Frankly, I didn’t know how fast or slow I drove my car before I arrived home. It was like my mind kept flying somewhere else and I couldn’t concentrate on the road. Thank goodness I did not get into an accident.
Usually, I drop by a store to buy some dinner because I’m not fond of cooking, but I found myself at my small dining table with no single food to eat in front of me.
Since I got no energy to go out and find something to gobble on, I opted to just make some noodles, as it was the only food available in my kitchen. I could get some delivery, but I felt like I have no appetite at all.
After swallowing my last bite, I paced to my bathroom and started my night routine. While I was washing my face, I couldn’t help but think of ways to avoid the meeting that will happen in the morning. My mind was so restless that I wanted to go to bed early and for slumber to take me rapidly.
I laid on my back and kept on closing my eyes, but it was hard to sleep. My mind was in turmoil and I couldn’t deny the fact that it was because of him. Denver Ford’s name seemed a huge disturbance in my brain and I couldn’t stop nor control thinking about him. “Am I ready to face him?” I felt so bothered.
I didn’t know what time sleep knocked me down the previous night because of my chaotic system, but I woke up in the morning with a headache. “Ah! I hate mornings like this,” I muttered with gritted teeth before releasing a long and heavy breath.
I rolled out of my bed, sat down for a few seconds, and took a deep breath six consecutive times. I always do that whenever I’m uneasy to calm myself.
Frankly, I couldn’t believe that after four long years, Denver and I’s paths would cross again. If I had a choice, I would refrain from meeting him, but I guess fate is playing with my heart. It sucks!
As I was looking for proper clothes to wear for the meeting, which Ms. Vera reminded me of the previous day, I picked out my navy blue suit from my cabinet. I bought it from a store nearby and I liked it because it perfectly fits my figure.
As I wanted to be presentable, I pulled out my curling iron and styled the lower part of my hair. It was bouncing smoothly, and I loved the outcome. As I was looking in the mirror, I realized I look pale. I put on a little makeup and in no time I was done with it. I only used to doll up my eyebrows and apply a little cream as well as my favorite red lip tint.
As my suit needed a high heel, I put on my five inches black shoes. Usually, I wear two or three inches of shoes, but the higher ones looked better in my wardrobe. Because of that, it added to my height, and I felt great about it. Somehow, it summed up my confidence.
Since I couldn’t stop the clock from ticking, and Miss Vera strictly informed me to go in early, I left the house with a heart filled with agitation. I prayed that my day will go smoothly, though I knew in my heart and mind that it won’t be easy.
It was quarter to 9 when I arrived at the office. Right away, I went to the meeting room to put on the necessary stuff, like the documents needed by Miss Vera as well as the bottles of water. We did not know yet how many people from Denver’s team would come, so I set aside spares on the side table.
“Ciara, I need you to take down notes later,” Miss Vera said the moment she stepped into the meeting room. My back was facing her and when I turned around, surprise plastered on her straight face. Well, she looks like that all the time and I’d never seen her smile at me.
“We shouldn’t miss even a little detail from what Mr. Ford would say because he’s our potential and massive client,” she added with an eagerness in her tone, which I nodded immediately. I’m aware the company needed to compensate for its losses from the previous year.
“By the way, nice suit,” she complimented. I got flabbergasted as it was the first time I heard something flattery from her.
“Thanks, Miss Vera. You look great in yours,” I returned the favor in a normal tone. Honestly, it felt awkward as I’m not used to this kind of conversation with her. I had to admit I felt a bit of a goosebump.
She attached her machine to the projector and ran down some slides of her presentation. “Ciara, I need you to learn about presenting products to clients,” she told me naturally while her eyes were on her screen. It puzzled me why she was elevating my job assignment.
“Presenting?” I blurted curiously with narrowed eyes.
“Yes. I want to promote you as my Junior Sales representative” Astonished, I stilled and couldn’t believe what I heard. “Is she kidding me?” the question popped into my mind.
“Miss Vera, are you sure?” I was in disbelief because I’d only been in the company for half a year and she already wanted me to be her junior sales representative.
I was unsure if I’m ready to level up my career because working in the Smiths Glass Wall company is my very first job. I’m not that experienced and confident yet. To be honest, I did not expect it at all. It was hard to guess what was running through her mind.
“You are an excellent observer and efficient in your designated task. I’m certain you can do it. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a few courses of training,” she sounded firm and positive about her decision.
