As I sit on the train on my way to work I finally allow myself a glimpse of Theo's Instagram profile. My phone is no longer placed metres away from me, as it had to be last night, but now in my hand as my only way to pass time during my trip.

At first glance I can see that the general theme of his profile doesn't seem too different to mine, nor has he posted much more than me. His posts seem to consist of mostly the same touristy shots and milestone moments.

There's the obligatory university graduation photo from a few years ago, accompanied with a "You're a wizard now Theo" joke caption as he stands before the historic structure of the University of Edinburgh. I'm amused that Theo seems to be a Harry Potter fan. He'd totally be a Gryffindor kind of guy.

I notice that he doesn't have a photo with his father at his graduation, but then again it doesn't exactly surprise me if his father didn't travel out to attend his only son's graduation. They don't exactly seem like they have the closest father-son bond. Instead, photos with what I can only assume are a group of his friends with him at graduation are the only ones to be featured on his profile.

It reminds me of my own graduation- that is, my high school graduation. For my graduation from university I was lucky enough to have my sister, father and Baba come down to celebrate with me. However, for my high school graduation I was still down in Sydney. Baba had already gone back to the U.S so it was just me, my mum and my step-family. However, at the last minute they couldn't make it because of some bullshit excuse to do with a step-sibling feeling sick. So I walked up to that podium and received my graduation certificate while looking out at a crowd that didn't include anyone that was supposed to love me smiling back at me.

I hope for Theo's sake he didn't have a similar experience. Unless that is what he actually wanted- I wouldn't pass it by him.

The friends that instead appear by his side appear multiple times throughout his profile— on nights out, celebrating birthdays, at soccer matches and travelling all around the world together. He's certainly beat my track record of literally only the U.S and Australia. From what I can see he's been everywhere from Japan and South Africa last year, to all around Europe- and that's just what I can see from his Instagram photos.

There don't appear to be many girls featured throughout his profile, and if there are they are never alone with Theo in a photo. This doesn't exactly give me any hints as to whether he's been in a relationship. It's not like you have to put up a photo to prove that you're with someone. I was with Derek for months and I never put up a photo of us together. Meanwhile, I still have photos with Sam despite not being together for years now.

I'm only a few minutes away from my stop so I decide to finally end my investigation into the life of Theo, before I also get categorised a stalker. It was a good distraction from the panic that had otherwise been settling in as I prepare for what I need to do today. Today, I had decided, I needed to finally make a move in my career. I've been working for Monique for some time now and I at least want to know if there's a chance of me actually putting my degree to use sometime soon.

Being her assistant has provided me with a great close look into the industry and I'm grateful for a job in such an uncertain environment, but, I would at least like to know if there is a possibility of me getting a job doing what I'm interested in. And if there is, what could I do to increase my chances of making that happen. I can't deny that the idea of a greater paying job also sounds enticing.

So, I realised that I have to actually vocalise these thoughts and desires to Monique. She's not a mind reader and I can't expect her to know that I'd like to move on to a different role sometime soon. This is especially as we continue to grow into our routine and establish an effective system. At least I think so.

When I finally reach the office I reveal my plans to Chloe before Monique arrives at work, with Chloe making me practice what I'll say with her. We just finish perfecting my speech when Monique walks out of those elevator doors and across the office floor, the sound of her heels echoing across the room as per the usual. I let her get settled in and prepare her for her day, knowing that she'll have some free time in two or so hours after a corporate meeting she has booked in.

So the waiting game begins. I try to distract myself with work but the time goes eerily slow and I feel like I'm dripping sweat even though its freezing and snowing outside. I'm busy wiping my hands down on my pants when I realise it has finally reached the point when Monique is free, with her 11am appointment walking out of her office.

I take the chance and leap up in the direction of her office. Chloe sees me making my way over and shoots me two thumbs up and a smile before I reach the doors of Monique's office. I attempt to return the smile but I'm sure it probably came out as a grimace as the nerves truly take a hold of me.

I knock on the doors of Monique's office and she looks up from the reports she should be checking over right about now. She gestures for me to come in so I hesitantly open the doors and take a step into the room.

With my hands in front of me tightly gripping one another, I say, "Hi Monique, I was just wondering if I could talk to you about something when you get the chance."

"Well, you probably know best when I'm free so let me know when you pencil this talk in." she replies, quickly returning to looking at her papers.

"Well, actually, that would be right now. You don't have any meetings or appointments for another hour." I tell her.

She looks up, placing her papers back down on the table and leaning back in her seat. I really do hope she is okay with having this talk right now.

"Oh, okay. Then have a seat Elizabella." she says, extending her hand to offer up one of the seats waiting in front of her desk.

I take up the offer and seat myself across from her in one of her comfy armchairs which I know cost more than most of the furniture in my apartment collectively.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" she asks.

"Well, I was kind of wondering if we could discuss what my next step will be at the company."

"Oh, okay," she responds, making me instantly worry. Did I piss her off? Is she about to tell me that I'm completely out of line? Am I going to have walked in here looking for a promotion only to have gotten fired?

Thankfully, my worries are put at bay when she continues. "I suppose I can't say I'm surprised and I don't blame you Elizabella. You remind me of myself twenty or so years ago, and I certainly would not want to have been stuck at a receptionist desk instead of pursuing my dreams.

