VEINS OF SILENCE > Part 2
1537 Words
Part 2.
Internship Orientation – Horizon Media Group
The interns gathered in a spacious yet modest conference room on the fourth floor. Unlike the executive levels above, this floor was simple — bright fluorescent lights, plain white walls, and the steady hum of office printers in the background. It lacked the marble-and-glass grandeur of the main lobby, but it carried the same sense of purpose.
At the front of the room stood Clara Santos, Horizon’s HR Manager. Her crisp suit and steady voice commanded attention.
Clara: “Welcome to Horizon Media Group. As with every batch before you, you’ll all start in entry-level positions — that’s how it’s always done here. The goal is for you to experience corporate work from the ground up. Everyone starts at the bottom, no exceptions.”
She glanced at her clipboard before continuing.
Clara: “Your initial assignments will be on the first floor. Some of you will join the Security Department, the Facilities Management Department, or the Maintenance Department. As you prove yourselves — through skill, hard work, and discipline — you may be promoted closer to the upper levels, where our board members and senior executives work. But make no mistake: every step up must be earned.”
A few interns exchanged excited glances, while others looked nervous. The Crown Clique, seated confidently in the front row, wore smug expressions, certain they would be fast-tracked.
Clara: “This internship runs for ten months. Every department you work with will evaluate you. Your progress depends entirely on your performance. Think of it as both a training ground and a test.”
Flipping another page, she announced the first batch of assignments.
Clara: “For those from St. Aurelia University… you’ll be assigned to the Facilities Management Department under Mr. Donovan Reyes.”
She then assigned the remaining interns to Security, Facilities, and Maintenance. Each role carried challenges designed to test patience, adaptability, and commitment. What seemed like ordinary tasks were stepping stones — the first trials in a long process of proving themselves worthy of advancement.
As the session ended, the room held a mix of anticipation and unease. Some interns were energized by the challenge; others struggled to mask their anxiety. One thing was certain: the next ten months would demand more than competence — they would demand resilience, perseverance, and the will to climb higher.
---
First Day – Facilities Management Department
The group assigned to Facilities Management trailed behind Mr. Donovan Reyes as he led them down a brightly lit corridor. The floor smelled faintly of disinfectant, and the whirring of copy machines mixed with the chatter of employees immersed in their routines.
“Facilities may not sound glamorous,” Mr. Reyes began, his tone brisk, “but nothing runs here without us. Air conditioning, office supplies, workstations, meeting rooms — we keep everything in order. If you think this is beneath you, you’re in the wrong place.”
Celeste walked quietly beside Ivy, taking in every detail. The Crown Clique followed behind, their heels clicking sharply against the tiles.
Vanessa leaned toward Bianca with a half-smile, voice low but sharp enough to hear.
“Imagine, after all our work at St. Aurelia, reduced to counting lightbulbs.”
Bianca chuckled softly, glancing toward Celeste and Ivy.
“True. Some people are made for this kind of job. Others just pretend they belong.”
Claire giggled, while the two other girls exchanged knowing looks.
Ivy stiffened, clutching her bag strap tighter. She leaned toward Celeste, whispering, frustration edged in her voice.
“Let them talk. We’ll show them what real work looks like.”
Celeste glanced at her best friend, calm and gentle.
“Don’t mind them, Ivy. We know why we’re here.”
Ivy exhaled, forcing a small smile.
“Fine. But I’m not letting them have the last word forever.”
Celeste stayed quiet, steps steady beside Ivy as the group followed Mr. Reyes deeper into the department.
---
A Few Weeks Later – Facilities Management
The interns had begun adjusting to the rhythm of Facilities work. Each morning meant logging service requests, checking inventory, and coordinating with building staff to ensure every floor ran smoothly. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was fast-paced — one overlooked detail could disrupt the entire office.
Celeste quietly made herself useful, double-checking lists and spotting inconsistencies others often missed. Ivy brightened the mood, always ready with a smile or light remark that made the work less tedious.
Despite her diligence, Celeste had one recurring flaw — she was often a few minutes late in the morning, rushing in with hair slightly out of place and an apologetic smile. It didn’t go unnoticed by the Crown Clique.
