Hey, I just finished your story and I must say im stunned and amazed, you have somehow made a story thats so visually appealing that I feel it is my duty to put this work of art on a canvas, Im a commission artist who does works like comics, manga, and fan art and would love to see your story come to life with my smarts and your payment. Of course this is all up to you, No pressure, but I believe we can create a oscar winning comic together. You can reach me if this is appealing to you on either Fluttershy (Carolee_Bee) or NowPhone (Carolee_Da_Bees_Knees) if you do, Best Carolee Töpffer.
“Andddd Send!” Carolee stated aloud to a semi populated coffee shop before clicking enter on her computer. Lifting her feet, she looked at the comment pending on the story she supposedly read. In truth she looked for key words using Ai, then used copy and paste the same niche prompt that made whatever she commented on sound like gold. This, was to promote her dream to become a artist as a career than a hobby. And looking at the other comments that more or less said the same thing, she wasn't alone.
“You know, when commission artists spam writers stories like that, it just makes them more annoyed than anything else.” A masculine voice stated behind Carolee. She opened her eyes to see the voice came from fluffy haired squeaky voiced guy wearing a green apron. This, is Hieronymus, her best friend she met in college who works with her at the colleges cafe. And really, the only reason she even gets out of her dorm room and works at this coffee shop in the first place because of her poor social academics.
“Huh? Oh yeah well, they should just be happy that there work is being recognized to this degree.” Carolee responded hoping he didn't read what she had pasted.
“Oh really, even the part where you said you read the story huh?” Hieronymus questioned grabbing the laptop and raising it above the two of them. To Carolee's 5’3, Hieronymus was 5’11 so heights were her weakness.
“Then whats the name of a single one of the characters?” He questioned which made Carolee go surprisingly pale. She then looked around the room and thought of how fast she just scrolled to the comment section.
“Uhhhh, Doctor?? Uhhh…” Carolee really wished she didn't just scroll past.
“Doctor?? You cant just have a character named doctor thats stupid, so whats his name” Hieronymus pushed further causing Carolee having to take drastic measures.
“Doctor, your gonna see when they fix your leg” Carolee said as she kicked Heironymus’s shin with her stiletto boot that matched her fish nets. She then thankfully caught the laptop as she looked to see the comment went through.
‘More potential money in the bank, who cares about what those writers like or not’ Carolee thought as she ran away into the cafe’s storage room with him in toe. Though they both stopped at the site of the cafes manager, and unfortunately there boss.
Mr Philistine, which was plastered on his nametag with the name manager underneath. He always wore the most serious clothes, being long dress pants, a collard shirt of some color, glasses that matched his bushy eyebrows and all to common angry expression. To Carolee the nametag should say “buzzkill” or “killjoy” instead but that was only something she would say to Hieronymous on there walk back to dorms at the end of there shift.
“Do I even wanna know what you two are doing?” Mr Philistine angrily questioned, his stature being only slightly taller than Carolee but still menacing with broad shoulders and tight stomach.
“Just uhh..” Carolee started, but the question, like a lot of Carolee’s social life felt like she was pushed to a wall and threatened.
“Just messing around boss, were on our break” Hieronymous answered for them both. Though Carolee was a grade A student and did great on stuff like school presentations she didn't take confrontation very well. Which, was actually how she met Hieronymous in the first place.
“At the same time?? Do I need to remind you both again that I could easily separate you?? What if a customer saw this childish behavior hmm?” Mr Philistine questioned, causing Carolee's guard to lower at the obscurity of it all.
“There isn't any customers..” Carolee whispered without realising.
“What was that girlie? Wanna tell the whole class?” Mr Philistine pressed Carolee almost actually against a wall.
“She said, there aint no customers sir, and there aint look!” Hieronymous defended, pointing out to the empty cafe, the only sign of said customers is a disturbed chair that Carolee sat at with her laptop. Mr Philistine wasn't a man to see this reason however as he grumbled and then breathed. It was rare to be right against him but when it happens it feels the best to Carolee.
“Well… Those tables are filthy, and you both should be more adamant and ready for the potential of a custo-” Mr Philistine started one of his famous, act like adults, speeches that he must've learned on the battle field he was born on. Carolee pretended to listen, wondering what she had to do after todays shift, she was ahead of her school work and did surprisingly have a commission from some random person that commented on her Nowphone post. It was only ten bucks for what will be a few days of work but it was better than nothing and it was part of the artist grind. Her mind always going back to the what if of life, like if she wasn't in college and abusing the basically free campus wifi paid for by her past good grades scholarships she would really be in a pickle.
“-oes that make sense? Now, finish your lunches, get your one cups of coffee or whatever you kids eat these days and get back to work, do I make myself clear?” Mr Philistine ended his probably emmy worth speech. A nudge from Hieronymous waking up Carolee from her thought bubble as she nodded.
“Crystal sir, we once again apologize and hope to learn from you” Hieronymous said robotically, almost making Carolee giggle like it always did. Mr Philistine just squinted up to the man and sighed, returning to his office where he will spend the rest of the day shining his boots and dusting war medals or whatever managers did.
“You almost got us in trouble Ms gothletta” Hieronymous jokingly accused Carolee, the nickname coming from how gothic she always dressed. WIth her black on black semi revealing attire with shorts and miniskirt matching her kuromi stilettos and fish nets. The only saving factor being the army green apron she wore above it all.
“Me? Your the one who chased me Mr Heiny” Carolee jokingly defended, the nickname she came up with when first trying to pronounce his name though he never took a liking to it.
It and there friendship came to be in her first semester in a debate class. Though Carolee found the class useless for her end goal career and bachelor of fine arts but she still participated. She and a few others including Hieronymous were on one team and some of the other class were on the other, the debate topic being mandatory uniforms in school. With Carolee not surprisingly being on the opposing end.
She didn't know she had to speak in front of others so when she was the second to last she thought she would never be seen or picked. Though, the debate ran in a line with Carolee forced into a debate and worse, a bunch of eyes on her in a class where your graded by how you speak. While in line a weird boy kept trying to get her attention which caused her to squirm and shake more than she would ever admit. When it came time for her to stand on the podium for the debate she froze, her opponent didn't. Immediately attacking her clothing choice in class which took her twenty minutes of self hype to force herself not to just fully cover up. She was about to burst in tears when suddenly the weird boy came up behind her and stood with her on podium, vocally fighting back the opponent. And the rest is history.
“Earth to weirdo? Ya there bud or you thinking of more drawing ideas?” Hieronymus questioned twenty minutes before there shift was over. She was, in fact looking to the sky after making a customers order and thinking about what she wanted to draw after her shift.
“No, I was thinking about how our manager is so small yet still is able to hide that telephone pole sized stick up his butt every time he ‘helps us understand’ something” Carolee said, checking behind her to make sure the manager wasn't standing there which has happened before.
“Thats a mystery that sherlock himself couldn't solve, you know that” Hieronymous said, coffee ground wand in hand while shutting down the cappuccino machine for the day. The rest of the afternoon went like that as Mr Philistine left out with the pair and locked up behind them. It was a saturday so no class, and it was a nice afternoon so no reason to rot in the dorm if you weren't Carolee.
“I wasn't joking earlier by the way” Hieronymous stated as they started there five mile trek across campus to there respective dorms.
“What do you mean? About the sherlock thing cause buddy hes long dead” Carolee questioned not thinking about the lunch time fiasco.
“No, the whole commission artists spamming writers stories and how it makes them feel” Hieronymous said sympathetically which calmed Carolee as she thought he was talking on a actual serious topic.
“Ohh that, its not that serious dude, its just business and the hustle of the modern artist, you know that” Carolee said looking to her friend who grew a frown as they walked.
“No, I really don't ‘dude’ you know as well as I that I used to deal with people like that all the time.” Hieronymous stated with a not so joking attitude. Carolee did know what he meant as before he left to college, Hieronymous wrote the paper in his small home town. Some big wig moochers tried over and over again to trick him just from a quick buck. Some only tried while others succeeded in stealing or infringing his own work with no way to stop them. Though Carolee was no big wig and was just tryna get by so she couldn't understand what he ment.
“Oh come on, Im not no big wig, and hey, what if with one of these writers stories I become one then huh? wouldn't that be cool to know someone who works with the big guys? I could maybe even get you a voice acting roll ehh?” Carolee tried to convince her friend to make the mood more positive. She hated seeing him upset let alone being the cause so when a smirk started to form she felt at ease.
“That does sound nice, but I don't think you understand what I mean Carolee, Theres different ways to push your art stuff that isn't harassing writers like this, maybe with those post you do on NowPhone or something.” Hieronymous said, proving that yes, she wasn't understanding what he meant but chose to stay quiet to see if she would understand.
“Though I see where your coming from, with your whole socialising and the internet stuff, I do get it. I just cant stand by and see that kinda hope come up and be destroyed happen to happen to fellow writers like it did a bunch of times to me or worse you. ”He stated which solidified Carolee's thoughts. She really didn't know what he was talking about, or how she could be in the harassed chair in this situation. As much as she wanted to push him on it more, she feared it would send him back into a angry state as he is now calm.
“I understand ya bud, I was just in a silly mood earlier and yeah, theres gotta be a different way.I'llstop with the whole copy paste thing I promise” Carolee lied, but who wouldn't for a smile like his? He may be a giant, but hes her a jolly kind giant.
“Thank you, I just hope you truly do understand, for your sake at least” Hieronymous said at last before changing the subject to what they did today at the cafe as if the other didn't observe the same day. Jokes filling the space between them till they reached there respective dorm rooms to rot till the next day of class.
After the five mile walk Carolee fell to her beds charms and rested for a bit. Doom scrolling on NowPhone on posts that were so funny yet wrong that she wouldn't share with her grandma. After twenty minutes of that she grabbed her bag and pulled out her laptop, the first thing on screen being the comment she posted from earlier. She observed it and thought of what Hieronymous was trying to mean when he warned her. Feeling bad about lying to her friend but she wasn't no big wig. So for the next hour or so she went to the newest stories on different websites and sent the same copy and paste.
Doing this for a few hours with little to no responses besides a few from different site admins. They wanted Carolee to stop as well which signaled that it was time to work on her actual commissions. She was stuck between a few comics that she posted sneak peaks on NowPhone to bring traction though she rarely used NowPhone for anything but doomscrolling. With a small following that sure, she could post more and become rich or even famous that way but it required to much work while her commissions made her money now.
Continuing her work till it was dinner time, only taking breaks in between shading or lining panels to go onto Fluttershy and see if there were any new request for commissions which there weren't. The only new messages were from writers asking Carolee to stop which she used to argue with but now just blocks them instead. What did they know about the grind of a aspiring artists anyways? Now that she was done blocking or deleting messages she deemed arrogant she then walked into her dorm rooms mini fridge, grabbing some leftovers she got from a party.
It was a little cold, cause of her dorms rules about the amount of amps aloud on a microwave which she found to be a silly rule. But she adapted as she nuked all the flavor out of her left overs in exchange for a little heat. She watched something on MeDuct as she ate her food, tonight she finished her series of a milkman fighting robotic animals who made pizza. After which she went to bed, a little upset from what happened earlier that day on the walk home.
The next day like every other sunday in the semester found her waking up, waiting outside Hieronymous’s dorm so they can go to the breakfast at there cafeteria. Then hanging out or going to work the cafe which never was a set schedule. This sunday they luckily didn't work the cafe which gave Carolee good time to finish her three commissions and be paid her ten to thirty bucks for her weeks work. She then would go back to slamming copypastes till lunch or someone responded which she found it as slow as always. She then would look to her actual school work and see what she could and couldn't do for work. She was always a week or so ahead on assignments so she didn't ever worry but keeping that streak came difficult for certain subjects.
Drama math or history being the worst for social assignments. While english or art which she took a vast amount of times for her bachelors being easiest. This weeks list of assignments found some difficulty but nothing Carolee couldn't handle with the help of Hieronymous who was besides her desk playing a video game. She hoped he didn't turn around and saw her as she flipped from her school screen to copy and pasting more into comments of stories she never read.
She only stopped when Fluttershy pinged and she got another commission for a story. Which she both loved and hated as she now had to find said story and actually read it. Though she always read parts of said story as she found every story being some lame copy of another. Like the one she just got a gig for was another story about a character with mean parents who finds out there going on a huge adventure. Its overdone and overused in Carolee's opinion if only she had the voice to speak as such.
“Ooh, more money money money for the lady looking for the big leagues” Hieronymous stated making Carolee jump. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice him looking over her shoulder. He didn't see the copy and pasting thing did he?
“Yeah, well I think I deserve as such, hard work and all that.” Carolee said with her voice semi shaking.
“Oh hard work? Like your not just using your copy and paste method behind my back?” Hieronymous said making Carolee tear up a bit, he caught her red handed and now he was mad at her. She didn't know what to say as her breathing became heavy.
“Im kidding!!!” Hieronymous exclaimed putting a hand on her back and rubbing. When she has these panic attacks rubbing her back clockwise to calms her.
“You said you wouldn't and I know you haven't, so chill out!” He quickly finished his sentence. Calming down Carolee from realising he didn't om fact know of her lying.
“So how did you get this client?” He questioned sending her back into a miniature panic.
“Oh, just a person saw a post I did on NowPhone and messaged me to read there story and do a commission.” Carolee lied, but he didn't like social media so there wasn't a way he could check.
“Hmm, alright but be careful, if he has you sign something remember to-”
“ ‘Read the fine print, even if the print is so fine that it reminds me of the hottest guy or chick in the world, not to be blinded and to know what im signing’ Yeah yeah I know dude” Carolee interrupted.
“Do I really say this that much?.. Well if I do, at least your taking it to heart but still-” Hieronymous started again.
“Relax, This is just some rando who’s probably a kid who will pay with his moms credit card or something it isn't that serious, I promise” Carolee stated, looking into the worrying eye of her friend. A twinge in her heart as she just lied to said friend and felt terrible.
“Alright, well ima go get myself something to eat so get your bread andI'llget my sandwich.” Hieronymous said, gathering his things and leaving the dorm. Carolee took solace in this as she didn't have to hide her screen no more. She did however just got a commission and sadly had to read the terrible story which she did, making note of a comic that she really didn't wanna take a week to draw for ten dollars.
