Below the Sky

Chapter 29: Elijah

I walked back to my house, holding my cup of coffee in one hand, and a book in the other. It was pitch black out, the sun had long past set. There were street lamps to light my way though, and my small apartment was only a few blocks from my favorite coffee shop, so the dark didn't bother me too much.
The entire time I walked I thought of that girl I had just met, Lila. I remember that she was very pretty. Her skin was a deep tan, and her hair a brown color that was beautiful. She wasn't too tall, but she had appeared athletic, and strong.
As I had sat in that shop I don't know what it was but something had drawn me to Lila. I had stolen just one glance at her and knew immediately that I had to speak to her. She was just, special. It was like our souls were connected, and they were telling us to communicate with each other.
I finally made it home, and walked up to my small apartment. I lived in a tiny building, with only one bedroom and bath. It fit me though, and my cat Mouse. To some the home would appear too small, too cramped even for only one person and a cat to live. To me though, it was perfect.
I slid my key into the lock, and twisted. The door opened, and I walked through. I set my long since empty cup down on a little table, and slid my shoes off my feet. Then I stumbled to the living room, lighting a small lamp and falling onto the couch my book in hand.
I began to read for the last hours of the night. I knew I should probably get some rest, I had a lot of work tomorrow to make up fo that vacation I had gone on with my family, but I was too engrossed in my book to care.
I was currently re-reading Pride and Prejudice. It was a classic, a very old book but it still interested me. I had read several times before, but I figured it was good to revisit some reading sometimes, to refresh your memory.
Eventually I fell asleep, skimming through words caught up to me. I dozed off, and my book fell from my hand. It landed on the floor, but I was too tired to notice. A part of me was vaguely aware that I had to wake up early for work tomorrow, and I should set an alarm, but I ignored that little voice whispering to me. I let the comforting arms of sleeps hold me tight, and didn't resist.

The next morning I awoke to sun streaming through my window. It was blinding, and I covered my eyes, trying to block out the brightness. Then it clicked together and I realized if the sun was up already I had not woken early enough to start work when I wanted to.
I jumped from the chair I had fallen asleep in, and got ready to work. It would be a long day, since I needed to make up a lot of what I missed when I was on vacation.
I showered, got dressed, and ate breakfast. Then I rushed out the door with my materials, ready to go to work.
My job was at a plain office building. My office inside of it wasn't as plain though. It had a window, and it was pretty high up, so I had a nice view. I had also decorated my office nicely, so it wasn't too boring.
I sat at my desk, and began to work. Today my boss had assigned me with writing a letter to another company we wanted to trade with a little. I was probably one of the best technical writers where I worked, but still my salary wasn't the highest.
I worked for the better part of the morning then finally took a break around noon. I was tired, drained, and ready to eat some lunch. I probably had even more to do in the afternoon, but I couldn't think of that now.
I decided to get sandwiches and coffee from a really good Italian place just down the street. I sometimes went out and got lunch at work, and other times I just packed my food.
I arrived at the restaurant and ordered my sub and coffee. Then I sat down, waiting for my food to arrive. I opened Pride and Prejudice, and began to read.
Most of what I read then didn't really stick with me. My thoughts wondered, to other matters and then, like yesterday, back to Lila. It was so strange how I was attracted to her, like I simply needed to be near her. I was confused by the whole interaction with her, and kind of hoped that I would just forget about her soon, and wouldn't stress as much.

An hour or so later I was back in my office, working. I was tired, drained from everything I had already done today, but still I pushed through.
My head was comfortably rested in my arms when I heard a knock at my door. I started, and looked up. My boss was standing in my open doorway, knocking on the wood.
"Hey Elijah," she said My boss was a younger woman, maybe in her early thirties or late twenties. She had light brown skin, and curly hair that flowed off her head in tight ringlets. She was pretty though, and very smart.
"Hi," I said. I sat up, brushing myself off.
"I have some more work for you," she said. She walked into my office, and set a packet of papers down on my desk. I stared at them, willing all the work to go away just with my menacing glare.
"Okay, thanks," I said. My boss smiled, then walked away.
I groaned, then sat my head back in my arms. At this rate I would be here until midnight.

At one point I fell asleep, and awoke suddenly. I looked outside, and it was dark out. I groaned, realizing that I had dozed off for way too long and still had so much work to do. I pulled the pack of papers my boss had dropped off for me, and started.