I sat down at my previous chair where (Dr. Rosario) Darren originally placed me to start my radiotherapy treatment. I’d like to say this was going well but I’d rather not lie to myself. I had already developed symptoms to the treatment without having finished the treatment at all and it put me in a situation where I felt more sexual tension that I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I wonder if he felt it too? I stare down at my phone as I feel the medication racing through my veins and feel Darren watch me closely. His stare was filled with intent and I couldn’t exactly place what for. Was it full intent to make sure I’m okay or something else entirely? I choose not to ask as if the answer would be worse than the diagnosis he originally gave me. The one that puts my legacy in jeopardy.I’m still stuck in thought when I hear his voice break the silence.“Cassandra, can I ask you a personal question?” He says in polite and casual tone. I didn’t trust him entirely but in the timeframe that
I finished my first radiotherapy treatment at the hospital a few hours ago. I can still remember Darren holding my stare and he unhooked me from the IV, took my vitals one more time and helped me up before walking me to the elevator. He said one last thing before I got into the elevator. “Cassandra, I want you live a long and beautiful life. I want you to build this legacy you hold in such a high place and I want to see you thrive. I hope you’ll choose to continue treatment after all that’s happened today.” “It’s my only chance at surviving right?” I wasn’t trying to sound sardonic or rude. But if it was exactly that then my choice was made just as my fate was sealed. I’d continue to the treatment as long as I’d have to in order to fulfill the dreams I’ve held onto for so many years. With that response, I see Darren’s face give a small reassuring smile that I could tell was tinged with sadness. Was he saddened by the idea that one of his patients might not make it? Or was this
I hoped to wake up early to make sure I have time to prepare my interview portfolio and outfit. But even waking at noon was more than enough time to prepare as my interview was at 5pm. Presentation is everything. One small flaw and the very idea of my legacy would jeopardized. Only I wasn’t so focused on my interview when I awoke. I dreamt that I was in the shower and a tall handsome man with blue eyes came in to join me or better yet, pleasure me. He stood behind me and I could feel the heat radiating off his skin as he pressed up against me, pushing me into the showers wall, caressing every curve and lingering on every one of my sweet spots. As I rose in arousal. He wanted me to say his name. “Call for me. Tell me who you want. Say Maverick.” And with that, I woke up in bed alone to the sound of my alarm. As much as that dream lingered in mind, I had to focus. My legacy was at stake. I walk over to my closet to ruffle through my business-casual clothes and settle on a nic
The drive wasn’t long. A little over an hour with traffic but that’s California. You can never get anywhere in this state without traffic beating you to it. I arrive at the EnviroDoc building and see my reflection along the glass windows as I turn the corner. In just 30 minutes, a legacy could be built. A legacy that will proceed in life and death. I just had to impress a few executives and ace the interview. In another life, where I was ridden with cancer in my most vital organ, that would sound like nothing past a simple task but my life was a capsized ship trying to avoid sinking and I was the captain of that ship refusing to let the ship meet its untimely end. Cancer or not, I would not be defeated before I left my impression on this company. I round the corner to the entrance where I see the infamous logo. A planet with a cinematic film slowly encasing it. This company was going to be the next National Geographic and Discovery Channel and any position in its firm would allow
“Please have a seat on. I’m Mrs. Parton and it is so nice to meet you.” She says with a professional and warming smile. I hand her my portfolio, sit down and make sure to keep posture high and offer a controlled smile. I think my crazed nervous smile would’ve scared her away. “It’s nice to finally meet you as well Mrs.Parton. I have nothing but the highest respect for your work.” Niceties aren’t going to get me this interview but I hadn’t lied. She created EnviroDoc and traveled the world making documentaries about the environment and planet. It was amazing how much she has put into her success. She’s formed a legacy. “Oh thank you! I was very impressed to read your application. You seem to be a very dedicated young woman on a mission and I’d like to learn more about you today.” She says as she sits across from me behind her desk. “Thank you. I will gladly answer any and every question you have!” Okay that was too eager but at least she smiled back at me and didn’t look at me li
I revisit the waiting room and sit on the couch across from the mysterious man. A coffee table riddled with magazines stands in between as I grab a magazine on Successful women to be acknowledged and recognized this past year. I skim the magazine and wonder if I’d end up in a publishing like this. A publishing of elites and their legacy - broadcasted upon each page for others to read and seek motivation from. I needed this internship and this man in front of me stood in my way of that. I peer up from my magazine and catch him doing the same. Skimming a magazine but peeking at me over the rim of the top. Was he thinking the same as me?I close my magazine and place it down on the table neatly and decide that conversation was a good attempt as any.“Are you here for the internship?”He smiles slightly as he looks up and puts down his magazine as if he knew conversation was on the horizon.“I am and I understand that there is only one position. But we’re both still here.” He analyzed the
