LOVE BEYOND BORDERS By Ewoma

Chapter Two 

Aileen got to her office pretty late the next morning. And on her table was a notice of meeting for all editorial staff for 8.45am. She hadn’t seen this notice at the close of work the day before. But if she had come in before eight, she definitely would have known. Aileen kicked herself for coming in late. This meeting, she realized was very crucial as all editors had to discuss upcoming events and plans for the latest edition of the magazine. 

As the head writer and editor at large, she had already forwarded all articles for the different columns which included photos to the editor in chief, Amy Saunders for her perusal and approval. At the meeting that morning, they were going to be discussing the final draft and ideas for the cover of the current edition which was already in a dummy template. 

Aileen checked her watch, she realized she was already  thirty minutes late. She grabbed her portfolio and headed straight for the conference room where editorial meetings usually held, and tiptoed quickly to the vacant seat which was directly opposite Amy Saunders, the editor in chief. Amy gave her a stern look that spoke volumes, indicating her displeasure at her for coming into the meeting that late. 

It was as if that seat opposite was left vacant for her on purpose to  bear the brunt of Amy’s annoyance. Aileen responded with an apologetic look, silently forming her lips in a “sorry” sign.  Amy nodded curtly and continued talking. “We just have two weeks remaining before the garland festival. We need to cover the event for the next edition after this one”.

Aileen’s eyes scanned swiftly, all six of them present at the meeting and was proud to be part of such a vibrant team. Greta Adams was fashion editor. Eden Green was beauty editor while Grace Lowry was food editor. Philip Spencer was Creative director and photo editor in charge of all photo shoots and cover designs for the magazine.  And of course, her best friend, Emily Payne who was assistant editor next in command to herself and then, Amy Saunders. 

The magazine was actually nothing without them; they were the driving force behind every news bit, article and captivating photo in Woman’s Life. Greta, Eden, Grace and Philip each submitted their portfolios to Emily and after she was done editing, forwarded all articles and photos for the final draft of the magazine to Aileen’s desk. Aileen’s job was to do the final round of editing before forwarding to Amy’s desk, which was the final bus stop before sending to printing and production. Aileen loved her work. It wasn’t just a job to her, it was her passion and she loved it with all her heart. She just couldn’t imagine herself anywhere else or doing something else. She was aware that this was her calling and she was fulfilling purpose.Also because the magazine had a Christian theme, she was so sure she was in the right profession, fulfilling her destiny, Aileen knew that the work of all seven editors put into the print and production of Woman’s Life, the magazine was sure to make a profound and lasting impact on generations to come. 

“Any more questions? Amy asked as she rounded up her speech. Aileen cleared her throat and indicated that she had one.

“Ok, let’s hear it”, Amy said.

“First of all, I want to apologize for coming in a bit late. I had a flat tire on my way here, and so I had to fix it. Secondly, for our online edition this month, I was wondering if we could reduce our content, so our landing pages and web pages can be downloaded  easily. We can ensure more effective and pleasant user experience for our audience especially for mobile devices. Most of our audience on social media indicate difficulty in user experience on their tabs and smartphones. Also androids. I think we should look into the matter before this next edition’s release.”

Amy sighed and nodded. “Yes, that’s true. I have received complaints in my email about these difficulties too. Well, I think that’s a good point you’ve raised Aileen. And Edward isn’t here yet, either..”

Philip sighed and hit his head. “Oh so sorry, Amy! I forgot to tell you. Ed called this morning to say he was on his way to sort out issues with the last online edition at the web office”. Edward White was the content manager and  online magazine editor,  and he had working with him a formidable team to ensure Woman’s Life went viral online as it was becoming offline.

“Ok, that’s good to know. I’ll give him a call later. That’d be all guys. I guess, we are all prepared for the season, uh?” Amy asked. 

“Yes , we are”, they are all answered and grinned.

The place was rowdy for a moment as they gathered their things together to proceed to their offices, deep in conversation with one another concerning  up coming events they had just talked about in the meeting and to begin the day’s job.

 Aileen’s phone beeped. She checked to see what it was, it was a direct message on Twitter. She hurried into her office to log in to the social media network and realized that it was from her new follower Sparrow. Aileen smiled knowingly and settled down comfortably to read it.

The message read: “How are you today? Hope you’re ok? I prayed for you this morning”.

Moved by the kind words, Aileen replied the message: “I’m alright. Just had a  flat tire on my way to work this morning. But thank God, I got it fixed. I’m already at the office and just concluded a meeting with my boss. And you? How are you doing? Hope you’re ok, too. Stay blessed”. 

Aileen’s heart fluttered as she read through her tweets for the day. Her mind was elsewhere as she pondered on the messages. She wondered who was behind Sparrow. She stopped a moment and tried to put a face to the name but she couldn’t. Then, she remembered Emily’s words at lunch the previous day. God was definitely up to something, and she could feel it. There and then, she resolved to keep the conversation going.