Love and Fear

Chapter 4

Seth was pissed, pissed and hungry. But mostly pissed. He was so mad at himself. At times like these were when he questioned his motives to even go to college. He drove his car home, instead of a restaurant. He had planned to get something special once he got the job but now he simply did not have the money to go out. Once there, he unlocked the door and sauntered in. His place looked depressing to him now. Seth's fridge was even worse, there was barely anything in it. He opened the cabinets above his counter and pulled out a cup of instant noodles. Turning on the sink he filled it with water and placed it in his small sad microwave. Seth sighed "should I even try and find another place?" he asked himself. The microwave interrupted his thoughts with a loud beep. 

Seth spent that day lounging around, watching videos on the internet and feeling bad for himself. He decided to give up, he needed to move on and get a real job. Seth never liked retail but his local grocery store was hiring so maybe it was time to quit his other two and get an application. It was about 10:30 pm when Seth finally decided to get up and get that application. He grabbed his phone, and keys, before heading out to his truck. As he drove his phone began to ring. Seth didn't recognize the number but answered anyway. "Hello". A masculine voice answered asking "Are you Seth Carson? Yes, who is this?" Seth pulled off to the side of the road. "My name is John, I'm calling from (L.O.B.X) Lab(laboratory) of Biogenic Xenology."

"What do you want?" Seth asked. " R.C.B.C sent us a copy of your resume and job inquiry, we want to hire you. Wait, really! Seth exclaimed. He could hardly contain his joy. " Yes, of course you would start out doing small tasks and organizing papers." John stated. Seth was shaking "YES!!" he got control of himself and smoothed back his hair "Yes, I will take the job. Sounds good, can you come in on Monday, I will text you the address," John explained. "Alright see you then" Seth said. Seth pumped his fist the air, his ruined day had just been flipped over. He received a text stating " Please come in at 9:00 am wearing casual non baggy clothing, here's the address 2240 Outback Road NE, it's down the road and a bit secluded. Please park in the back." Seth had a huge grin on his face and turned around to go back home. He ate dinner and told himself he would get better food now that he had this job. He fell asleep with a smile on his face. 

Morning came faster than anticipated and Seth spent that Sunday turning in his two weeks notice for both the fast food job and tree nursery. When Monday rolled around he was up at 6 to take a hot shower and make himself look his best. He chose to wear black slacks and a button up tee shirt. After eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal and an egg he rushed out to his truck. Seth typed in the address and contacted his phone to the truck speakers via an aux cord. It was a relatively long drive, about an hour, but he was leaving at 7:30 so he'd be fine. The map took him to a forested road which he drove down, John was right L.O.B.X was secluded. When he arrived he was struck by awe. 

This building was massive, R.C.B.C paled in comparison. It was painted in camouflage which was a bit weird but Seth figured it was so it wouldn't disrupt the wild life. He went around the back and parked. As he opened the door cold fresh air hit his face. It smelled wonderful, earthy and full of pine. He took a deep breath and stepped out. Seth walked around to the front, a smile plastered on his face. The door was made of metal and blended in with the rest of the building, save for its large knob. He pulled it open, it was heavy and thicker then he realized. 

The interior was disappointingly plain, but it looked clean. Seth stood over to the front desk directly in front of him. Sitting behind the mahogany wood was dressed in grey dress pants, a form fitting button up shirt completed with a straight navy blue tie. Seth gulped, this man looked nice. He was bent over a paper writing, and stopped when he heard Seth. His face was square and had a neatly trimmed beard. A lanyard hung around his neck, it held keys and a card with the man's name and picture. It was John. He looked up from his paper and smiled. His eyes were a warm hazel. "You must be Seth Carson". Seth fidgeted "Yes Sir. Good, you're early, we like that." John looked down and opened a drawer. He pulled out a card and handed it to Seth. It had his name on it but no picture. "This is your temporary key card to get into locked rooms." John said before adding "Don't lose it! Yes sir.'' Seth said, a smile sneaking its way onto his face. John gestured to the door behind him with one of his muscular arms stating " go through that door and ask for Dr. Marshal, she will instruct you on rules and work." Seth nodded, his smile getting bigger as he strode confidently past John's desk and to the door.