the Finley Chronicles: Secrets

Chapter2

The "Sketch!" office building was nothing impressive, blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, just an unassuming structure amidst the bustling New York City streets. With its standard brick facade and uniform rows of windows, the building looked like any other in the area.

When Norah had her job interview a year prior, she had been quite surprised. She had expected "Sketch!" to be housed in a modern building that would have stood out among the others. Perhaps, with all windows and steel, instead of the old red bricks.

A simple glass door marked the entrance, framed by modest signage displaying the company's name. The sidewalk outside was always busy with pedestrians. In many ways, the building's ordinariness was deceptive, masking the creativity and excitement that thrived within its walls.

If Norah were honest, she hadn't expected to be at the office today. The anxiety that gripped her since her mother's death had made even the simplest tasks overwhelming. She could handle the workload and stress in the confines of her home. She just hadn't been ready for the onslaught of fake sympathy that her coworkers would give her. Most of them wouldn't care if something tragic had happened. For this reason, Valerie, her manager, had suggested working from home.

At first, being at home helped. She would simply receive her tasks through a phone call or email, separating her work and personal life easily. However, it also made her feel more alone, not to mention the struggles of not being up to date on the happenings at work.

So, sitting at her breakfast nook this morning, and mulling over her talk with Tyler this past week, she suddenly found herself dressing up. She randomly grabbed something from her shelf with only outfits for work, which mostly consisted of slacks, blouses, and the occasional dress in neutral colors. After making sure she had everything, she went out.

Now though, standing at the threshold of the office, her heart pounding, Norah started second-guessing her decision. The familiar hustle and bustle of the newsroom seemed a world apart from the silent, grief-filled days she had endured since her mother's passing. Taking a deep breath, trying to calm down her racing heart, she stepped inside, determined to face the reality she had been avoiding.

The office buzzed with activity, as per usual. Phones rang incessantly, reporters typed furiously at their keyboards, and editors barked out orders. The chaos was strangely comforting, a reminder that life continued to move forward even when her own world had come to a screeching halt.

Norah made her way to her desk, weaving through a maze of cubicles and open workspaces. Each station was personalized with quirky decorations, snapshots, and inspirational quotes, mirroring the unique personalities of the staff. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the space, giving the office a warm, inviting feel. As she passed by her colleagues, they greeted her with nods and smiles, welcoming her back into the fold. Despite the somber reason for her recent absence, Norah felt a comforting sense of normalcy returning and her anxiety taking a backseat.

"Norah!" Tyler called out when he spotted her. He rushed over, enveloping her in a tight hug. "It's so good to see you back. We've missed you around here."

Norah managed a small smile, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Tyler. I've missed being here too."

Tyler held onto the hug for a moment longer before pulling back slightly, concern etched on his face. Despite having talked at least twice a week and having had their lunch date earlier this week, Norah had not informed him of returning to the office when she finally went out the door that morning. "How are you holding up?" he asked gently, his voice filled with genuine empathy and concern.

Norah shrugged. And although Tyler could have meant it in general, she knew he referred to being at the office.

"I'm... managing," Norah replied, not wanting to delve deeper into the anxiety of her decision just yet. "But it feels relatively good to be back."

Tyler nodded, his expression understanding. "Well, if there's anything you need, just say the word."

"Thanks, Ty," Norah replied. She appreciated his kindness more than words could express, especially in moments like these when she was filled with anxiety.

Tyler winked and made his way back to his desk. Standing at her desk, Norah noticed the concerned and curious glances from her coworkers. She knew they meant well, but the attention made her feel more exposed. She sat down and powered up her laptop, trying to focus on the familiar rhythm of her work.

Her desk was a study of minimalist efficiency, reflecting her need for order amidst the chaos. Gone were the haphazard stacks of papers and scattered pens. In their place was a small, tidy bookshelf with a single drawer, housing the essentials she needed. Books on investigative journalism and reference materials were neatly lined up on one side, while a small vase added a touch of life to the space. She needed to add some flowers to it, as it had been empty for weeks now. A small clock sat on the top shelf, and Norah's pens and other stationary items were organized in a ceramic mug that read, "Keep calm and carry on."

Grabbing her notebook from the bookshelf, she started making her first to-do list of the day, based on the items she needed to check for her coworkers. She opened her email and began sifting through the backlog of messages, noting down tasks and updates.

1. Fact-check article on sustainable fashion trends.

2. Gather background information for a feature on urban gardening.

3. Verify sources for upcoming investigative pieces on local politics.

4. Follow up on interview requests for human interest stories.

As she worked through her emails, Norah heard a familiar voice and looked up to see Isa Abbott approaching her desk with a steaming cup of coffee. Isa's bright smile and upbeat demeanor were a welcome sight.

