-Entry 1-
This is it. My first
journal entry and my first day. I’m both
nervous and excited. Giddy is too weak a
word to describe how I feel. Who would
have thought I would be chosen to replace Dylan Dougherty? My parents always said I had a very similar
appearance to the Original, but never would I have thought I would actually become
“The Man Behind the Desk”. I’ll admit
I’ve dreamt of it. But now that dream
has become a reality. I think I’m going
to throw up.
-Entry 2-
My first day was nothing short of amazing even though sitting
still is already proving to be a difficult task. I love watching the Carlton family going
about their normal everyday life. The
father, Phillip, is very tall with a commanding yet gentle presence. Freda is the mother and wears a friendly and
pleasant expression. She treats everyone
with exceptional kindness, including the servants. George and William are the eldest children
and twins. I’m not sure which is the
older. They’re always up to some form of
mischief, playing pranks and jokes, all in good fun of course. Nora is the youngest and is an absolutely
lovely person. She has such a bubbly
personality and never seems to stop smiling.
I think she’s inherited her mother’s soft heart. The maid is Sarah Thompson and she seems nice
enough. She goes about her duties
quietly and efficiently. I haven’t got a
good look at any of the other servants yet.
-Entry 14-
Last night I had to sit through my first party. There must have been upwards of a hundred
people in attendance. George and William
showed many of the guests the paintings in my hallway, making up the most
ridiculous history behind each one. They
told their stories so well and without laughing at all, so that many of the
guests actually believed them. One guest
later commented to Phillip how knowledgeable his sons were. Phillip soon discovered their shenanigan and
reprimanded them sharply, but I could see the laughter in his eyes. I believe the twins could as well as they
didn’t look too crestfallen at the rebuke.
It was by far the hardest day yet.
There were a few moments I almost laughed out loud. But I remembered Dylan Dougherty. That was why he got fired and is in disgrace
now. Somehow, I managed to hold it all
in, but I do understand Dylan Dougherty’s problem now.
-Entry 32-
I’ve been working at the Desk for a month now and am
beginning to realize how tough this job really is. Yesterday I sat without moving for sixteen
hours straight. Freda had a fever so the
maids were constantly moving up and down my hallway with wet cloths and soup
and such. A couple people had to help me
stand when finally there was opportunity.
My hand was cramped in a claw-like shape from holding a quill for hours
with no respite. When I’m not working or
sleeping, I have to work at keeping in the exact same physical shape which is
quite difficult when you sit at a desk for hours on end. But it must be done as even a slight altering
in my appearance could be noticed by the Carltons or their servants.
-Entry 103-
I finally have my first break. The Carlton family is going on vacation and
so am I. In the meantime, a temporary
replacement will go through extensive makeup sessions to alter his appearance
to look like me. He will sit at the Desk
while I am away. I am much looking
forward to this much needed vacation.
-Entry 110-
Tomorrow I’ll be back behind the Desk. I wouldn’t say my
vacation really felt like a vacation. My
name is known all over this world now. I
get spotted and someone wants an autograph or to shake my hand or to ask what
it’s like to be “The Man Behind the Desk” or to say their friends always told
them they looked like “The Man Behind the Desk” or to want a firsthand account
of what the Carlton family is really like.
I didn’t get the rest I longed for.
In some ways my break was more tiring than my actual job. I felt as if I was constantly talking to
someone and didn’t have a spare moment to myself. I did get to spend a few days with my
family. That was nice, but even they
treated me differently. Fame and fortune
come with a cost. I’m actually looking
forward to being back at the desk in solitude.
-Entry 360-
Yesterday was Christmas.
I didn’t see the Carlton family much except for them running out of their
rooms in the morning to get to their presents and Christmas tree as fast as
they could. I heard laughter and joy the
whole day. I’ve never felt so lonely and
homesick my entire life. I hope today
will be better for me.
-Entry 366-
Last night was another incredibly
long evening. It was New Year’s Day and
the Carltons had another huge Carlton party.
The house was packed and noisy and my hallway was extremely busy. I’ve never had so many people stop and study
my painting. It was a trying day for me,
but everyone seems pleased with my performance and I must say I am as well. My favourite part last night was the
countdown and everyone yelling “Happy New Year!”. No one was in the hallway and I, along with
everyone in the other paintings, joined in with the cheer.
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