LINKED

Chapter 8: The Evaluation

A/N

I LOVE this story, but I am kicking myself for starting 5 WIPS and then not work on any of them (I feel guilty). Well this is my third update of the month so.. Then again I haven't updated this story since November so.. yeah I suck. I also blame social media, especially the app that starts with an R which I will not name because I am petrified to (long story, has to do with A03). It takes up too much of my time I could be spending on writing.

Anyway. I will say that these two do have love/hate relationship going on which is fun to write but maybe so much to read? I don't know. In conclusion: here is Chapter 8.

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They both sat nervously in the Ministry of Interpersonal Relations. Alec nervously tapping his foot on the floor. Ella was reading the folder for the fifth time now; especially the parts she had highlighted, and she sighed continuously. He looked at her; and could see that she wasn't exactly at ease and was staring anxiously at the papers, afraid of losing sight of a detail. Alec felt sorry for her.

"You have prepared well, and so have. It will be alright."

She looked up at him timidly, wide-eyed. If she had any doubts, she didn't show them; she just nodded with a doubtful expression.

"Mr. Marsters. Miss Lawrence"... their attention was caught by a voice calling them through the corridors.

"Please proceed to go to room 2" the voice said through the speaker. They stood up and Ella put her folder away in the bag. They gave each other another a look of understanding, they had to do their best, this evaluation had to go well but both were honestly not reassured.

They had been linked for almost half a year now but did not live together. They had not slept together. They had kissed each other, yes, but that was all. It was everything and nothing. Ella noticed that he had reacted very distantly today and had deliberately sought the space by not sitting next to her in the first place but one chair further. She didn't understand, but she had other things on her mind now.

They walked to the room in question and Alec knocked on the door.

"Come in" said a female voice.

Alec hesitantly opened the door and saw a middle-aged woman sitting there, her black hair pulled back tightly; wearing a red suit and striking red spectacles that matched her outfit. Next to her, a slightly uncomfortable looking Tom gave them a shy smile. The woman stood up and walked towards them with small but determined steps and held out her hand. Alec grabbed it and shook it briefly.

"Julia Stanbury."

"Alec Marsters, nice to meet you."

"And you are... Ella Lawrence I suspect" as she looked sparingly towards Ella.

"Yes. Yes... I am. Pleased to meet you" Ella replied quickly and she reached out her hand. Julia shook it briefly.

"Good of you to come. I gather you know Tom" said Julia and she turned to Tom who stood up and walked towards them.

"Nice to see you guys again" greeted Tom friendly but he still didn't look very at ease.

"I'm Tom's supervisor. You haven't had to deal with me so far but I'm in charge of all the evaluations here. Well... now that we have the introductions out of the way; shall we take a seat?" suggested Julia. Ella and Alec nodded meekly and took a seat, with Julia and Tom facing them.

"Would you like something to drink?" asked Julia. "Coffee, tea?"

Alec wanted a cappuccino and Ella tea, so Tom got up to get the beverages. Julia didn't say anything until he was back and gave the visitors a smile; one that did not seem genuine at all. Tom returned and gave them each their drinks, including two coffees for him and his supervisor. Julia nipped briefly at her cup of coffee before turning her attention to the people sitting in front of her.