroom, finding myself alone in front of the sink. I ran the water and began to wipe my face. I didn’t have to worry too much about messing up anything, as I didn’t wear makeup. Preferring a more natural look. I looked into the mirror, seeing my worried expression reflected, which didn’t do me any favors.

I reached into my small purse for my phone. I knew it would be best to remind myself of why I’m doing this, as I turned on my phone, the same image of two adults and a child appeared on my background. I felt my nerves calm as I looked over the image of the family. “I wish you guys were here…maybe I wouldn’t have chosen this career…” I whispered, holding the phone up and close to my head. “Please give us the best shot to win…”

At that moment, a buzz came from my phone. It was a call from my grandma, a rare occasion. I slowly pulled the phone away before answering.

“Hello?”

“Margaret, this is your grandma!”

“I can see that…”

“Just wanted to call you to check in on your progress, you said your presentation’s today right? Well give it your best shot!”

“Someone’s excited.”

“Well, you seemed very focused…I don’t want to turn your head too much with my support. I felt there was something I needed to say to you before you move into the limelight at your job.”

‘Grandma…it’s not that serious.”

“No, let me tell you. I know how much you have worked; I want you to know that your parents would be more than proud of you. Especially your mother, she was a feisty one.”

“Grandma…”

“Do your best. We believe in you!”

“Click!”

The sudden dropped call left me astonished, hearing those words from my grandmother meant more to me than she’d ever know. They were words that even I didn’t know I needed at the moment. I felt my heart settle at the thought of my parents. They’d supported me in this goal since I was younger, before they passed on. Always believing in my dreams and ability, so hearing it from Grandma only warmed my heart more, knowing they don’t understand much of what I do. But having their support opened me up some more. I’d be lying if I said Delilah didn’t help with me learning to open up some more. I should thank her with a treat after all of this…

The sudden realization I’d possibly been in the restroom longer than I’d have preferred settled in my mind before I rushed out to return to the room. Time seemed to have gotten away from me after the conversation, though it was very much needed to settle my nerves. I felt a spark of hope from my grandma’s words and quickly rushed back to the conference room. After arriving, I entered the room and looked forward to seeing applause being given out to one of the presenters. It happened to be Delilah, who smiled widely and bowed to the audience. It seemed our presentation turned out well from the reception within the room.

She stepped down from the podium and walked back to the seat, meeting me there in the small walkway. A smile was planted on my face, hearing the reception of everyone. “Did it go well? The reception seemed really good.” I said, nudging her slightly as we returned to our seats. I felt choosing her to present was the right move, as her calm demeanor seemed to be advantageous amongst our peers. She returned a small smile. “Yeah, we just have to wait for the results.” She said, smiling back at me before turning off her tablet. We sat together as the rest of the presentees continued.

After some time, everyone had finished, and the higher-ups began to discuss with one another, placing their notes together. Everyone was allowed to return to the office area to await the news of which group's idea would be chosen. Tensions were high, and many were hoping to be selected. This was the day everyone waited for. I sat in my seat, tense as always, though I couldn’t seem to spot Delilah. She mentioned having to use the bathroom as we walked out, but I was sure she’d appear again. I relaxed as I noticed her cup of coffee sat on my desk. I picked it up, noticing its light weight, and decided to throw it away. It wouldn’t be good to have stains on the desk.