LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 11: Company Business
Lakeside, Illinois February 5th 1991
*BEEP*BEEP*BEEP*
My morning alarm goes off and I get out of my bed to prepare myself for another day. I enter the bathroom and as I prepare to rinse my face I look into and mirror and see a completely different person.
... wow... I mean wow.
Seeing the change on television versus in person is totally different. And being the person who undergoes the change is another thing entirely. I can understand now why old Scott was in denial. This wasn't some scruff under the chin, this was a full grown beard and a pot belly. I didn't have an athletic body shape originally, but I could still be considered in shape. This is going to take some out of the box thinking.
Chicago , Illinois February 5th 1991
"Excuse me... Excuse me"
As I exit the elevator, I head straight to the conference room and when I enter the entire team is shocked.
"Calvin?"
"Hi everyone, now I know what you're thinking 'why is he wearing a track suit', well it's a long story, but the short version is I was fitted for a new suit and have yet to pick it up. Now what have I missed so far?"
As the all look at me silently one of my co-workers answers "no we were just ordering for lunch."
"Great I'll take one of very dessert you have"
"...will that be all?"
"no, a glass of water too... thank you"
-one sweet meal later-
"Are you sure you're ok Scott?"
One of my co-workers ask me as I finish the cheesecake slice. I look up at them and answer "of course I just have a sweet craving at the moment"
"more like a sugar high" one of them mutters.
"Okay, now remember this is just a storyboard, but here is our first draft at the 'total tank' tv spot. Imagine Santa is getting ready at the north pole for Christmas, but this year is going to need something special, now we zoom into him prepping his... TOTAL TANK"
-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-
As my co-workers clap to the reveal I simply stare at the image and for some reason I have a weird dislike of the image and it takes every ounce of my sanity to not scream out my dislike.
"Is something wrong Scott?"
"huh...no,no... its just...well...I hate it"
"What's the problem"
"Well everyone knows that Santa rides a sleigh why would he switch to a tank of all things?"
"Well Scott he would use it if he was trying to sell the total tank"
"well, isn't that a pretty picture. Santa rolling down the block in a panzer. Well I hope the kids have been good this year because he just opened fire on the neighbor's house. EVERYONE TAKE COVER!"
"And I'm not all that excited about the toy itself its got more parts than my car and even if a child was able to build it, its as fragile as an egg. What we need to do is simplify the process so kids have an easier time of building it and we need to invest in better material, that way they can have more time enjoying their new toy."
"Calvin can I see you outside"
Oh o... realizing that I just hijacked the presentation I look at my boss and lower my head down"...Sure"
We exit the conference room. He turns to me and says
"While I appreciate your concerns about the product, I'm very concerned about your health. You're starting to look like the Michelin Man. I think you should considered seeking out professional help"
"look boss I appreciate your worry and your right I will talk to someone. In the mean time can I take some time off? Just till I get my mind back together?"
"Sure Calvin. Do whatever you need to do, but just get some help."