The Write Match // Bill Hader

One

I walk down the busy New York City street, my heels clicking the ground. Most people would feel uncomfortable walking through thousands of people every day just to get to work, but it's just a part of living and working in New York City to me. I promised myself I was going to get up early enough, so I didn't have to rush myself, but you know how that goes.

So here I am, slowing my pace before I enter the huge television studio. I've only ever been in this building twice, the first time for my audition and the second time being right now. I hit the elevator button, my purse thrown over my shoulder, and a racing mind. I never really know what life is going to throw at me next, I especially don't know what to expect today since it's my first day as a writer for Saturday Night Live. I was told that today would just be a day of introductions and getting comfortable in my new workplace, but I doubt it.

I walk out of the elevator into the main office, and seeing how everyone is acting, and is just going through the motions, not looking in my direction, I'm guessing they have new people all the time. I recognize the man standing amongst a small group of people. I shyly walk up to him, smiling just the slightest, reaching my hand out to him. He accepts, smiling back and shaking it firmly.

"Hi, I'm Meredith Elliot, your new writer. We met in the audition a few weeks ago." I say as I put my hand back down to the side.

"Ah, yes, Ms. Elliot, it is so great to see you again."

"You don't have to call me Ms. Elliot, sir, Meredith is just fine."

"Same to you, Meredith. Sir makes me feel old, Lorne will do."

I follow Lorne down the hall as he shows me the writers' room, my office, and the studio where Saturday Night Live is shot. I've only ever seen a few episodes of SNL and the ones I have seen are the older episodes. They were my dad's favorites, and he would watch them over and over again.

"If you would, you can follow me and meet some of your new coworkers."

"Sounds perfect." I say.

Lorne and I walk through another hallway that is identical to the one we just came through moments before, except this one has a different name on each door. I see that one of the doors is open and can hear voices coming from it. "I wonder if Mulaney is in here." Lorne says to himself as we walk closer to the open door.

"Hey Lorne, how are you today?" I hear one of the men say.

"I'm doing just fine, Mulaney. One of the new writers is here." He says, stepping aside, revealing me to the small group of people.

"Hi, I'm Meredith." I say, giving a small wave.

"It's nice to meet you, Meredith. I'm John and this is Fred." He says, pointing to the man with glasses. "This is Seth, and this right here is Kristen." He says, motioning to the other man and blonde woman.

"Where's Bill?" Lorne asks.

"I'm sure he's on his way. You know how he is." Seth says.

"That boy's going to be the death of me." Lorne says as he takes off back down the hallway leaving me, John, and the rest of us alone. Fred picks up right where he left off, talking about Portland and the hassle of flying back and forth to New York, while Seth barely pays attention.

"Oh god, Fred, will you just shut up about Portland?" Says a tall, dark-haired man.

"I'm glad to see you're in a good mood today, Bill." Fred says back to him as the man rolls his eyes at his response.

"As I was saying..." Fred picks up the conversation again as the man walks over to John and I.

"Who's this?" He asks, pointing his finger at me.