Subterranean | H.S.

S29

2/2 of the double update. Make sure to read chapter S28 first.

Persephone's pov

I walk away from the car, not looking back. If I'd look back I'd probably get back into that car, because that's the closest place that I feel comfortable at and I don't feel like stepping out of my comfort zone since Jack's acting aggressively and Arnie's technically getting better, but not in my head.

Harry did make me angry earlier, but he said he was sorry and he changed his behavior. That's what it's all about, right? It's not only about realizing that you did something wrong and saying that you're sorry, but also about changing it. That's the only right way for apologies to work and I'm happy that he did it. It definitely makes me look with optimism at our collaboration.

Harry's the only person that makes me not feel like I'm the loneliest person in this town tonight, and I couldn't be more grateful for that. 

He calmed me and I feel understood.

He didn't have to touch me in any way to make me feel that and it's a nice feeling. 

I walk past sober and drunk people, walking to the back door. I still have the keys and everything, but I'm not just going to go change and hop on the bar. I have to go and talk to Jeff.

I open the door and get inside. The room is empty, as I thought it'd be. I leave my stuff in the locker and just take my phone with me. I'll let Harry know if I'll be coming home right away or later. 

It's kinda weird for me that he's a boss and has time to drive my ass around the city in the middle of the night, but that's the deal. I don't care about that as long as it doesn't change anything between our arrangement. 

The music hits my ears as I close the door. I forgot how loud it is in a club. 

I push myself through the crowd, walking past the main bar. I notice Riley in there and I look at her longer than I probably should. 

She looks happy, talking to Jade. They pour drinks and laugh together with the new guy. Good seeing him happy in here. This is exactly what this place makes me feel. I hope that every person will find a place that makes them feel that way. We all deserve to be happy.

As much as I want to walk up to them, I stop myself. I came here to talk to Jeff, not apologize to anyone. I still think that Riley's overreacting. I do agree with her, but not with everything. 

''Seph!''

I hear someone calling my name, but I act like I didn't hear it. I casually walk through the crowd, getting closer to Jeff's office. I don't want to make it last even longer.

''Persephone, hey!'' Someone grabs my arm and I manage to keep calm. Jade comes in front of me and hugs me.

''Hey.'' I hug her back, appreciating the gesture. Even tho she's not making me feel uneasy, I know what kind of questions she's probably going to ask me and I don't want to do that. 

''How are you? What are you doing here?'' She pulls back and smiles at me. 

I think she knows exactly what I'm doing here.

''I'm fine. I just came to talk to Jeff. Sorry, but I have to go.'' I point in the right direction and start walking, not waiting for her answer. I just want to get it over with. 

She just nods her head and disappears from my vision, due to my steps. I'm surprised that she isn't stopping me. 

I exhale loudly and grip my hands into fists. 

I can already smell the characteristic smell filling the small bar area. It's full. There's a huge fuss. I search for Zayn, but I can't find him. 

''Oh, fuck.'' I say as someone knocks me in the stomach with their elbow. I wrap my arms around myself, trying not to get on the ground. I couch and try to take a breath, but it's hard. 

''Hey, fuck, I'm so sorry. Persephone?'' I look up, staring at Zayn himself.

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

''Z-Zayn?'' He grabs me by my waist and helps me sit on the table. ''What are you doing here?'' He stands next to me, placing his hands on his hips.

''I spend most of my evenings here, darling. Haven't seen you in a while, you okay?'' I get the opportunity to look at his face. I look for any injury, but there's none. 

I can't believe a guy as huge as Jack lost with Zayn who's much smaller than him. I'd never guess. 

''Yea, I'm fine. Almost, 'cause someone knocked me with their fucking elbow.'' I joke and we laugh. ''Are you okay?'' He realizes what I'm talking about and nods his head. His eyes are a little bit closed, due to the amount of alcohol or drugs he's had. But I see that he's thinking straight.

''I'm good. You want some water?'' He offers nicely, as always.

Maybe I do, but I don't have time to right now. ''No, it's okay.'' I unwrap my arms and stand from the table. 

''Do you have a drive home? I can take you back if you need it.'' I furrow my brows at his words. He's too nice. ''I can call a taxi or shit.''

''No, no. I have a drive. Thank you though.'' I adjust my clothes, trying to look professional. 

He sees that I want to walk away and he doesn't stop me. It probably clicked in his head the second he saw me here in normal, non-revealing clothes. I bet he talked to Riley or Jade.

''I hope it's not that bitch of a boyfriend.'' I laugh nervously at his words, not really understanding why is everyone talking about my boyfriend right now.

''No, no. It's not him. It's my-'' I look for the right word to describe my driver. I see a smile growing on Zayn's face. He probably thinks I have someone else. ''Friend.'' Zayn smiles at me, nodding his head and mouthing 'okay'. ''I'll see you around.'' 

Quickly, I walk away. 

That was fucking weird. 

Is everyone in some kind of conspiracy now, or am I tripping? Everyone is worried about me, asking about my relationship. I don't know how to act.

Without thinking or knocking I walk into Jeff's office to see him behind the desk, looking at some kind of papers. When he notices me he smiles and with one simple motion, he scoops the papers and hides them behind him. 

At the same time, a nervous feeling builds up in my abdomen.

''Persephone!'' He says happily. ''Good seeing you here.''

What?

I stay in the middle of the room, confused with the interaction. I manage to answer him after a minute for thoughts.

''Hi.'' I say, not really sure how I'm supposed to act.

''Are you feeling better?'' He stays in his place as I close the door and give my ears a break from the noise.

''I uh-'' I don't know what's going on, but this is definitely not a reaction I was expecting from him after finding out that one of my workers wanted to quit. 

''I'm happy to see you back, you can start whenever you want. I hope you enjoyed your time off. I ensure you that there won't be any situation like that ever again. We have more cameras around and more security. When would you like to start?''

I'm not sure Jade told him exactly what I wanted her to.

And I don't feel bad about it. Not even a little bit.

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