I let out a deep breath that I wasn't even aware that  I had been holding in.

"While I would love to promise you all that you want I need to be realistic with you. You out of anyone would've noticed that I'm taking on more work than ever. The company is trying to cut costs to keep afloat in this mediascape and I'm responsible for more than I ever have been. I have a big job ahead of transitioning all these publications to online platforms. I truly do need you right now and I completely recognise that you could leave for another company whenever you want."

I gain an odd sense of joy hearing that Monique of all people is saying that she really needs me. Even if at the same time she is probably telling me that I need to put a pause on any dreams I have.

"So while I may not be able to guarantee you a promotion tomorrow, I promise you'll be the first I'll consider should an opportunity come up," she assures me, "But you need to promise me that you'll give things more of a go. I want to see some of your work. I know you did internships with great companies and had referees praising you, but, I'm going to have to see what you can do. Whether that be in the writing department or digital media, I need the proof; the reassurance."

I nod eagerly.

"That makes complete sense. I understand and I'll try my best to get you something soon." I promise her.

"I'm glad to hear that. I look forward to seeing your work and talking more about what's next. Was there anything else you needed to talk to me about Elizabella?"

"That's all for now, thank you. I'll let you get back to your reading." I tell her, standing up as I prepare to make my way back to my desk.

She nods and I turn back to where I had entered from.

That was easier than I expected. I guess I didn't really get any concrete answers but I understand that I too need to be more specific about what exactly I'm aiming for. At this point I think that it's a writing role, but I need to prove to both Monique and myself that it's truly what I want and that I'm up for it. But at least I know that Monique appreciates me.

I'm just about to open the doors and walk out of Monique's office, with a smile growing on my face, when I remember one more thing I wanted to bring up to Monique.

"Oh and Monique, I remembered one more thing. You're more than welcome to call me Ella." I say, hoping once again that I'm not overstepping but feeling closer to Monique after that discussion.

The smile on her face tells me that all is well.

"Okay. Ella, I'd love a coffee right about now."

I can't help the little chuckle that comes out of me. Touché.

So I go and get Monique that coffee, with Chloe of course accompanying me to the cafe so I can fill her in on my talk and get out all of my excitement. I spend the rest of the day deep in work and whenever I get the chance I'm caught up in brainstorming for what I could write to show to Monique.

The adrenaline is still rushing through my veins as I practically hop into the apartment later and fill Jess in on my day, even if it is 8pm when I finally come back from work. Despite this adrenaline, I can't deny the exhaustion my body feels after a long day of work so I go for a lengthy shower and don't let myself stay up too late.

When I finally settle myself into bed, I pull out my laptop to watch some Netflix and grab my phone so I can scroll through my Instagram feed for the first time since this morning. I'm aiming for this to calm me down until I probably fall asleep to whatever is playing on Netflix. However, I'm instead surprised by the number on the Instagram app icon indicating a notification is waiting for me.

I open the app and sure enough a message is awaiting me. I have an inkling of what it is since I rarely message anyone on Instagram and my suspicions are promptly confirmed when I see Theo's name siting there atop my messages list.

However, I am truly surprised when I read the actual message.

TheoEHarrington: How do you feel about race cars?"

Well that certainly wasn't what I was expecting him to say. You kiss a guy and in return you get a message asking about race cars?

Ella_Adams: Race cars?

TheoEHarrington: Yeah. Any vendettas against fast cars and being a passenger or driver of one?

I'm almost scared to respond because I don't want to find myself trapped into something.

Ella_Adams: Um.. I don't know. No?

TheoEHarrington: Good. Have any plans for Saturday?

I hold back the smile that threatens to appear from reading that Theo is possible attempting to make plans with me, biting down firmly on my bottom lip.

Ella_Adams: Not really. Other then doing my laundry. Why?

TheoEHarrington: I was meant to go for a race car driving experience this weekend with a friend and he couldn't make it back in town for it so he gave me the vouchers. Then I remembered a certain girl who said she wanted to try new things so I thought I'd give it a shot.

He actually remembered my silly little confession.

TheoEHarrington: So what do you say?

Race car driving? Can't say it's on the top of my list of things I wanted to try but maybe that's something good. Maybe I should be trying more things out of my comfort zone. Theo seems to be good at getting me to do that thus far.

Ella_Adams: Sure. Why not?

TheoEHarrington: Wow! You really need to hold back on the enthusiasm Miss Adams.

Ella_Adams: Sorry. Can't. Been waiting to drive race cars my whole life. Live for them.

TheoEHarrington: Yep. Definitely pegged you as the type.

Sarcasm- definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.

TheoEHarrington: It's on Saturday so book it into the detailed diary I know you probably have. I'll send you through the rest of the details tomorrow. Sound good?

Damn it, am I that predictable? Diaries are a must have in my opinion and I stand by that opinion.

Ella_Adams: Sounds good.

TheoEHarrington: Okay well I would continue teasing you about your obvious obsession with race cars that you just can't conceal but I've unfortunately got an early morning ahead so I should probably call it a night. Goodnight Ella.

Ella_Adams: Goodnight Theo.

So, I guess I'll be seeing Theo again. 

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Finally some more Theo and Ella time for you guys 

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The Fiction Dreamer :)

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