Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: GREEN (01/19/17)
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TITLE: Aileen | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wendy Godwin
01/26/17 -
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Soon, brown hair twisted into a neat bun and makeup applied sparingly. A smart, green business suit--she hoped it camouflaged her ineptness--was donned as she grabbed her keys and headed out.
The Sunfield Newspaper building stood tall and grey downtown. Once inside, Aileen found herself lost in the crowd of similar buns and business suits. A man walked toward her.
“You’re Aileen, right? I’m Sam, the Managing Editor,” he motioned to a woman a short distance away “Jade can answer any questions you might have.”
As the older woman with the sweet, round face stood up to shake Aileen’s hand, Sam hurried back to his office. A nameplate on the woman’s desk signified that she was the Chief Copy Editor. Family photos adorned the olive colored partition behind her desk.
The morning flew by as Aileen perused page after page of newspaper copy.
“Lunch time,” she jumped at Jade’s voice behind her. “Follow me.”
They were halfway down the long hall when a burly, middle-aged man approached them. He put his arm around Jade’s waist and kissed her cheek.
“Stop it. I’m at work.” The burly man just smiled.
“Aileen, this is my husband, Joe.” He pretended to kiss her hand. Jade slapped him teasingly.
“The lunch room is right down there on the right,” she pointed, “See ya’ in an hour.” Aileen waved as they disappeared down the hall hand in hand. She imagined running hand in hand through verdant fields filled with lavender blossoms.
“Oh brother, I see her husband’s here to take her to lunch again.” Aileen turned to see a tall woman, about her age, walk up behind her. She couldn’t help but notice the lipstick, bright red, and the low-cut dark brown dress she wore.
“I’m Wren,” she looked annoyed, “Come on, I’ll walk you the rest of the way.”
At lunch, Wren introduced her to Seth. Seth’s brown eyes made Aileen think of the freshly turned soil of her father’s garden. Soon she was cavorting through lush fields again, brown-eyes by her side.
Wren leaned provocatively toward Seth and motioned toward Aileen.
“As I was saying, Seth, I realize Aileen is a little wet behind the ears, but I could take her under my wing…”
“I think Aileen will be fine," Seth interrupted, “She’s just the kind of fresh talent we need around here.” He winked at Aileen before getting up from the table. A spoon full of lime Jell-O slid, whole, down Aileen’s throat.
Aileen wore an avocado dress to work the next day. Seth stopped by her desk.
“Would you consider meeting me at the club after work, newbie?” He winked at her again.
Aileen had never been in a club before. In fact, there were many things that she had yet to experience.
“Umm, sure, what time?” She tried to sound practiced.
They discussed details and Seth sauntered off. Questions flooded her mind. What would she do? She wasn’t even a social drinker. Did he mean to meet just her there, or would some from work be there also?
Olive-colored wine bottles hung from the ceiling in macramé hammocks throughout the swanky Verdant nightclub. Aileen’s low cut aquamarine dress floated about her like a mystic sea creature as she walked. She had borrowed the dress from her roommate.
She sat at a table by the door to watch for Seth. Maybe he was just running late. She was sure she would have seen him if he were there. Dejected, she headed home an hour later, alone.
She tried to hide the bags under her eyes as she got ready for work the next morning. This time she ignored the weeds that blocked out her sunshine.
“What’s wrong, girl? You look like you had a rough night.” Jade pulled a chair up to Aileen’s desk.
“I don’t know, Jade. I think I got stood-up last night.”
“By Seth? I saw him talking to you.” Aileen nodded.
“You are better than that creep. In fact, I think you might be a Christian."
“The Lord has put a dream in your heart that only He can fulfill, Aileen. Just give Him time.”
Aileen sat quietly and thought about how thankful she was that God put this wonderful woman in her path.
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