Isa Abbott was the kind of person who could light up a room simply by walking into it. At 28, she exuded an energy and enthusiasm that was highly contagious, making her a favorite among her colleagues at "Sketch!". Isa's wavy, chestnut brown hair was often pulled in a loose, effortless bun and her hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief.

Her knack for investigative journalism was a honed skill that had recently earned her a promotion to senior reporter. And despite her busy schedule, Isa was never too preoccupied to lend a hand or offer a listening ear. She often wondered how Isa was able to handle everything so well and make it seem effortless at the same time.

"Hi, Norah! It's so good to see you back," Isa said, handing her the coffee. "How are you doing?"

Norah took the coffee gratefully, feeling the warmth seep into her hands. "I'm managing," she said, echoing her earlier response to Tyler. "It's been tough, but it's good to be back."

Isa nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine. If you need anything, just let me know. We're all here for you."

"Thanks, Isa," Norah replied, appreciating the genuine support. "And congrats on the promotion! I saw the announcement while I was out. You deserve it."

Isa beamed. "Thank you! It's been a whirlwind, but I'm so excited. And I have a feeling you'll be back in the swing of things in no time."

As Isa returned to her desk, Norah tried to start on the article on Fashion trends but was interrupted by her manager.

"Glad to see you're back," Valerie said.

Norah smiled, feeling a bit more confident. "Thanks, Valerie, I thought it was time for a fresh start."

Valerie nodded approvingly. "Well, it looks like you're ready to dive back in. We have our weekly meeting in about 10 minutes. I'll see you in the conference room."

"Sure thing," Norah replied. Valerie turned to leave but then paused.

"After the meeting, can we chat briefly in my office?" Valerie asked. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Norah's heart skipped a beat, anxiety coming back in waves. "Of course," she said, trying to keep her tone casual.

As Valerie walked away, Norah took a deep breath and felt the anxiety drift away. "Focus, Norah. We're starting new today, no more anxiety," she thought to herself.

She scribbled a few more notes in her notebook, then glanced at the clock—five more minutes until the weekly meeting. She quickly gathered her things: her notebook, a pencil case, and her phone.

As she walked to the conference room, she felt a mix of anxiety and determination. The familiar surroundings and office atmosphere provided a sense of comfort and distraction. She reminded herself that this meeting was just another step in reclaiming her normalcy. Besides, it wasn't as if she had to prepare an entire speech for the meeting—thankfully. That would have been a disaster.

Entering the conference room, a modern, well-lit space designed for collaboration and productivity, Norah saw a few of her colleagues already seated, including Tyler and Isa. She chose a seat near the middle, wanting to blend in without drawing too much attention. Valerie, while going over her notes, was at the head of the long, sleek wooden table.

One wall of the conference room was entirely covered by a large whiteboard, often filled with notes and brainstorming ideas from various meetings, however today it was empty. Opposite the whiteboard were floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed natural light to flood the room, and offered a panoramic view of New York City. A state-of-the-art projector hung from the ceiling and a glass cabinet in the corner held an assortment of office supplies and neatly organized files.

When the last of her colleagues entered the room and closed the door Valerie began. "Good morning, everyone," she said, looking around the room. "I see we have a full house today, which is great. Shall we start with the updates from each department? Tyler, would you like to go first?"

Tyler nodded, as he was usually the first of the departments, and began giving his report on the recent projects his team had been working on. Norah listened intently, jotting down notes. She realized how much she had missed the collaborative energy of these meetings.

"Aside from these recent projects, I had an Intel meeting with the large agencies last week. We are currently going through the information, but as you all know, it's all very vague and might take a while."

As the meeting progressed, each department head provided updates, discussing ongoing projects, upcoming deadlines, and any obstacles they faced. When it was Isa's turn, she spoke confidently about her latest investigative pieces and the progress her team was making. Norah couldn't help but feel proud of her friend's accomplishments.

When everyone had had their turn, Valerie looked expectantly up at Norah and she swallowed. She hadn't provided updates at weekly meetings in months and also had not prepared anything for today.

She scraped her throat.

"I've been catching up on the backlog of emails and tasks. And I'm currently fact-checking all upcoming articles for the next week, as well as any priority articles. I'll also be verifying sources for the investigative pieces on local politics and checking out the interviews for the human interest stories. If you need help deciphering the intel, Tyler, I would be happy to assist when the priority tasks are finished."

Valerie nodded approvingly. "Sounds like a solid plan, Norah. If you need any help, don't hesitate to reach out."

Relief washed over her. The meeting continued for a few more minutes, with Valerie addressing any remaining concerns and outlining the goals for the week.

"Alright everyone, that's it for today. Let's get to work and make it a productive week," Valerie concluded.

