Punishment To Come

Today was Monday. The most dreaded day of the week. Heavy rain fell down onto the soil of New York City. The fresh smell of rain touching the earth filled my nose as I walked the last block to Carter Enterprises.

As I waited for the signal to walk across the street, somebody gently grabbed my shoulder.

"Kyla, is that you?"

I quickly turned at the familiar voice to see the familiar face. It was Jared.

"Oh, Jared! Hey."

"Date not good enough for you," he chuckled.

I returned the mutual feelings with a smirk. "No of course not, I just have been busy at work."

The green signal indicated it was safe to cross the street. Several people bustled by, few bumping into me.

"Why don't we go out to eat tonight and catch up?"

I looked towards the towering sky rise and thought of Elijah. My thoughts on him were cut short when Jared's voice spoke. "Is that a yes or no?"

I nodded. "Yes."

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*Ring Ring*

I set down my pen and picked up my office phone.

"Hello?"

A deep, husky voice came through. It was Elijah.

"Is it possible for you to stay a couple extra hours tonight?"

I thought of Jared and how I felt bad that I never called and now I might cancel. Then I thought of Elijah, how I could spend the night with him at the office, alone.

"Uh, sir," I muttered, "Could I get back to you on that?"

"No," he quickly responded.

"Um well no sir, I can't."

A frustrated sigh was faintly heard through the phone. "And why not?"

"I have plans."

Silence ensued. Seconds passed before he replied,"What kind of plans?"

I became mad at the personal questions. "I have a date," I exclaimed and abruptly hung up the phone.

That was not a good idea, I thought.

As soon as the clock showed 5:00, I quickly got up and gathered my stuff. I quietly, yet swiftly, made my way through the hallway towards the elevator, in hopes he wouldn't see me.

Oh, how I failed.