So that, besides becoming incredibly lucky with getting a commission and her friend becoming annoyed with her choices in what is business. Was a normal day or week for Carolee Töpffer, The only exception being what was presented and her going to class on the weekdays, a grade A student with a grade F idea on how to become famous online, just copying everyone else. That was, until one day when the semesters club festival started and she was invited to help a club.
“No, absolutely not!” Carolee spoke fiercely, she couldn't believe that he would ask her that of all things, especially knowing her so well.
“Oh come on gothletta, it'll just be a few hours, and it could be good for you”Heironymous begged, as a member of his club became ill. The club in question was the art club which they degenerately called, the art smellers. Which is from there total weirdness and strange humor when one would suddenly say something abysmal like ‘paint taste good’ or something of the like.
“Good for me how? Good for me to be bullied or put into a coma from me doing something stupid or embarrassing?” Carolee said, her temper becoming more adamant and vocal. Still in disbelief of asking her to help run a stand for the schools club festival. And for a art club she wasn't even apart of on top of that.
“Oh my goodness no, look. I am your friend, so I wanna be the one to say, the way you advertise your work isn't the best, I know you've stopped doing that copy and paste junk, but your still at the whims of others, this event and any social gathering especially in college can be a great door opener to creating connections and with connections come business opportunities." Hieronymous explained, watching Carolee's expression go from annoyed to angry in a second. How dare he say she isn't social? Shes social and has a bunch of connections with others, just online and they only text each other when its time for payment and or when the commission is made in the first place.
“And and AND!! Theres gonna be some big suit people there, ya know, the people who fund our college for those scholarships we get?” Hieronymous stated trying to sweeten the pot and save his own skin. Luckily it caught Carolee of guard as her expression sort of calmed down.
“Wha- So what? Why would I or even you care what a big wig thinks?” Carolee questioned, considering Hieronymous’s hatred for big wigs being the confusing factor.
“Well first, the big wigs I delt with were crooks and undocumented, these ones are picked by the school so if something bad happens, then they can be tracked down at the very least.” Hieronymous said, with his knowledge of being taken advantage of and how to avoid it with countability to defend his topic.
“And these big wigs are from all over, so who knows, Maybe one happens to be looking for a up and coming comic book artist” he said to sweeten the pot and hopefully conclude the deal there. Carolee's expression wasn't one of anger anymore as the last mention of a comic book artist made her face flush with hope. If she wasn't so self conscious and yes even around Hieronymous she would be squealing like a kid in a candy store.
“Hmm, you make a good point… but still, your club mates aren't very uhh… in my line of work” Carolee said, remembering the one day Heironymous convinced her to go and at least try the club. Everyone sort of stared at her for a bit and noone talked to her without him nearby. The other members were also way more weird than her and made her uncomfortable to be around.
“Oh, don't worry about that, after all you would… oh.. Uh” Heironymous stated before stopping.
“What?” Carolee asked, her hairs slowly standing as if she were a cornered cat.
“Well… You would, be the only one at the stand so…. You wouldn't have to deal with them” Heironymous said, time sort of stood still as the words traveled across the world. Hitting Carolee's now terrified ears at the realization of what she had to sign up for.
“WHAT!! Are you insane? I cant run it by myself, I cant run anything by myself.. I.. you.. Ugh” Carolee tried to argue but her breathing became strained as Heironymous came up to her and rubbed her back.
“Yeah… I wasn't gonna tell you till like the day of, so uh…. Yeah” Heironymous said trying to lighten the mood but from the look of fire in Carolee's eyes it didn't work. After a few minutes of Carolee relaxing she caught herself and drank some water.
“Alright, so to reiterate you want me to get new members for your art club then-”
“The Art Smellers” Heironymous interrupted without thinking.
“Yes, ‘The Art Smellers’ then you want me to do this alone whereI'llhave a panic attack and die if they ask about the club at all and then you'll pick up my body and sell it to the government for school, is that right?” Carolee asked, though in her tone sounded to serious.
“With the price per credit hour its tempting but no, look, we usually only have one person but I think it would be fine if someone wen-” Heironymous started then looked at the angry eyes of his friend.
“If I went with you, to help you set up or talk to customers during the event, just ya know. Be present and take down peoples information while I do my sweet talking, alright?” Heironymous said, his eyes looking her up and down as she still looked annoyed and on the verge of another outburst.
“Fine, but if I hate it for even a secondI'llleave” Carolee finally agreed, sighing as she didn't know what she may have just signed up for. Though for a moment she didn't care, Heironymous’s brightened expression was worth it in it all of itself. Though she never could figure out why she loved making him smile so much.
“Thats awesome Carolee!!, now we must talk on dresscode before we go!” Heironymous said, Carolee looked down at her black avenge sevenfold shirt and equally dark skirt below it with short shorts for maximum comfort. She didn't necessarily love the outfit or her dressing style cause it made her stand out and brought attention from most undesirable men. But it was comfortable and let her get away with wearing a skirt and shorts, and she had no intention of changing it.
“If your suggesting I change, then you have another thing coming, plus you've seen my outfits already!” Carolee defended herself from the confused looking roommate.
“What? No no, I meant a addition, nothing much but I did bring one for you just in case you agreed to join me!, and thank you for joining me, it would be awkward to show the art and not the artist..” Heironymous said sheepishly at last.
“You were gonna show my comics regardless of my attendance??? Goodness your…” Carolee started but stopped when Heironymous extended his hand with something small and metallic in his hand. And no it wasn't a ring which for whatever reason rushed through Carolee's mind, it was something else. It was a name tag, a metallic one with her name, just not the one she was expecting.
“Ms Töpffer?, How come it doesn't just say Carolee or something like that?” Carolee pondered looking at Heironymous, or as the name tag states, Mr Vollards nametag as well.
“Oh, well at one of our meetings someone suggested our nametags should be our last names instead of the normal name tag, said it would make us stand out while also being professional” Heironymous stated while he placed his nametag on his flannel shirt with his blue jeans combo. Because flannel and blue jeans apparently matches the professional manor of the nametag, but Carolee didn't comment on it further. She just felt bad for the news paper or person having to write her last name so many times.
Carolee tried to convince herself it would be fine on the walk over to the event which was only three miles away with minimal foot traffic. The good news was, she convinced herself it would be fine. When she showed her college id to the person at the entrance she convinced herself it would be fine. Even when she walked through the other kiosk that had a multitude of clubs like one for nerds called Tocatna it would be fine, but when she finally arrived to there kiosk all that confidence sank. Her comics were the first thing displayed outwardly to the public, because they were the only thing that was displayed to the public. Carolee's hand which was grabbing Heironymous’s upper arm for comfort now dug its nails into his semi muscular upper arm. The feeling of his muscle straining under his nails soothed her in more ways than one as she dug deeper and anger rose through her body as she looked at the wincing face of her captor. Metaphorically of course, as she grabbed him by the ear, making some witnesses chuckle as she brought him down to her level.
“Are you insane? Please tell me that your gonna have other comics set up in front of mine??” Carolee begged in a whiny tone. She didn't mean to sound so whiny but wouldn't you if your work was displayed in such a open manner?
“Uhhh… well no, and honestly….” Heironymous started, stopping himself as his tone became quieter.
“What? Tell me now?” Carolee demanded as she continued there walk towards the kiosk, trying her best not to look towards the public display of her embarrassment.
“Wellll, maybe… maybe not we were gonna…. Display them even if you said no”Heironymous said in a hushed tone, praying that Carolee didn't hear which she did.
“What..” Carolee said, eyeing the giant as he lowered the box onto the electric chair she will be forced to sit on during this torture she will endure.
“And….maybe….there isn't any more comics to display and the only ones on display will… be… yours” Heironymous said with a heightened pitch by the end of his sentence which didn't help Carolee's case as she found it cute. All the same she breathed, her heart going a mile a minute as it became worse the longer she was there. Not only will her comics be displayed publicly, but it will be without her permission as well?
Who would do that to anyone without there permission? Carolee thought, with her subconscious reminding her how she did the same thing to many story writers when she liked the story a lot. Not even giving out the source and taking all the credit, she told her subconscious it was different then, but she knew it wasn't. In fact, the comic on display now, was one she in fact did that exact thing. A comic on an angel and a demon falling in love as a war breaks out over some crystal. But again, it was different when she did it to writers and they wouldn't feel this way to. Right?
Carolee didn't think to much on it as she mimicked the box and sat in another torture chair beside it. She then thought silently as Hieronymous took out fliers he had gotten from there club room on the walk over and laid them on the table. Passing glances every so often as if Carolee would disappear if he looked away for to long. As heironymous put the box under the table Carolee finally gave a loud sigh, her thoughts calming as she put her hands together and looked to Heironymous.
“Just one question, only one.. And yes, I am mad. And yes, its kinda at you” Carolee saw as Heironymous looked to her, eyes wide in waiting though they flickered slightly when she ended her statement.
“Why didn't the comic club have any comics made already? Why display mine even if I wasn't gonna be here?” Carolee said as calmly as she tried, she wanted nothing more than to raise her voice, but to do that would draw to much attention.
“Well.. most of the members are busy with school or work and haven't been able to make comics that are… as complete as yours. The only thing they could create in time was the fliers.”Carolee looked over to said fliers that looked to be enlarged comic book, which in this, fit the theme. Heironymous sighed and lowered his tone before starting again.
“And when I showed them your comics..”Heironymous started.
“You showed your club my comics?!?!?” Carolee finished, speaking loudly which garnished eyes towards there kiosk. She stopped herself before continuing.
“Yess… Im sorry, but I thought you would be… I don't know.. Ok with it. Im sorry, I know I messed up and I wont do it again."Hieronymus stated, his body slanting in his seat as a sad expression consumes his normally unnoticed handsome face. Carolee noticed however, and hated this change, always has.
“If you want.. You can go..I'llstart to take down your comics andI'lltry and see if I can run over to the library and print some unfinished ones the members emailed me just in case.” Hieronymous stated, standing tall as his voice faltered more and he reached for the first comic. Carolee hated all of this, being in public, having her work on display, having to more than likely talk to people on her comics. It is humiliating, but she hadn't noticed any of those issues as she saw her best friend in the world start to tear up. She wanted nothing more than to stop those tears, as she never saw them fall before, and didn't wanna be the cause for the first.
“Stop… please?” Carolee begged in a kinda quieted banshee scream. Heironymous stopped himself as he looked over to her and tilted his head, Carolee hated her next moves as she grabbed one of the fliers that had a title that screamed Join the comic club! The sections that showed how to get in contact and the room they would meet being drawn in a comic style with only one square at the end being relatively empty, with it only showing a super hero with two C’s on its chest. Above and below the hero, was a open space. And on that space she wrote on it then gave it to Herionymous. His eyes beamed as he saw what she wrote.
“S-seriously? Your ok with it?” Heironymous said in shock, the words that surrounded the hero read. “Meet the creator of the comics displayed! Carolee Töpffer” With the sentence above and her name below.
“Yeah… well, it would be a pain to go out and print a whole new comic.. SoI'llstick around.” Carolee said aloud, hating that she was staying but prayed it would cheer him up. Anything to make sure those blue eyes never teared up again. Heironymous’s eyes were wiped then rushed passed her as she was brought into a hug. She never got one from him and always joked if he did then he would lose a eye. But she let it slide as she secretly admitted it sort of felt nice. Heironymous then realised his mistake and jumped back, almost colliding with the pole that held a tarp above there table.
“Sorry, just… im so happy right now and…. Im sorry” he said in a shy manor, Carolee chuckled as she found his face beet red cute. But no tears, which meant her plan worked, and now she had to keep her promise, which she dreaded.
“don't sweat it, but laterI'llhave to take a eyelash for your insubordination to the fire nation” Carolee stated aloud, doing her imitation of a character from a show they watched in junior year about people who can bend elements. Heironymous laughed though it was a terrible impression. Then a bell rang across the event and people started wandering in.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVLetkerit
Thats when the most unexpected thing happened. No, not the fairy tale story of Carolee actually enjoying it or some love story where Heironymous kisses Carolee as the curtain falls at the end of the play. In fact, Carolee still hated every second of the event and watched her phones clock like a hawk. Every minute a hour and every hour a decade as she watched people walk past her booth and glimpse towards her comics with the occasional person stopping by to chat about it.
Heironymous was amazing then, using his years in business to get people to join there club. Though Carolee was only a section of the conversation as the lady who made the comic she didn't have to chat much on it. Except with one boy in a blue collard shirt whose collar was tied all the way up to his neck, somehow not choking the boy as he told Carolee her last name, was awesome and said her comics were great, before making jokes with Heironymous, taking a flier, and walking off. Though she didn't find her name awesome or unique as others called her last name when they tried to pronounce it when they grabbed fliers from the table.
All the same that, Carolee prayed silently, was expose to be the only person she would have to chat to that day. And it was almost as such, except for one man. He was tall, a little taller than Heironymous, Carolee assumed but wasn't able to find out as Heironymous had left momentarily to get some food as the man arrived. If Carolee didn't know better, she would've thought it was staged. And yes, Carolee did fuss about Heironymous’s departure.
“What? What do you mean I have to be here alone?? What if someone comes up and asks something and I… say something stupid?” Carolee questioned Herionymous who explained that he was gonna go to a food truck and get them something to eat and drink. Which Carolee didn't mind as she was pretty famished.
“Carolee, your being ridiculous, look around, the other kiosks are shutting down already and theres only one more hour of the event left with barely anyone else here.” Heironymous stated which he was correct. The first kiosk’s leaving at the halfway point and many more joining in suit. Not the same kinda suit that the tall man walking directly to the comic clubs kiosk is wearing mind you. But all the same, he arrives to the kiosk and falls to one knee which to her amazement, puts him at face level with Carolee.
“Hmm, interesting” The tall man looks to the comic, reading each page with enthusiasm as he smiles at the pictures and silently gets intrigued with the story unfolding. The two sides of demons and angels and how they treat one another, but before they meet the comic ends. The story only stopped there because Carolee got bored of the story she was stealing and creating into a comic. It didn't offend anyone as she saw so she thought it was ok, and its not like anyones asking for a sequel.
“Ohhh, thats ashame, I was hoping to learn more about the demon girl and her childhood friend that just stole her dues, I wonder if the readers would feel the same…” The tall man said, putting the comic back and steading his head using his arm for support. The tall man seemed to then look around the table some more, making quick glances to Carolee who for some reason felt weary about the tall man. But she realised that the man was looking at the fliers she edited in between glances. Watching as the man put the two together as to who Carolee was.
