To Want You

40

It's a beautiful day today. The weather's not too hot nor is it too cold. I didn't encounter any traffic on the way here and I'm not late at all for work. 

"M-miss Miller? W-why do you look like um...Good morning." 

So I spent the whole night trying to assure Clever I'll never leave him. As stubborn as he's always been, he didn't believe me a single bit. Mom had a hard time prying him off me this morning and Nathan pretty much vouched for Clever through it all. In the end, I promised I'd try to finish work early today and take him to that toy store he's been wanting to go to when I get back. I didn't think he'd agree to it but thankfully he did. 

Now I'm here, probably resembling a brain deprived zombie. I heard they released a new horror film last week. Should I show it to Clever later? I slap my cheek for the ridiculous thought, spiking Sarah's concern for my well-being. If only she knew how much crying I had to deal with last night then she'd at least understand what it is I'm going through. 

We finally part ways in front of Abel's office. At first, Sarah was hesitant leaving me on my own but eventually complied when I told her I was fine. I knock three times and let myself in after hearing the soft approval of my presence. Once I'm inside, I don't see Abel on his table wearing a suit with his hair neatly combed back. Instead, he's on the couch with a casual white shirt, black ripped jeans, and completely tattered hair that makes him look like he's just jumped out of bed. It's concerning how he's still able to pull out the look. Papers are scattered all over the table, alongside a half croissant and a mug of coffee that's already empty. I glance at my watch just in time to see the handle strike seven in the morning. We both left late last night. What time did he come here?

Seeing the state of the office irks a nerve and I automatically get to work clearing things up after placing the files that need to be signed on his desk. Imagine an important guest coming here out of the blue and sees the state of this room? How embarrassing.  

Slowly by slowly, neatness begins to shine the room once again. Like how it should be. My mind may be fogged up with fatigue right now but I can still tell when something should be cleaned up. Maybe it's because I can't stand clutter in the first place. 

I drag my finger along the edge of the shelf, cringing when grey dust marks my finger. I stick a mental note to have someone thoroughly do some cleaning here. I should probably bring up the idea of changing the interior to Abel too. Because if there's something I'm completely aware of is the fact that Abel loathes the color green and pink. And this room's basically built under its influence.

"Elka." 

Hearing the name brings a chill down my spine and I find myself momentarily freezing before forcing myself to respond. Abel's gaze is fixed on the papers when he says his next words. 

"Can you get me some coffee?" 

I push the book in place on the shelf, approaching the table to fetch the empty mug. "Yes, sir. I'll be right back."

My footsteps come to a halt in front of the door when he suddenly speaks up. 

"Wait."

"Yes?"

"My coffee-"

"Half a spoon of sugar and don't pour all of the sachets got it," I say as I swing the door open and step out. Honestly, what I just said doesn't hit me until I've reached the room where we make our coffee and store our snacks. The refreshing smell of caffeine fills my senses upon my arrival in that little room, striding straight to the cabinets where they store the stacks of all sorts of coffee and tea.

In the middle of stirring the substance together, the realization hits me hard like a bomb. I slap myself for the second time today. 

Half a spoon of sugar and don't pour all of the sachets got it? I can't believe I said that. I'm not supposed to know that either. 

The heck was my mind at when I said that? Letting out a sigh, I just hope he doesn't suspect anything from me. I accidentally bump with someone on my way out. Fortunately, I was able to avoid any spills from the coffee. 

"I'm sorry. I should've watched where I was going."

"It's fine," I tell them. I can't exactly see who it is since she's wearing a mask but judging by the voice, I assume she's one of the new employees. I send her a little smile before passing her. For some reason, her presence screamed familiarity. I just can't pinpoint where or why exactly.

I silently knock before stepping in, placing the new mug of coffee on the table.

"Is there anything more you need me to do, Sir?"

"Yes." Without sparing me a glance, he pulls out a USB from his pocket and tosses it my way.  I was never a great catcher so it ends up falling down on the floor. I click my tongue, crouching down to get it. 

"Go over the files for me then have it back before the day ends." 

I stare at the thing, wondering how much work is inside. Hopefully, it won't be a lot since I promised Clever I'd take him out today. I excuse myself and finally get to work and end up widening my eyes by how many documents are inside the USB. He can't possibly expect me to finish all of these today right? Guess there's only one way to find out. If I linger too long doing nothing, I'll only be wasting time. 

As I proceed to scan the works, little did I know someone had been watching me from afar all this time. Half of her face's concealed behind a mask, eyes squinted down as they observe me. After a while, she turns her heel and makes her way to the elevator, whispering under her breath.

"It's been a while, Elka."