The hollow steps of the corridor echoed in Blaise’s ear. Swiftly, he followed his guide as if he would lose them in the dark expanse. Nothing but glossy darkness down the hallway, with only silence aside the footsteps. After endless paperwork and interviews, the world began closing in. He knew this was the last step in the process, where he would meet Lavinia, the executive. A powerful shadow spoken of in nothing but proper regard. Blaise felt heat around his ears. The guide slowed, and with panic in his stomach, he saw the door.
His accompaniment halted and turned to him. “She is waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” were the only words he whispered.
Since arriving, he felt the overwhelming urge to speak in nothing more than hushed tones. Each person he met inside Obsidian spoke directly and quietly. He followed suite. Pushing into the door, he entered her office, attempting confidence.
A small office. It was decorated minimally with the same black, glossy walls except for the back wall which looked to be foggy, black glass with a flat waterfall running down it. Her desk was situated in the center, near the back of the room, and her figure spoke for the space.
“Welcome, Blaise. Please, have a seat.”
She gestured to the chair in front of her desk. He complied, keeping his focus on her face. She appeared calm and lovely, dressed in sleek, dark garments and a strong posture.
“Thank you, Ms. Sparro. It is wonderful to finally make your acquaintance.”
She smiled, “I’m sure.”
Silence – but he wouldn’t let that shake him. Blaise knew his confidence and charm should never waver, and silence is powerful. One should use silence and embrace it. The nature of Obsidian is silence; the world needed it.
“The time has not been wasted by you, yet, and that I thank you for.” Her voice was cool and collected, with a tenderness to it.
“I’m glad,” he answered.
What to say next? Why did she not continue and ask questions? Blaise smiled but felt a spinning unresolve in his head as he felt the conversation stagnate. Did she want me to introduce myself and pitch to her my value? Why isn’t she speaking?
“I desire our time here together to be efficient and valuable to you, Ms. Sparro. And with the interviews and assessments I surmounted already I ask what it is you would like to know further?”
She listened well, gazing into him as he spoke. Blaise began to feel his clothes more – the tightness of his collar.
She said, “I know so much about you Mx. Ridley. I only appreciate the experience of listening to your presence as you sit before me in my office. You know the work you will be doing here, and I think you will succeed greatly.”
“Thank you,” Blaise nodded his head.
This is a test of will and patience I presume. I can sit here all day and speak pleasantries with you, Lavinia.
A harsh knock almost caused Blaise to visibly startle.
A muffled tone erupted from behind the door, “Lavinia, I won’t have this nonsense you’re scheming with Lana. She’s not going to that school!”
Lavinia never dropped her focus on Blaise, but her eyes narrowed slightly. She stood up, approached the door, and opened it slightly. The light scent of cedar wafted toward Blaise, and he didn’t dare turn his head to see who the guest was.
In a low tone he heard, “Cirrus, I will gladly discuss this with you later. Now, leave my office.”
“You have no right to delegate where she goes and who she lives with. She’s my daughter!” Blaise heard a tired desperation in the person’s voice.
“I hold every right to decide how family is treated and brought up in our house. You will soon learn this, despite your failure as a father.”
She closed the door and walked back over to her desk. Blaise heard footsteps recede from the door.
“Now Mx. Blaise, I believe you should see the facilities of Obsidian if you are to articulate what we do and acquire us the clients we deserve.”
As she walked to her place behind the desk, she tapped on the center of the desk’s surface. A divided playing board flipped open with pieces laid, ready to play.
“Let’s see our beautiful research center first.”
Lightly pressing on a piece, a doorway opened from behind the waterfall.
“Follow me, Blaise Ridley.”
Written by Kayla
Owl Things Considered 