“Typical,” Bianca muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear.
“Some people can’t even manage to be on time.”
Vanessa smirked.
“Maybe she thinks being late makes her mysterious.”
Claire giggled softly.
Celeste never answered. She lowered her gaze, whispered a quick sorry, and got straight to work — a quiet resilience that only made Ivy admire her more.
That Thursday morning, the department buzzed. Mr. Reyes was out inspecting, while most employees were tied up with reports. Suddenly, a frazzled staff member poked her head in.
“Conference Room 3 — the projector just gave out, and the air conditioning isn’t working. The executives are arriving in less than forty minutes. Can someone help?”
Vanessa scoffed.
“Seriously? That’s not our problem. We’re interns, not maintenance.”
Bianca’s gaze slid deliberately toward Celeste and Ivy.
“Well… maybe it’s perfect for some people here. Fits their level.”
Celeste glanced around — everyone else was busy. Without hesitation, she whispered to Ivy,
“We can handle this. There’s a spare projector in storage; I’ll grab it. Can you call maintenance about the AC?”
Ivy grinned, pulling out her phone.
“On it. Let’s save the day.”
While Bianca rolled her eyes, Celeste moved quickly, locating the backup projector and setting it up. Ivy coordinated with technicians to reset the cooling system. Within minutes, the conference room was ready.
By the time the executives arrived, everything ran smoothly. A few employees murmured thanks when they realized the interns had saved the day.
Bianca crossed her arms, muttering, “Ugh, so desperate to impress.”
No one could deny Celeste’s quick thinking and Ivy’s support had quietly kept the department running.
---
Promotion Day
The next day, anticipation filled the common hall. Mr. Reyes held the list of names. Among those promoted were Celeste and Ivy, who exchanged a thrilled glance. The Crown Clique also made the cut, along with a few others.
The promoted interns would be reassigned to the second floor, closer to the company’s prestigious areas — Reception and Lobby.
---
First Day After Promotion – Reception and Lobby
True to form, Celeste was late again. Rushing through the lobby, she barely caught the elevator before the doors slid shut. She squeezed inside, huffing slightly, and took a moment to straighten her clothes — unaware she wasn’t alone.
A calm voice from behind made her freeze.
“Looks like I’m not the late one either.”
Celeste spun around, finding Julian, the COO, smiling at her. Her cheeks burned.
“Yeah… I was late again,” she admitted sheepishly.
Julian tilted his head.
“I can guess why.”
Celeste froze, unsure how to respond.
Julian’s tone softened.
“Congratulations on your promotion.”
Blinking, Celeste hesitated.
“Did you… have something to do with this?”
Julian shook his head.
“No. Today was just the promotion day for interns. Luckily, you got an excellent assignment. By the way… what floor are you heading to?”
Panic swept over her as she realized she hadn’t selected a floor. In her flustered hurry, she pressed the wrong button — the elevator stopped at the fourth floor. Few people entered, forcing her to step aside politely.
Julian smiled quietly, leaving Celeste both relieved and flustered as she hurried toward the correct floor.
---
Reception and Lobby Department – First Day After Promotion
When Celeste arrived, the Crown Clique noticed immediately.
“Late again, Celeste? Some things never change,” Bianca smirked.
“Honestly, I’d be worried if you weren’t late. You keep us entertained,” Vanessa added.
Celeste kept calm, placing her bag neatly on her desk.
“Traffic was heavier than usual. Nothing more.”
Ivy, already at her workstation, gave an apologetic glance but stayed quiet. Celeste sighed inwardly — this was only the beginning.
The department buzzed as Ms. Teresa Alcaraz, floor supervisor, handed out assignments. Promotions didn’t mean lighter tasks — only greater responsibility. The Crown Clique snickered every time Celeste walked past, clearly trying to rattle her focus. She ignored them and got straight to work.
Her first task: review visitor logs and prepare briefing notes for a high-profile client visit. Determination and lingering embarrassment pressed on her chest. One mistake could overshadow her promotion, but each success would prove she deserved her place.
Ivy leaned slightly closer.
“Don’t let them get to you. Just focus on the work.”
Celeste nodded, drawing a steady breath.
To be continued…
- Writer
