Dead In The Middle (Rewritting)

Chapter 9

"Hey V! You wanna go to lunch with me?" Meek called from the entrance of the office. 

I sighed as I turned off the computer and closed the file in front of me. "Sure, sure. I guess," I mumbled. Sluggishly getting up from the chair and grabbing my jacket and bag, I bumped into the empty seat next to me as I walked toward Meek.

The sound of something falling caught my attention, stopping me in my tracks, and causing me to check the things I carried. Seeing that I still had everything, I checked behind me. 

Noel's jacket slipped off of his chair and onto the floor.

I sucked my teeth and rubbed my weary eyes. I let out a deep breath before walking toward it and lifting it. The soft gray cotton that lined the inside of the jacket prompted my thumb to run across it. My eyes softened as I watched the cotton move along with my thumb.

"You alright there?" Meek knocked on the wall, his voice was laced with concern.

I slightly jumped in response. "Yeah! I'm good."

I hung the jacket onto the back of the eternally empty seat and made my way, once again, to Meek.

He kicked off from the wall he leaned on and we headed toward the elevator. "You okay? You stood there for a while," he stated as we stepped in.

"I'm fine. I was just a little dazed but I am a-okay." I pressed the button to the main floor.

He glared at me with a look of disbelief and chuckled. "Whatever you say. You seem like you don't want to be around anyone for the past couple of weeks. On top of that, I can tell you haven't been taking care of yourself."

My brows knitted in confusion, taken back by his sudden words. "What are you talking about? I wanna be around you guys!"

"V, just think back to how you reacted when I asked you to come with me. Does that really seem like someone who wants to be around others? Usually, it's a given that we'll be going to lunch together, if you aren't out already, but lately I have to go and ask you. You've been acting weird in general, not just that."

I looked away from him and down at my hands. 

Was I really acting differently? I don't feel any different than how I normally have. Then again, normally, Dontae would be at work, Pam wouldn't have a scar on her forehead, I wouldn't be having nightmares every night, and Noel would be here with us.

The elevator chimed and we made our way to the building's cafeteria.

I guess everything's different then. How can he tell how I usually am if there is no usual anything anymore? I have to say something to him, I can't just ignore everything he said and not reassure him that I'm okay. 

Meek suddenly stopped before we reached the cafeteria, grabbing my shoulders causing my body to slightly clench together. "Look… if you're truly fine, I'll drop it for now. If you aren't, blink twice." He stared intently at my eyes.

I kept my eyes open for as long as I could before a laugh escaped my lips. "I'm fine, I promise."

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, turning me to the cafeteria before pulling me into it. "I haven't seen you eat since I got back. After this, I'll let you be."

"How's Dontae doing?" I asked as we got on the line for food.

He rolled his eyes and scratched his neck as he stretched it awkwardly.

"Annoying? Infuriating? As stubborn as ever?" 

"All of those!" He ran his fingers through his sandy brown waves, frustrated. "He doesn't sit still and constantly wants to do everything he's not supposed to."