The Affair

Chapter 3 - The Assistant

Contrary to the swirl of thoughts in Emma's mind, she had not bumped into her "next-door neighbor" over the past few days. The mysterious echoes of unknown memories seemed to have faded as well, relieving her of their burden. It was a realization that both saddened and relieved her.

Determined to embrace a fresh start, Emma embarked on a task that felt cleansing: cleaning her studio. Each brushstroke of the broom seemed to sweep away the remnants of unease, leaving behind a new canvas.

Just as she began to feel a glimmer of excitement for the creative journey ahead, a soft knock echoed through her sanctuary. Emma turned, her attention shifting to the door, where a young girl stood, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Hi, you must be Ms. Collins, I'm Jenna! I would like- love to apply for the assistant job! Here's my resume and portfolio!" Jenna handed Emma a weathered brown envelope, its front adorned with Jenna Rose Martinez's name elegantly etched in ink.

The girl's enthusiasm was palpable, and Emma found herself drawn into her. It was a fortunate encounter, as Emma had needed an assistant since her previous one had relocated to a new town.

"Hi, yes, come inside" Emma extended a warm invitation to Jenna, ushering her into the enchanting confines of her studio.

Jenna's eyes danced with admiration as she took in the creative haven, the space reflecting Emma's artistic spirit.

"Please, have a seat," Emma gestured, a friendly smile accompanying her words, as they settled into a cocoon of creativity to discuss the prospect of the job.

As Emma interviewed her with the set of questions she prepared beforehand, she came to like Jenna's pleasing personality. Emma decided to take a chance on this eager applicant.

"So, Jenna, as you know, I'm preparing for the 3rd workshop that I'll be teaching in this studio. Here are the things that you need to take note of, as well as your list of responsibilities."

Emma handed her the printed paper which Jenna eagerly took.

"And with that, congratulations you are officially my assistant."

The workshop was Emma's way to socialize (which she needed, according to her psychiatrist), and was also an opportunity for budding artists to gather to learn and create. The workshop is divided into three segments; beginners' sketches, watercolors, and oil painting.

When Emma tasked Jenna with crafting a post about the upcoming workshop, she envisioned a simple announcement reaching a modest audience of around 10 students per class, her usual. However, what Emma hadn't anticipated was Jenna's innate tech savvy.

A few days later, words of her upcoming workshop spread like wildfire, inquiries flooded in, a chorus of parents seeking a creative outlet for their children, and Emma's former students were eager to apply.

Contrary to what seemed to be a joyous turn of events, Emma's anxiety spiked, "T-that's more than 50 inquiries per class."

Jenna, oblivious to Emma's emotions, excitedly nodded. "I know, right? Isn't that amazing? There's this new software whe-"

Emma's mind momentarily froze, her brow furrowing in confusion as she grappled to decipher Jenna's rapid-fire explanation.

'I can barely talk to 10 people in the room. But 50?'

Amidst the flurry of preparations, a gentle knock reverberated through the air, accompanied by a soft voice that was familiar to Emma. Her new assistant, swift and attentive, answered the door, revealing a man who stood with intrigue and determination.

As her eyes met him, a jolt of recognition coursed through her veins. It was her neighbor.

The man exuded a relaxed demeanor, clad in a comfortable yet stylish casual ensemble—a well-fitted navy blue sweater layered over a plain white tee and dark jeans that accentuated his lean frame. His choice of attire was complemented by a pair of clean white sneakers that spoke of an effortless, modern style. In one hand, he held a weathered brown envelope, its edges slightly creased, lending an air of mystery to his otherwise laid-back appearance.

For a moment, shock held her captive, her heart racing as she grappled with the unexpected turn of events.

'Why is this happening to me', Emma shivered.

"Emma, he's here for the application," Jenna said as he let the gentleman in.

As the door closed behind him, Emma's mind swirled with a cocktail of emotions. The encounter was both surreal and unexpected, a reminder that life had a way of weaving threads of connection where least expected.

