The One Who Holds It All

Temp

Kylie

Being up before sunrise is not one of my favorite things to do, but sleeping doesn’t seem to be my strong suit right now. With graduation coming up, I’m having a hard time trying to figure out what I am supposed to do with my life right now. Sure, I’ll have a 4-year degree from a prestigious school, numerous contacts to obtain a job in my industry, and countless opportunities to make it in this world. But I really don’t know how to even try to start over. The thought of going back home to my parents is daunting. I love them dearly, but the small town they live in has no opportunity for me to achieve the goals that I think I have for my career.

Who are you kidding, Kylie? You have no desire to take up any work that you would get by using your degree. You really are crazy for thinking you would be content finding a job in that field.

I am so right. Even my conscience knows that I basically skimmed my way through college just to try to get an “easy” degree. I was here more for the experience than I was for the title. Not the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but, it got me a degree to hang on the wall at least.

Thinking about what I’m going to do today, wondering if I will ever have a job again, I grab my phone to call in to the agency I’ve been working with periodically when I don’t have any other way to get an income. My scholarship was a true blessing to get me through school, but it only reached so far and I am running out of funds and time. It’s time to get back into the world of work. And after the 4, or was it 5? rounds of drinks I bought for our group last night, I am really in need of some money in my account.

“HJ Temp Agency, this is Carol, how can I direct your call?” The voice on the other end is cheery, as she waits for my response.

“Hi Carol, this is Kylie Holden, I’m not sure if you remember me or not,” I said as I made my way to my kitchenette.

“Oh Kylie! Yes! Of course, I remember you! We still have Rutherford and Sons calling in to ask for you specifically, anytime they need a replacement. They were so enamored by your skills as an assistant, they were disappointed to hear you took some time off for school. How can I help you dear?”

“Oh, that is so nice of them. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help. My last semester here was definitely my hardest yet and I didn’t want to over-do anything and not be able to contribute 100% to both areas. I actually really hope they are still looking for some help, as I need to get back to work, if you’ll have me?” I said, unconsciously biting my bottom lip. I wasn’t sure if the agency would allow me to come back, but it was the quickest way I could think to get money in my pocket.

“Well, the firm hasn’t contacted us lately about any openings, unfortunately. I’m really sorry Kylie,” she says, her voice laced in regret. “But, if you are looking to try something new, I actually do have a new client that just called in this morning. They are looking for a week-long replacement as a personal assistant to a very important manager. I’m not sure exactly what the company does, but I do know they are located in one of the biggest, most secure buildings in the city. I was getting ready to call another temp but you called in before I could get to it. So would you like to give it a try?”

Concern pours over me. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. A completely new world to dive into, after mine just came crashing down. I sigh, and decide to take the plunge, knowing I really don’t have any other choice right now.

“Um, yes, I can definitely give it a try. Can you email me the details?” I asked nervously.

I can almost hear Carol smile; she has always been such a kind woman to work with. “Sure thing, deary. I will send it all right over to you. They would like you there as soon as you can get there. What time can I tell them to expect you?”

“I can be there in the next hour, Carol. Thank you so much. I am so grateful for your help and for the opportunity!” as I hung up the phone, I heard my email notification. Carol has always been one of the most proficient, timely secretaries I’ve ever encountered.

I pulled up the email to read,

A.M. Pack, Inc.

30 East Broad St.

Columbus, OH

Rhoades Tower

Floor 41

Dress is business attire

Present this letter at the security desk upon arrival

I dig through my closet to try to find a suitable outfit. Luckily, I have worked in the business world before, so I do have some outfits that can get me through the week. They aren’t Gucci by any means, but they will do the trick in the short-term. I opt for a pair of high-waisted black slacks, and a sapphire blue bouse with loose sleeves. Tucking in my shirt, I grab my black chunky-heeled pumps and head to the bathroom to try to do something with my unruly hair.

Looking in the mirror, I noticed my blue eyes were tired. Not just the kind of tired you see after a night out with friends, but the kind of haunted-tired you see in someone who just went to hell and back. Nothing some concealer and mascara can’t fix; I think as I grab my makeup bag from the counter. I’ve never been the most attractive woman in the room, but I’d like to think I was on the average list. My dark hair compliments my dark blue eyes, and my medium straight nose sits in the middle of my face. What more could you ask for to get by in the world? I chuckle.

There was a time when someone told me I was pretty. I was never told I was beautiful, only pretty, and only once out of the 3 years of my life I was involved. I sigh, not wanting to go down that road. I told myself I would not let myself go back to the past. The ties of the past, even if the past was only last week, were cut and I wasn’t going to spend time fixating on what I could have done differently. My mind was made up, and once I established that thought in my head, there was no going back for me.

Curling the last strand of my hair into a loose curl, I spritz some hairspray on the ends and do one last look over in the mirror. My pants are a bit looser than they used to be, but they will have to do. I headed downstairs to see Lainee standing by the door, earbuds in her ears with her bookbag on her back.

“Good morning, Lainee,” I said as I tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.

“Woah!!” she screams as she jumps back in shock. “Holy cow Kylie you scared the crap out of me!”

We both start laughing hysterically as she takes her earbuds out.

“I’m so sorry Lay! I didn’t mean to scare you, I thought you heard me coming!” Tears in our eyes from laughing so hard, she looks me up and down, whistling as she gets to her feet.

“Hot dang Ky! Where are you going?”

Nervously giggling, I told her about my job for the week.

“Well, that sounds fun! Do you need a ride? I can take you there. I was heading to the library, but I wouldn’t mind dropping you off. That way you won’t get your heels dirty, its raining and you will get soaked if you walk or take the bus!” Lainee has always been so caring and accommodating. As much as I wanted to decline, I really wanted this job to go well.

“If you wouldn’t mind, that would be great. I really don’t want to be late, and, we can swing by Dunkin and I’ll buy you a coffee!” I held my hands up, pleading she would say yes.

“Coffee is a must right now. After last night, I might need 3 to get me through my studying,” she laughs as we head out the door to her jeep.

…

Arriving at the curb in front of the building. I looked up and took it in. It really was massive. Carol wasn’t kidding when she said it was in one of the biggest buildings in the city. Feeling a little intimidated, I turned to tell Lainee goodbye.

“You are going to be great Kylie; you have no reason to be nervous!” Lainee smiles as she takes a sip of her macchiato. “Go show them who’s the real boss! Kick some corporate booty!”

Laughing, I blew her a kiss. “Thanks again Lay, I’ll see you later tonight!”

Shutting the door, she drives away, and I walk into the lobby of the massive building. Heading to the security desk, I read the floor map to find that I would be traveling all the way up to the highest floor.

Just don’t look out the window, and you’ll be okay.

The security guard smiles as I approach. “Please place your bag here, and walk through the magnetometer,” he says as I hand him the printed email and my driver’s license.

After walking through, he hands me my documents, as well as a visitor badge, and points to the elevator on the right. “You’ll need to take this elevator to the 41st floor. The receptionist will be there right as you exit the elevator,” he smiled. “Have a good day, Miss Holden.”

I smiled and said thank you as I headed to the elevator to take the highest ride I’ve ever had in my life.