“Aha! Your the author of this amazing story, I must say it is marvelous work, up there with some of the greats of our time. I must ask what the demon female… what was her name, oh. Rose, yes. I must ask if Rose lets her rapscallion exfriend Mcneal get away with stealing those stones?” The Tall man said, bending over the table and a little close into Carolee's face, she froze then. She didn't read further than that, finding the story going off the rails from the romance story it’s story tag said it would be.
“Uh..um.. Well thats for the r-readers to find out. In the next issue!... I guess. Heh” Carolee choked out as if the next thing that was about to be choked was her. The Tall man then laughed at this and backed away, returning to his knee.
“Readers hmm? You must have a multitude of those at your disposal with this good of work. Are you self publishing or do you work for a company?” The Tall man wondered as he laid his head on his arm expectantly. Carolee almost laughed at this, she did commission work that only scored her minimal money at all, nevermind the idea of readers, in fact if she did get famous she may get in a lot of trouble with the whole stealing stories thing.
“Im… uh” Carolee started, trying her best to tell him shes commission but the man, who know stood with a expression of a frown stood and sighed.
“Oh my that was rather rude of me wasn't it?” The tall man then took off his top hat and lowered himself with his cane to a bow, garnering attention from passers by.
“My name is Mr Yuan, I graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and I work for a publishing company called Furati Estis for all things entertainment. From news papers to comics from your favorite manga. We publish, print, and produce many!” Mr Yuan said, his prerecorded speech crowding into Carolee's mind. She never heard of Furati Estis before and thought to look them up later.
“G-great to meet you Mr Yuan.. My name is.. Well you already know my name.. From the flier..” Carolee said, realizing how rude and self centered she must sound.
“S-sorry” Carolee said, it was awful, she just met someone who works for a publishing company, someone she may work for after school is over, and know he thinks im a self centered jerk. So much for networking stupid Carolee, she thought as she almost started to cry.
“Oh its positively alright, I love a good bit of self love, and by the looks of this comic, no, this art you must have a lot of it.” Mr Yuan said, confusing Carolee who knew it couldn't be farther from the truth. She just looked at Mr Yuan, praying for him to go away.
“And if I may be a little rude myself, I can assume that you aren't working for a company, and most. You hate this don't you.” Mr Yuan said, his words cut like daggers into Carolee as he was exactly right, she did hate this. She hated her work being so publicly displayed, she hated all the attention she got, she hated the promise she made to Heironymous, but most of all, she hated this tall mans way of talking, because he was saying all the right things. So, she nodded, hoping agreeing with him will make him go away.
“Well then, thats perfect then isn't it” Mr Yuan said, removing his top hat, and placing it to his side. Carolee didn't understand what he was doing but he lowered himself some more, in fact lower than Carolee was now on the chair. His arms laid in front of him as he backed away and bent fully down to the floor his face in the pavement.
“It.. was custom in the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts to bow when you apologize, and that is what I am doing, Im apologizing for my unprofessionalism.” Mr Yuan said, Carolee's emotional thoughts went away as the very tall man now bowed to Carolee like she was a queen. Many onlookers around looked at the display with some even chuckling which helped her emotions return.
“Furthermore” He stood back to sitting on his legs.
“I must apologize for being so loud and social and excitable, in all honesty, my many classes in speeches and social gatherings kinda, brought out a inner voice I was scared to show as a kid, always scared to ruin a moment… As I may assume you have trouble as well? In social settings I mean.” Mr Yuan said, his deepened voice turning soft as he in a literal sense, lowered himself to Carolee's level. Something she never saw some big wig in a suit do before, and yes, the man was correct, as in truth Carolee hated being in social settings cause she feared being a problem or causing a problem, like she almost did with Herionymous earlier. Her nerves, for the first time all day since she chilled in her dorm calmed. She then looked to the man, and wanted so much to say something, but instead nodded again.
“My apologies.. “He Said again, sounded exhausted.
“Its just, I've been exactly where you've been.. Well. are Ms Töpffer, and I must say, there is only one way out of it that, you've probably heard before” Mr Yuan said, his voice gradually returning to its concentrated and literal self. Carolee breathed in anticipation, thinking of everything Heironymous said to do when socialising, and not interrupting by mistake.
“And thats, by getting out there” He said, making Carolee immediately lose all respect she had for him. He was just like everyone else in her life, trying to help her with words instead of actually helping.
“Ah yes, another person trying to help without actually helping, just saying things and not doing? Am I right?” Mr Yuan spoke truth, such truth that Carolee only thought she was smart enough to know. This, was a surprise, but not the only one and she nodded.
“Well, im here to change that, see, as I said previously, I work for a company called Furati Estis, its means for you are art, and for you, I believe. The answer.” Mr Yuan said, lowering his cap onto the table. Its cap landing above a flier that covered only the hero at the bottom, and producing a card. A interesting storage trick to be sure as Carolee took the card and read it.
Titled Furati Estis, the card shines with red, yellows, and blues, reminiscent of a archie comic Carolee read when she was younger. Below the title states that “We Want You! to join us and make entertainment a lot more fun as a team!” Some bullet points below that read “Pay by the assignment,” “Fun work environment,” and “you’re your own boss!!” the bottom of the card questions the readers interest and displays a number and “Call us now for your amazing interview!”
Carolee immediately realised what this was, who this man is, and she really couldn't believe it. She just looked up at the man who now stood with his hat at his stomach. His face lowered and stance shy.
“I did give you the right card correct? After all, we are a entertainment company so we have to make many cards, did you get one that shows movie stuff? Or…” Mr Yuan asked, he sounds so much like a embarrassed child Carolee’s human instinct forced her out of her seat to try and comfort him.
“Oh no no, I got the right one see” She showed the card to the man who wiped his brow in a similarly childish way that almost made Carolee laugh.
“What im surprised about, is…. Well.. is this a job? Like a real one? One where I get money… like… I don't know… Guaranteed?” Carolee asked, her unusual social demeanor vanishing. Mr Yuan just smiled.
“Yes, I understand ya buddy, and yes, its a job, or well, first we have to interview you and such things but after.. Yes. Its a job. AndI'llbe putting in a good word so you'll definitely get it. You know, having a man on the inside and all that” He said, nudging her on the shoulder which she actually didn't mind, for some reason letting it slide as she smiled and almost screamed.
She couldn't believe it, not only was it a job in this day but it was also a job she dreamed for. This was the best thing ever and not only that, but she was her own boss, she could imagine it. In a suit, well maybe not a suit cause who would fire her? Her boss? No, she would wear what she wears now, draw all the comics she wants, and best of all, get paid for how good she does? She could just push herself for a day and have like, the rest of the week off. It’s perfect, its awesome, its almost not real.
“Of course” Mr Yuan started, interrupting her happy thoughts, there always is a catch, isn't there?
“Thats if youll join us” He finished which Carolee recaught her happiness, of course, she just hadn't said yes yet.
“Oh.. haha, im so sorry yes, ahem.” Carolee caught her breath.
“Yes, that sounds like a amazing…. Eh…. opportunity.., I would love to… sir..” Carolee sort of squealed. Then breathed, watching the man smile and pat her shoulder. Then he walked away, Carolee’s life looking like its changing for the best. And of course once Mr Yuan was gone, Heironymous came back.
His face one of confusion as he assumed Carolee would be a angry, pouting, mess. Instead she was.. Was she smiling? Heironymous placed the overpriced microwaved food, in styrofoam, and yes, Herionymous watched as the guy seriously put his food in a industrial microwave, on the table. Heironymous sat down as he still couldn't understand how anyone could do something so terrible to people let alone food, his time in business almost making him speak up in line. He then looked to Carolee who took the box, looked at the insides then placed it back on the table. If it weren't for the price exuberant price he would be wasting by following suit, he would've done the same.
“So whats got you in such a great mood?” Heironymous wondered, grabbing his ‘Authentic japanese’ noodles with the small plastic fork provided and taking a bite. There wasn't enough toppings or soy sauce in the world to save the lack of flavor these microwaved noodles had.
“Well… you know how you told me coming with you would be a good way of networking?” Carolee questioned, then told him the entire 9760 character scenario that had just transpired watching as Herionymous’s emotions moved from shocked to a small smile.
“And?” Herionymous finally spoke, the sun resting in the distance as she must have been talking for a while.
“And what?”Carolee responded, standing and folding her chair as the event came to a close and it was time to grab there things. The Kiosk would be taken care of by other students or staff.
“And.. are you going to go or not?” Heironymous explained following Carolee's movements as he grabbed the box from beneath the table and replaced the remaining fliers back into the box.
“Well….” Carolee responded, helping to collect the fliers and herself. She never had to collect herself before, shes always had to go to a job or well the three before the cafe, never was she or anyone she knew just up and offered one. It was something she never would've assumed to happen and now she was given the decision to take it or not, not some obligatory only yes decision. Is this what Mr Yuan meant by him helping her get out there? The first step to being more social, to being…. Outgoing, to being… successful? Yes, that must be it, this is the first step into being successful like she always wanted. And now, she just had to make it real, make it vocal.
“Well what? Come on Gothletta, your killing me with anticipation” Heironymous said, box in hand as he waited patiently for the answer before leaving. And that answer would be the ticket to leaving this terrible event, and a fast pass into adulthood. Into Carolee being her own boss and starting her own life with her dream job. So of course, the answer to the most unexpected part of the event? Was yes.
That yes ran a thousand miles as she returned home and called the number on the card, Mr Yuan answered stating he would call her back for a date which Herionymous stated was a bad sign in the job hunting industry as a Artificial Intelligence response. Which Carolee knew all to well with the first two jobs showed her. But as plot pushing magic has it, Mr Yuan did actually contact back Carolee on the first try which was to her amazement as Heironymus’s constant talk of job hunting in this robot filled economy was troublesome.
“Good to see you still have that stupid job luck Gothletta” Heironymous said a week after the event. He now is on his bed and playing on his handheld gaming console he enjoys on his leisure. The leisure Carolee couldn't afford at the moment as she was just given the date of her interview which sadly was tomorrow.
“Well people know a good worker when they see it” Carolee said, flexing her arm though she still didn't understand how she could get a job interview so easy, when it took her months to even get into the cafe. Which she now had to figure out how to leave but thats not gonna waste a section in this story don't worry.
The problem on Carolee's mind was the papers she had to write for the jobs. First was easy which was revising her Resume which somehow got her a job at the cafe with the experience of “comic artist” and “professional reviewer” which was a title her mother gave her from nagging about everything at a young age. The second was a paper about herself, hyping herself up like a million bucks which was difficult when she didn't even like her work enough to show it off publicly. So she tried her best, finishing her frankly short but informative essay with ease.
“Ughhhhh, cant I like… Put this off till tomorrow?” Carolee begged Herionymous like a toddler, she truly didn't want to work on the assignment but thought whining to him would be a good distraction.
“You know, since you were just waiting for the job to schedule you a interview date, you could have worked on these papers early. Heck, you could've also sent it through the mail and save the probably hour wait your gonna have with them reviewing it while your there.”Heironymous said, getting frustrated with his game as Carolee heard a man groan on his screen, meaning he had died to the giant again.
“Psh and have five of my precious dollars get taken by the post man? I thought you didn't like supporting big companies?” Carolee pointed out, though she had considered sending it through the schools post office, she had three issues. First, was that she didn't even have the essay on herself completed by the time she got the idea five seconds ago. Second, it was 5:42pm and the post office closes at 5:30pm, sometimes earlier if its a friday. Finally Third, it was on the other side of campus, not literally but it was on the other side of the dorm buildings which was still three miles of a walk, and she was lazy. And plus, it wouldn't even arrive till after her meeting so she might as well bring it in tomorrow with her.
“The Post office isn't a company, thats government, you know that was something you should've learned in highschool right? What is a federal and state government job?, remember?” Herionymous questioned not looking to Carolee's exasperated exhausted expression.High school was easy, keeping all that knowledge in her mind wasn't, since everyone including the teachers would use the new hip learning tool called Ai why should she learn at all. Then the idea hit her like a truck.
“Yeah, I guess your right, but, here me out… What if I write a huge essay about myself in one of those robots like Creative GPT and have it write it for me?” Carolee questioned, hoping she had just found a loophole in Heironymous’s hatred for robots.
“Excuse me?” Heironymous said in frustration, though not to the game which is now paused, he was looking straight at her.
“Oh come on Heiny, Its just organizing, its not like its lying or writing it fully for me.And whats the big deal anyways? Its just something that makes our lives easier. Like right now for example, they sent me the date today and you know I don't have time to write a entire paragraph or two about myself.” Carolee debated outloud, thinking she had just convinced him that it was no big deal but Heironymous’s annoyed face spoke a different tune.
“Are you kidding me? Ai is one of the worse things humans have ever developed in the existence of the world, it just takes potential of people and squabble it into a prompt or two till everyone's just writing or doing the same thing. It Demolishes creativity, and creates lazy writers, rich big wigs, and worse, takes jobs from the working class, which were gonna need when were out of college if theres any left.” Heironymous said in a anger fueled rage. Carolee just thought he was exaggerating and shrugged his anger off.
“Ok Ok, I get it mr, pain in my Heiny,I'llwrite the paragraph or two about myself, I was just making a joke anyways” Carolee stated, getting to her computer as Heironymous shuffled off his bed and to the dorm door.
“Thank you and im sorry Carolee, I just get so worked up over stuff like that… and I know your smarter than to give your information to a robot, I will leave you alone and go on a walk to clear my head.I'llbe back in a few.” Hieronymus said, walking out the door before Carolee could respond. Carolee just thought he was in a negative mood from one of his classes and didn't take any negativity to heart as she opened Creative GPT and started writing a prompt to talk about her life.
The prompt started to generate as Heironymus returned and she reminded herself to finish the prompt later and to instead try and make her friend smile with a walk to the cafeteria. Totally forgetting about the prompt till the middle of her last class which was two hours before her meeting with Mr Yuan. So she rushed back to her dorm, letting the prompt finish as she did her best to review the prompt which did misinterpret her birthday for the day she graduated high school a few times but before she knew it, her roommate returned and worse, she had to leave for the meeting.
