The Unraveling of Leah Garcia

On Friday morning, my bedroom looked like it was recovering from a hurricane attack, and I still hadn't found the perfect outfit. I couldn't stop thinking about him all week; the excitement was enough to keep me up all night. I was up bright and early, planning every single detail for tonight because it had to be perfect.Never had I been so curious about someone, but I knew that I just had to know him. The intensity in his baby blue eyes was about enough to keep me locked in. I was confident enough in my wiles to know that he was definitely into me, but what I wanted to know was what the look in his eyes meant."You're up early," Marcella chimed as I entered the living room.I froze from my position on the floor, sat in the middle of all types of dresses, but nothing just seemed to click."Your room is a mess, Leah. When did you wake up?" "Two hours ago," I responded, inspecting a green dress. "Two hours ago? Why?" "Because we're going out tonight, remember?" I finally looke

My first week at work wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Miranda mostly ignored my existence, along with most of the other staff members. She seemed to love being mysterious because she never explained my assignments, but I had learned to embrace the uninterested gaze she always threw at me. After all, it was better than nothing.I had also changed my wardrobe. I shouldn't be wasting such beautiful outfits on people that clearly don't appreciate it. Unfortunately, that meant I had to settle for regular jeans and a shirt. However, I decided to spice it up a bit.For instance, last Wednesday, I paired my jeans with a classy ribbed zip up top. Today, I had chosen a green silk top to compliment my black jeans. I knew I got looks for upgrading their drab sense of style; you're welcome.Tracy, Kevin and I had become the three musketeers at work. We had a daily ritual of sitting in the break room for 20 minutes to judge everyone that comes in. It was the perfect relief I needed after

The rest of my day passed by in a flurry. I tried so hard to focus on my work, but I couldn't stop myself from throwing longing glances at Miranda's office, secretly hoping that I could see him before he left. However, I had made my stand. If he was going to apologize, it was going to be on my terms.He couldn't just say sorry and everything would be okay, especially when I had started to open myself to other possibilities. My mind was a tangled web, and I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to untangle it.I avoided Mike for the rest of the day, unsure of my feelings for him. I didn't want to confuse him with any mindless flirtation or sultry glances. I hid in my corner like a coward, and I slithered home smoothly."Nice work Leah," I thought to myself.When I got home, I tossed my bag aside and I laid on the floor, my legs splayed out beneath me."Tough day?" Marcella asked, coming in from the kitchen with a tall glass of iced tea."The toughest. You would not believe what happ

I stared at the note from Mike, suddenly realizing how complicated things had gotten. I had agreed to go on a date with Mike and Declan on the same day. Even though I was mad at Declan for not showing up, I believed he had a reasonable explanation and I wanted to give him a chance to explain.That meant that I had to cancel on Mike; a task I wasn't looking forward to, especially after he had sent this note. I sighed in frustration. The excitement from my meeting/date with Declan was wearing off. I had to let Mike know today, but how?"I know that face," Tracy said, coming up behind me.I stared at her innocently. "What face?""Furrowed eyebrows, that 'woe is me' sigh? Spill!" Kevin chimed in, standing at the other side of my desk."I don't think I should," I said, unsure about sharing.Tracy nudged my shoulder playfully. "Come on, Leah. We've traded so much gossip to feature in a sh*tty reality show.""Office gossip," I corrected.Kevin eyed me suspiciously. "And this isn't?"

Declan made small talk, expertly avoiding the elephant in the room. I cooperated, because well… food. He seemed more comfortable the moment the topic of that night had been dropped.Postponed, not dropped. I was definitely getting my answers.The food, however, was phenomenal. I moaned internally every time I took a bite. At least I knew that where food was concerned, I could trust him.He seemed satisfied with himself as he watched me eat, but I didn't want him to think the way to my heart was through my stomach. That was partly true, but still.I was filled with a strange sense of loss when the waiter cleared the table. Declan seemed to notice. "You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?""The food was great. Give my thanks to Tony.""He'll be glad to hear it.""Are you done playing hide and seek?""What do you mean?""You know what I mean.""Alright," he sighed and raised his hands up. "What do you want to know?""The same question I've been asking all week. I don't think I ha