I was quite reluctant, and evidently, she noticed it. “Don’t worry, I’ll hire someone to replace your current position so that we could have an assistant to share,” she expounded.
I bet she was sturdy with her plan and for me, it was a good sign that she praised my efforts in the company. What I worried about the most was that I’m not a salesperson because I studied history. The line of job is not my forte and I’m afraid I’d fail, but she convinced me I could learn the process. Since I didn’t want to sound incompetent in front of her, I nodded slowly.
I sat down beside Miss Vera with a note and pen prepared in front of me. After a few seconds, our SoundStation conference phone in the middle of our meeting table rang, and that made me nervous instantly. With trembling fingers, I tapped the answer button on a loudspeaker and our receptionist swiftly informed me that Mr. Ford and his team has arrived.
“Send them in!” Miss Vera interjected hastily. As soon as the call ended, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to collect my emotional calmness. Contrary to the calmness that I wanted, I felt the urge to go to the bathroom as my stomach was churning. I didn’t know if I wanted to puke or just collapse. “I shouldn’t get affected by him,” I murmured internally.
In our previous meetings, I welcomed and guided our visitors to the meeting room, but knowing that it was Denver this time, I got no prowess. Thank goodness, Miss Vera did not mind me on that, as she got so focused on her presentation. Besides, Iris, our front attendant, could manage.
When I heard someone push our wooden door open, I knew there was no way of backing out. I had to face him, not because it was my choice, but because of my job. Whew! What a small world.
Miss Vera stood up and so did I. I followed her from behind regardless of my erratic chest-thumping and my uncontrollable quivering fingers. Head down, my emotions were indescribable.
“Good morning, Mr. Ford,” Miss Vera greeted enthusiastically like she took a dozen of energy drinks and the effect was fantastic. Insane, but unlike her, I was internally suffering from perturbation and only wanted to run out of the place. If only I could evaporate in a breath.
“Morning, Miss Vera,” Damn! I couldn’t forget his husky voice that haunted me every night in the past years.
Miss Vera shifted sideways and motioned to me. “This is Ciara, my teammate,” She introduced me in a calm and normal tone. As I had no other choice but to look at him, slowly, I lifted my gaze. He was already staring at me with his deep set of blue eyes. Those eyes were the culprit why I fell in love with him before. Unlike those gentler stares in the past, this time, a strong appearance surrounded him. I couldn’t decipher his gestures. My chest constricted and felt like it was about to explode. “Hi Miss Ciara,” He elevated his hand for a handshake. As I didn’t want to be rude in front of my boss, I accepted it. “Hi, Mr. Ford”. I smiled faintly like it was the first time I met him. Ironic! The very moment our skin touched against each other, electricity radiated. That feeling I used to have every time I’m close to him before was still there. He pressed my hand gently, but I was quick to pull it away. Frankly, I wished there was a hole down under my feet that could swallow me right
I stepped out of my car and locked it properly before marching to my door. I was staring at him with narrowed eyes while he walks seriously toward me. As he was nearing, I muttered all the expletives I knew in my head. How on earth did he find where I live? Well, I realized it was no big deal because he’s a boss and has sources and ways. “What are you doing here?” I snapped. Yeah, that was rude. Honestly, I didn't know how to act in front of him considering it was only the two of us. It was different when we were at the meeting. I hid my real emotions back there because I didn't have a choice. He cleared his throat. His fingers were busy fixing his left long sleeve, rolling it up to his elbow without breaking his gaze with mine. The scent of his manly perfume invaded my nose and system immediately. His smell was still the same and because of that, a whole new wave of memories came flashing into my mind.I knew I shouldn’t think of all our flashbacks and it was right not to think abo
My father’s face, which I hadn’t seen for a long time, got published in an article. I hadn’t heard from him since he left our house. I refrained from reading news online because it could make me feel distressed, but somehow, I got the courage to view some lately. While I was reading the content, I smirked, and it filled my heart with bitterness. “Businessperson Russell Lewis ventured into Network Security Devices,” The publisher wrote. I learned my dad flew and stayed in Chicago with his new family six years ago. He just came back for business purposes. I couldn’t decipher how easy for him to forget me and never once check if I’m still alive. I hate him so much. My hatred for my father deepened when he did not show up at my Mom’s funeral. I couldn’t help but think that dad scratched us off in his life in a snap of a finger. How dare he put me in a dreadful situation? He screwed my life, and he was the one to blame. I instilled in my heart and mind that I will never be like my dad, w
