ALEX

Idiot

Stupid

Dumb ass

Staring casually off into space I sat in my boss' office as he shouted his heart out, hurling insult after insult in my face. From the bulging vein in his neck I became convinced if he was not careful it would pop out but given my present position I don't blame even the very veins in his body from wanting to escape from this vile, insolent human being.

I could already feel the slight pain of a headache wanting to come on as I shifted in my seat. With the way Mr. Johnson was moving around his arms you would think what he was pissed off about was major. Yet it was only about messing up a stupid coffee order. Who even drinks coffee this late in the day anyway?

Six months, that's how long I had been working for this psychopath. Given the fact that I managed to last this long, I'm convinced Hell will be a damn cake walk.

"Oh! And another thing," proceeded my boss whose rant was yet to end. I inwardly rolled my eyes as he began a list of my mistakes from as far back as my rookie days.

I wonder if I should order Chinese for dinner, I'm definetly in the mood for noodles.

"Are you even listening to me," my head snapped in his direction taking in his tense shoulders and hard gaze.

"Yes sir," came my simple response. With how tight his jaw clenched he must have been expecting me to apologize profusely, but I learnt a long time ago kissing his ass is a waste of time. The amount of pay I receive only permits me to do my job and not stroke this dude's ego.

He continued staring me down probably going over possible ways to kill me without the chances of getting caught. At this rate I'd happily do the job for him to escape his wrath. Silence embedded itself along the plain scope of the office walls as the air grew thick with tension. Funny enough I grew used to this type of life in the time I've been here and it slowly gets easier with time.

"I don't even know why I even bother with you," mumbled my boss as he massaged his temples.

"Probably because no one can deal with your tyrant ass," was the snarky remark on my tongue. Granted I can screw up from time to time but I will gladly give my arm to anyone who can show me a perfect human being whose genetic make up has no flaws.

And Derek Johnson is as flawed as they come, if the last 22 assistants who quit were any indication of just how problematic he is. I deserve a prize for keeping my composure.

Clenching my jaw I set my eyes on his," As I said before, this mistake will not happen again."

"You're damn right it won't. From now on I'll get Patrice to get my coffee since you lack the basic ability to get a fucking order from Starbucks correct."

Damn it! Looks like Patrice gets the chance to spit in his coffee from now on.

The plethora of insults hurled my way everyday are enough to draw the conclusion that anything has to be better than dealing with this. Breathing the same air as him is already exhausting enough.

Without much else needed to be discussed he dismissed me with a simple 'get out'. Bolting for the door at lightning speed I plopped myself in my chair already wishing for this day to end. I still had some work I needed to do meaning I would be lucky if I left before midnight.

What I would give to even binge watch Family guy or Game of Thrones without worrying about work.

I just need to keep pushing just until I get my degree in order to kiss this place good-bye.

"How's my favorite boss doing?" said Patrice who wore an evident smile on her oval shaped face. She was just shy of forty and had to be by far the sweetest individual I had the pleasure of knowing. Even though I am yet to tell her she makes each day here bearable.

"I don't feel like dealing with your sarcasm right now Patty."

"That bad huh? And here I thought the time he made Lucas check out of hospital straight after his surgery was the icing on the cake."

"I don't understand how someone can be so petty. Usually I would recommend him needing to get laid but given the amount of women that see him on a daily basis I'm convinced he's just an asshole by nature," I huffed out as I played with the paper clip on my desk.

Patrice snickered at my frustrated response." Don't worry Alex, just soldier through after all you're going to be your own boss one day and have someone who you can send to get your coffee."

She was right though, as usual. The only difference is I won't throw a fit over whether or not the drink has cream or not.

***

00:53

The time on my phone stared back at me, seemingly mocking me. Time you marvelous beast, manipulation is the picture it made, promising to be with me. Each glide across the files the boss needed first thing on his desk the next morning tormented the fatigue in me, prompting it further.

