By the time I reached my desk, the sky had already turned to dusk, and not a soul was left in the office. Reaching for my phone, I sent a quick text to my mom that I will not be back for dinner. As predicted, she was fairly upset by the fact that I had so much to do despite it being the first day. But even so, she was still supportive of my decision, informing me that she will leave a bowl of soup.
Feeling energised after reading her heart-warming message, I grabbed the files from my table and headed to the other room to begin constructing the pre-ordered jewellery. Pushing through the glass doors, anxiety swept over as I was engulfed in darkness. But soon after the light sensors kicked in, my worries were washed away with a sigh of relief.
I wasn't one that is particularly afraid of the dark, but if it was in an unfamiliar place, I am instantly reduced to a 'scaredy cat'.
Heading over to my designated workstation, I switched on the machines before plugging in the earbuds to get my work momentum going. Satisfied with the song chosen, I tucked my phone into my back pocket before proceeding to crack my knuckles.
Let the show begin.
Bouncing to the beat of the music, I began working through the night. It became uncertain as to how many hours I have toiled, but once I was locked on something, it would be challenging to tear me away from it. It was undoubtedly as my mother would say, 'both a favourable and atrocious quality'.
It wasn't a moment later before my work momentum was ground to a halt by a sudden power outage. An unintentional shriek escaped from my lips as I was left in total darkness. Quickly, I fished for my phone and stopped the music, only to be left stricken with the battery percentage of 4%.
"Terrific."
Not wanting to remain in this room for any longer, I packed up the scattered pieces of paper and swiftly filed them into the folder with the remaining source of light coming from my soon-to-be-dead phone. After switching off the power source to the machines, I sprinted out of the room and into the corridor, which was also affected by the glitch; engulfed in darkness.
3%.
Taking a quick glance at the elevators, I was horrified when it too, was inoperable. The thought of having to take the stairs dreaded me. If I had known that this would happen, I wouldn't have squandered the remaining amount of battery life on music.
2%.
When I had finally reached my desk, I quickly placed the now heated phone on the table while haphazardly shoving the belongings into my bag. By now, beads of perspiration had drenched my forehead. Trickles of sweat that spiralled down my back were no doubt dampening the dry blouse, causing the fabric to cling to my back.
1%.
Just as I had slung my bag over my shoulders, ready to embark on an Olympic sprint, I heard the glass door close with a soft thud. I halted in my footsteps, trembling in fear and terror as I felt eyes latched onto me. With my back faced against the door and my hands, one firmly clutched on my bag strap, while the other gripping the phone, the thumping noise of footsteps that approached me prompted my heart to pound wildly against my ribcage. I could hear my heartbeat as I stood still, as if I had been held captured by imaginary vines that sprung from the ground.
NO NO NO!
With the last light diminished, the footsteps grew louder and louder as the figure approached my direction. My breath became increasingly laborious at the thought of being alone with a possible killer. It wasn't long before I could feel someone standing behind me. The fear of looking at the stranger in the eye terrified me. So, I opted for the next best option.
With my head tilted down, I peered to the ground to see a pair of men's shoes, neatly polished and seemingly extravagant.
Goodbye mom and dad. Goodbye Alice.
"AHHHH!!!" It took awhile to realise that the scream came from me as I felt a hand lay on my shoulder. I dropped my phone to the ground, clutching my head and shutting my eyes in the climax of panic and fear.
"Ava?"
There it was, that familiar and silky voice that seemed to scare all my nightmares away.
"Nathan?" Lowering my arms, I turned round to behold his appearance. Tears sprung free as I leant my body against his, clutching his back as I bawled into his shirt. My wails blared even louder as I felt his arms cocoon around me; his warmth dispersed my quaking body.
Though it was just for a moment to satiate all anxiousness, I had come to savour the accidental and blissful embrace that I have been aching for the last 5 years.
Just this once.
My arms tightened around his waist, and so did his around my shoulder as we stood in the dark room, where all could be heard were my soft whimpers. Our bodies clung together tightly for what seemed like ten minutes before it started to feel awkward.
Great. Now I feel stupid.
I continued hugging him not because of my want, but rather because I didn't know how to release him without feeling a little self-reproach and embarrassed about my actions. Knowing him, he was sure to come up with some form of new mockery.
"As much as it flatters me to the way you display your fancy, I would appreciate if you would not cut off my air supply."
There it is...
Pushing him away, this earned a chortle from him. Thank God for the power failure, I wouldn't want him feeling smug if he ever saw the heat on my cheeks.
"Oh please, did your lack of flatulence decide to blow up your head?" I retorted, a little satisfied that I managed to come up with a counterattack.
"Is that any way to speak to your boss?" He responded, clearly unaffected by the insult.
"Well technically, it's after work hours. So, you aren't my boss." Retaliation was not my strongest suit, but it seems that I did have a strong game today. "Anyway, what's with the power failure? Did your earnings perhaps not permit you to pay the bills?"
Man, I am lovin' this!
"Ha! I assure you that the power will return soon."
As if on cue, the lights and air-conditioning ignited, bringing back the illumination and coolness in the previously hot and stuffy compound. The sudden brightness seared my eyes, prompting my hands to shield a fraction of light away.
"What happened to your hand?" Nathan asked, as he captured my wrist to bring the gash closer for inspection. On the other hand, it baffled me to hear his voice laced with not just a little, but much concern.
"It's nothing." My attempt to pull away from his grip failed miserably as it only tightened. Knowing that this conversation was not going anywhere if I did not tell him the truth, I sighed in defeat, proceeding to describe the events that happened a few hours ago.
"You idiot." He mumbled as I caught on quickly to his comment.
"What did you-"
"Have you washed it?" The anger that threatened to rise from his criticism waned as I saw the evident look of displeasure in his eyes. "It's deep." He continued, before walking away.
"Take a seat and wait for me."
"I'm okay. Really," aware that he was about to retrieve the first aid kit. I didn't like the fact that I was imposing trouble on him, let alone my boss.
"I have no need for employees who can't take care of themselves!" He spat while retrieving the box from a cabinet.
"Sit." With my tongue-tied and stunned from his outburst and sudden change in demeanor, I complied. I was like a bunny who cowered at the mercy of a fierce opponent.
Unplugging the cap to the saline solution, he poured it over the gash before drying it with a piece of gauze. As he dabbed the wound, it elicited a hiss from me, prompting him to blow gently against the cut; easing the pain considerably.
"Is that better?" He asked while continuing to pat the area dry.
"Yeah..." Was the only word that I could answer as I peered over at his sternness and concentration while he meticulously bandaged my hand.
Curious.
As soon as he was finished, he returned the remaining gauze and solution into the box before placing it back into the cabinet.
"Thank you." I muttered, standing up from my seat to grab my bag and coat.
"Don't be. I care just as much for every one of whom I hire." Though I knew that we were just bounded by an employer-employee relationship, the simplicity and professionalism in his reply still left me in sheer disappointment. By now, Nathan, who was now standing by the door, tilted his head as he gestured to the lift.
"Let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"You haven't had any dinner, right?" With my lips pursed at the accuracy of his observation, I sauntered towards his direction as he led me to his car, one that smelled of fresh leather and of him.
As we exited the building in his sleek black automobile, I glanced out into the street and watched as people passed me by; letting a grin surface while I caressed the bandaged area.
Perhaps, he's not so bad after all.