The Darker Exterior

Chapter 8

It was a good thing I had taken the day off, because I had neglected to set an alarm, and didn't wake up until noon.

I sat up, looking at the light streaming in through my windows. I had just noticed I had left them open all night, and a cool breeze was flowing through my quaint space, the bustle of traffic from down below eerily crawling into the space around me. I felt better, but my whole body felt kind of fatigued. It was weird, how adrenaline can flow through your body for days or even weeks, but when you let your guard down, your whole body feels the consequences.

I pulled myself out of my bed, which felt gross due to my sweat, and compelled myself to brush my teeth and hair, putting my hair up in a neat bun. I hated the feeling of the loose tendrils dancing across the nape of my neck.

It looked beautiful outside, but I knew I wasn't going anywhere today. I noticed I had three new emails and two texts from Ford, but decided for a brief moment, to ignore them. I just needed a bit of peace, even if it was only for a few hours. I left him everything he needed for today, so he should be set. 

I opened my contacts and found Atticus, hitting call immediately. I was going to settle for a text, but I wanted to hear his voice.

"Hello?" he responded, seeming almost confused.

"Hey," I say, a girlish smile on my lips, "I just woke up!"

I was no better than a teenager, kicking my feet in front of me like a schoolgirl with a crush. A crush on her really hot, older, teacher, I guess. 

"Wow, good morning sleepyhead. Do you feel better?" he asks, "You must have needed rest, you poor thing."

"Very much. I realized just how much I've neglected around here though. I didn't know if you still wanted to come over." I lay back on my bed and resist the urge to giggle. I loved this man's voice so much. His 'perfect gentleman' demeanor had somewhat changed, as he began to finally talk to me like a normal human and not a pristine gentleman, which I liked. Both versions of him were hot, to be honest.

"It would be my pleasure to help you out a bit, Aurelia. As long as that sounds alright with you."

"I look like a gremlin," I mutter, looking at myself in my mirror, which I need to fix. It was at a weird angle, as it had fallen off of the wall, and I hadn't put it back yet.

"As I said, it's fine, as long as you still want me to come over. If not, I'll mind my business and go get myself a nap and some drinks."

"You can come over, I guess," I say with fake sarcasm. Realistically, the idea of him sitting at home drinking instead of spending time with me made me feel almost upset.

"Wow, I'm a chore. I get it. I'll be over soon, Ms. Vidal," he teased.

We bid our goodbyes and I laid back once more. I had so much to do, this wasn't a day off, it was a day working from home. The closest thing I may get to real vacation was demanding work trips with Ford. I wonder how he was getting along without my guidance. I hadn't missed a single day of work since I started, even when I had a sinus infection so terrible I ended up going to the ER after I worked one day. Ford himself was kind enough to pay that bill for me. At the moment, it seemed kind, but thinking back on it, I wonder if he was trying to prevent some sort of lawsuit.

But hey, despite everything, I get to see Atticus again, which is nothing to be upset about. Although, when he saw me in my true gremlin form, he may have other ideas about me.

He'd have to see me as a gremlin at some point if we stayed together anyway. We were just getting it out of the way ahead of time. 

Before I knew it, there was that familiar buzz.