"You're here," Emma said, looking a bit pale.

"Yes, I'm here for the assistant job." His smile sent a sudden jolt through her heart, causing it to momentarily skip a beat.

"Ah y-yes the assistant job!" 'I forgot to take that down. Good thing Jenna has already applied.'

Emma thought to herself, celebrating in her mind.

Emma clasped her hand, trying to look disappointed, but the corner of her mouth was betraying her as it was etching to smile.

"Unfortunately, the position has already been filled. I wish you the best of luck in looking for new employment."

"Are you sure you don't need a new assistant?" The neighbor looked at her with pleading eyes.

Emma, almost swayed by his handsome face, avoided his eye contact.

"Nope, I'm really good here. And Jenna is such a great assistant."

Jenna looked at both of them, grinning at the heated tension. 'I'm just gonna go back there. Okay.' Jenna whispered to herself before promptly going back to answer the inquiries.

"But you know what they say, two is better than one," he countered.

"Well, there are two of us here, so yes, thank you for your time." Emma pushed.

"WE HAVE 27 MORE INQUIRIES!" Jenna shouted in the back of the studio.

Emma momentarily froze. 'I almost forgot about that, I need to turn them down.'

"Are you sure you do-"

"Yes, I'm 100% sure, I'm the boss here. I know my studio. And will you please excuse me, I need to handle a crisis back there." Emma gave him a forced smile, before running back to Jenna.

"Oh Emma, I already handled them but only a few sent a downpayment for the classes," Jenna said while continuing to answer some inquiries.

"How many?" Emma inquired, hoping below 10 people per class.

"7 for sketches, 8 for watercolor, and 11 for oil."

'Okay, not bad.' Emma smiled at herself. 'Just need to turn the rest down."

"While some have already sent the full payment." Jenna whistled happily.

"I'm sorry, what?" 'How is this possible?'

"Wow, that's a lot of students," the figure from the background said.

Emma swiftly turned around, her face showed a disapproving look.

"Why are you still here?"

"Just thought maybe you needed some help."

"P-perfectly fine here." Emma nervously said.

"So a total of 28 people for sketch, 21 for watercolor, and 27 for oil."

"Turn the rest of them down, and as for those who paid the down payment, just refund them. Say we have already reached the maximum class capacity," Emma sternly said.

"A-are you sure about that? Wouldn't that ruin your business image?" Jenna asked, frowning at the idea of turning down students- especially those who have already paid. But Emma couldn't care less about that, as she prioritizes easing up her social anxiety above anything else. Including the workshop.

"Or," a husky voice interjected, Emma seemingly forgetting his presence,

"You could get a new assistant who is eager to apply right now," he suggested.

Jenna beamed about the idea while looking at Emma. But Emma, already firm about her decision, didn't take back her statement.

"No. Jenna just turned them down."

"Why bother doing a workshop when you're just going to turn potential students down?" He asked, his gaze fixed on Emma with a tinge of disappointment, his arms folded resolutely over his chest.

"Because I can't make that work! That's too many students for me and Jenna to handle." Emma exclaimed, her frustration evident as her hands unconsciously gestured in the air, emphasizing her point, her brows furrowed in a mix of concern and exasperation.

"That's why I'm here to apply for the second one. Do you think those people you refunded will happily accept the fact that you turned them down for no reason?"

Emma, overcome with a sense of shame, remained silent and averted her gaze, her thoughts consumed by a realization that she had overlooked the potential consequences in favor of her own focus.

"Would you rather have angry parents and students storm here, and put you in a spot for refusing them? Or would you overcome whatever anxiety you are dealing with right now, and accept it?" He continued.

Meeting Emma's gaze with a steadfast intensity, he offered a reassuring smile that seemed to radiate understanding and empathy, a silent gesture of support amidst the tension. "Emma, just give in."