Before she left however Heironymous stopped her and reminded her to check the ‘fine print’ something he over and over again told her like it was some big villain in a game or movie. Its bad illustration in comics to repeat something so much, and its not like Carolee's gonna forget it. All the same Carolee promised him she wouldn't but her mind worried that Mr Yuan or, whoever would be reading her self, didn't see the potential mistakes the AI could've made.
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Three bus rides later Carolee arrived a mile from the building which she thought would be easier to locate but unlike suburbian shops, skyscrapers didn't in fact have titles or signs saying there intention. So Carolee looked to the address the email had produced and found the only sky scraper that could be correct. A car park with no swings and definitely no soft padding sat beside it, which made Carolee realise she may be able to get a car if this job goes well.
Entering the building felt strange, it was empty and large like a soccer game before the players enter. The two goals replaced by equal chairs, two trees near the windows, and some water coolers on both sides, and the other side of the field called the out line according to her brother, holding two paintings, two elevators then meeting in the middle with a desk. At the desk the referee or receptionist sat, looking to her computer and waiting for a player to start playing. Carolee walked to her and mustered all her courage to bring the receptionist eyes away from her computer.
“E-Excuse me mam, im here for.. Uh.. a meeting?” Carolee choked out, this being enough to gain the receptionist attention just for a second before clicking her keys blindingly quickly before questioning.
“Name?” The receptionist questioned, her voice monotone and robotic.
“Carolee Töpffer” Carolee responded in a whisper.
“What?” The receptionist questioned, a little anger in her voice.
“Care-Carolee Töpffer” Carolee said a little louder.
“Mhm” The receptionist stated, before looking around her computer to Carolee, a better view that told Carolee this woman has never smiled in her life.
“Well, im happy not to ever have to attempt to write your name as your one of two meetings today.” The receptionist stated, Carolee couldn't tell if this was a attempt at a joke or an insult but laughed all the same.
“Alright miss… Toph here? Seems you have a meeting with Mr Yuan about being a comic artist, storyboard, and editor. Is that correct?” The receptionist asked, sighing with her name.
“T-Thats correct.” Carolee lied, well sort of lied, as she was never told what her job was gonna be, which now that she thought of it. would've been a good question to write an email about.
“Well good for you.. Ima need your resume and self evaluation document Now please” The receptionist motioned her hand out towards Carolee which made her jump, go into her bag and give her the documents. The receptionist looked the documents over, something Carolee wished to do herself but never got the chance to.
“Greattt, now you may take the elevator to floor twelve, then when you exit take a left, go down the hall till you find the bathrooms, don't go past the bathrooms, then take a right and wait outside of Meeting room 123A, got it?” The receptionist spoke as fast as she typed, Carolee could only remember not going past the bathrooms, the room number and floor number. But didn't wanna get on her bad side.
“Y-yes mam” Carolee stated, the receptionist then grabbed a sticky pad that was printed from the printer beside her and handed it to Carolee. She then walked towards the right elevator and was about to enter it.
“And good luck, your gonna need it hun” The receptionist said, sending a depressing chill down her spine as she entered the elevator and pressed twelve. After a nauseating long elevator ride Carolee looked left and right, finding a bathroom then after some wandering found room 123A. Carolee sat in front of the room and waited, and waited. After about twenty minutes of counting the amount of leaves were on a office plant beside her she decided to grab her tablet, go onto the guest wifi of the building and start doodling. The time went by as suddenly Mr Yuan stood above her. Carolee jumped a little as she didn't hear the door open beside her and he laughed.
“Im terribly sorry for the wait Ms… Töpffer wasn't it?” Mr Yuan said, holding open the door and motioning Carolee inside. Carolee still was impressed he knew how to pronounce her name as she took the tablet and walked inside. As she entered she found the colorful wall sprouted with comic prints from even when Carolee wasn't born yet encased in glass, some rare, others she never seen before. All the same Mr Yuans desk was neat and his collection of collectable figures behind his desk were immaculate. To think Carolee could one day have something like this of her own was intoxicating.
“Its alright… ahem. This room is very interesting sir” Carolee said, somehow not as shy as she thought she would be talking to someone other than her family and Herionymous. Maybe she was opening up, she thought as she started to put away her tablet.
“Hold on there” Mr Yuan stated, Carolee froze.
“What was that you were doing on your tablet? Were you drawing?” Mr Yuan questioned, something Carolee didn't think she would be asked today but she turned on her tablet and nodded.
“May I?” Mr Yuan asked, motioning to take the tablet which Carolee obliged, a little embarrassed of what he was about to see.
“Is this… hold on.” He walked outside the office for a moment, returning inside with a huge smile on his face, he laughed as he gave her back her tablet. Carolee then flushed as she realised how inappropriate the image actually was for a job interview. The picture she had doodled was a sketch of the plant she sat next to, and the clock in front of her in the waiting room, both with cartoonish eyes and speech bubbles. In the background a caricature of the Receptionist with the name tag saying Receptionist walks into frame.
The first two panels show the receptionist yelling at the clock stating “I hate my Job, I hate smiles, so why does work not end in a while?” Then she walks to the plant and states “I hate my Job, I hate my Life, so why does this plant get treated better than me as a loving wife?” Then she walks away, the back of her shirt reading “My husband fears me like he should”.
The Last two Panels show the plant and clock talking to each other. The plant looks to the clock in a mocking tone. “She hates her job which she can always quit, soI'llput one of my thorns on the floor that'll hurt like a zit” With the clock laughing. The next shows the clock telling the plant “She hates her job and doesn't know why,I'llmake her stay another hour just to waste her time” With the plant laughing. Carolee thought it was funny but now, sitting there in front of her boss, who was laughing. She didn't know if it was.
“Brillint, thats what it is!, you know. That receptionist, I never liked her, always giving me attitude or blaming me or others around her. And you captured that beautifully.” Mr Yuan said, laughing to himself.
“Ooh, speaking off, if you finish that comic and like, color it. You can send that in to my email andI'llsee if I can count that as your ‘first assignment’ and get you some money cause thats comedy gold, and my coworkers would love to read it.” Mr Yuan said, laughing to himself before catching his breath.
“Speaking of, my coworkers finished reviewing your paperwork and said I can continue with the meeting, which isn't a surprise to me at all” Mr Yuan said, the abundance of information from first assignment to him actually liking her comic hitting her like a freight train. Also some relief that the reviewers didn't find any issue with her paper. She will have to rub it in to Heironymous that Ai isn't so bad.
“Now, for the not so fun part of this, the proper interview” Mr Yuan said, Carolee froze at the mention of a lack of fun, but it was expected.
“don't worry, Im still conducting it, I just have to record it for future interview purposes and a review of my job as a interviewee. Is that alright?” Mr Yuan asked, Carolee never did like being recorded, but still nodded.
“Splendid, we will just go over some questions, basic stuff and some personal stuff but your smart, you will be fine.” Mr Yuan said, clicking on his computer then looking to Carolee.
“Do you need a breath or can we start now?” Mr Yuan asked, patience in his voice as he asked. Carolee looked to herself again, the second time in her life, this was just another step, another door she must open or enemy to defeat into the future she wants. So she breathed, ready to give the best interview of her life and nodded.
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“Excellent, now we will be Starting in 3, 2, Good Afternoon Ms Töpffer. My name is Mr Yuan, I am the representative of Furati Estis and will be conducting your interview, this interview will have a set of questions that will be cut into two equal sections, I understand that this is a lot so is there any questions you have before we start?” Mr Yuan questioned. Reproducing a memory in Carolee's mind of what Heironymous said about the perfect interview in her business class.
“The easiest way to get through the interview is to answer swiftly, a simple yes or no and then explain your answer if its needed.” Is what past Herionymous with his blue eyes said. She also remembered in that moment what he said earlier that day about the fine print but didn't wanna take to long to answer.
“No” Carolee finally answered after a moments hesitation.
“Excellent, now first question Ms Töpffer, what are your hobbies like? Is there any extracurricular activities you do that would make you good for our company?” Mr Yuan asked, behind the screen he pointed to Carolee's tablet which she totally forgot was on her lap.
“Yes.. oh um.. I mean, I like to doodle… DRAW, I love drawing, Ive been doing it since I was a little girl and even did some drawing while in the lobby. Besides that…” Carolee thought, her only real hobby was drawing, she wasn't very social or outgoing but she did have Herionymous on her mind.
“And if theres a question you don't know how to answer, or maybe you think your answer is to short or bland, its ok to throw in a white lie, just make sure its one you don't have to show proof for, or at least, if you do, make sure its easy to fib” Past Herionymous said.
“I really love perfecting, now I know that… doesn't sound like a hobby but, I like to call myself a perfectionist to the point of a hobby, or at least, I've never been paid for it yet haha” Carolee joked to herself, Mr Yuan smiled on the other side of the computer then nodded his head, Carolee nodded in suit, signaling she was done.
“Great, The next question I have runs into that really well, So What drives you Ms Töpffer? What makes you wanna be a perfectionist or a comic book artist?” Mr Yuan questioned, blowing Carolee's hope for a rebuttal of her statement and dizzying her with the sudden new question.
“Well, Honestly.. I've just always been this way since I was little.” Carolee said, which was true, and it was accidentally a good cutaway to one of Heironymous’s other teachings.
“Pathos, part of ethos, pathos, and logos, is the way to get at someone emotionally and connect with them through emotion, use it in writing Carolee and you'll ace this essay” Past Herionymous said, his smile made her day and that essay a breeze.
“Living with such a big family it always was a competition to get my parents attention on things so I always drove myself to do the very best I could which really helped growing up, as long as my mind is up to it. I can do my best” Carolee stated with some emotion in her voice, she felt so comfortable with speaking now, she was proud of herself, but her mind was on the blue eyes of another. Which made it so easy.
“Beautifully put, for the final question of this section, What would make you a good asset at the company?” Mr Yuan questioned, this actually made Carolee freeze, she didn't know till a hour or two ago what her job even was. Now she was questioned how she would do it good? Carolee of course thought of Heironymus and if he had any wisdom to spread. But for once, he didn't. There was a time where he spoke of self aptitude and ‘your better than you seem’ which may work here. But there was also a time where he spoke of self acceptance and that ‘no matter who you are, you make mistakes and its ok’ both, which really conflicted and didn't help Carolee at all. What could she say, what should she do? What?
“Would you like me to repeat the question?” Mr Yuan questioned, interrupting Carolee's train of thought making her panic. She realised she was quiet for to long and decided to wing it.
“No, not at all I mean, well. Like I said before im self driven, Im a perfectionist at heart but more than that… I am a team player, or well. I can be. I've worked in group projects before, and though I much prefer to work alone, I have helped and been helped by my peers in my school. Because really, nobody is perfect, and I understand that to a T as I've needed help from my peers multiple times. But yeah, Im a great asset because im realistic, and driven to perfection.” Carolee stated, just restating Herionymous’s quote in a way she thought he would. She wished she was with him now so she could whine at him.
“Very well said Ms Töpffer, now for my next set of questions are more on your work preferences, and wont be a determined factor on you being hired, is that understood?” Mr Yuan questioned, Carolee for a moment mistook the ‘wont’ for ‘will’ but corrected it in her mind so she nodded.
“Excellent, so my first question is Are you open to work from home or in an office?” Mr Yuan questioned, the choice being brought to her like the yes or no question to Herionymous the day of the event. Not very important but still something she needed to answer, but it was still vague and though she thought it was rude, she decided to ask a question.
“Would that office be provided to me if I so choose it?” Carolee questioned hoping not to sound bossy or self impulsed.
“Of course, just like the one your sitting in now, Furati Estis will provide you a office if you so choose it, however, you must report in the morning to a meeting, understand your assignments that will be given to you and will be restricted to work on projects only on the inside of the facility.” Mr Yuan stated, making Carolee immediately wanna choose against it as she still had school to attend.
“There are benefits, like biweekly pay, and your own office away from others but with you being in school like you stated before I would assume you would want that to be a later venture. Of course that is if you so choose-” Mr Yuan started.
“No no, your correct, I would like to work from home” Carolee answered, accidentally interrupting him. Flushing again at her mistake she almost apologized before Mr Yuan spoke.
“Very well, anyways, the final question to wrap up our meeting is one of personal preference and still abides to the section two rules, it wont affect you getting the job, but it will affect how you do it. Its a newly added question with the times changing so I want to be clear you can clear your answer from the record, but It will affect the opportunities to advance in our facility. Are you ready?” Mr Yuan questioned. a lot of information, freight train, you've read this all before but it was still a lot to Carolee who still nodded.
“Alrighty, your final questions asks. What is your opinion on using artificial intelligence in the work place?” Mr Yuan questioned, Carolee took a breath as she thought it would've been something serious. Now she thought of Heironymous but this time his reaction to the question. He would probably have some big monologue of how artificial intelligence will take over the world but Carolee knew better.
“Oh.. Well, I think its a great tool that can help people, including artist to make there drawings better, and that like people it needs to be studied more and not so abused or maybe even main media? If that makes sense” Carolee said, sounded about correct though she knew she was lying like before. The fear that her comics would look so hideous made her wanna gag, she would never use it, but for those opportunities to advance in her job. She would say anything.
“Excellent, well that concludes our interview and we will contact you for your first assignment if your so chosen for the position. Now, I shall hand you a contract that you must sign, it in full states you accept our terms and conditions handed to you when you first entered the facility as well as the agreement to use this recording for future interview training.” Mr Yuan said swiftly that Carolee barely comprehended any of it before being handed three sheets of paper stapled together and a pen. Carolee froze, she was never given any terms or conditions from that receptionist, all she was given was attitude and glares. But Mr Yuan doesn't like the receptionist, he knows she messes up, maybe if she says something he will understand.
“Mr Yuan I-” Carolee started.
“Just sign on the highlighted lines and this interview will be over, now please sign Ms Töpffer, my computer is running out of computer space and you need to sign on camera, legal stuff ya know.” Mr Yuan finished, interrupting her and making her go onto full blown panic mode. If she lost this interview, the only interview for the only job she ever wanted all because of some stupid computer error, she would never forgive herself. Besides, it is just legal junk, like Mr Yuan said, and after the camera is off, he would totally let her review it after. So before she knew it, she flipped through the papers, signing each highlighted spot and placing her pen down on the table.
