The Story Of The Year
Sienna's POV
I was sitting at a nightclub with my best friend, Mia. It was supposed to be a fun night, but I was barely paying attention to anything around me.
I had a lot on my mind.
Mia had been staring at me for several minutes because she knew I hadn't been myself since I caught my boyfriend cheating on me one week ago.
I gave two years of my life to that bastard and he cheated on me with some w***e.
The annoying fact was that he wasn't remorseful he claimed it was just a fling, so I should just get over it.
I wonder why I didn't notice he was such a jerk all this time.
I noticed Mia was still staring at me.
“I am fine Mia” I said, trying to sound confident.
“Liar, you need to stop looking like someone died and finally move on.”
Trust Mia to always say what's on her mind.
Though she his right that cheating bastard doesn't deserve my tears.
“You have spent the entire week either working, crying, or staring at your phone.”
“That cheating bastard isn't worth ruining your life over.”
“Yeah I know” I replied.
“I am not crying over him anymore,” I said trying to be defensive
“ I don't believe you, you haven't even looked at all the men trying to get your attention since we arrived at the club.”
“Dude you are so fine, you can get yourself a new man in the blink of an eye”
I stared at her wide-eyed “I don't want any Adam around me now I literally just got my heart shattered, I am done with men.”
I said in a firm voice.
Mia laughed so hard that tears were coming out of her eyes,
“Ok, girlfriend, I think I know what you need.”
She said with excitement.
I rolled my eyes, I knew that voice what outrageous idea is she going to bring up now?
“You need a vacation,” she yelled in excitement.
“Okay “ I said staring at her.
“I am serious you need to leave London, forget about work and that bastard who broke your heart, have fun, and maybe f**k some handsome stranger.”
I laugh hard at her suggestion
“Forget it Mia I'm not going on vacation to sleep with random men.
“That is exactly what someone who desperately needs a vacation would say.”
“Okay I have heard you Mia I would give it some thought,” I said to her to get her off my back.
We joke about random things for a little while, and for the first time in days, I genuinely laugh.
Then I remembered that tomorrow is my last day at work before the holiday break.
“You know tomorrow is the last day before the holiday season Celine hasn't said anything about the promotion.”
I don't know why my annoying boss is always on my case.
“You know there is an opening for a senior position at work, and everyone expects me to get it.”
“You have worked at the Society Magazine for five years, Sienna,” she said holding my hands.
“During those five years, you have brought them some of their biggest stories.”
“I know the efforts and time you put into investigating celebrities, politicians, businessmen, and scandals.”
“Yeah, you are right This year especially, I have delivered back-to-back hit stories and didn't get the recognition I deserved.”
“Sienna, you deserve this promotion more than anyone else.”
This job is more than just a paycheck to me. Journalism is what I have always wanted, and becoming a senior reporter would mean that all my hard work finally paid off.
“I have been waiting for it for a long time.”
“Don't worry this time you will get it, even your colleagues at the office expect you to get the position.”
“The only person who seems determined not to recognize my work is my boss Celine.”
“This time would be different” she said petting my back.
After a couple of drinks, we decided to call it a night.
The next morning, I woke up early; it was my last day at work before the holidays.
I arrived at the office.
Everyone is talking about the promotion that will be happening today.
Some coworkers congratulate me before the announcement was even made.
I smile and thank them, but I don't want to celebrate too early.
I notice some coworkers looking annoyed because they know I am the favorite for the position.
I sit at my desk and try to finish my last assignments before the holiday break.
I keep checking the time because everyone is waiting for Celine to make the announcement.
Eventually, an assistant comes to tell everyone that Celine wants us in the conference room.
At last, it is time for the meeting.
My heart was beating fast as everyone was gathered in the conference room.
I sat down in silent prayer among my coworkers, expecting the promotion announcement.
The atmosphere was tense because everyone was waiting for the position to be finally announced.
Celine walked in and started speaking.
“Hello everyone”
Everyone answered “Hello Celine”
“I know you all are expecting me to announce the person that would be getting promoted.”
“Yes” everyone replied except me.
“There has been a slight change, I won't be doing that today.”
There was a confused expression on everyone's faces.
“We have decided that the person who gets the promotion will be announced after the holiday.”
“Whoever brings me the biggest, most exclusive and most valuable story will get the promotion.”
The entire room goes silent.
I was shocked because I thought my years of hard work had already proven that I deserved it.
Some of my colleagues immediately start whispering.
A few coworkers look excited because they know this is their chance to compete with me.
I realize Celine has turned the promotion into a competition.
Then she spoke again staring directly at me.
“Past achievements don't matter for this decision.”
“If you want to get the promotion then get me the juiciest story and the position is all yours.”
There were lots of murmurs everywhere in the hall.
Celine spoke again making everyone keep quiet to listen
“So that would be all for today, except if there is anybody here who wants to challenge my decision,”
she said with a cunning smile on her face.
Everyone said they were okay with it.
“Since everyone is okay, have a wonderful holiday”
She said still staring at me.
Maybe she expects me to throw a tantrum.
Like argue with her, ask why she is doing this.
Plead with her to reconsider.
I simply sit there and watch her silently with a straight face.
Deep down, I was angry.
I have given this company some of its biggest stories, I know I deserve this position and now I have to prove myself all over again.
But instead of letting my anger show, I decide to accept the challenge.
If Celine wants a story big enough to make her regret doubting me, then I will give her exactly that.
The meeting comes to an end, and everyone begins discussing possible stories.
I remain seated for a moment, watching everyone rush out.
Celine looks at me again she was obviously still surprised I didn't say a word.
I don't have to say anything my work would speak for me.
I stood up and gave her a confident smile.
I tell myself that I am going to enjoy my holiday, but I am also going to keep my eyes open.
Somewhere out there is a story big enough to win me that promotion.
I just have to find it.
You want a story that will blow your mind? Fine. I'll give you one.
That promotion is mine.
This job is my dream, and I won't let some petty boss take it away from me.