Derek usually remained in the office working late, however, tonight he had other engagements involving a female.

Which he bragged about as he left the office.

Most of the girls he dealt with were all primarily the same, all shallow and basic from the conversations I got into with some. Most of them hardly addressed me, to them I was just an assistant aka no high back account and low status in society.

So to them I was not worth saying hello to, but when it came to Derek, the boss they certainly were willing to break their backs for him and I mean that metaphorically and literally. I have caught them leaving his office limping, holding his glass promises to call soon.

Moving from my desk, I rolled my shoulders to try ease the tension in them. Besides Luke, the janitor, I was by myself. The deserted office feel isn't all that bad. To a certain degree I kind of liked it, I could do anything here and make as much noise as I needed to. Taking my phone I plugged in my earphones in deciding to take a quick break allowing the sweet melody of Blue Moon sink in.

How can I tell you

I am trapped unable to speak to you as you smile.

Falling back, recovering a while from the magnitude

Of your presence in and out of me,

Removing all negativity from me.

How can I tell you

I still refuse to hand the power into you

Without heartbreak pulling me back, reminding me of hell.

I find myself terrified to open up to you,

To tell you how I never grew up seeing Eros.

How can I tell you

I have now seen a glimpse of Heaven with you

Without the chances of you ever abusing love I breathe.

Along the cubicles I moved towards the break room humming to the song, for once having some form of a release from the stressful day.

Granola bar in hand, feeling more refreshed I returned towards my desk. Renewed determination in my veins as I stood by my desk to gather the papers laying haphazardly on it.

It was the tap on my shoulder which shocked me out of my deep music engrossed stupor to turn abruptly and come face to face with her...

RAQUEL

It's just cold feet that grips the reigns of doubt in my mind

He's perfect

Successful

Handsome

He's nice- well when he's not too busy having a staring contest with his phone...

I'm content

Content

Content

The rose pink diamond necklace that Terrance gave me sat on my neck feeling more like a chain.

I didn't even like pink to begin with.

And for a moment I question whether or not I made some form of an error in my past transgressions. We dated, formed a general rhythm in this relationship and it felt right for a period.

I don't know... maybe in this life asking for too much is exactly what I'm doing. After all everyone from my parents to nosey neighbours pointed out how perfect Terrance and I fit. Plus having been in the unforgiving realm that is the dating world I had trouble finding a man who wasn't intimidated by the success I attained with my fashion line.

Terrance, however, didn't seem to mind it. He cheered me on. Still even as I repose in my office staring at the view of the city, some cloud of doubt fills me.

My mother will definetly smack me if she ever found out again about the deep hollows of hesitation I have to become his wife- if he ever proposed. To her, he was the ideal husband for me. Not that I have ever had a say in my life. If my mother had full control of me, I would have most probably been barefoot and pregnant in some kitchen instead of running this company.

When I told her I found a man, her entire face beamed and I swore she was even happier than she was at my graduation or when I told her I was getting honored for the success of my fashion line in a few weeks. But in my period of uncertainty on whether I saw a future with him, she slapped me, telling me to be grateful he had even looked my way to begin with. To my mother being 30 and single should be considered a sin in itself, although I see nothing wrong in my age. I'm 30 big deal! Not everyone can be like Morgan.

She definitely won't be a contender for the Mother of the Year award

Still she could be worse so I'll take what I get

The beep from my phone stopped my train of thought, indicating I had a notification. The message itself further placed more deep texture to the shadow of fear in my stomach.

Can't make it tonight. Work came up- T

I swallow more shards of glass down my throat at the vagueness in his dismissal. So much for taking our one year anniversary seriously.

Despite my anger, what scared me most is that maybe...to some degree loyalty no longer lines the stars of our universe. Late phone calls whispered in the brim of secrecy and evident smears of perfume.

I do love him

But

Love can only fuel you so far

"Hey the team in Paris needs confirmation on those samples," said my assistant and long-time friend, Angie.