“That concludes our interview Ms Töpffer we at Furati Estis thank you for your time, now please return the contract and the interview will conclude for the day” Mr Yuan said, grabbing the contract out of Carolee's hands and swiftly clicking a key on his recording. He sinks in his chair and wipes his brow, laughing a little before looking to Carolee. Whos face is one of confusion and a little terror.
“Sorry for stealing it out of your hand Carolee, my computer barely had any space left.”Mr Yuan explained.
“Thats Ok Mr Yuan but-” Carolee started, wanting to ask for the contract so she may review it.
“And see, I needed some space to scan and upload your contract online so the higher ups can see it” Mr Yuan finished, again interrupting Carolee as he placed the contract into the printer, pressed some buttons, and waited for it to start. As he did Carolee moved to the side of his desk in a calculated move so he couldn't return to the computer and send it.
“Thats great Mr Yuan, but if I may see that contract real qui-” Carolee started again, Mr Yuan turned to see Carolee moved but didn't mention it.
“Ill tell ya, being the interviewer has become so much easier with this new, top of the line printer, it flips the pages for you, and even writes the dang email with the use of AI, pretty neat huh.. Oh sorry Carolee, you were saying something” Mr Yuan asked so casually after stabbing Carolee in the heart. A printer, that not only scans every page, but writes the email for you and sends it??? Carolee was in shock, first and most confusingly, what kinda million dollar printer does that? And second, the obvious feeling of shock and dread. The contract wasn't just scanned, it was scanned, detailed, emailed, and sent in the press of the button. So fast that even if Carolee got her words in, it would've been done. What kinda monster of a machine would do that?
“I… ahem… was trying to ask to review it…. but …. Now….” Carolee choked, her tears running out of her eyes which she felt strangely comfortable enough to do in front of him. All she did was sign a contract, what was the big deal? Well, maybe it was Herionymous’s words on contracts before, how they can make or ruin someones life. The life she may have just ruined. And the trust she just broken after breaking it again and again.
“Woah woah woah.. Carolee, theres no need to cry, I sadly cant stop the printer or else it'll damage it, but it just said some mumbo jumbo legal stuff about the interview. Nothing to bad.” Mr Yuan said, kneeling to her as he looked at her. He looks so sincere and his arms shook to his sides like he is stopping himself to hug her. Maybe hes right, shes just being a little over dramatic. What was she thinking? Well, she was thinking of Herionymous, his face one of disappointment of her actions, she was crying over him being sad, caused by her… but he wouldn't be sad… if she never told him.
“I…I know, I just have this friend and he’s…. He’s like a big brother to me and he always told me one bad contract can ruin a persons life… and-” Carolee started.
“And you think this contract, all about some meeting you had on a random day will be that contract?” Mr Yuan finished questioning her with a hint of aggression in his voice, Carolee’s eyes widened, forgetting this was a interview.
“No no no no no, I was just… ahem” Carolee caught herself, wiping her tears away, and composing herself.
“I would never think you would trick me Mr Yuan, besides, if….” Carolee began, Herionymous’s words of confidence running through her.
“When, I get the job, I would never suspect my.. F-family to do that to me, and I would never do that to them.” Carolee finished, catching her breath again as she looked up and down Mr Yuan, whos complexion looked… different, no she was imagining things.
“Well thats good” Was all Mr Yuan said, helping Carolee up, dusting off her shoulder, returning to his desk and writing something on his computer. Carolee walked back to her seat and looked at Mr Yuan expectantly, waiting for something else, or maybe the permission to leave.
“Oh yes” Mr Yuan started, as if he forgot Carolee was in the room with him.
“You are free to go Ms Töpffer, just keep an eye on your emails for something from us” Mr Yuan finished, looking back to his computer and typing something else down.
“T-thank you Mr Yuan, I hope to be back soon” Carolee said, leaving her chair and walking towards the front door, bag in hand, he definitely is acting different since she signed the contract, the idea to turn around and ask for it by force beckoned her mind before she reached the door.
“Oh and Ms Töpffer!” Mr Yuan spoke as Carolee reached the door, Carolee looked back, expecting his face to be one of demon horns, she has finally seen who he really is since she signed the contract.
“Call me, Yuan, you wouldn't call your family Mr Dad would you? And take the pen you used to sign with, these come from the same company that make the pens for the military, top of the line, and seem to never falter or run out of ink, I steal them for home all the time if you can believe:” Yuan Joked, tossing the pen to Carolee who fumbled to catch it as she swiftly picked it up from the ground and laughed.
“Ill just say I ‘lost’ it” Yuan said with a wink, Carolee was just overthinking, and the business world has changed since Heironymous last worked in it. So with a wink in signature Carolee left the room, building, and to home. Ready to tell Heironymous about the interview, and nothing about the contract.
“Yes Im sure!! Goodness” Carolee almost screamed as she laughed at the absurdity of his ongoing question.
“Well Im worry Gothletta but its just… huh… big companies love forcing poor young minds to sign things and sell away there lives." Heironymous stated, his back straight as for the millionth time this past week he asked her if she signed any contract. If Carolee was telling the truth, she would be, as she is now, laughing at the whole thing. All of Heironymous’s words and fears of selling her life away wouldn't be collecting into her mind like maggots to a carcass, tearing at her dignity like flesh. That would be if she wasn't lying which we all know she is.
“Yes yes yes, I've heard it all before dude. And hey, would I lie to you? Especially so much” Carolee questioned, her subconscious burning with tears of potential friendships lost in the ladder.
“True, well, all the same when they send you that contract, you better let me review it before sending it back ok? Herionymous basically demanded. Ok, maybe Carolee lied about the contract, and maybe added to the lie by saying the contract would be something sent to her via email later on… but what else could she say? She had to take a late bus home the night of the meeting and arrived super late, Heironymous hugged her at the door, to tired to fight back and enjoying the warmth she just said whatever would make him smile.
“I will, don't worry…”Carolee said, her mind raced as did her stomach, waiting for dinner to start.
“Hey, why don't we go get some dinner! Todays my favorite day after all!” Carolee said trying to ignore her conscious.
“Yes.. Fried Friday, where gothletta has her fried sunday. And” Heironymous started.
“Fried chicken, fried fries, and fried drink!” Carolee finished, realising theres been a lot of interruptions lately. And it was true, she had a soft spot for fried anything, with her college actually making fried icecream which to Carolee was good enough to distract her heinous actions.
“Well, Fried Carolee, its 4:50 and dinner doesn't start till 6:00 remember?”Heironymous stated, Carolee was both surprised it was late and disappointed it wasn't later. She stuck her tongue out at Heironymous as if he was the problem then looked back to her computer. Moping like a child to get a reaction out of Hieronymus.
“Well Im sorry your heinous, but word around the kingdom is that at 5:00 exactly they'll let some students in as they make the food, or would you like me to make a time machine for you?” Hioeronymous requested, Carolee would love that, for both the food, and to stop the contract from ever being signed, or better yet, it being read.
“Can you? Please?” Carolee sort of begged, in a more realistic way than she ever did before. Heironymous laughed and shaked his head. Carolee sighed.
“Ugh, fine, do whatever you peasants do and return to your games!!.... and stop worrying so much about me worry wart” Carolee said. Heironymous jokingly bowed as she wished the wart would infect her brain and see the clicker of a lie she had made. Clicking out to search for redemption.
“Yes your majesty… and im sorry for being so harsh, I believe you bud” Heironymous said, listening as he got back on his handheld and played some cowboy game. Carolee listened to the game scream about faith and tahiti as she lost all the faith within herself. This lie, was killing her and there friendship. Carolee wondered what she would listen to when Heironymous left campus all because of her? She then stopped that negative thinking, fearing she would cry for no reason.
“Hey, Im gonna go see if the Cafeteria will open early like everyone else says, wanna join me” Heironymous appeared beside her, Carolee couldn't stand to look at him without gushing her eyes and her truth at him so she kept a careful eye on her laptop she just turned on.
“N-no thanks, but bring your queen back that fried ice cream if it is” Carolee asked, having him bow, say of course, then leave the dorm. She sighed, this sadness of lying to him crushed her and now she could cry alone. Deciding instead to ignore it and find something to cheer her up. She thought of only two things, scouting for projects and looking at finished ones.
First, she decided to find a good story, usually her methods were used on those who never posted before or were new. She knew they would be hoping for something stupid like a career in writing so any opportunity with any schmuck with a portfolio, especially as expansive as Carolee's, would trick them into trusting her, give her money to use there probably terrible stories for one of her comics. But she didn't care, she wanted to draw and sooth her mind, she wanted there money, and even if they didn't pay, she would make a comic. So she would always win. Midway sending her copy paste about there story being great, she stopped, this copy and paste wasn't cheering her up. But she kept the one she was working on in the tab anyway.
Deciding instead to look into the second thing that cheered her up. Looking through the comments of her comics, and seeing all the positive things people there said on her work. Sure the fear of the original authors demanding representation, normally dreaded her but this time it didn't loom on her mind as she tried to enter one of the sites she posted on to instead look forward to some much deserved positive reinforcement.
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However, all she found was a empty page and a error code instead. A sting of fear ran through her heart as she swiftly moved her mouse to her wifi, which was full bars. Rare for a college, as she then rushed to another comic on the site and worse, found it active. If it wasn't the connection and not the site. Then what was wrong, she looked to her account but found she was in a guest account, trying to sign in to hers, it stated she didn't have ownership of it. And to contact the owners for use. Carolee's heart pounded as she tried other sites she posted on, again and again each said the terrifying message. Her breathing became heavy as she finally found one site with some inkling of an answer, but that site was her email. With one new email sent ten minutes ago. The Email, reads as follows.
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Dear Ms Töpffer, regarding our deal as signed in the contract, has gone into affect and as the binding of the contract persists the first of a monthly sum of 300$ has been sent to your colleges post office with mailing fees being taken out on our expense. By the time of this email has been sent to you, the mail should have arrived to your post box. (West 40th Street on Sunset Beach NC) Please, do contact us if that is the incorrect address and we will have it fixed in 3-5 business days.
To restate the agreement signed at our last meeting states that “By signing this I hereby sign away all intellectual property of my personal association/creation with the acceptance and permission of other contributors and by signing this it will all be owned and given all copyright and distribution rights to Furati Estis Incorporated and its shareholders.”
We have already reviewed and properly secured the assets given to us in this deal however found fault in the self recommendation essay you provided us when you came into the meeting. Which had been riddled with mixed dates, and an overuse of syllables in strange and inhuman ways that has been flagged for Artificial Intelligence usage. We understand the troubles of self discovery so you wont be penalized on this at the moment. However continued use of Artificial intelligence in our business emails will be filed for complaint and possible fees later on. Though we will be soon implementing a Ai software for our team very soon, so your interest in artificial intelligence has been noted for that as well.
To finish, as our agreement is still in its development stage, if there is a issue with either the amount or signing rights of our agreement, you may denounce our current contract by first sending the first monthly sum back to our mailing address (9297 Polly Parkway townsville) and a letter of denouncement, written by hand this time, and the contract will be terminated.
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Yours Mr Yuan
Furati Estis Inc
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Carolee couldn't believe it. Any of it, the email, the words, that stupid STUPID contract. She knew it would be bad! But Yuan… Mr Yuan… He, said it was just legal mumbo jumbo… but Carolee read it fully again, it doesn't seem like just legal mumbo jumbo, it seems like, she had just lost… Hieornymous was right, they did trick her. All those big wigs, that stupid printer, stupid Ai… All of it, if she would've just listened.. Carolee couldn't help it, She began to cry, all her work, her comics, her legacy, stolen, under her nose, all those stupid stories she never read. All time wasted, and for what? Some measly three hundred dollars, it barely came out to four dollars a comic, and she didn't even know if that was right. She started to hyperventilate, her heart pounding as she began to bang on her desk. Her hand throbbed as she looked to it.. But then she looked back to the email, her hand could be of good use, She then grabbed a paper from her desk, the very same pen she took from the meeting and wrote a paper of her own.
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Dear Furati Estis, Mr Yuan
I was unaware of the contract before me was attacking my intellectual media as well as my physical and I believe this needs to result in another meeting, I will be returning the three hundred dollars cash as well, and you may consider this contract destroyed.
Further more, I would like our next meeting to have my busyne- Bussi- “ Carolee forgot how to spell business” Boyfriend to tag along so that the contract can be read and I am not toyed with like our last encounter!!
I am both appalled and disappointed you would treat your future coworker or family in such a way and like stated previously, you can consider our contract denied.
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Yours Carolee Töpffer
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It was done, simple, fast and to the point. Not the only thing that needs to be fast as she took to long to write it. The clock stroke 5:15 as she finished it, put a stamp and envelope which she stole from Heironymous like his trust. And Now needed to make it to the post office before it closes. As she went to the door checking herself that she was good to go. Thats it right? RIGHT? Right! Now all she has to do is run. RUn and make it! As she did forget her computer was still on.
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Making it back to his dorm Heironymous enters his dormitory building to find his dorm rooms door slightly ajar. Panic and curiosity rushing to his mind as he places the container of fried icecream on the floor, grabs his phone and a pocket knife just in case. Avoiding touching the door handle in the actual case of a robbery he elbows his door open in a silly looking fashion to find Carolee's chair tipped over and her computer shining through the dark room. His mind calming as he sighed, living with her has been so easy but she will leave her room in such disarray on occasion.
Though this was the first she had ever left there dorm door open so carelessly, he will talk to her about it when she returns. As his nerves calmed a bit and the spike of adrenaline oozing out of him she picked up her chair and tidied her bed waiting for her return to wherever she was. Planning his speech to her on not being so careless on the door as he walked to the desk, fixed up the knocked over pencil container and left on lamp. Sitting on her chair as his eyes drifted to the computer in front of him, one he adjusted to face him. The screen light blinding him momentarily before his eyes adjusted to see a email and a extra open tab.
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And she can see it, just in the distance, she wished in everything that she could just be there. However it wouldn't have been of any use, as when she did make it, and even though her phone said it was only 5:29 the lights were off, and they were closed. Carolee fell to the ground, the three miles she ran, ok maybe ran then walked quickly, exhausting her body as she laid there. Totally forgetting that its friday and that the students shut down early, who would shut down there business early? Carolee thought as she remembered in the beginning when she did that exact thing. She then realised what she didn't shut, and what was currently running on her desk.