“Of course, Mr. Ford. We would love to join you!” As expected, my boss accepted his offer. Well, I understood she couldn’t decline it as a sign of respect after she got a good deal. She needed to take care of Mr. Ford as one of her important clients who could be a connection and lead her to other potential clients. “I know a pleasant restaurant nearby. You can just follow us,” He seemed glad, telling my boss while sparing a glance at me. As much as I didn’t want to go, I couldn’t think of something to reason out. Frankly, to have dinner is unnecessary, but I had no right to retaliate. We went to our respective cars, and we drove off, following his SUV to a restaurant that I didn’t know. We were like in a convoy in which I was the last vehicle in our row. As I was driving, my emotions were fighting inside me. I didn’t want to dine with him or spend time with him any longer. An idea came up to my mind, so I slowed down and let other vehicles overtake my car. After around five minutes
Right after I turned to my street and parked outside of my house, his SUV slowed down. I pulled out my house key and stepped out of my car towards my door. Quickly, I pushed my door open and before I could close it, his car drove away. I could only hiss at how he was bothering me with his motive. “Good night,” I read his message that flashed on my screen. I wished I could scold him for his gestures, but I didn’t want to create a conversation between us. I was desperate to show that I’m no longer interested and for him to realize that I wanted to go on with my life without him in it anymore. I breathed heavily and closed my eyes to ease my unwell emotion. Denver made my day so tiring. Not because of our job showing him around our factory, but because of his unpredictable actions. I felt afraid he might slip about our relationship in the past, and that was the very thing that I didn’t want to share with anybody. The truth, I felt I'm getting sick because of him. I couldn't sleep comfor
“I’m a good listener,” he spoke softly. I took a deep breath a few times and when I calmed down, “Sorry, it’s just a sad day for me.” He hummed. “When I’m sad, I used to do this one thing,” He was talking like we’re good friends and I did not mind. “What?” I replied, almost breathless from crying. “First.... stop crying,” He clucked his tongue and twisted his lips. He stood properly. “Second, stand up,” He offered his right hand for me to hold. I was hesitant, but he seemed to have that wonderful spirit and I didn’t want to disappoint him. I knew he was trying to help and ease my emotion. He held my hand for support as I reached for my bag. “I know an alternative way to go out of this campus swiftly,” He sounded so sure, but “Don’t you have class?” I asked worriedly. He told me they have an exam, but he got exempted. That was why he spends his free time wandering around. I wondered why a student like him could get exempted, and I couldn’t think of any reason. “Why?” sniffing, I
When we were inside my house, I right away went to the kitchen to make our food. I have no talent for cooking, so for us to have food on the table quickly, I cooked noodles and steamed buns.“Sorry, I don’t have expertise in cooking,” I apologized, but he shrugged it off. He gobbled on his food and seemed famished. “Did you eat your lunch today?” I wondered because I'd never seen him that ravenous. “I did,” he replied hastily. “So why does it seem you’re starving?” I creased my brows and pouted at him. “It’s not every day that you cook for me,” he winked with a satisfied smile. I flushed but did my best to stay composed. He was acting weird and being sweet at the same time. His gestures puzzled me immensely.When he finished all the food in front of us, it was funny because I wasn’t sure if it tasted good. For me, it was the usual savor. I could only shake my head at the thought.While I was tidying the kitchen, I let him watch a movie in my small living room. He already visited my
In the afternoon, I went to the orphanage to help watch the toddlers. From afar, saw Heidi busy preparing the meals for us to feed them. I really admired her wholeheartedness of aid to the children.“Hi, Ara! I’m glad you’re able to help today,” Miss Victoria, the head of the children’s care, never missed to always thank me for my dedication. “We received another child today,” She let me know, and the pity was clearly visible in her eyes. She said the little girl’s parents died in a tragic car accident and they left her alone without a trace of any members of her family.“I feel sorry for the child,” I sighed while dancing with a sleeping little boy in my arms. If I wasn’t mistaken, the orphanage had already thirty little angels in their care. My involvement in the institution helped me realize that even though I suffered from depression for what happened to me, I’m more fortunate than them because I got the chance to be with my parents while growing up until I reached my early teens