"Knocking is one of the few things in this world that never goes out of style or common courtesy, Angela."

She stopped in front of my desk seemingly amused by my serious tone. I don't ever call her by her full name.

"Okay what did he do this time?" she asked taking a seat in front of me.

"What makes you think he did something?"

Angie may be a lot of things but she sure as hell wasn't buying my attempt to not delve into the subject of Terrance.

"Please spare me the crap and save it for your mother. Now what did the guy do?"

Sighing I knew Angie would not leave me alone. Her persistence levels had remained constant even from our college days together.

"He cancelled dinner plans. Said work came up."

"So the jackass didn't even bother to come up with a decent lie for skipping out on your anniversary. I swear if murdering wasn't illegal..." Angie said as she balled her hands into fists.

She can be rather violent sometimes

"I know Angie, I know if murdering wasn't illegal that dude would be six feet under. You always say that when someone ticks you off."

"He's playing around with your feelings, Rocky. Of course he ticks me off."

"Maybe work really did come up," I mumbled sounding unsure myself.

"Bitch, do not defend him. It's bad enough he's cheating," she said shaking her head.

"Cheating seems a bit far fetched....maybe I'm just being delusional."

"Always listen to your female intuition. If he's cheating, which I know he is, you kick his ass."

I couldn't help but laugh at her blunt choice of words. She was always the spit fire between us two and I loved her for it.

"You have never liked him."

"And can you blame me. I mean the guy wore a damn suit to a barbecue."

We both wind up laughing easing the tense air between us. No matter the storms we face the serenity outweighs it.

***

Tightening the trench coat I wore, I knew it was crazy to attempt this.

It's our anniversary why not just throw caution to the wind. Stepping into the building I had never been to his office before, so no doubt it'll be a nice surprise when he sees what I have under my coat.

There's nothing wrong with getting a little freaky now and then

The good girl image I built can only bring you so far. The only other time I was gutsy was when I got a tattoo in college.

And doing this will help stop this sour spill in our relationship, an effort has to be made.

The elevator ride served as a perfect time to calm my thoughts and get my nerves under control. The few shots I had taken weren't enough to calm my heart's rapid beating.

Lucky for me there was no one in sight and with a pep in my step I moved towards his office. Or at least where I assumed his office would be. Getting closer I caught sight of an individual moving through the office cubicles.

Thought there would be no one else here...

They had headphones on and were shuffling papers on a desk. Seeing no other option I went towards the guy and tapped him on his shoulder hoping to get directions on where his office is.

ALEX

Melanin- dark melanin

Deep chocolate eyes holding specks of gold

Full lips tempting the sin in me to covet

Cute button nose

5'4

Tresses of black curly hair

If this is heaven I swear to rope my arms and cling to the neck of religion

"Hi um...sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for Terrance."

Honey...that's what her voice sounded like

Widening my eyes I realized I must look like an idiot by the way I'm gawking at her. I cleared my throat along with the perverted thoughts slowly threatening to creep in.

"Terrance?" I asked. No one in the office had that name and all of a sudden I grew immensely envious of this Terrance for being uttered on this chocolate beauty's lips.

"I'm sorry but there's no one here by that name."

"Oh I'm sorry you must know him by his first name, Derek," she chuckled as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

The name she said dampened my mood. As if being shot in the foot, the disappointment felt was unreal.

She was one of his many girls

Even in her trench coat I could tell she had curves and from the expensive handbag on her arm, no doubt she had money.

She's out of my league

Shaking off my shock I replied her," He's not here."

The disappointment was apparent on her features as she shuffled from one foot to the other.

"Oh...did he leave a few minutes ago?" sounding hopeful.

"No he left hours before. Like around 5."

Watching her I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She somehow came across as a sweet natured woman and judging by how upset she is, she's just seen a glimpse of Derek's clear charm.

