Hate is a strong word.
I mean, I do dislike things, just like the next guy but, I don’t like to diminish anything or anyone's existence with my own displeasure.
However, hate doesn’t seem to be strong enough for the dislike I’ve found.
Like how I hate that I’ll most definitely be late and on my first week here.
Not only be late but, stuck in an elevator of all things. The one day I didn’t take the stairs. Which I hate.
With a deadline to not put anymore pressure.
Oh and did I mention on top of it all, I get to share this lovely experience with the one and only person I have found to hate; In the one week of being here.
Okay, I'll take that back. I don’t hate her, I don’t hate anyone.
BUT
For some reason or another, I’ve caught a rift with one of the lead animators, Annie.
Normally, I’m the type of guy that recognizes my faults and tries to do better but she isn’t even giving me a chance, and for what?
Was it the drink mix-up? Maybe, fair.
Have I been stepping out of place? Perhaps.
I mean, I did give some suggestions on her work but, isn’t that the point of a team??
I get it, I’m an intern but, I’ve worked just as hard to get here. So shouldn’t that get some recognition? I don’t know…maybe I’m being too forward.
I do want to give her the benefit of the doubt, I mean this project has been weighing on us all. Even me, despite the minimal work I’ve been given. So maybe it’s just the tension on us all?
Maybe she’s just had a hard week? Just smile Carmen.
I forced a friendly smile but the situation seemed to already set the tone for her mood; Her disinterest towards my presence was painfully apparent.
Ugh, what a mess.
I clenched the leather strap of my satchel, hoping for the sudden jolt of the elevator's motion but, the sounds of the maintenance guy didn’t seem to be coming to a rest anytime soon.
So, we’re stuck. For who knows how long. Great.
I look at my phone. Zero bars. Awesome.
Well, what’s the harm in small talk? Maybe I’ve just been misreading her? Yeahh.
“Soo…”
I turned partially to her slumped figure, trying my best to smile further as the corner of my mouth twitched. Too much Carmen.
“How’s the project going for you?”
A grunt released to my question, causing my eye to twitch.
"The Spiderwitch animation for the intro scene. Complete trash. I still have at least 100 frames of complex movement to go." Annie complained, "It's going to be a long night for me."
I simply nod as I listen but, I couldn’t help cringing internally. The tone of her voice, the smart-ass look. I can’t stand it.
Although I couldn’t help but feel a little bad for her. A little.
“Oh wow, so sorry to hear…” I mumble, rolling my eyes as I turn away.
I wonder if that was the scene the director assigned to me, one I was supposed to assist on. Then all of a sudden ‘Oh never mind Carmen, can you actually help so and so with animation clean up.’ Like come on, Animation clean up really? Give me a break.
Suddenly, a buzzing noise alerted from above, the maintenance man chiming “Yezzir.” a phone call? How does he have service? “Perfect, I’ll call the electrician.” Great.
As his conversation came to an end, my attention shifted up to him.
"Sorry fellas, I have someone on the way. The latch to the emergency exit here is deformed. I can't get y'all out 'till the elevator is fully functioning again."
Before I could even speak, Annie beat me to it “How long?”
“Dunno. Maybe 20 minutes…Maybe a few hours.”
“A few hours?” I couldn’t hide the annoyance in my tone, my chest tightening.
Now it was starting to get hot. I loosen my tie, exhaling any claustrophobia that started to fester. Although her insufferable voice wasn’t helping.
“You can’t bring us down manually or something?”
Good idea.
"No sir. Too dangerous with the electrical short. Just hang tight!"
The corn of my mouth lifted to a smirk as I looked back to Annie, the woman now sitting on the elevator floor. “I’m a woman.”
Pursing my lips, I pondered what to do. Ignore her? That’s what I want to do but is it the right thing…maybe?
The sound of videos started to faintly play from above, my expression shifting to anything but pleased. It didn’t even sound like entertaining videos, just horrid, high pit laugh tracks. Simply brainless content.
Maybe her voice isn’t so bad.
