Distasteful Day

My mom and dad didn't end on good terms. That situation made me chose my dad over her although it was just a portion. Ever since I was a child, I'm attached to my dad, unlike other kids who cling to their mom to death. Further to that, my mom and I ended on bad terms and reconciliation has always been beyond my limits that made our relationship even broken.

"I'd see her after she got me a new car. Tell her that," I mumbled in monotone making my words sound nothing.

"You have the car that you rarely use. I know your relationship with your mom isn't perfect but still cut her some slack off." My dad convincing me.

We're not exactly as rich as Bill Gates or other millionaires who can throw money away but sure we are well-off and so does my mom. I honestly don't need a car nor even want another one, I just want to piss them off. To be honest, I don't know if I can ever be good with my mom. Our relationship was just too broken for me to act casually. Sure, I did meet and treat her casually before but as I get older, it's harder to do.

"Yeah, when I got my car. Bye, take care!" I bid without waiting for my dad's reply.

Since I've got a torn relationship with my mom, I did change my number for her to be unable to reach me. Heartless it may sound but I'm too broken. When I was younger, I didn't realize that our relationship was that bad, manageable as I explain it. But then, I grew up, I matured, it hit me that it was too much. Just when we all thought that everything is straightening, everything started to crumpled once again.

I got in my car and sped off. While driving, I can't help but think about my family issues again. It feels so heavy and burdening. Not even once I liked this feeling. It makes me unproductive and just think and think about the problems. I can't go to work in this state.

Because I still got spare time, I went to a coffee shop to calm down. Coffee is my best friend just like the others do. Cafés are my haven. I pep talk myself on my mind and thought of positive and good things only. It's always been mind over matter for me. I don't want any negative in my life.

After cooling down, I bought three more coffee — not all mine. Originally, I wanted to buy another coffee so I have one while working but it'll be rude if I won't buy any for Mr. Manning and his Secretary.

Upon entering the company, I already feel good. I saw some of the seniors I had during my internship and they decided to greet me.

"Reese, you look good as always. Are you planning to bewitch men?" Kayla playfully teased me, wiggling her brows.

"No!" I laughed then continue, "I'm just feeling myself today."

"What floor are you on now?" She asked giddily.

"Mr. Manning," I hinted.

"Oh, wow! How?!" She shrieked,

"I don't know also." I chuckled and then I checked my wristwatch when I remember that I might go late.

"Ah, yes! I have to go now, Kayla. See you later!" I bid but she held my wrist to stop me.

"We have dinner this coming Friday. You should come with us." She invited.

"Sure, when I got time!" I gave her a sweet smile before finally turning my back and immediately went to the elevator.

When I enter the office the Secretary is still nowhere. Does he really have one?

"Good morning, Mr. Manning," I greeted faintly.

"Morning," he replied with a nod, his attention focused on the papers spread out before him.

I placed a steaming cup of coffee on his desk with a gentle clink. "Coffee," I said, my tone light.

He glanced up, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks," he murmured, reaching for the cup.

I leaned casually against the edge of his desk, feeling a surge of curiosity. "Still no sign of your secretary, huh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Nope, she's off enjoying her well-deserved vacation."

I couldn't help but frown slightly, impressed by Mr. Manning's ability to manage his workload without his usual support. "How are you keeping up with your schedule?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He shrugged nonchalantly, a hint of confidence in his demeanor. "Just taking it one task at a time," he replied, his voice calm and collected.

"Let me know if you need some help." I offered with a faint smile.

With that, I returned to my own desk, diving into the stack of papers awaiting my attention.

Once in a while, he leaves the office for meetings and other work-related things while I'm rooted on my chair with the papers.

"Reese, take care of these papers. I cannot give it to the other employees." He said handing me a folder. He just got back from the outside for whatever reason.

My brows furrowed at him, "I'm not licensed yet. I can't take over this. And you are fully aware that you should not be handing this over to me."

"I know but you said you'll help me."

"Yes, I could help you with some other things like taking care of your schedule and some other basic things I can handle even without my license. And you have to sign at the end." I explained,

"How about you do this and I'll have it doubled check? This will serve as your training ground."

"Are you sure about it?" I asked doubting. I'd love to have this, to be honest. I can do it, I'm certain about that. What's holding me is my license — I don't have it yet.

He nodded, sure of it. "Yes,"

My phone suddenly rang. I gesture at him that I'll answer it. I didn't bother going out and just sat on my chair.

"Yes?" I casually asked.

I scratched my forehead when my mother asked me about the weekend.

"Didn't dad tell you? No, I won't." I asked my her with hostility. They just can't leave me alone, goodness.

"We were fine last time, Kanalaa." She sounded pitiful but I think my sympathy for her is already drained.

"You thought we were, but we are not." I hung up.

I'm not really supposed to say that but I'm sick of pretending. I thought it was okay. I thought that if I were to think everything is fine, I can take it and go with it but that's not the case. The more I grow old each day, the more it's hard. It's like as day passed by, the more everything is sinking in and I'm becoming too conscious with things.

"I'm sorry for that. I'll start working with the papers."

I gave a faint smile to Alistair and he returned it with a small nod before handing the papers to me.

As I'm about to start working, my phone rang again. I checked the name of the caller to make sure it is not my mom.

"Hello," I greeted.

"Hi, I'm wondering if you want to have lunch with me?" Kein asked cheerfully.

"I can't go with you today. I need to hang up, bye." Then, I hung up.

I noticed; I've been hanging up on people quite a lot lately. I can't get a grip on a reason why people keep getting on my nerves. Sign of aging? I don't think so. They're just annoying, I guess?

I checked my wristwatch for time and it's almost lunch already. I don't have the energy to go out to eat. I started tapping my fingers on top of my table to think about what should I eat. I am not usually like this but I can't get myself to work at the moment.

Glancing at my wristwatch, I realized it was nearly lunchtime. Exhausted and lacking the energy to venture out for a meal, I absentmindedly tapped my fingers on the table, trying to muster the motivation to decide on food. It was unlike me to feel so indecisive, but I found myself unable to focus on work.

"Know any good restaurants?" I blurted out, surprising even myself.

Alistair looked up from his work, a quizzical expression on his face.

"Don't worry about me, I'm sorry for interrupting," I quickly added, feeling a bit flustered.

I shifted my gaze away, intending to refocus on my tasks.

"Any particular cuisine you're in the mood for?" he asked, breaking the silence.

My eyes instinctively flicked back to him before I shook my head. The two phone calls I received earlier had left me feeling drained for reasons I couldn't quite grasp.

"Alright, I'll take care of it," Alistair reassured me.

"Thanks," I replied softly, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as he took charge of the decision-making process.

Alistair returned from his quick restaurant search, holding a bag filled with delicious-smelling takeout containers. He laid out the spread on the table before us, making sure to include a variety of options to cater to any craving.

"Let's dig in," he said, gesturing for me to join him.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for his thoughtfulness as I picked up a fork and began to savor the flavors of the meal. Despite my earlier exhaustion, being in Alistair's company lifted my spirits, and I found myself enjoying the lunch more than I had anticipated.

As we ate, Alistair kept the conversation light and engaging, effortlessly drawing me out of my bad disposition. His presence was comforting, and I felt a sense of warmth and contentment settle over me as we shared this simple meal together just like the night we've first met.

Occasionally, our hands would brush against each other as we reached for different dishes. Each touch was filled with a silent understanding and affection that spoke volumes without the need for words.

As the meal came to an end, I couldn't help but smile at Alistair, feeling grateful for his unwavering support and companionship. In that moment, I realized that even the simplest of lunches could become a temporary relief to my worries.