It’s only a short moment of silence when Mrs. Parton calls us back into her office for our group interview or stand-off as I’d like to look at it. “I suppose you to have already met being that you were both in the waiting room for some time. Cassandra, your achievements paired with your intellectual drive are compelling and astonishing. It shows your drive which I can only assume will be a valuable asset to our team here at EnviroDoc. And Maverick, your knowledge paired with your fascinating proposals are equally as astonishing and promising for EnviroDoc. Originally, there was only one position available for our internship but we would like to split the workload and position between the both of you on a trial basis of 30 days and see who has more to offer and who will be a suitable fit long-term.” She smiles as though she’s won the lottery. Split it? Split my succession with a potential love interest that I want but don’t know of if I should trust? “I would also like to add that a
As we left the office, Maverick suggested we take a walk to a nearby Italian restaurant. It was only about a block away from the glass doors of EnviroDoc so I agreed. “So Cass, what made you apply to EnviroDoc in the first place?” He says as we wait at the crosswalk, never letting go of my hand. “I was watching some of their documentaries when I heard them advertise that they would be opening a new positional internship and encouraged California natives to apply. I thought that it would be a nice opportunity to travel while I research for the next documentary and share my skill of research. What about you?” I look up at him and wait for his response and I realize he started to seem a bit nervous. “I wanted to be able to travel, get out of California and see the world. And if I could do that, while contributing to something great - it would be an amazing opportunity to start my career.” He then smiles like he shared a valuable piece of information. He seemed to genuine and yet I
I wake up around noon. I was exhausted from the highs of everyday. I go to get dressed and brush my teeth. I had to make it to my second treatment today where Darren would be waiting for me. I finish getting dressed and head to my kitchen for a a granola bar and juice then I’m out the door and on the way. I arrive at the hospital where I know exactly what floor I need to ascend too and where I’d have to wait. I get this eerie feeling as I head into the oncology department. No matter how nice the waiting area and receptionist are, I can’t help but associate this office with death. I see Darren come out to find me with a smile. “Nice to see you again, Cassandra. Are you ready? He holds a hand out to help me up. I take his hand and he leads me to the back where I had sat last time. This time, I see a woman sitting two chairs an over - receiving her treatment. She was frail, pale and had lost her hair. I start to hyperventilate at the thought that it would me in a few sessions. D
I finally make it home, shower and get into some comfy pajamas as I go to sit in my living room to think about how eventful this day was. I got the internship of my dreams at EnviroDoc. I met Maverick who’s swept me off my feet. A wonderful old soul gifted me my dream typewriter. And I told someone I was dying. Nothing prepared me for the events of this evening although the outcome was in my favor for once. That was until I had received a text about my upcoming appointment with Darren. Last time I was in the oncology office, my symptoms from radiotherapy were intense and Darren’s reactions and proximity were also immense. I had gotten worked up about my doctor. And the worst part was that I thought the tension could be mutual on both sides. I ponder the idea of being back in his office and how awkward it would be. But my thoughts are cut short by the ringing of phone. The notification on display for my eyes only. It was Maverick. M: Hey, I just got back home but I wanted
We walk for another 5-10 minutes until we notice the shops and boutiques start to close. “So what did you think?” I hear chime from Maverick as we walked back to the parking garage for EnviroDoc. “What did I think about what?” I ask almost confused. “About our day together. We had our interviews today. We had a good meal and you got the typewriter of your dreams today.” He smiles and lifts his hand to emphasize the heavy typewriter he’d been carrying so effortlessly. “I think today was more than I could’ve imagined.” I say with a smile as I face him. “I like to think I contributed to that smile with my undying enthusiasm.” He says jokingly. I look up into his eyes. “I wouldn’t have gotten this typewriter or my internship without your reminders and constant reassurance.” I roll my eyes on that last part but continue smiling. He has pleasantly surprised me which was an uncommon turn of events for me. Just then, Maverick leans down and kisses me softly, placing his free hand on