She first dashed to the front office’s mailbox, placing the letter inside, with a added section about the money still not being delivered, hoping it would buy her some time. Then she ran back the three miles she just came from, praying, begging that he hadn't returned from lunch. And that the lines were as disappointingly long as her trek back to the dorm.
Unfortunately it wasn't. She winded her dorm room, used her key card to let herself in, a key to open there dorm room which was pitch black. No screen light, she thought as she wiped her brow, it was strangely chilly inside the room as she looked to her desk and her heart fell down a thousand steps. There on her desk, was a styrofoam container, opened, and inside, was fried icecream. She then slowly looked to her roomates bed, and laying in it, a shadowed figure shaked with low moans and congested breathing. Carolee didn't need to turn on any light to know who it was, or what they were doing.
All the same, she breathed, maybe he got injured or something, he always cried when he was injured. But Carolee stood there to long for this to be a normal reaction. Quickly fixing her shoddy defence as she turned on the light and audibly gasped.
“Heironymous!?! What happened is everything ok?” She asked, hoping to sound shocked and though her body didn't want to, she ran to Herionymous’s side, petting the blanket gently like a injured dog.
“STop it!” Heironymous yelled, elbowing Carolee's arm off him from below the blanket. Carolee swiftly pulled her hand away, tears formed around her eyes as she knew what this had meant. But he didn't see her, so she decided to reinforce.
“Stop with- with what? I went on a quick run and then returned to find you “my roommate” crying, what should I be stopping exactly” She tried to say in a joking tone, her exhaustion from her supposed “run” should be a good defence if he got really suspicious.
“Seriously Carolee? Are you serious right now?” Heironymous asked, jumping out of his blankets, his face a history book of tears passed and photos of the red desert. Carolee studied these pictures to the smallest grain of pillow scraped sand. She knew she had been caught, and worse, she was the cause, effect, and test subject of her downfall.
“I-..” She then fell to her bed hoping to hide her tears as her voice, lost to time, screeched before being cut off.
“You, Lied…” Heironymous finished, his beautiful blue eyes now red with anger towards Carolee who had started to cry violently. The stresses of everything, physically and mentally, finally falling on her all at once.
“You lied and your crying!?!” Heironymous loudly questioned, Carolee wanted to respond, but her body filled with honey, and nausea overtook her stomach and mind.
“God, your always like this Carolee, always doing whats good for you! Always thinking about yourself, never the bigger picture, never the other things in life! Always about you!” Heironymous shouted to her, each statement a bullet into Carolee as his words embodied into her and grew viscus tendrils with spikes on every end.
“I Trusted you! I told you again and again, I taught you! Again and again? But did you ever Listen? NO, instead you just agree then do your own thing!” Heiromymous shouted some more, his voice traveled off his bed and across the room, towards the entrance to the dorm.
“But the worse yet, is even when your lies caught up to you, even when you had the chance, the chance, I gave you!, might I add!, again, again and again!” He stopped, physically and vocally, the creaking of the door revealing his movements.
“You still… you still decided to keep your lies going… to what? Safe my feelings? Make yourself feel better?” Heironymous started, his breath shaky and his anger turning to tears as he shuttered his own breath. Carolee's tears kept coming, her mind shaking and slamming her against herself. She did do it for her feelings, His feelings, His!!, not herself, no, shes not selfish, she wants him. She needs him. Please!
“I don't care what the reason, you betrayed my trust, you lied to me, you hurt me, you tricked me, you tricked my heart, After this semester is over, I will never see you again!” Heironymous shouted, That was the killing blow, the thing that made the remaining part of Carolee's heart sank. Not only did she cause his anger, but it would be the last thing she ever did. She then stopped crying, for only a moment, sitting herself up, holding her breath as she looked at Heironymous. His hand is on the doors handle, his face one of rage as tears seemed to pour out of his face. Carolee hated it all, her prickly skin, her burnt out heart, her lack of a voice. The face of her love, torn in shambles. She had realised in that moment why she hated seeing him hurt. Why she immediately befriended him when she avoided others. It wasn't his calmness, or his eyes, or his kindness. It was just him.
“I…I…Im sorry” Carolee choked out, each word a choice. She wanted to speak her real truth, but she didn't have the strength to do it now. With her words, he opened the door behind him, letting the door cut her from site as the door slammed, and in the distance, another door did the same.
The room turned quiet as the only sounds that filled it was Carolee's broken and shaking breathing. The sounds of her tears mocking her off the walls as she sat there and sniffled. Heironymous’s words echoed in her mind, beating her, breaking her. A weapon of language she that butchered and abused her because of her actions. Why, was the only thing she could make and like chicken, why can be made in a multitude of ways.
Why was she like this, flavored her mind with thoughts of self doubt she held back with every copy and paste she submitted. Every story stolen she justified, every use of that damned robot that ruined her chance at a job, had her shunned by her friend and now devil horned boss. But it wasn't, she knew it, she always had, the weight of her actions planting themselves into the floor as if her feet were stuck in concrete, stuck to her rotting corpse of regret as she stood there and took the abuse.
Why did she lie to him, was something she chewed on throughout every meal she ate. He did nothing to her in any life and she just up and lies to him? It made no sense, so why did she do it? She chewed and chewed praying to have it in pieces she could digest but it never broke. She did it first to save him, but then did it to keep tradition. So why?? Why did she never stop, chewing, why did she never think to stop, chewing, chewing till her body, hair, and soul were the only things torn to shreds, broken to bits, fluids of tears, of blood, of apologies left unsaid around her as she continued to chew.
Why did she do what she did, Overencumbered her taste buds with guilt of stealing from others like that company did to her, with the only profit being some random people on the internet saying nice. She looked to them for joy but feared the creators hatred which she so deserved. In this moment she felt all the pain she caused, all the people shes tricked and hurt. All those she lied to and mislead, and how the joy of a comment can and did turn sour with her request. Her actions to those authors shot there flavors of anger to self reflection and that reflected back into her like arrows in her arms. Unable to move herself, because she now felt what it was like, to hope but instead be disappointed and stabbed.
Though one taste, unknown but still impactful remained after her crucifixion. One that remained with her for weeks, one that kept all of that pain constant and never leaving. The pain that made her miss work, and miss classes, that made her avoid her work and dorm room like the plague. That flavor of why, kept her body together yet torn in shreds, arrows, mushed feet, and alive. Why did she realise she was in love with him now?
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It was the third to last week of the year, she had been subsequently fired from her job at the cafe for tardiness. She might as well have been kicked out of her school for squatting in a dorm room because of the classes and two finals she missed. Not that anyone would've missed her if she attended as she, as well as her room, turned to filth in the past month, from a lack of bathing and cleaning up. Heironymous, came into this every day after class, sometimes not returning until dark just to avoid Carolee. Whos sticky, unkept, and tear or was it snot? Filled hair stunk or stuck around herself.
She tried to shower after the first three days as she wanted to be presentable to Heironymous but after she entered the shower, she heard he door handle jiggle behind her, a groan from him, then the slamming of a door. He had once again been burdened, and once again she was the cause. That solidified herself to her bed, only ever leaving to go and get food from the cafeteria. Which if you saw how she ate and worse yet, how people smelled or saw her thirty added pounds near the grease section of the cafeteria. You would've assumed everyday was Fried Friday.
She let herself go in every possible way at this point, staying in her room, shaking when Heironymous came home to either sleep or work on his laptop. Carolee's Laptop still held the now melted and molded fried icecream from that night, that probably cut through the styrofoam container and destroyed her computer and its contents within. Though that didn't stop her school as she still used her phone, watching videos of people with better lives than her, happier lives than she lived before the incident. And she still got her notifications which, for the first two weeks she checked and saw if it were from Heironymous, which they never were. But after she found it was just her stupid teachers and schools, threatening her with her tardiness and her feelings, she just ignored them, as she didn't need another reason to feel bad.
Speaking of feeling bad, Heironymous stopped playing his game console or maybe took it with him outside which must've been a hassle to keep charged. Another hassle Carolee blamed herself for. She never blamed herself so much in her life she found it exhausting, that exhaust came from fuel of anything fried that they served in the cafeteria. And if they had nothing fried, her back up was sweets. Sweets she left to rot and never threw away after what had happened that day. In the coming weeks, hiding in her blanket that smelled of sweat and rot she heard twice that they failed the room inspection which Heironymous always pleaded he wasn't at fault.
Carolee's name wasn't ever spoken again after he came home that night of the incident. Only tears stung against her skin at that time, she looked to him, hoping for something good but he just looked to Carolee, like you would a starving puppy that wasn't at all lucky. And spoke to her in a calm but quiet voice.
“The RA informed me that I cannot switch rooms half way through the year, so…I'll be using this room till the semesters over, and you may get another roommate, or you may get the room to your self.. No extra charge” He said, causing Carolee to cry more as he was forced to now live with her, to live with her filth, with her wallows and pities. She was his problem, and if she were strong enough, she would fix that problem, but all the fatty foods and lack of motivation stopped her from ever trying.
And she still didn't try, even a few weeks before the semester ended. Though she thought of it as she tried to press her social media app and watch the latest trends on cats or shows. Accidentally pressing her camera which made her angry and slam her phone against the imprint of herself formed in the mattress. She wondered how she used to press those small buttons and grew angry when she found trouble in it now. She then looked to her phone, hoping she didn't just break the only thing that brought her a glimpse of joy and found herself. Seriously, herself, looking down at herself like a reflection as she had turned on her selfie mode on her camera.
Goodness, she thought, she let herself go, her once sort of chubby cheeks expanded, and her head grew in size. The lack of movement times fatty foods equated to a mass that would take months to correctly answer. She looked further than herself, she looked to her hands, the same ones she used to draw such magical things. The ones she used to sign that contract, which she learned in the first weeks even if she would have sent back that 300$, which she kept, the company would've kept her comics, or well, there comics now.
The thought of that almost sent her on what she nicknamed her depressive rages. In it she would cry and thrash around till she, at some point, maybe a minute, sometimes hours. Would fall of her college provided twin bed and fall to the floor. Getting up and then going back to her now natural quiet sulking and binge watching of things on her phone. But this time she had no energy to do so, seeing her face after so long of avoiding it however, brought her a new kinda energy. No flavors or whys, but something beyond the point of hope, encouragement? But from what she thought? She knew Heironymous wouldn't ever talk to her again, she basically ghosted her family who at first called her relentlessly before she blocked them. So what, or who was giving her this energy. Then she thought about it.
She thought of her face, how disgusting it is, how she must've looked in front of others, she thought… of herself. She did that a lot, but this time, or well, with time. Carolee found answers to things. Those whys flavors turned bland as she got used to hurting herself, yelling at herself. She found all the answers and none at all. She stole from others cause it was easy to do, she lied to her roommate cause it was easy to do. Even Heironymous told her the answers to her whys. She beat herself up just that much more when she realised it. Looking at her face in the camera, looking at all those happy people on social media. It wasn't any group or social media service that made them popular or made them do the things they did. It was themselves, it was them who did the things that made them… them.
Carolee almost jumped for joy but that would require her to get out of bed and do something which she felt was to much work for little gain…. What was she thinking? To much work to celebrate a answer that tortured her mind? Thats ridiculous. And though it took a lot of her mental and physical power, the sound of dry leather ripping as she pulled herself off her bed and onto the floor. She reached it, heaving as she jumped, the dorm room shook with her. She looked down, and to her horror, she had no legs. Or at least she couldn't see them, or smell them, but why? Carolee touched her nose to see if it fell of during her weeks but it didn't, she instead found it but clogged. She then rushed to the bathroom, stopping at the door as her months of self hatred blocked her there.
Its shadow taking the shape of a girl, above Carolee's height but skinnier, wearing a dress, and gaining her height from some cute stilettos that drastically made her taller. From up there she looks like she may be comfortable and safe. A tall fortress that people avoided cause of the defences it had placed. But every fortress at one time broke down as Carolee pushed aside the rubble that spoke to her of being a nuisance and a bother if she so entered. Finding this supposed terrifying bathroom to find, a average bathroom. Months of shunning, doors slamming, and fear of this room. Just for it to be quiet, the cold tiles cooling her feet which made a audible squelch with each step Carolee took. She then rushed to the mirror, ignoring all the shadows around her that yelled at her to return to bed.
In that mirror she saw, herself. No longer the woman she made herself to be, this woman before her was big. Maybe forty pounds heavier than the woman before, her hair was long with permanent bed head, her shirt if you could call it that, had rips around the side revealing flesh that protruded and tried to escape. The womans skin looked to be made of flesh colored latex as it shined and at the same time was dull. Dirt stuck to it like scabs, and mixtures of mucus and blood mixed into it to make a picasso of injuries in multiple areas. The worse of it yet was the woman had a face like a puppet. Two indebted lines ran down her once clear face as volcanos of pimples protruded to make canyons around the two rivers, the rest of the face red and the womans breath was heavy and expression one of shock.
Carolee stood back as she watched the woman in the mirror do the same, shadows caught her as they surrounded her mind with negative thoughts. We told you it would be a problem!, He cant use the restroom cause the fat pig is in the way of the door.!., We tried to stop you and now you see how ugly you are on the outside to!, The shadows shouted at her, trying to tear deeper into Carolee than before. Carolee just hated it all, pushing away these shadows, her own inhibitions and anger and rushed towards the mirror, looking at herself as the shadows ran away. The reflection, the thing that started the arrows into her before, was now the key to defeating these shadows.
No more were there sheets that angry authors who she stole stories from reflected arrows into her. Now there was a mirror, and shadows that crept onto Carolee slowly as her mind almost convinced her to walk away from the mirror, but what could she say? She thought of those authors incorrectly as one shadow latched onto Carolee and dragged her away from the mirror, filling her thoughts with anger of her actions,
‘This was my hard work and How dare you try and steal it!’ The shadows read aloud, an arrow piercing Carolee's stomach as she tried to return to the mirror. Carolee knew what she was doing, so why? Why did she knowingly steal from others? It was her fault.
‘I will not have some no talent hack steal my work and turn it into a garbage display of comics’ the shadow said again as another arrow pierced Carolee's upper chest. That was true, Carolee had no talent, she wasn't robin hood, she never stole for the poor, she stole for herself and she hated herself for it.