“Hm.” I pull my leather satchel in front of me, supporting the bottom with my forearm as the other opens the flap and begins rummaging inside. “There you are…” I say cheerfully, pulling a small tablet from my bag.
Glancing at Annie once again, I flash another smile and hold the tablet up slightly “Might as well work, right?” saying playfully, or try at least. An awkward chuckle followed before clearing my throat.
“Actually, um. Since we may be a while. I need your opinion on something…” the screen of my tablet flashes brightly as I press the top button, instantaneously kneeling to her side. “I feel like I may be missing something.”
I tap at the screen swiftly, pulling up the last few of my assigned frames; The scene being a half messy sketch of what looks to be a fighting sequence. “It isn’t finished, of course, but I’m having trouble focusing on what to refine.”
That wasn’t particularly true. I knew exactly what to do actually but, maybe some vulnerability might make her feel less threatened. I mean I do value my lead’s insight-
And I’m getting bored.
“This looks fine as a start. Before you finalize the key frames, I’d add more exaggeration to the frames before the punch lands. Gives it more weight and drama.” Annie said as she twirled her hair. This made me smirk. “Also, the recoil after it lands needs a bit of a delay.”
I nodded, taking her suggestions.
They were suggestions I've long known but, hearing them from a professional felt reassuring in a way.
"I see..." I mumbled, continuing to stay attentive.
Surprisingly she took the stylus from the case's pocket, taking hold of the drawing as she set her words into lines.
"Mmm" my lips pursed in thought as my eyes followed.
I mean her work is okay, I wouldn't say it's worthwhile for her position but, actually watching her at work. I could feel the confidence.
That's something I still yearn to master.
“The sequence should read better with those adjustments. Just try it out.”
She passed the stylus back to me, a smile creeping on the corner of my lips.
"Thank you."
Casually, I slumped next to her on the elevator floor, letting the strap of my bag fall from my shoulder before following her instructions.
My pen went to work as I carefully, yet swiftly traced along the lines, taking in her additions as I did so. The tapping from my pen clicking excitedly along the screen’s surface.
As I did so, I couldn’t help but take small glances at her. Her own gaze watching my screen. It made me wonder what she was thinking.
Like, was she judging me? Or observing as a lead?
Maybe she was thinking of her own project? I mean, how couldn’t she, 100 frames behind is a headache in itself. I thought for a brief moment, my hand coming to a halt.
I’m risking it.
“Um, listen.” I place my pen down, shifting my body to face her. “I know that I’m just an intern but, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I would be more than happy to help you out with your portion?"
After my offer, I bit my tongue, staring with a look of uncertainty. Or maybe fear of her reaction. Maybe both?
However, before she could speak, the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard above, following the mechanic's voice.
“Alrighty fellas, it shouldn't be too much longer!”
“Already?” I questioned, slightly annoyed for a reason even I didn't know.
“It's about time.” Annie stated herself, however her tone was different…? Although I didn't think about it for long.
-And there, the interactions came to an abrupt end. Myself standing as I straightened out my shirt and tie before sliding my tablet back into its home.
Annie stood not long after me, the silence lingering heavy once again.
I don’t want to leave it like this.
“Annie-” as I started, a long heavy creak filled the surrounding and the elevator jolted with a quick kick, causing me to flinch. The floor indicator wasted no time to blink through the levels, my eyes watching as our floor approached.
I feel foolish now. I didn’t care so much as to be besties or anything like that but, now it feels like we landed back to square one.
The elevator hummed, slowly coming to a thudding halt. The doors crack open with a ding and Annie wasted no time exiting their metal prison, going back to business as usual but, I couldn’t help but to-
“Annie” I called out once again, following her out. This caused her to be still, barely even glanced in my direction.
“I meant what I said. I’d be more than happy to help you, we are a team after all.” My words were sincere.
There was a momentary pause as I waited for her answer. I didn’t expect her to agree instantly, or not even at all but, I still tried to give the kindest expression possible.
After a couple seconds, her attention turned fully to me, a smirk lifting.
“No way in hell.”
Her words caught me by surprise. So much so that I simply watched her stroll off, waving as if she were shooing me away.
Hah. I hate you.