Fated Encounters

Stella and Mallory slowly returned to their normal schedules for the rest of the week with two minor changes in Stella had now been sleeping at Mallory's until further notice as well as Mallory growing annoyances in securing a job.

It may have been easier with Stella's help but to Mallory this was her problem so she did her absolute best to keep out of the prying eyes of her charmed sister and her charming partner. Despite her continual efforts nothing seemed to be able to properly fill her criteria.

That was until she received a letter sealed with the imprint of a blue lipstick kiss. It was addressed to Mallory proper and the letter inside gave her the opportunity to work as a secretary for an upcoming project from the parent group of her academy.

'Well maybe my looking into on-campus jobs got me sorted into this opportunity but considering everything that happened this all seems a little bit too good to be true.' thought Mallory as she looked over the letter for signs of forgery or falsehoods.

The most bewildering part of this situation was the seal for it was the normal seal of the academy. However the opportunity was too good to pass up even if it may lead to some trouble. With a date and time assigned for her interview Mallory kept her silence as she prepared as best as one can for an interview.

Mallory however had only ever had minor jobs and no true interviews for it was all service jobs where she at least knew someone on staff. This interview made her feel like a fish out of water in terms of preparation let alone the nervousness that fluttered around her from her unwillingness to confide in others even though her emotions were clearly being noticed.

"Mallory? You have been playing with your eggs all morning are you feeling alright?" said Stella as her hands gently brushed Mallory's hair away as Stella gently rested her forehead against Mallory's.

"No, I am fine. I just have an exam today and I am a bit nervous about it."

"Ah I see but it is rather weird since normally you're not one to have such a thing twist your panties into a bunch" spoke Valerie.

"Yeah normally it isn't an issue but this is gonna be a tough one and it counts for a lot."

"Maybe I can help you run through some flash cards or something before the exam?" said Stella with a gentle smile.

"Oh it's fine! I just need to calm my nerves so mind if you head to the academy on your own? I will take my bike as I think the fresh air will do me some good."

"Sure~" replied Stella.

Stella couldn't help but look over to Valerie who just gave a small shrug. The rest of that morning was spent with the group sitting in awkward silence until Stella decided it was time to leave. Though the pair headed out together they separated at the door.

However as they began to walk in opposite directions Stella turned around and ran up behind Mallory to pull her into a deep embrace as she whispered, "Hey I love you silly so feel free to talk to me about anything at all!"

Mallory's reply was a tight squeeze around Stella's waist as she sank deep into Stella's hug before pulling away just enough to brush her lips against the redden cheeks of Stella.

"I am happy to have met you Stella and I will happily share my life with you but there are some things I just need to do alone okay?"

"If you must Mallory but know that I am always here."

"Of course."

"No I mean that in all seriousness I will be at your side." said Stella as she tried her best to give Mallory a serious gaze of the crazy eyes for all of two seconds before breaking into a fit of giggles to which Mallory followed suit.

"Okay talk to you later Stella."

"Yep see you later and I promise to give you a special reward later." replied Stella with a small wink to punctuate her sentence before skipping back to where the parking lot for her car is located.

With a deep breath Mallory steeled herself as she stood up straight but now her shoulder's weren't slumped and her frown had turned upside down as she made her way towards her interview. The location was a small building about fifteen minutes away from the academy by foot.

The cool air of the room blew past Mallory as she stepped into the simple office room which served as the front desk. She noticed a woman in her late twenties with light brown skin and straight black hair turn to look up with her amber eyes.

"How may I help you?"

Fixing her posture and adjusting her business casual attire of black jeans with no holes and her fitted black coat which layered on top of her fitted white blouse Mallory walked up to the desk with a small forced smile before replying," I am here for an interview."

With a quick shuffle of motion Mallory passed over the letter to the attendant who promptly scrutinized every fine detail while paying special attention to the seal before pointing her in the direction of the elevator.

"So just head on up to floor three and you will be the project lead who will handle your orientation from there."

With a small polite nod Mallory scuttled over to the elevator. With a deep breath Mallory hit the small three before breathing out. However once she made her way up the sight she was met with caused a small chill to run up her spine.

Mallory was now face to face with the platinum blonde Cinder whose ghostly blue eyes glittered with mischief that matched the small grin on her lips.