‘Do you call stealing peoples work a hobby? Because you should just give up because your art is terrible’ The shadow went for the heart as Carollee's eyes went wild. Stealing other peoples work wasn't her hobby? It was just the only thing she knew how to do, and her art wasn't terrible, it was beautiful! Carolee used her anger as she caught the arrow and grabbed the shadow that leached onto it, Carolee was about to give it a piece of her mind.
‘I know what I did was wrong, and I wish I can make it right, But don't make fun of my work, I am a great artist thank you very much!’ Carolee fought as the light above the mirror flickered and one of the shadows was shot with an arrow made of light. Carolee looked to the shadow as it and the arrows, both in the shadow and herself all disappeared.
Carolee knew then how to manifest her own ammunition as she ran to the mirror again, holding onto the sink. All she needed to do, is forgive herself, and be more positive. She looked into the mirror again, her ugly fat pushing against what was her once beautiful complection. NO! It was beautiful, it was still Carolee, and she never changed, she is the same person and she is beautiful. Another arrow shot past Carolee and into the shadow that occupied her hair.
Carolee looked to the mirror, she was now bald, the site pulled her away for a second as two shadows latched onto her hands in place of the sink. She must be sick! Noone will take care of someone like Carolee, she would just be a bother, another hindrance to everyone, have you seen how big she is, she calls herself beautiful but its not healthy. YES, Carolee could see herself you crows, she was fat, she was unhealthy, but all this negative thinking wouldn't get her any healthier. Carolee watched as one hand was pierced by an arrow which was free of a shadow, the other stayed as Carolee thought to her future, her mind flared between a bed and sulking as Carolee ran towards the other side. Carolee working out, Carolee eating better, Carolee in a club laughing with friends who accepted her. She didn't need someone to care for her, she just needed herself. The other shadow was shot off as well.
This battle of shadows went on and on, hours, turned days, weeks, months, maybe years. But Carolee, throughout all of it, stayed strong, she stayed resilient, as she found the lady in the mirror change over and over again. Each time, Carolee found beauty, each time, Carolee saw herself.
Because “the best version of you, is one you love, without the need of others love, the one you are comfortable to show to others, and of course, the best one that helps others who are weak and low, even if they have hurt you emotionally before.” This voice, rang out after the battle had cleared in Carolee's mind. Outside the glass walls, Carolee found herself in tears, staring at the mirror and crying, but inside, these words were crafted into a stone placard and placed in the very back of the room. Carolee pushed away hundreds, maybe thousands of shadows, each pierced with arrows of light, just to find this placard but to no avail. She couldn't see the placard, and that.. Made her angry.
Anger that made her think, she needed a way to see the placard, but with the shadows lying there she couldn't see. The placard read in her mind again speaking that “forgiveness is something you must achieve, even if that forgiveness may be hard, and you may still lose them, it is forgiveness that brings people together, and enemies apart” She then looked to the shadows themselves, inside every one of them, was light. Light from self love and acceptance, now she knew, with a clearer mind she knew. She was reflecting these arrows, but as she walked to one of the shadows, pinned into the floor, she must approach these negative thoughts head on and accept them. So she did to the first shadow, one that tried to grab Carolee and fill her mind with burdens that kept her in bed for months. And then she pulled the arrow out of the shadow, freeing it, as it ran towards Carolle and tried to latch on. But Carolee hugged the shadow first, listening to it call her a burden, which she accepted she may be one day, which made the shadow disappear.
One by one, time given to each negative thought and inchling, accepting that she would one day he a problem, she would one day make someone mad or angry, but it was ok. Its part of life and being human. One day a person will be mad, one day a person may be sad, but thats life. The best thing to do is just forgive and live. And if you cannot forgive, then learn from the memory, thats what Carolee told herself through each new shadow that leeched onto her. The arrows like tape, the slashes like paper cuts, the cinderblocks like pebbles. She moved on as each new thing added to her, till she had every arrow, and a placard.
Rereading the placard she found towards the bottom spoke the same truth. It read that “Carolee, in my opinion, the best version of anyone, even you. Is one that loves themselves, without the need of others approval but not throwing it out either. The ability to love others and help them even if they have tried to hurt or be hurt by you is precious. But its never wrong to let go, letting go is also a part of life, just take all those scars like a lesson and learn to teach others of this lesson. But never forget, and never let go of loving yourself, like howI'llnever let go of you, buddy” The Placard read in full, the signature at the bottom read, Your one true love Heironymous. These lessons she had been hearing, this courage that pushed her both literally and figuratively beckoned her on. The shadows of her mind, of anger, of self hatred were all gone but never forgotten as she blinked.
She was in her bathroom, looking in her mirror, she was big, she didn't look the best, but all the same she was Carolee. She washed her hands and walked over to the scale beside it, one of the people in the conjoined bathroom must've left it, when she stepped on it, she weighed 195 which isn't so bad. Before she weighed around 150 and never did take care of herself like running or really eating right.
“Today, is a new day Carolee, a new day where you ate a whole village might I add!” Carolee joked with herself, a shadow joined her as she joked but it didn't nag her like it normally did, just laughed and disappeared. She wanted that shadow gone and to do it, she would need to exercise. But first, she walked to the sink and did what she came in to do, she blew her nose after a few tries, mentally making a joke of needing to stop smelling rocks so hard as she finally was able to breath through her nose. Following this trend by washing her hands and face in the sink. She looked to herself and laughed.
“Why am I looking at a pepperoni pizza? Am I somewhere behind it?” Carolee joked with a shadow, though her newly added pimples weren't that bad, they were definitely noticeable. And painful as she popped them all and washed off her now bloody face. After two hours of doing that six times and taking a shower, watching the water come off her body turn brown and go down the drain she finally felt correct. Her hair, wasn't fluffy but damp, and she still had the issue of a smell, but that came from her side of the room.
She exited the bathroom and found the smell in droves, spoiled, rotten food cluttered on the bed and her desk. Her side of the carpet looked and smelled of death and sadness. The pungent yet stale smell filling her nostrils made her wanna vomit, which considering what she saw, may have been an improvement she joked. As she walked through the filth to her closet which thankfully wasn't to bad besides from dirty clothes that piled and stuck together at the front of it. She found some sandals her father had packed for showering, if only her dad could see the mess she made. He would've torn her a new hide, she reminded herself to unblock and call them to say sorry about being so quiet. She almost thought to lie and speak about working on her studies which, Carolee realised, she may not be able to do cause of her tardeez. All the things she had to do fell on her but Carolee kept her calm, deciding to first, clean.
And thats what she did, it took hours, hours she probably should've been in classes, but hours all the same, she cleaned, scrubbed, ripped, and put equal parts trash to clothes into trash bags, her hamper which was full of trash. didn't have the room for all her clothes and bed sheets. Now that her room was clean and surprisingly a month of icecream, mold, and grease didn't destroy her laptop. She had to take the stuff, outside, she wondered what if people saw her, she didn't wanna go at first, opting to do it later in the night, but a shadow came to her. Carolee thought it was gonna be bad as she thought positive thoughts but weirdly, the shadow stayed.
A retold idea came into her mind, Who cares what she looks like, as long as she thinks she is beautiful she can do whatever. Which came to a surprise to Carolee who didn't want it to make sense but it did, she just needed to accept it. Right now, she will get weird looks, but thats ok, cause there just looking at her. Nothing more or less. So she mustered up the courage, grabbing bags of trash first and taking it through her hall and out the other side of her dorm building. The sun didn't sting as it was raining, Carolee looked around, seeing other cover themselves in things they used, some with actual umbrellas as Carolee dashed to the dumpster, threw the four or five bags she dragged into it then started to run back into the shade but stopped.
The rain drowned her as her clothes became soaked but as Carolee looked around she found solace. Sure, her clothes were wet and attached to her, but noone was looking at her, judging her. Everyone is hiding from the rain just like her, Carolee thought as she found beauty in the rain, looking to the dirt patches next to the stone path and observing them. Plants needed this rain to grow, and maybe, Carolee needed it to, maybe everyone needs something like these bad times to grow into something better. Carolee took that lesson, and her drenched spongy self as she joked, back into her dorm, opting to take the long way around to her side of the building. Just so she wouldn't make the inner hallway wet and hurt someone as she then entered her room.
Carolee found it a lot better, though her mattress had seen better days as it now looked to be a dust covered divot more than a mattress but a simple flip of the mattress moved that divot to the other side. Next, she needed laundry done, and though it was raining, she didn't think it would hurt her clothes to get a little water for once. She joked it may do some good as she grabbed only two bags of clothes and headed out to the hallway and outer door.
On the other side, someone was trying to get in but was struggling with the key card reader, which Carolee knew all to well of considering she was the first door into that side of the building. She then lowered the two bags to the wall and opened the door, the first person that would see her for her.
“Ach, I hate this door to don't worry, have yourself a great da-” Carolee started, a smile on her face and a positive complexion as she closed her eyes. Ok maybe she was still scared to see someones reaction of her, so what, rome wasn't built in a day! With no response back the steps walked past and then abruptly stopped. Carolee opened her eyes to find the two bags, grabbing them and quickly walking towards the door she swung to keep open as she turned around to see who she helped. Heironymous looked back, a frown on his face as he opened the door to there dorm room.
“Thank y-” Was all he was able to say before the door closed on him. Thunder cracked in both real life and Carolee's heart as Heironymous was the first person to see her, in tattered clothes, soaking wet, and overweight. A shadow or two crept on her mind, telling her of nasty things he must be thinking when he saw her. But Carolee breathed, realising the pain shes feeling and using it as power to push herself through the rain and into the laundry room across the dorm buildings center.
Inside she put as much clothes into each washing machine as she could, occupying four entire washers as she sat back and relaxed, the bench making an audible creak as she sat. Inside was another man, who looked at her in shock, Carolee didn't care as she took out her phone and set a timer. The timer would go off when her clothes were done as she walked out of the laundry building and towards the cafeteria next door.
Carolee was hungry, she walked into it, showing her id which showed a picture of how she looked three months ago. She then started to walk towards the grease area but opted to hit the salad bar first, sure it was bland and lacked flavor, but Carolee needed it to be healthy. Though eating plants didn't feel as good as she wanted, a few crotons for flavor shouldn't hurt. After her bland meal with people staring at her, some pointing and laughing, she returned to the laundry room, played on her phone, moved clothes from washer to drier and started her walk to her dorm room.
Now that whole time Carolee wasn't thinking much, not even towards the people who laughed at her appearance, she just kept pushing herself forward. Sadness overtaking her as she thought of Heironymous, Carolee didn't get angry though, she just was a little upset, and she knew it was ok to be sad, so she just let it happen. At the dorm Heironymous was gone, though one of the candles Carolee accidentally left lit was blown out as she folded her clothes and sat at her desk.
She then sifted through the hundreds and hundreds of emails she had missed on for the rest of the day. She first sent apology and meeting emails to every teacher, and called her family to tell them she was ok. Just down on her luck for a bit, a scolding from her father about her losing studies and her job, but he ended up telling her as long as she was safe it was ok. Carolee took that newfound confidence in strive for the next couple days, never stopping unless she needed to eat or use the restroom. For her room, it became a study hall as she moved her chair to her bed and used it as a makeshift desk. Every day she focused one of her subjects, her teachers were mostly kind on giving her extra work to catch up, and her few online classes were designed with it in mind.
Then finals came, the second to last week of the semester, and if you were in good terms with you RA or Residential Assistant, your last week. But for Carolee and Heironymous, it wasn't. She had them stay for the last week for “proper room inspection” which they passed every single time. Carolee, however, didn't pass every class. Only passing six out of her seven classes, with one class she didn't pass was history. She called and told her dad immediately, expecting a screaming of a lifetime because, Carolee never had a grade lower than a B+ let alone fail a class. But he told her to never give up and she will do better next year and hung up, Carolee took it in stride as she walked to the restroom, washing away her tears in the sink and standing on the scale, which she bought at a store.
“As big as an ox as strong as a weasel” Carolee joked while flexing, she had been luckily losing a lot of weight as she now weighed 174. Losing almost 20 pounds in two weeks wasn't easy but she did her research during her breaks from assignments or during her lunch or dinner at the cafeteria. Turns out, all she needed to do was around thirty sit ups, squats, and pushups a night and walk around three miles a day which was basically to her classes and back. And then eat healthy, which was hard because healthy food was bland. And bingo bango bongo, she would, slowly, but surely lose weight. Carolee took each adjustment in stride as she walked out of her bathroom and into the room. Inside, Heironymous entered, looking at Carolee with a frown.
Yeah, even though its been a tough thirteen days and Carolee got a lot done, she still hadn't talked to Heironymous. Nor did she even want to because they only had a grand total of three days left together, so she would now need to study for her last final she had, even though it was just a presentation in there shared speech class, and then she would dedicate all her time to fixing there friendship… in two days which was a tall order. But not the order she was about to complete as Heironymous grabbed his stuff from his desk and put it into the suit case beneath his bed. Carolee was confused, though remembered that he loved doing stuff early, but usually it was the day before, not two. So what?
“Carolee…. I- I made a deal with the RA, she said I can leave once my finals are all over… and.. Well, they are, My folks are coming to pick me up in a few hours… so this is goodbye” Hieronymous shook the world beneath Carolee's feet, a forever fall into a pit of loneliness. It was if she was back in that bed, surrounded in filth. Cradled and trapped with no where to go but down. Carolee didn't know what to do, what to say, should she say anything? Could she say anything?
This was the first time he had spoken to her since the argument, and she wasn't expecting to be talking to him so soon. Carolee freaked out, like fan girl freak out, as if the biggest celebrity just hugged her. Frozen, in shock, and confused.. She ended up not responding the idea of the final flying out of her mind as she started to cry. No, she had to stop herself, Heironymous knew her now as a crier, she wasn't like that anymore, she loved herself. She didn't need others, and yet… it felt like losing him would be losing herself. She just had to say something, but to her shock, he was gone. Left, but not for good yet, he grabbed his plastic container so he just went to get some breakfast from the cafeteria.
She still had time, she had to make the next moment perfect, exactly how she wanted to regain her friendship… but. In truth she didn't know what to do. She could think of a million ideas, but none of them would work, she knew being sad was ok and it was normal but this.. She couldn't control this. This wasn't herself, it was apart of herself, it was further. It was kinship, its what she knew she was avoiding, even avoiding thinking about. This was love.
