Camila had a huge day ahead of her. She was in the last two weeks of her internship and her supervisor was coming down that day to review how will she had been doing. A letter of recommendation from him would surely land her a spot at her dream college. She analyzed her outfit over and over again. She was interning at a graphic design and animation company so she understood she should look both professional and creative. She wore her dark brown hair with violet and blue streaks in two buns on top of her head. She wore black lipstick, pink eye shadow and round eye glasses. Her white blouse was tucked into a long brown skirt. She has a lean but fit frame and a light caramel color skin tone.
"I'm leaving now, mom."
"Come straight home, Camila. I have friends from the church coming at 5:30 and they want to talk to you about applying to the Catholic school."
"Yes ma'am. Love you."
She had absolutely no interest in going to Catholic school, but her mother had raised her with hopes that she would devote her life to god. Camila had been lying to her mom and told her she had been volunteering at a Catholic youth program.
She had never had a boyfriend or went to a party. In fact she had to be home by 8pm every night. Her mom thought that sheltering her would let her remain a faithful child of god. However, there are some things out of any parent's control.
It was 3pm and Camila had been putting the finishing touches on her portfolio when supervisor Landon walked in. He took a seat in the manager's office and began calling off each intern.
An hour and a half passed and it was closing time. Camila hadn't been called and she noticed Landon was already packing his things. "Wait!" she called as she ran over to him.
"Yes? Who are you?"
"I'm Camila; one of the interns."
"Ohh yes. You're one of the last three I couldn't get to."
"Sir, I really would like it if you took a look at my portfolio today."
"No can do. I'm off the clock and the office is closed."
"Sir, I really need you to take a lo-"
"Well it will just have to wait until next friday."
"Please? I worked really hard on this and I'm sure you are going to love it. I could really use a letter of recommendation from you and my applications are due this Saturday."
"Look, Camila, I'm sure it's great but I should really be heading out."
"I'll work extra hours for my last two weeks if you just take a look now. Please?"
Landon looked into Camila's eyes and sighed. Feeling bad for her, he finally cracked. "Alright let's see what you got. Take a seat."
"Thank you! You won't be disappointed."
Landon put on his reading glasses and flipped through her portfolio. Camila had never looked at him for this long and she began to first realize how attractive he was. He was about 35 years old. He took good care of his body. His muscles showed through his dress shirt. "Hmm.." he sounded as he ran his fingers through his short beard.
"Well?" she asked nervously.
"It's good. Not the best I've seen, but I think you have potential. Just gotta try harder."
Camila sat for a few seconds in silence, not know what to make of that. "Wait, what? You don't like it?"
"I'm not saying I don't like it. It's just not too special. Your style is basic."
"So you can't write me a letter of recommendation?"
"I can but it won't be a very good one."
Camila sat in silence. Her heart sank to her stomach. "But all my peers and managers here said I was great. They said I was the best one here in fact."
"Well I just don't see it."
"Sir, please give me another chance."
"Oh no no no no no." He said while standing up and grabbing his coat. "I already stayed late for you. If you want me to look it over again you are going to have to wait two weeks."
"I can have a whole new portfolio by Friday!"
Landon was frustrated now. "Friday? What do you think makes you so special that I should just go around making exceptions for you? I'm in charge here. Not you."
"Please Mr. Landon. This isn't my best work. I know it's a lot to ask but-"
"Yeah it is. What's in it for me?"
"What?"
"What do you mean 'what?' You are asking me for something, what do I get out of it?"
"I already said I would work extra hours."
"I don't need extra labor, Camila."