Trapped

Chapter 34: BEFORE

Chapter Thirty Four:

Spending some time together.

—

A SOFT TAP on the back pulled me out of my trance.

“I’m done with all the filing, Chandria. Would you mind if I left a little early today?” Aldrin asked, looking at me with a careful gaze.

I nod my head in his direction. I’m setting up my work station for the client that is coming in. “I don’t see why not. I just have one more client for the day and then I’ll be heading home.”

“Friday night,” Aldrin mumbled. “Have a date afterwards?”

Letting out a laugh, I nodded at him. He saw me a couple of times with my boyfriend especially when Warren picked me up from work. We’re both working and have been spending little time together but we make it worth it by hanging out whenever we’re free on Fridays to Sundays. Sometimes we don't see each other at all during those days and are hella busy due to work or family matters but we make sure to update one another and have a video call before going to sleep.

We’re both adults and have a lot of responsibilities that we needed to take care of so it was understandable to spend less time together. Although, just like other relationships out there; we still argue about it at some point. Most especially when we have a scheduled date or hang out but something urgent would come up at work.

“Just catching up after a week of not seeing each other,” I replied.

Aldrin is quiet for a moment. We’ve known each other since college and now, we’re officemates at Luciano Corporation. Aside from my sister and my childhood friend, he knew me better than anyone else in this room. And I just recently found out that his girlfriend–now ex-girlfriend–cheated on him with her boss. Since then, he’s seeing relationships from a different perspective.

“He didn’t bother dropping off to see you in a week?” He asked, looking far ahead.

Just by his reaction alone, I could already conclude that he was beginning to think of something negative. I couldn’t blame him for what happened, but I know Warren—and I trust him. A week without seeing each other wouldn’t even taint our relationship.

“Warren wanted to despite his hectic schedule, but I was the one who refused to see him not until our schedules cleared up.” I stated, letting him know that it wasn’t entirely Warren’s decision not to meet up with me, but mine alone. “He was absolutely being pushy and wanted to drop by at the mansion before work or pick me up after work but I was the one who was opposed to the idea.”

Aldrin averted his gaze at me, an apologetic expression flashed in his face. “I’m sorry, Chandria.” He exhaled. “I didn’t mean to come off like that.”

I shake my head, “It’s fine, Drin. I understand what you went through. It probably gave you a lot of trust issues right now and I can’t blame you for that.” I gave him a light tap on his arm. “Don’t blame yourself too hard over it as well. You did your best. I know you did. But you also know Warren. We’ve all been together since college. If he was unloyal to me, we wouldn’t have been together until now.”

“You’re right, Chandria. I apologize for being a jerk,” he said as he offered a soft smile.

“Hey, you weren’t being a jerk. You were just concerned about me. I know that. Between Warren and I—I know you like me most.” I teased, wanting to make him feel better.

Aldrin finally laughed genuinely. “Well, you’re basically right about that.”