As she sat in her chair and thought what to do, Heironymous returned, Carolee sat up straight, she really didn't know what to do, what to say. But she knew some things, whatever she said, it would be from her. This was life, real or not this is a situation that has happened in a million bad movies, and many more good ones. And most importantly, she knew that he didn't like any of those happy go lucky disney movies. So what did she do? Well, Heironymous grabbed a few things for breakfast that morning. Some waffles, eggs, bacon (oven baked), and sausage with two oranges and his waterbottle container was filled with.. Apple juice, she thinks. So, she thought, or really, didn't think as she grabbed her chair, sat next to Heironymous who eyed her in a mixture of shock and sadness and grabbed a piece of his bacon.
“A w-.. No, A very important wise man told me something once, he told me about loving myself, for who I am, to l- c-care for those, even if they hurt me… n-not that anyones hurt me but uhh…. Phew…. Ok… um..” Carolee stopped, she knew she was getting nowhere, she placed his bacon back down and walked her chair back to her desk. She had failed, and made herself a fool. She laid her head now, but sat up, she had a project to do, and she needed to rehearse. As she waited for her laptop to open, she tried to ignore Heironymous as he stood up, grabbed his chair and placed it next to her. But of course, she couldn't. She looked to her side and saw, bacon? A piece of bacon was being handed to her, but why?
“Continue” Heironymous stated, his hand outstretched with the bacon in hand, Carolee didn't know what to say… She chirped at herself, wanting nothing more than to take that bacon, but she knew whatever she said would end up with him leaving anyways, so what was the point. She knew he would go, and sometimes letting go was the right thing to do.
“Continue… please? You got this” Heironymous asked, no begged. Tears filled his eyes now and Carolee knew she shouldn't care, but it was him, her Heiny.. So she took that bacon.
“Eh.. um..” Carolee, however, couldn't remember what she was saying.
“Being nice to those, even if they hurt you?” Heironymous questioned, a small smile formed.
“Right… um… h-he also told me that.. Of Course!...” Carolee stuttered, her throat was dry as she didn't expect a second chance, but took it and ran with it. Remembering Heironymous’s lesson on pathos. Emotions to grab a reader.
“And… well… I messed it all up..” She began, grabbing Heironymous’s full undivided attention, which she didn't need to gain.
“That man… he is such a smart and amazing man… always filling me with wisdom… with joy… with …Lo-laughter.” Carolee coughed, almost slipping up, she wants to convey emotion but not make her look weak. She remembered his lesson on a great interview, swift yes’s and no’s. Quick answers, quick questions, so why not, quick truths?
“And I just messed it all up. I lied to him, I betrayed his trust… again and again” This made Heironymous frown, not in a bad way, or well, there is no good frowns but he wasn't mad.
“And… well…. I know I may still… I don't know… act? Like it… I know I certainly don't look like her anymore” Hoping humor would cheer him up, which a small smile formed, though to Carolee's expense, but it was still Carolee in his mind so she smiled as well.
“But Ive changed… Ive… well..” Carolee had to think for a second, she got lost in his smile.
“In a literal sense, covered myself with my guilt and killed off that old me… and came out of my cacoon a brand new person!” Carolee decided to go against the script, Heironymous said the best interview is where you be yourself, so she decided metaphor on a butterfly would be perfect.
“A person who… believes in herself….” This much she earned through her own lessons fighting inside of herself, she used to just get by, but now? She was exercising, she was eating healthier than she ever did, she even did a months worth of work, and five finals, all by motivating herself!
“A person who. Doesn't stutter when she speaks… Much!” This was also true, Carolee looked different and talked different, she used to never talk with the cafeteria woman who rang up her card, or any of her teachers. But with this new self confidence, she talks to her teachers almost criminally.
“A person who doesn't hurt others, and writes there own stories” This one was only semi true, she never knew she hurt people before, but now, she found every one of the stories she had stolen from and emailed each of them, apologizing and sending them all the comics she made. Some accepted her apology, others didn't, and most were confused who she was and thought the comic was awesome or good. This thought of those who didn't flooded her mind, but now, she wouldn't let that take control of her. It was ok to feel that way, but in the heat of the moment, she couldn't stop now.
“A person… who knows she did wrong, and yells at herself in the mirror everyday because of it… but still pushes herself to do better. To continue doing what she loves and taking her own wrong doings as a lesson! That she will teach to her peers and her…. friends…” That momentum stopped as she stood, said it all, her back tall and her bacon at her mouth. But, at the mention of friends, she sat back down, lowering her body as she got carried away. She learned, from this new experience, that she was in fact, very talkative. Almost talking to everyone she met, and praying she wasn't boring them to death.
“And I just wanna tell that man… that Im sorry… I don't want his forgiveness.. For I betrayed him, it is I who should beg for his… but I know… to do that I must be near him.. be… friends with him…. again…and… I hope that man… could…. Maybe… forgive me?” Carolee started to tear up, she lowered herself, biting the bacon to signal she was done. She savored the flavor, the flavor of why she did it, but also the bacon itself. She hadn't had bacon in weeks, and the taste was torture that she wouldn't have it for another few weeks. Both, were torture, but the wait was even worse. She had realised during her wait that she didn't want his forgiveness but asked for it anyway? A terrible speech she said, but brushed it off. The next speech would be better, and she loved her new way of thinking. Though those new thoughts wondered what it would be like to have a room to herself before Heironymous could respond.
“Gh..” Heironymous said, Carolee looked up, Heironymous was the one crying. He somehow, still looked amazing, even as he cried. But cried he did, till he grabbed his lower shirt, raising it to wipe his eyes. One peak of abs later and he composed himself, lowering the shirt, covering the finest sculptings Carolee ever saw and breathed.
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“You…. you know…. I…. ahem” Heironymous tried but kept slipping on his words, Carolee learned, maybe it was from Heironymous, or from herself. That imitation, was the best kind of flattery. So she put her hand on his leg and smiled at him.
‘You got this buddy, I believe in you” Carolee imitated Heironymous 5125 characters ago, hoping he understood. He did as he took a breath and smiled.
“This, has have got to be… the hardest month of my life…” Heironymous said, and yes. It was, this month he had been slacking in classes, skipping gaming sessions with his friends, and couldn't even go back to his dorm without a overcoming clasp of fear in his heart.
“Not only did I lose… my best friend in the world… to my stupid anger” That anger that lasted days, Heironymous loved himself. But hated his anger, he got it from his father, he would always get mad when it came to business. But with no business, Herionymous threw his anger to things that didn't need it, games, classes, and unfortunately.. Carolee. What had caused that anger however was more simpler than family ties. Heironymous had a terrible day, failed a test, his gaming system was bugged, and he was already upset at himself cause he treated Carolee like a kid. All the bad things, then he saw the door open, the adrenaline mixed with anger, then he read the email and saw that stupid copy and paste tab.
Heironymous never did tell her why he hated that copy and paste so much. But in truth, as he and his father tried to run a business, Heironymous wanted to be a writer, he loved writing stories on whatever he could think of, or whatever he did. He loved writing and loved showing it off to others, every comment he got on his stories, he thought a new opportunity to make a new friend. But when those comments came to be people with the same stupid sob story of being a up and coming artist, he just got angry and ignored them. His anger gave him a temperament at work and he almost even outed one of the commenters. But decided it would be futile as people who did that, had no cares for writers, all they wanted was money. And would skip the second they even got a inkling there time would be wasted. So, he just.. Gave up on writing all together, a passion he once loved, now gone. All because of people online trying to nickel and dime him of what he believed useless, money.
So yes, his anger grew tremendous when he saw that tab. That anger and adrenaline fogged his mind, and he gave up on himself, everything around him that day failed, so he did something he tried to avoid doing. He cried, luckily Carolee was away, probably trying to get her comics back which were gone according to one of the website tabs she left open. Cried, and hated himself, wondered what he did wrong to be pushed aside by everything that day. When suddenly Carolee entered the room, right as he tried to calm himself down, and it all came out of him. He begged himself to stop, but his anger got the best of him, as he slammed the door, and cried in the hallway.
“Then… in my anger… I felt sadness.. I felt scared… I… I was scared of myself… for making my best friend so sad…. Then I did something worse… I kept quiet… and… I watched as she… um… ruined herself?” Heironymous questioned, it was him who ruined her, but was it wrong to admit it like she was to blame?
“Yes… ruined herself… If I yelled at you on truth, I need to speak it!” Heironymous realised, he was angry that day, he knew what he said, kept himself awake reciting it at night as Carolee thought she was tip toeing to the restroom. The restroom she avoided during the day because he yelled at himself in anger while trying to open a week after there argument.
“I watch you ruin yourself, teachers asked me all through these days what ever happened to you?” Heironymous said, he should've told them all that he killed her, for a bit he thought it was the case.
“And I told them all you were sick, you got an injury, even the security officer questioned your whereabouts!” Heironymous stated, Carolee's expression never changing, she used to be very easy to read, what happened to her? She did speak on being reborn like a butterfly which he found the metaphor cute. But maybe.. She was being more literal.
“But what did I do? I lied!, I lied and let you rot…” Heironymous admitted, his guilt and jealousy of her change brought it out of him.
“I thought… I thought for a while you were dead…” Herionymous stated, seeing if it got a reaction out of Carolee as her eyes widened slightly, but she still kept that calm smile, that was once her smile she only gave to him. It was special in that way, cute even.
“But when the RA came in for that room inspection last month… you peaked your head out of your blanket, I saw a different face.. But the same person.” Heironymous explained, he hoped he didn't sound harsh but that smile, was gone. It killed him, but she was still alive, but his words still stung to her, so he waited till it was appropriate to apologize. But she never left her cocoon, she stayed away from him. That adorable smile, locked away and never to be seen.
“I told the RA that it wasn't my fault, because you were sick and I couldn't clean till you got better!” Heironymous finished explaining, her face shot up slightly as if remembering something you failed to remember before.
“I used you, I basically abused you!, I ignored you… and… im sorry.. You ask for my forgiveness? I should be asking for yours… so do you?” Herionymous questioned, he assumed she would go back into hiding, or worse, when about a week ago when she said those words when holding open the door. And he was to much of a baby to recognize or even say he was sorry. By the time he realised the door was closed, and the room was cleaned. She bettered herself, so why couldn't he? He walked around the rest of the day, beating himself up mentally on ruining his one chance for forgiveness. But now… he could have it again, he could have that piece of him back. He could have… Carolee.
The two looked to each other, tears of past apologies stung both of there faces as they stared into each other's eyes. Both have spoken there souls into one another, both have But it was Carolee who acted first, jumping out of her seat and tackling Heironymous, a hug that would transcend any hug. Carolee, also learned in that moment, her final lesson in her new look on life. That she really, liked hugs.
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“Awww you weally like my hwugs???” Heironymous questioned before being kicked in the arm by Carolee. Who was sitting in her ‘gaming chair’ (recliner she found on craigslist for twenty dollars) incorrectly as she used the arms as both a back brace and leg pillow.
“Shut it lameo, at least I had a redemption arc, mr ‘Im perfect and don't need a redemption arc!’” Carolee joked, looking to her computer as hundreds of messages flew past her screen. On it, a display sat, a list of people washed down on her second screen and the main monitor displayed a shadow of a woman, sitting at a sink. Which she drew as she told her story.
“OOh- Ooh, tell your chat the story of when we tried to get your job back at the cafe, and the manager who worked there said ‘you kids think you can slack and then just come back so easily?’” Heironymous said, making a deep voice and imitating her old manager. Carolee laughed at this, and her chat was a little wild. Some spammed stuff like Lmao or lol to Heironymous’s words, others commented on Carolee's drawing, complimenting it which she loved to read.
“You just did pain in my heiny” Carolee said, pulling down her eye lid and sticking out her tongue.
“Ill show you pain Gothletta” Heironymous said as he moved in front of the camera and bit her tongue, a kiss exchanged as he then moved away from the camera and kissed her on the forehead. The chat was filled with childish oooohs and awws from hundreds of people.
“If thats pain then you can torture me hehe” Carolee joked, then kissed him back on the cheek and swatted his butt as he walked away, a strange pleasure in pain. Though it was also for reminding her children, the people of chat, her old nickname as they spammed it.
“Alright kids, now settle down, listen to some nice music while I quickly use the restroom alright?” Carolee asked as if she could hear any of there answers, she switched two buttons on the computers virtual console and walked away. Carolee looked around her room, not the dorm room anymore, but a room of black noise canceling foam. Some shelves that held different things she kept over the years and even stuff she was gifted from people in her streaming community. She even kept a copy of that dreaded contract she signed. She took them to court about a year later but lost, keeping this copy and starting anew.
The night she lost the court case was also the night she and Heironymous went on there first date to a pizza place. There, he asked her to be his girlfriend which of course she said yes. Five years, two college degrees, one masters in business later and he asked to marry her. Which he could've done the night of there first date, but didn't because of school. The wedding was beautiful, there she even met with her newly made husbands brother, who didn't follow in his father and brothers foot steps of business. And instead started being an influencer online called streaming.
One thing led to another and boom she was now a streamer. Though she tried to only do art stuff she did play video games with friends after her husband got her into it. She was still terrible but for some reason, people on the internet loved her bad gaming. But they loved her art more, so much in fact she even got free money called donations. Which is when people would give her money for doing what she now loved, and she got to do art as well. She made so much doing it that her husband could have left his job but considering his job is a convenience store that he literally owned and ran. He was doing pretty good for himself, especially when famed streamer and artist Carolee_da_bee did her debut signings.
But yeah, throughout it all, Carolee learned a lot, but one thing she wished she could go back and tell her younger self, was that life finds a way. And maybe the easiest thing you can do isn't always the best thing, and to branch yourself out. She even would go read her chat members stories live, with the help of her husband for the male voices if he was available. And if she some how found a person who wanted a submission payment for a comic she read, she would comment to them and tell them her story. And then show them multiple sites she learned to post on and grow an art community that she used during the rest of college.
And yeah, life always found a way, and there were still bad times. But from her experiences in school, the people she met, the lessons she learned, the love of her life who teases and helps her every day. She knew anything was possible. And now, she grabbed her now sealed contract to show her chat, she wanted to tell that story Heironymous spoke of before, but first. She had to finish her drawing, she made, with her own two hands.
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and then Add to home screen.