I N S T I N C T I V E

(Two.)

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Following morning

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Ramona stretched after standing up from her home office desk. Her hair was rather messy and so was the desk, covered in multiple documents of paper. She immediately went to the kitchen and started to look for something to eat, settling on some Greek yogurt and granola bits.

After eating, she took a shower, clipping her hair out of her way as she relaxed from the soothing hot water along her body that experienced mild soreness from her crouching over for hours typing. After fifteen minutes she started styling herself.

In the middle of doing so, her cell phone rang. Once she saw the caller ID, she sighed, answering it after a few moments. "Hi Brittany." She said, staring at herself in the mirror. "Hey businesswoman. Haven't talked to you in a month." Said Brittany. "You know how it is. I'm always busy." Ramona replied. "Yeah, so busy working. Me and Gwen are still proud, you know. Just wish that wasn't the only thing you did to enjoy your spare time. Ramona huffed, starting to put on her jewelry. "I feel like I already know where this is going." Said Ramona.

"Because, Ramona. Anytime we talk you're always telling me and Gwen that you're busy, or in the middle of sketching something. It's never 'I spent time with my brother' or other family, definitely not friends, or even anything about going out on a date...!" Gwen replied. "Like I told you two many times before, I'm not looking for a relationship right now. My work ethic is too much for men. And I have gone on a few dates before, you know that. But they never quite click with me. They're never as they say they are, and if they are successful they expect you to put them on a pedestal and depend on them. It's so...counterproductive." Said Ramona.

"There are different types of men everywhere. You just haven't found the right one yet." She said. "Yes, an intelligent, well educated, humble, and respectful man who doesn't have a fragile masculinity absolutely exists in Chicago. The men here view commitment as being trapped. I want a man who doesn't think that being tied down is something negative." Ramona said, shaking her head. "Well, even if you don't find a committed relationship, there's always something casual." Offered Gwen. Ramona groaned, scowling. "Oh come on, when was the last time you at least got laid Ramona. Just for fun." Asked Gwen.

"I don't sleep with people for fun, Gwen. You know that. It's against my personal morals." Ramona replied. "I want something serious like the majority of women. But nobody understands me. I have a passion for my work and it's more than just a job. But enough about this, if you'll excuse me, I have to go to work." She said.

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Ramona checked her Louis Vuitton watch while she waited at the Oak Park station. "Okay, 7:15. It should be coming now." She said, and sure enough, about half a minute later she could hear it honking before speeding past her.

Once she boarded and the train started to glide down the tracks, she used the time to monitor how her current projects were going. After being sent photos from Mary, she was able to view the progress within the construction team for projects she designed months ago.

She did this for about fifteen minutes, completely ignoring the handful of people who would pass her as they boarded the train at other stops, packing their items in the overhead compartment and finding a place to sit. It wasn't until an additional fifteen minutes later did she notice someone. And they surely drew a lot of attention to themselves.