"Well... thanks for letting me know." She was smiling but it felt forced and as she turned to leave I wanted to reach out to her. Tell her to stop downgrading herself in her head because she is worth the hassle and work.

Hoping to get one more glimpse of her, I followed suit to see more of her. It may come across as creepy to most but if they saw her, they would do the same.

Freely colliding into walls, I know chances exceed hitting the ground before catching wings on this angel

What I didn't expect to see when I caught up to her was her hunched over by the door tugging on something.

Getting closer I realized part of her trench coat got jammed on the door.

"No no no....this can't be happening," she mumbled as she fought with the door. The sight is rather comical but my amused expression changed when I see the panic written on her face.

"Is everything okay?" I knew nothing was okay so I immediately picked up on her lie when she told me she was fine and that I should move along and continue with my life.

Thing is I can't go back to my life after knowing of your existence

"Are you sure you don't need my help?"

"Really I'm fine-got everything under control," she huffed out after she failed to free her coat.

"Why don't you just take off your coat?"

"Uh...I don't think that'll be a good idea," she mumbled looking away embarrassed as her body tensed up.

"Why- Oh!" I caught on to her hesitation to remove her coat.

Derek's one lucky bastard

Clearing my throat, I knew my face was the color of a tomato. It's bad enough she's beautiful but knowing there's only one barrier prohibiting me from seeing her bare, I felt my pants slightly tighten just from the thought.

Oh god

I saw Marcus from a distance and given his tendencies of having a big mouth, I did the next best thing and said, "Just give me a minute."

I have never been envious of an inanimate object until my own coat. Moving towards her I blocked the side to reduce the chances of Luke seeing what was about to happen. Staring at the coat I handed her she seemed apprehensive.

"It's okay you can use it. It's either this or we continue playing tug of war with this door. Your choice," I said raising my eyebrow.

"Okay," she sighed." Just hold it up for me please and close your eyes."

Closing my eyes whilst holding up my coat I felt her warm body wrap itself around my coat. Peaking I caught a glimpse of a tattoo on her shoulder before it disappeared in the home of my coat.

I've never seen a tattoo of an iris before

"Thank you. You are such a lifesaver," she said after securing the coat. She smiled looking away shyly and right then I thought...

I don't mind giving you my coat along with my heart

***

There has always been something comforting about working on a car engine that made me at ease. The fumes in the air lodged the prospects of time to relax me instantly. And I needed a distraction to stop thinking about her.

I hadn't gotten the chance to get her name yet she got my undying affection.

Man, I'm pathetic

Not that I had ever struggled with girls. From my 6'4 broad shouldered physique along with my blonde hair and blue eyes. Most girls found my chiseled jaw and eyes to their liking but that's the thing I dealt with girls. She was a woman.

I may not know her age but from the manner in which she carried herself before the door scandal, she had a maturity and class to her if her politeness is any indication.

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself in my emotions. I've yet to finish college and I'm considering trying to get a woman whose established herself in society. Plus the fact that she associates with Derek, I could barely compete if we're talking financially. I just hope when I open my own garage and get my degree things will really pick up for me.

Having to save sucks sometimes, it means having to really budget my things

"Hey Alex, Dan's car needs to get checked apparently it's got faulty O2 sensors," said Johnny the other mechanic who worked here on a daily basis. In order to make extra cash I quickly befriended Mr. Hughes who owned by far one of the best mechanic shops in the city. I managed to work here on weekends to earn some extra money to finish up college.

"I swear his car is always facing some problem every other week. Can't he just buy a new one," I groaned whilst changing the engine air filter.

"Sentimental value. His dad gave it to him."

At the mention of the word dad I inwardly cringed.

Must be nice having an old man who cares to that extent

Working on the vehicle it took me some time to notice my phone ringing and I regretted it immediately as soon as I saw the caller ID.

Rebecca

"Hello?"

I was expecting to hear my sister's voice, but instead heard the panic in my younger brother's voice telling me to hightail my ass to the hospital.

This time it went to far