Story Book

Chapter 16: Story Book

I stared at the ancient looking book laid out before me, and then my gaze shifted to Mr. Celestino, who was still beaming at me. After all that chaos, what now? Were we really going to read this book together?

"I'm sorry, sir?" I inquired, curiosity mixed with confusion.

"You see, I'm researching Drifida's history, and this thick book holds valuable information," he explained, flipping it open.

The title read 'The Protectors.'

"Can you read it?" he asked with anticipation, his eyes fixed on me. "I will take notes and you will just read."

I nodded, and his eyes showed amazement, it is making him look like a kid excited for a bedtime story.

I cleared my throat and began, "The protectors are not ordinary humans; they are beings born of another world. Is this a fantasy, sir? I'm a bit confuse."

Why would he want me to read a fantasy book? My boss sure is weird, he's second in my list of weird bosses, on top of it is Mr. Hargraves of course. No one can top him from that lists for sure.

"It's an ancient myth," he reassured me. "Please, continue."

I resumed reading, "These protectors safeguard humanity from the malevolent demons who seek to sow chaos."

"Superheroes of old," I mused, impressed by the way the book was written.

"The high priestess of a tribe prophesied their arrival-the demons destined to protect humankind. Few believed her, doubting that any demon could be a savior. Yet, the unwavering priestess insisted that these chosen demons would relinquish their dark identity to gain powers that would benefit humanity."

"Like fallen angels," I pondered aloud.

"For ages, this belief was scorned, until five demons who sought human flesh encountered a profound love that altered their destinies. They decided to stand by humanity's side, shielding them from their malevolent kin."

The room seemed to come alive as I continued, "Each of the five demons sacrificed their demonic traits, receiving new abilities in return. Their leader, the most astute, became the Mind. The strongest and swiftest among them became the Hand, a formidable fighter. The one with unparalleled vision became the Eyes. The ability to touch souls belonged to the Heart, their Sustainer. And the power to manipulate time was bestowed upon their Feet. United, they preserved the human realm for centuries—through kings and queens, empires and wars, life and death."

Pausing, I glanced at Mr. Celestino, who was engrossed in the story, his excitement is clearly visible. It seems like he even forgot that he will suppose to take notes because he is just looking at me with a glint in his eyes.

"Should I continue?" I asked.

He closed the book and smiled at me, "There is no need Irene. It is enough for the day." He put the book in between his shoulders, "I already got the facts." Then he goes straight to his private office without saying another word.

I blinked as I stared at the closed door. Is that it? Mr. Celestino made me read a page of that book out loud because of what? He wasn't even taking notes when he was listening. I thought it was for research. Don't tell me he will make me read the entire this and make a summary of it? good lord! that will probably take me a whole month of sleepless nights just to finish!

"Wow. So that's what was inside that book huh. I can't believe something so simple should be hidden from us!" A disapproving voice complained.

My head turns as quickly as a tornado to see Mr. Hargraves lying comfortably on the sofa while drinking bubble tea. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I stared at his lay-back figure.

When did he get here? How did he even get here? Was the door so silent that I didn't notice it open? Mr. Hargraves keeps on appearing out of the blue. If I didn't know better I would assume that he is teleporting. That would be really cool though, straight out of a comic.

"How did you get here Mr. Hargraves?" I asked.

"Through the door of course!" He smiled sheepishly at me. "And please call me Jarteh! I can't stand your formality! We will be best friends, you know." He smiled brightly at me and took a sip in his bubble tea.

I quickly shook my head. He's my boss. I can't call him not formally. If I ever started doing that I'm sure there will be talks that will go around the office. And I don't want that. As I promised myself before working here, I should just be a normal, promotion worthy employee.

"You're my boss, sir. I can't just call you Jareth."

"You can! I will allow it." He grinned at me.

"Even if you allow it, I simply just can't. Words will go around and I won't have a peaceful office life anymore."

"What about just calling me Mr. Jareth? I like it better than my surname." He looked at me expectantly.

I paused and looked at Mr. Hargraves's expectant face. Mr. Jareth doesn't seem so informal. I guess it would do. And I don't think I'll be meeting him often anyway.

"Okay, Mr. Jareth," I said and smiled at him.

He jumped on his seat and moved closer to me. "What about outside? Can't you just call me Jareth?" He asked.

"I can't. As I said earlier I want to have a normal and peaceful office life and calling you Jareth won't help me achieve it." I opened my file on the computer. Though it will probably be really cool to be his friend. 

"Okay. But you won't have a peaceful normal office life. I've seen it." Mr. Jareth said as he looked at me sympathetically then he dashed towards the door.

I stared at the door dumbfounded. Did Mr. Jareth just curse me? I groaned and dropped my head on my desk. This is the worst thing that I've experienced in my whole career. And Megan said it will be different than before.

This is indeed different. Because here, my boss is the one cursing me! Mr. Jareth somehow always seems to see something or know things that I don't understand. He really is at the top of my weird boss lists.

After the weird morning, we continued like normal. Me assisting Mr. Willards and Mr. Celestino, going to meetings where I eventually saw Sir Killian again. He was looking at me weirdly every time we are in the same room together. At least he is not glaring anymore, he seems more relaxed and soft. Megan and I ate together at the cafeteria and I had to take an overtime because I was spacing out and didn't finished my work early.