It's Just Me

5 - Eat, You Fool

Somehow, the guys finished up before eight, and Ray was out of their like the place was going to explode. Everyone else closed up at a more leisurely pace compared to the Puerto Rican. While I packed up my stuff, Geoff began scold Michael on his parenting styles.

"It's eight, and she hasn't had anything to eat."

"Not everyone eats at five, you know."

"Yeah, but she has to eat at some point."

"She will. When we get home."

"Here." I felt something hit my back, and I turn to see that it was a turkey sandwich in a ziplock bag.

"No thanks." I reply, picking it up and throwing it back to Geoff.

"Eat it." Toss.

"I'm good." Toss.

"You're growing." Toss.

"I stopped growing a year ago." Toss.

"Just eat the sandwich." Toss.

"I'm not hungry." I say, throwing it back. Jack, who seemed tired of the petty arguement, stood in front of the sandwich and caught it, walking out of the office. Everyone stood in silence, except for Gavin and Ryan, who were losing their shit.

"Well, I should probably go get this one something to eat." Michael finally said, glaring at Geoff. "Go find Joel while I finish up." I nod and sling my backpack over my shoulder, heading out of the AH office. Finding Joel was harder than I thought. I headed to his desk, empty. Adam Ellis' desk, empty. Break room, empty (of Joel). I checked back Joel's desk, and see his chair pushed across the room, but it was seemingly still empty. I open the door, and was surprised to see Joel hiding under his desk.

"No! I don't need help!" Joel yelled from under his desk.

"Dad. It's eight. Drive us home." I say, and Joel sighed and came out from his desk. He looked tiredly at me, and I chuckled.

"What."

"You sound like an old man, you have the facial expressions of an old man, but you don't look like an old man."

"Of course I do."

"No, you don't. Now get your keys, I'm hungry." I say, heading out of his office. I went to the Achievement Hunter office to hear Michael and Geoff talking in hushed voices. I couldn't hear what they were saying, so I pretended not to notice them and walk by to the Stage 5 entrance.

After about five minutes of waiting by the door, Joel joined me, asking were Michael was. I said I didn't know (which at this point I didn't, he may be in space for all I know) and Joel sighed. Another two minutes and Michael came around the corner, apologizing about being late. We went out to the car and packed ourselves in, Michael took the driver seat with Joel in the passenger. I sat in the back row, like always.

"Do you know what the best thing about meetings are?" Joel asks once Michael starts the car.

"No, what?" I ask, humoring him.

"Absolutely nothing." Joel answers, then going off into a rant. I listened the best I could, but I couldn't ignore the tension. Everyone seemed on edge. It was like the calm before the storm.