Of (Heart)Beats and Bylines [Completed]

Chapter 1

"Nicomaine," I hear my boss call firmly as he summoned me to his office.

I gulped.  I stood up from my cubicle and kind of drag my feet towards my boss' room that is just about three feet away.  I think i know what this talk will be about.  For the second time this month, I've been beaten at covering this hard-hitting story.

"Maine.  Have a seat.  What happened to your article?" my boss asked.  Boss is actually my editor, Andy Mariano.  I am assigned in the News Section of The Philippine Chronicle, the country's top newspaper.  I looked at him and waited for him to continue.  "Why is it not as comprehensive as it should be?" Mr. Mariano prodded on.

"I think my interviewee is not as informative as I thought.  I'll look for another resource person sir.  I promise to get more details on this case."  I waited a few seconds and when I sensed that there was nothing further he wanted to discuss, I gave Mr. Mariano a small nod and slid out of the chair. 

As I stationed myself back at the cubicle, I couldn't help but reminisce my emerging career as a jounalist.  Just a short year ago, I was the new toast of the journalism world.  The new reporter to watch out for, I was touted.  

A fresh graduate armed with spunk, confidence, and a thirst to prove myself, I got hired as a probationary employee in this paper after being an intern for one semester.  I guess they liked my work; I did take the opportunity to impress at every chance i got.  At the end of my internship, the Human Resources Manager invited me for a short meeting in her office. "You turned in excellent work Ms. Mendoza.  We'd like to invite you to apply in our company after you graduate." 

And today marks the first hiccup I made as a reporter.  Well, second actually.  Ever since I joined this group, I've always emerged as having the most detailed and most accurate article appearing on the lower front page of the Chronicle.

I guess my last article wasn't bad; it just didn't contain the expose that our rival paper, The Post, had.

Instead of going back to wrapping up my current article, I paused.  I stared at The Post's breaking news since the paper was situated on a countertop beside my desk.  I reached for it, scanned though the article again and looked at the byline.  I couldn't help but think yet again how his name sounded so familiar. You beat me twice in a row now, Richard Faulkerson.  Do i know you from somewhere...?  I could not help but wonder.  

Oh well.  Whoever you are, I shouldn't let you bother me.  Going back to my job now.