Chapter 7

I was eating my meal, finally in peace when someone tapped my shoulder.

_ Hey Adam. I just heard a funny story...

I was confused at first, so I just kept chewing my chicken salad for a moment. The one speaking to me was Sandy, and she was on the Product team. We chatted a few times, but I wasn't sure what she wanted with me at this time.

_ Kristal said that you and her were in college together... - she said with a smile creeping up her face.

Time froze in place. What was she talking about? Was she referring to...

_ ... and she played some pranks on you.

My mind suddenly raced to another place. In the past where Kristal would share what she did to me with the other girls in the same class that we were together. My mouth was suddenly dry and I could not do anything else but breathe.

Brian was sitting across the table and upon hearing this he immediately jumped up.

_ You! - he said pointing at Sandy who was still with a smile on her face. - Follow me.

He walked across the cafeteria and everyone could hear when he spoke:

_ You, conference room. Now. - Pointing at Kristal.

She got up seeming embarrassed, looked at me for a moment, and then followed Brian.

Could it be? Could she face the error of her actions almost 10 years later? I was wondering this when I saw Samantha cross the cafeteria looking pissed off with a clear mustard stain on her shirt.

Her face showed that she wasn't happy to be called at that time. Also, she did not look forgiving. I almost pitied whoever was in her way that day.

_ What was that about? - someone close by asked no one in particular.

_ I have no idea. - I said while eating more chicken salad. Suddenly my appetite was greater than ever.

Brian was not back for more than 1 hour. I was already back to work, but my mind was still there. How could she have shared our stories after the huge warnings that Samantha gave her?

I saw other people being called to the conference room, so she might have been telling other people about it. Regardless, I was satisfied.

It seems that what Evan and the lawyer said was true: I should strike first and strike hard. What would have happened if she remembered our time together and HR was not aware? It sent shivers down my spine thinking about it.

When Brian came back he seemed pissed off but still took the time to talk to me. We walked to the hallway and he whispered what happened at the meeting.

_ So, apparently Kristal did remember your time at college. - Brian said while pressing his nose. - She shared a story with another 3 colleagues yesterday about how she teased you back in the day.

My mind raced back to our meeting earlier. She claimed that she did not remember me.

_ So, earlier today, when she said that she was not sure...

_ She was lying. Clearly - Brian said sounding very frustrated. - She claimed that she wasn't aware that the story should not be shared.

It seemed that Brian was not happy with the incident, but there was something else that was bothering him.

_ What is it? Why are you like this?

_ Well... Samantha scared the crap out of everyone, and she made it clear that Kristal is on very thin ice. Otherwise, she received a written warning in her file and that is it. But, the problem is that the story is out and there is nothing we can do about it. Sorry man.

I let out a sigh.

_ It is not your fault. It seems that I was right to warn you guys about her. It is a shame that I was a day late.

_ No, you did your best. - he said forcing a smile. - Honestly, I would not share with the company the things you did.

_ Thanks. - I said feeling embarrassed.

_ Anyway, let me go back to work.

_ Sure thing. I will grab a cup of water. - I said feeling a little better about the situation.

My mind was riddled with questions, but all of them were unimportant when compared to the fact that Kristal was caught. And this time she could not hide it anymore. She was probably not going to bother me anymore.

When I turned around to go to my desk, Kristal was standing right behind me.

She pushed me to the wall and placed her arms at each side, blocking my exit. Her face was close to mine and it did not look happy.

_ You. - She said almost snarling at me. - Why would you do that?

_ Do what? - I said while swallowing.

_ Why would you tell everyone about college? Are you stupid?

_ I didn't...

_ And now I am in trouble because of a loser like you. - She said not letting me finish my sentence. - I should...

She was about to continue when the air around us shifted. Both of us could feel it instantly, just like prey feel it when a predator is nearby.

_ What is happening here? - I heard the cold voice of Samantha behind us.

Kristal removed her arms slowly while trying to seem friendly.

_ Sorry... I was just apologizing to Adam for what happened.

_ That does not seem like an apology to me. - Samantha said while looking at the suspicious position that we were in.

_ I just needed him to hear me out. I didn't want him to run away. Right, Adam?

She looked at me and I could only shake my head like a fool. I was so scared of them both that I was barely able to speak.

Samantha kept looking at us for some time and her aura seemed to be the same. If she grabbed Kristal by the throat and lifted her in the air I would not be surprised.

After some time she said pointing to Kristal:

_ You. Go back to your workstation.

Kristal turned on her heels and went without a word. Only when she turned around the corner that the tension in the room diminish and I let out a breath.

_ Did she threaten you? - Samantha asked in a low tone.

_ A little. - I said without being able to look into her eyes.

_ Do you want to press a complaint about her?

_ No. - I said leaning in the wall again and looking up. - I just want this to be over.

Samantha got quiet for some time, and then she leaned closer to me. She was tall, so her face floated above me, while I could feel her body heat very close.

_ If she ever does anything to you, you can come to me. - She said while piercing me with her blue eyes. - Got it?

I agreed with my head, but my heart skipped a beat. She was so close that I could smell her perfume and it was intoxicating. For a moment I could see her lips part and she seemed to be about to say something, but she just touched my chin and then turned around and left.

While still leaning against the wall I relaxed although my mind was racing. What happened there?

I was left with so many questions that I did not even consider the threat that Kristal made to me.