the steinfeld effect

chapter twenty-five : stood by

"I can't reach you on the way..." 

Timothee stood up from his swivel chair, I didn't noticed him approaching me since my eyes were busy locked to Hailee. She looked different, it's been months...long months without her, and now that she's here...I feel like the last thing I wanna do is ask her what happened and where she's been, I just wanted to hug her.

"she just came this morning.."

"she's ready to do the press, and soon this will be over and Hailee can be back on track and you can go back to your old job if you would please to.."

Timothee was speaking to me, but I couldn't help but to divert my attention to Hailee every second, she was looking sickly worried and nervous. And I've been biting my nails ready hard as I listened to Timothee, I was glad she's doing the right thing. 

"I knew all of this shocked you both, and by this Hailee you're clearing up your name as well as Charlie's..."

Timmy sat in between the two of us, I sat in front of Hailee who kept on stealing glances at me. It feels uneasy for me to stay in this position for a long time. So I divert my eyes to my fingers and started fidgeting them, It's that same familiar feeling when I am around her, the only difference is I could feel myself sinking deeper into my seat, I could only wish to storm out of this room and lock myself from inside out. 

"I wanna make it clear to the public too to be honest, and I knew the past few months have been really hard for Charlie as well.."

Timothee grabbed his papers, handing the other one to me. I can feel the uneasy feeling in my stomach as my fingers flipped the pages of the paper, I took the pen right next to me and started scanning the introduction page of the paper. I gulped down sharply before turning my head to Timothee. 

"We have to separate you two both for good, it's going to be part of Hailee's renewed contract and as for you Charlie, you'll be working under me from now on."

I started fidgeting the pen on my fingers, I was doubtful at signing the papers first but when I turned to Hailee, I quietly watched her sign the papers without any hesitations. Does she really want me away from her?

"I know I haven't been able to tell you in details Charlie, but it felt more right if Hailee is here as well." 

"She wants to make the decision herself.."

Timothee glanced at Hailee and smiled. 

"right Hailee?"

He tilted his head to the side with his hands behind his back, all he got was a nod. 

"lunch is with me ladies.."

Timmy smiled at me, I gave him a quickly faded one in return before excusing myself outside, I have his papers on my lap and they needed to be processed as soon as possible and I can't just stay in the same room with Hailee, it's suffocating me. 

I feel crumbling inside, knowing the last time she spoke to me was a confession. We both know that we can't be together, and seeing Hailee coming back to her label and finally getting back her life on track is enough for me to see. I don't wanna ask her for more, she's been through enough and i don't wanna put her in a much complicated situation by telling her I feel the same way. 

And if I just try my best to stay away from her like I always do, I would be just fine.

-

"are you okay? you barely moved your food.."

As we both predicted, Hailee left before I could even come back to Timothee's office and refused the lunch her offered. 

"I think my stomach is just upset from having too much coffee.."