18.

Slowly, Raine opened her eyes to morning. I guess I have to go to work. Wish I could sleep forever. I don't want to go anywhere... she thought as she reluctantly dragged herself out of bed.

“Shouldn’t you be asleep? Why are you here?” She asked surprised to see Argen on the couch switching mindlessly between TV channels, on her way to the bathroom.

“Been here all night. I heard you crying, what happened?” she asked in reply without looking at her.

Raine plopped herself down beside her. “My mother stopped by.”

Argen put aside the TV control turning her body and full attention to her, a concerned look on her face. “Are you alright?”

“I’m exhausted and I don’t want to go to work.” She lamented playfully. “But I’ll survive.” She said as she offered a weak smile. “How was the date?”

“It wasn’t a date” her attention back on the TV screen “And there wasn’t one. I got triggered.”

“What?!” it was Raine’s turn to be concerned. “How did that happen? Are you okay?”

“Well I’m fine. I called the doctor but don’t you have to get to work?” she pointed at the wall clock. 5:45 a.m.

“But... Fine. You have to tell me everything when I get back.”

“Sure. Just hurry up.”

The house was quiet, save for the sounds from the television and the occasional sound of her phone ringing. Casper had been calling and sending messages nonstop for the past, unable to bring herself to talk to him she just ignored him. What is making him so desperate? She thought as her phone came alive again. It went silent and the room was quiet again.

“Argen! I know you’re there. Please, open the door.” Casper’s disheartened voice came through the door as he knocked desperately.

If I ignore him long enough, he would leave right?

“Please, please open the door.” Undeterred by her lack of response, his incessant knocking and pleas continued but she continued to ignore him.

Ultimately, he gave in. “Look it’s okay if you don’t want to see me or talk to me. So when you’re ready, just message me or something. Please. Open the door when I’m gone.”

She walked over to the window. Watching as he walked back to his car, stopping to glance back at her door after every few steps. Finally, he got into his car and drove off. Argen opened the door. Sitting on the floor was a bag from her favourite ice cream parlour

Should I throw this away? examining its content. Whiskey and chocolate... I guess I’ll just keep it and eat it with Raine, after all, the food did nothing wrong.

Casper glanced at his phone for the umpteenth time. His mind was miles away from the presentation before him. Did she get it? Will she call? She wasn’t at the bar for the past two days. I hope she’s not sick or anything...

“Mr. Greane.” The presenter’s voice pulled him back to the room. “Your thoughts on the plans for the fair?” the room observed him with keen eyes, silently waiting for his reply.

“Hmmm... I’ll go through your plan and make any suggestions if I have any.” He lifted the plan that was set before him. I seriously have to get myself together...

Work was nothing short of a nightmare for Raine. Between the ceaseless stares and the gossip that started even before she walked past, she was having a very terrible day. Can I disappear? She placed her forehead on her desk. The rumours about her started because her mother occasionally caused these unsavoury scenes. Things were finally getting better too... she exhaled. Resting her check on the table she brought her phone to her face. Not a word from Kain either.

There was a soft knock on the door. She looked up to see Sam at the door.

“Are you perhaps busy?” he asked as he walked in and took a seat.

“No. What’s up?” she straightened.

“About the paper you helped the head of surgery out with, it was actually mine. I know it’s been a while since then but I figured I had to thank you in some way.”

“Oh... that’s fine, I actually enjoyed it.”

“No really. Let me take you out to lunch. Say... sometime tomorrow?”

“There’s no need for that. It’s fine.” Firmly, this time. Since the thing with Peter, she avoided going anywhere with colleagues. I didn’t really have friends here anyway... why can’t he just buy the food and give it to me instead?

“Oh... I also wanted to talk to you for a bit and ask about your thoughts on some matters.” He added noticing her obvious discomfort.

“We can talk whenever you want. About thanking me, there is no need for that.”

“Please, just let me. I’ll be at ease if you did.” He pleaded.

I really hate dealing with persistent people. “Fine, lunch tomorrow is fine.”

She caved in.

“Cool.” He rose from his chair. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” before walking out the door.

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