Norah took a deep breath as the meeting concluded. The sense of relief she felt was palpable, but she knew the day was far from over. She gathered her notebook and phone, slipping them into her bag before making her way to Valerie's office for their scheduled chat.

The hallway to Valerie's office was lined with framed covers of "Sketch!" magazine's most iconic issues, a testament to the company's rich history and the hard work of its staff. Norah's footsteps echoed softly as she walked.

Valerie had been with Sketch for over a decade, and under her leadership, the magazine had flourished, becoming a household name. However, before Norah's arrival, the department lacked a dedicated figure to establish the credibility and truthfulness of their stories. This oversight had led to some controversial publications and subsequent lawsuits.

Initially, Norah had aspired to write and publish her own pieces, but she was instead hired as a Verification Editor. At the time, she saw this as a disappointing compromise. Now, she recognized it as a blessing. Job opportunities had been scarce when she applied to various magazines and newspapers, with most positions available only as assistants. Accepting Valerie's offer turned out to be a pivotal step in the right direction for her career.

Arriving at Valerie's office, she knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," Valerie's voice called from inside.

Norah opened the door and stepped into the spacious, yet cozy office. Valerie's desk was neatly organized, with a few personal touches like family photos and a small potted plant. The large window behind her desk offered a stunning view of the city skyline.

"Have a seat, Norah," Valerie said, gesturing to one of the comfortable chairs in front of her desk.

Obliging, Norah sat down, clutching her notebook for some semblance of security. Valerie smiled warmly.

"I wanted to talk to you about a few things," Valerie began, leaning forward slightly. "First of all, I want to commend you for coming back to the office today. I know it's not easy, and it shows a lot of strength and dedication."

"Thank you," Norah replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

"Secondly," Valerie continued, "I wanted to discuss your role moving forward. Given the circumstances, I understand if you need more time to fully transition back to the office. However, I also think this could be a good opportunity for you to take on some new challenges and grow within the company."

Norah's interest was piqued. A good opportunity and challenges that came with it? That was something she had absolutely not expected after the last two months of working remotely.

"What kind of challenges?" she asked. Her voice almost squeaked from the nerves.

"Well, we," Valerie said, "and I mean the other department heads and I, have been discussing the need for a more structured approach to our credibility and investigative processes. I know you've been handling these tasks already, and doing them extremely well, but I believe you have the potential to lead a dedicated team focused on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our content."

Wow, she was taken aback and unsure of what to say. A leadership role was more than she expected and not something she ever thought possible as she had not liked public speaking or directing others during her university courses, but it also sounded like an exciting opportunity that she should explore.

"That sounds... amazing, but also a bit overwhelming," she admitted, feeling a blush creeping on her face.

Valerie nodded. "I understand."

"It's a significant change, and I want you to know that you have my full support. You don't have to make a decision right away, take some time to think about it. We can discuss the details later and how we can make this transition as smooth as possible for you."

Norah nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Thank you, Valerie. I appreciate the opportunity and your support. I'll definitely think about it and let you know soon."

Valerie smiled. "Take all the time you need. And remember, we're here for you. If there's anything you need, just let me know."

As Norah left Valerie's office, her mind was buzzing with possibilities and renewed anxiety.

Returning to her desk, Norah looked around at her colleagues, feeling a sense of camaraderie and support. They welcomed her back with open arms, and now she had an opportunity to contribute even more to the team than she already did, even while remotely working.

She opened her laptop, determined to dive into her tasks with newfound energy. She started with the priority articles, meticulously fact-checking each detail and ensuring the sources were reliable. As she worked, the familiar rhythm of the office surrounded her, and she felt a comforting sense of normalcy returning.

At home, she had only checked the prioritized articles as requested by Valerie. But now, she could return to her job fully.

Throughout the day, Norah received messages of support and encouragement from her colleagues. Tyler stopped by her desk to check in, and Isa popped over with another cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Their kindness and genuine concern meant the world to her.

As the afternoon wore on, Norah found herself getting into the groove of her work. She completed her fact-checking tasks and moved on to gathering background information for the feature on urban gardening. The research was engaging, and she felt a spark of excitement as she uncovered interesting facts and potential interviewees.

By the time the office began to empty out for the evening, Norah realized she had made it through her first day back. It hadn't been easy, but it was a start. She packed up her things, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Before leaving, she took a moment to look around the office. The hustle and bustle had quieted down, leaving a peaceful stillness in its wake. She knew there would be challenging days ahead, but she also knew she had the support of her colleagues and the resilience to face whatever came her way.

Stepping out into the cool evening air, Norah felt a sense of hope. The city lights twinkled around her, and she took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. It was the beginning of a new chapter, and she was ready to embrace it.