The Space Between

Chapter 29; I have to let you go

Sarah entered Xavier's office and went in as he also entered behind her. Closing the door, he looked at her from the back hating himself for what he was about to do. As he walked over to his table with the files. Sarah smiled speaking first. "Xavier when does the therapy start-"
"It's Mr Xavier for you. I would appreciate it if you address me professionally "
Sarah was taken aback by his cold tone. She did not expect it and felt the hurt from where his words hit her. It wasnt what he said rather how he said it.She suddenly noticed what she hadn't before. His stern posture, his jaw clenched and his eyes as cold as ice. Who was he? She couldn't find the trace of the Xavier she knew. The one with a kind smile, the one whose eyes turned all its attention on her. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze. Nevertheless, she was not going to let him walk all over her. "Well...Mr Xavier. I was wondering if the plan we talked about on the call will be proceeded with" She said putting extra emphasis on 'Mr Xavier'
Xavier felt his heart ache to hear her talk that way but what he was going to do was much worse. I'm doing this for her he reassured himself She didn't deserve to get caught up in his fated mess named life. He leaned over. His eyes on her as he folded his hands in front of him. "Well..I have decided to cancel the plan. And also, to implement a new one instead "
"Which is?" Sarah asked in a neutral tone. Clearly angered though reserved.
"I would appreciate it if we keep our relationship professional and between these walls. "
Sarah's arms dropped limp at her side and Xavier turned his chair around indicating end of discussion. He heard the door slam behind him and he threw the first thing he saw on the table. Angry at himself for yet again hurting her.

Sarah could barely hold the tears in. She wanted to get out of here right away. The place suffocating her. She grabbed Rana and as soon as they went out. Not caring if this was their work time or if their operational manager spoke from behind. Rana also tagged along not saying a word as she saw her friend's upset face. Without a word, Rana led them to her car and as soon as Sarah sat down. She broke. Crying tears of shame and humiliation. Angry at herself for meddling with his life. For going to far. For ever expecting that his alliance. Wordlessly, Rana leaned in to give her shoulder as a support and Sarah took it. She didn't want to explain. She just wanted to get the ache our first. So that she could think straight. When she calmed down. Rana handed her the tissue box as she took one and mouthed thank you. Rana smiled nodding. Looking down, Sarah spoke. "You must be wondering why I dragged you along so suddenly"
Rana nodded. Still not speaking a word.
Sarah narrated her the whole incident. Her voice breaking in the end and then Rana spoke. "You know what we are going to do now. We are going to pick our bags. Make an excuse. Take a leave for the rest of the day and go to my house"
Sarah's innocent eyes looked at her. "But Ms Lauren won't let us leave"
Rana smiled mischievously "She sure will. You just wait and see"
Sarah wasn't sure it was a good idea after seeing the look on her friend's face. But she still agreed. She really didn't have the energy to argue. They made their way back in.

So when Rana came out of Ms Lauren's office with a smile, Sarah just had to ask
"Oh my God what did you do?"
"Nothing that you have to worry about. Let's go"
The ladies picked up their belongings and went off. In between drive, Sarah told her friend.
"Rana can you please take me on a long drive?"
"Whatever you say"
Rana replied keeping her steady eyes on the road. Sarah closed her eyes as the music played in the background. She just let the music take her away. She didn't speak, she didn't cry, she didn't think. In that moment, she just stopped, she paused her thoughts as she decided to collect herself. People had always told Sarah that they loved meeting her because she possessed this calmness around her. She tried to connect with that part of herself. That was calm and clear headed. She would be lying if she said that she didn't see this coming because she did. She just gave in to that fantasy of maybe. She had to restraint herself before she could confuse herself more.