Natsumi's Petals and Wings

“I’m going to be late!” the woman yelled. She rushed to pick up her bag and grab her coat. She reached the door and started turning the doorknob. “One more thing,” she said brushing her hand through her hair and turning to the bathroom. She looked into the mirror and held the edges of the counter. My name is Junisoo Lee (June-e-soo Lee), and I will become the best author in the world! She patted her cheeks in encouragement and left out the door. Outside, her hair blew in the breeze as she rushed in her high heels. She kept running till she saw a sign that said, “Tamotsu Publishing.” “I’m here,” She smiled, looking up to the tall building. She walked up the many concrete steps until reaching the entrance. She walked right through the revolving doors and gazed at the bright lights that welcomed her. Everything was simply perfect, as she thought. Finally, my dream will come true! Finally. She exhaled and smiled as she walked forward. Confidently, she approached the front desk. “Hello, miss, how can I help you?” the desk clerk asked. Junisoo looked at the lady with excitement, the desk clerk was an older kind-looking woman. She smiled at everyone and seemed like the kind of person to call you “darling” or “sweetheart”. “Hi, I’m here to showcase my book to your company,” She replied. The lady looked Junisoo up and down, “Another contestant from the Author contest?” Junisoo nodded nervously. The lady looked at her sternly but then broke into a smile, “Good luck then, dear.” The lady looked on her desk, grabbed a paper, and handed it to her, “You’ll be going to the 3rd floor in room 3C.” Junisoo smiled and bowed to her, “Thank you so much!” She turned around and walked to the elevator. Junisoo went to press the button, but she bumped into someone else, who was also reaching for it. “I’m so sorry,” They both said looking to each other. Junisoo looked up and saw a woman with long black hair, thick black glasses, and emerald eyes. She looked sophisticated; wearing a long black skirt with a white tucked in button-up shirt. “Sorry, that was my fault,” The woman said calmly, bowing her head to her slightly. Junisoo looked surprised, “No, no, please that was my bad, I never watch what I’m doing. Junisoo bowed down, waited a second, and then looked back up at the woman. The woman was smiling and obviously holding back a big laugh. Seeing each other's faces, both let out a soft laugh. Then, the elevator door opened, and they both entered. Junisoo quickly noticed that the lady smelled like strawberries, a sweet and lovely smell. The woman pressed Level 2 and looked at Junisoo, “Where to?” “Oh, three please,” Junisoo answered. They both stood there. “Well, let me introduce myself,” she said, grabbing for a card from her purse. She handed Junisoo her business card, “My name is Minuo Haruni (Min-huá Ha-ru-ni), I work in the finance department.” Junisoo smiled with the card in her hand, “My name is Junisoo Lee and I’m here for the interview as a new author for the company.” The elevator door opened. Minuo walked to step out to the level. She turned around to face Junisoo and let out a soft smile, “Good luck.” The door closed again and Junisoo was even more excited than before. Today will be the day! I just know that something special is coming soon! The elevator door opened to the third floor. She let out a deep breath and exited. Junisoo looked for the room labeled 3C and stood in front of it. This is it; this is where my beginning starts. One more step and I’m there. She opened the door and walked in. Everything was perfect to the senses. A full immersion as soon as you walk in. She saw several people working at desks, some running around, some chatting and giggling, and some drinking their freshly brewed coffee. The aroma of the coffee reaches to each person as if softly tickling their noses, the soft chatter makes for the perfect white noise, and the perfect amount of light shined through the blinds of the windows. She looked to the left of her and spotted a bench over by a big office in the back. Junisoo walked towards the bench. As she was walking, a hand reached out to her arm and pulled her to look at them. Her eyes met a young-looking woman. Soft flowing blonde, curly hair, sparkling ocean eyes, and a smile bright enough to blind someone. Having an airy presence, she was wearing a poufy pink blouse and a black mini skirt. “Your hair is so pretty!” The woman exclaimed with an amazed smile, “A fellow curly cue!” Junisoo was pleasantly surprised by the energetic woman, “Thank you!” Her features of bouncy curly brown hair, glistening brown eyes turn gold in the light, a goofy and cheerful smile, and lovely black glasses. She had put together a light blue long-sleeved shirt tucked into an elegant pair of black high waist pants. “Of course,” The