Ryan: Is it love - The original story (Game walk through)

Chapter five part two

Gabriel > Where has the sweet and caring Lily disappeared to?

He leans towards me as if he were looking for something.

Gabriel > Where are you hiding her?

He has no right to refer to our former working relationship. I can understand that it's difficult to take, but he has to get used to it.

> Listen, Gabriel, I'm not the enemy here. I need to have something tangible, to tell my higher-ups. You and I can look at how you could improve your team's productivity, but for that, you need to consider me as an ally... You can't count on our old relationship to justify the situation. The roles have changed, and it's not healthy for you or me or the company to pretend otherwise.

Wow! I can be proud of myself! Even if I take no pleasure in it, I had the courage to set things straight!

He's glaring at me. For once, I feel he's run out of arguments. I didn't take the bait he offered and that obviously makes him feel unsettled.

Gabriel > OK, I'll make sure the file is ready for tonight.

By the tone of his voice, I sense that I offended him. But I know that he's intelligent enough to understand that it's nothing personal.

> Good, thank you, Gabriel, have a good day.

I turn around and walk away, leaving him standing there in front of his desk. Once out of his office, I sigh. I'm sure that I've just set an unpleasant precedent between Gabriel and me. Carter is not wrong: it's hard to be gentle when giving orders... Even though I still think it's possible to stay human. I must admit, I like it. I feel like my actions have a real impact on how the company runs. Responsibilities imply dealing with difficult situations like that one.

I cross the open plan office and stop briefly at my former colleague's cubicle. No luck, his new co-worker isn't at his desk. I was eager to meet him...

Matt > Hey, would you like coffee?

> With pleasure, but I don't have much time.

Matt > Don't worry, Madam the Assistant, I won't take up too much of your time...

Matt smiles at me like an idiot, and I roll my eyes sighing.

Before calling it a day, I go to Carter's office. As always when his appointments are finished, I know I can find him there.

I enter the dim-lit room quietly. He's on the phone. He's pacing back and forth behind his desk while speaking on the phone. He gestures to me to wait. I watch him. A concentrated expression on his face, he gets straight to the point. He's not a man to get tied up in endless discussions. When he's done, he goes back to his desk and notes something on his computer, then he looks up at me.

Mr. Carter > Miss Langood...

> Sir... Here's the file you asked for.

I put Gabriel's file on his desk and watch his reaction. He stares at the file a minute.

Mr. Carter > OK, thank you.

The atmosphere is strange... It's as if we were both holding back hypocritically.

> Is that all? I thought it was especially important...

He leans back against his chair, slowly rubbing his chin with the back of his hand.

Mr. Carter > This file didn't matter much.

> Excuse me?!

He's got to be kidding? I haven't just jeopardized my relationship with Gabriel for no reason?!