I am halfway through Ainsley’s journal. This story will be my masterpiece.
For now, I have to keep it hidden—from everyone.
“Lila?” my editor says, knocking on my cubicle wall.
I jump.
“Yes, Ray?” I say.
“You feeling okay? You look really tired,” he says.
“Thanks—thanks a lot,” I say, a little shorter than I intend to.
I am tired.
“Can you go down and cover the new yoga place opening this afternoon? Just a quick picture and a couple quotes…the usual?”
I turn back to my laptop.
“Sure, sure,” I mumble.
“Thanks,” he says. “And, Lila…”
Impatiently, I turn around.
“Yes?”
“Get some rest, kid. Take care of yourself. I'm worried about you."
I wish everyone would just leave me alone.
I have so much to do and learn.
So much to uncover.
* * *
It is several hours later.
Ainsley’s journal was left unfinished—for obvious reasons.
Can I finish her story?
I know where I can find the answers to her secrets.
I have to go back.
I gather my things and head for the door. It's late afternoon, but will still be light for some time.
As I'm leaving, I bump into Ray.
“Hi Lila—how did the yoga place opening go?” he asks.
Shit.
I look suitably ashamed.
“Oh, damnit, Ray—I totally forgot. I’m so sorry!” I apologize.
Ray pauses and looks at me quizzically. I know what he’s thinking. Lila never forgets. But this time I have a much more important story to tell. It’s way beyond the silly local-business openings and bake sales for school children.
It’s epic, and I’m the only one who can tell it.
“You—forgot?” he says.
“Yes, I forgot, I apologize. I'll call them tomorrow for a follow-up and get a picture from them. I’m sure someone took one,” I say.
“Well, okay, but Lila—what exactly are you working on for this week? Deadline is tomorrow. You know that. I haven’t seen anything yet,” Ray says.
I look at my watch impatiently.
“Ray, I’m working on a bigger story than just for this week. But I’ll throw some stuff together for you by tomorrow. Trust me, when you see what I have, you’ll be just as excited as I am.”
“Well, I’d like to know sooner rather than later, Lila.”
I can see that Ray is starting to lose patience.
“I’ll fill you in tomorrow morning. I promise, Ray,” I say.
My dark-brown eyes bore into his pale-blue ones.
He still looks uncertain, but his trust in me wins today.
“Okay, Lila. Tomorrow morning. No more excuses.”
Without thinking, I hug him.
He hugs back after a second. He is thinking, how unlike her.
“Now get home and get some rest,” he orders me, his eyes smiling.
“I will!” I say.
Soon. I will soon.