woman smiled and looked at Junisoo curiously, “Are you here for the contest?” Junisoo bowed slightly, “Ah, yes, I am.” She smiled, “You’ll do great, I can tell! Good luck!” She hurried back to her work, waving goodbye to Junisoo. Junisoo was still smiling and continued to the bench. She sat down with the other contestants and waited to be called. After a few other contestants had been called and had their turn, a man came and called her name. “Junisoo Lee, you’ll be seen now.” the man said. She got up and followed the man into the office. Inside the room, she saw paintings hanging up on the walls, a mahogany-colored desk, and windows to the rest of the office area covered by blinds. She sat down in the chair in front of the desk and looked forward. However, the chair behind the desk was faced backwards and she couldn’t get a good look at the person in the chair. “Sir, the last contestant is here,” the man with the clipboard, who had let her in, said. “I see, thank you Mr. Han, you may leave,” The deep voice said from behind the chair. The door closed and the chair turned around. Junisoo’s eyes widened. A man with black silky hair, dark green eyes that could pierce through the heart, a tidy appearance, and a charming smile. He offered out his hand, “Hello, nice to meet you, my name is Seong Min-Jae (Song Min-Jay). You can call me Mr. Jae.” She stood up, bowed, and shook his hand firmly, “My name is Junisoo Lee, nice to meet you!” “Please, sit back down,” he gestured towards the chair. She sat back down in her chair and waited for his next sentence. He grabbed his papers and put a pair of glasses on, “I’ll be asking a few questions, please answer them as honestly as you can.” She nodded her head, “Yes sir!” He sat the papers down and looked directly at her, “What does writing mean to you?” She looked right at him and said, “Writing, to me, is a way to express my ideas and illustrate my thoughts to others. To inspire and spark imagination in as many people as I can.” He nodded his head and continued, “Why should you be chosen to work with our company, as an author?” This question is particularly important. She took a deep breath and gathered all her thoughts, “I think that people of all ages should be able to read something and feel inspired by it. The author should be able to use a book to invite the reader to a whole new world, their world. To display imagination and bring out the creativity in their minds.” She nodded her head again and looked head on at him, “This is why I know I’m best suited for your publishing company.” Mr. Jae displayed a stern face and nodded, “I see. Thank you, that’s all.” He stood up and she followed his actions. “There will be a message sent out to those we’ve chosen out of the candidates by tomorrow,” He explained, “Till then, have a good day Mrs. Lee.” She bowed to him, “Thank you.” Then left out the door. Junisoo started to head back to the elevator but bumped into someone. Junisoo’s papers fell onto the floor. “Sorry,” Junisoo said as she went to pick up what she had dropped. “Can’t you watch where you’re walking,” A snobby voice said. Junisoo got back up from picking up her things and looked at the young lady. Long straight blonde hair with clips on the side, deep blue eyes, and a model like look. For a second, she was unglued from her phone and looked at Junisoo. She scoffed, “Just get out of my way already!” The lady walked away and left Junisoo just shocked. What was her problem? Junisoo walked to the elevator and went back down to the first floor. Going through the revolving doors again, she was exhausted. She got outside and turned back around, looking hopefully at the building. She then looked at her phone. It’s already this late, I need to get home! It’s getting dark out too, better call a taxi just to be safe. She called over a taxi and headed home. Junisoo stood at her apartment door and pulled out her keys. She struggled to get the door unlocked. “This lock really needs replaced, I wish I could just move out of this place,” she said, finally getting the door open. She closed it behind her and set her stuff down. She put her glasses on the side table and walked zombie-like to the edge of her bed and plopped down. Finally, I’m home! Today was a long day and it hadn’t even begun. All I can do now is wait and hope. Please, please, please let me be a great and successful author! I want to make you proud. She looked up and looked out her window at the full moon. I know I’ll make you proud, I’m already moving towards my first step. Now, I must wait to be accepted. She looked hopeful at her phone, that was sitting on the table side. “In the morning,” She continued nervously, “I’ll find out in the morning.” She turned her head and dozed off into her sleep. She’s hopeful for tomorrow and nervous about days to come.