As we finished eating, Maverick paid the check and we made our way back to the busy San Francisco streets. We walked past a few window shops and talked about the upcoming trends plastered on every boutique window.“You ready to start work on Monday?” Maverick asks as we pass a glass building similar to the one we had just met in earlier today at EnviroDoc.“I think so. I mean the hiring packet says we’ll only be working Monday through Wednesday so it’s not a tight-knit schedule and it’s still a great opportunity even though I’ll be sharing it with you.” I say jokingly.“I promise to be a great distraction.” He winks as we pass an antique shop.I laugh a little. If he only knew how much of a distraction he’s become already. I look into the antique shop where I see moments captured in time and items of the ages. I notice a velvet-lined box with a beautiful Maplefield Vintage Typewriter. The mahogany wooden frame was polished to the point of reflection. I had always dreamed of purchasing
I sit as Maverick makes his way to the seat across from me. I think of something to say as the waiter makes his way over to ask what we’d like to drink. I hear Maverick answer something in Italian and the waiter nods and leaves. “You speak Italian?” Why does everything surprise me about him? As though he were a labyrinth I intended to get lost in. He looks over at me with a soft smile before answering. “My grandfather taught me. He said it’d be a waste for the language to die with him. Cosa ne pensi?” His smile changes from soft to almost flirtation. “What does that mean?” “I asked you what do you think?” He lets out a light laugh that sends a wave of nervousness all over me. I wasn’t used to going on dates or talking to guys as a whole. But I enjoyed Maverick and I’s conversations especially before I knew how hot he could me feel in my most intimate places. “Riveting” i smile with the same level of flirtation as he did before me. “So what did you order for our drinks?”
As we left the office, Maverick suggested we take a walk to a nearby Italian restaurant. It was only about a block away from the glass doors of EnviroDoc so I agreed. “So Cass, what made you apply to EnviroDoc in the first place?” He says as we wait at the crosswalk, never letting go of my hand. “I was watching some of their documentaries when I heard them advertise that they would be opening a new positional internship and encouraged California natives to apply. I thought that it would be a nice opportunity to travel while I research for the next documentary and share my skill of research. What about you?” I look up at him and wait for his response and I realize he started to seem a bit nervous. “I wanted to be able to travel, get out of California and see the world. And if I could do that, while contributing to something great - it would be an amazing opportunity to start my career.” He then smiles like he shared a valuable piece of information. He seemed to genuine and yet I
It’s only a short moment of silence when Mrs. Parton calls us back into her office for our group interview or stand-off as I’d like to look at it. “I suppose you to have already met being that you were both in the waiting room for some time. Cassandra, your achievements paired with your intellectual drive are compelling and astonishing. It shows your drive which I can only assume will be a valuable asset to our team here at EnviroDoc. And Maverick, your knowledge paired with your fascinating proposals are equally as astonishing and promising for EnviroDoc. Originally, there was only one position available for our internship but we would like to split the workload and position between the both of you on a trial basis of 30 days and see who has more to offer and who will be a suitable fit long-term.” She smiles as though she’s won the lottery. Split it? Split my succession with a potential love interest that I want but don’t know of if I should trust? “I would also like to add that a
I revisit the waiting room and sit on the couch across from the mysterious man. A coffee table riddled with magazines stands in between as I grab a magazine on Successful women to be acknowledged and recognized this past year. I skim the magazine and wonder if I’d end up in a publishing like this. A publishing of elites and their legacy - broadcasted upon each page for others to read and seek motivation from. I needed this internship and this man in front of me stood in my way of that. I peer up from my magazine and catch him doing the same. Skimming a magazine but peeking at me over the rim of the top. Was he thinking the same as me?I close my magazine and place it down on the table neatly and decide that conversation was a good attempt as any.“Are you here for the internship?”He smiles slightly as he looks up and puts down his magazine as if he knew conversation was on the horizon.“I am and I understand that there is only one position. But we’re both still here.” He analyzed the
“Please have a seat on. I’m Mrs. Parton and it is so nice to meet you.” She says with a professional and warming smile. I hand her my portfolio, sit down and make sure to keep posture high and offer a controlled smile. I think my crazed nervous smile would’ve scared her away. “It’s nice to finally meet you as well Mrs.Parton. I have nothing but the highest respect for your work.” Niceties aren’t going to get me this interview but I hadn’t lied. She created EnviroDoc and traveled the world making documentaries about the environment and planet. It was amazing how much she has put into her success. She’s formed a legacy. “Oh thank you! I was very impressed to read your application. You seem to be a very dedicated young woman on a mission and I’d like to learn more about you today.” She says as she sits across from me behind her desk. “Thank you. I will gladly answer any and every question you have!” Okay that was too eager but at least she smiled back at me and didn’t look at me li