UNGIFTED

CHAPTER 11

G roaning, feeling unable to open her eyes, Ameria lazily reached out her arm towards the alarm at the side of her bed and turned it off. It was way too early for it to be beeping that loud.

Out of the corner of her eyes, Ameria could see the numbers that shone brightly on the screaming device. It felt as if she had only blinked when it’s high-pitched sound woke her. And now, laying on her back, she stared up at the ceiling. Pondering on the idea of missing breakfast over some much-needed extra minutes in bed.

After getting to her room the previous night, Ameria had thrown herself on the bed. Thoughts running wild inside her head. The things her colleagues had told her. And the way Ben had behaved throughout the day. Were the guys right? Was there something she could not see? Probably not, but the questions kept popping up in her mind like rotating ads.

Pulling the pillow from under her head, she pressed it over her face and groaned loudly. There was so much to do and to think about, and only so many hours in a day. She needed time to stop for a moment. A pause long enough for her to run from the avalanche rushing in her direction.

On a different wing of the building, Ben also wished the clock would stop ticking for a while. Enough to give Ameria time to join them for breakfast. He wanted to see her. Even if it was from a distance; even if it was for a second. Somehow his days were always better when they started with her around.

“I never thought I’d see you like this.” Eroan told him over the loud noise of the Cafeteria. His pen on hand as his journal laid open before him.

“Like what?” Ben asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“I don’t know. Desperate?”

“I’m not desperate.” He responded quickly.

“You are looking around the Cafeteria like you’re searching for air.” Rowan’s boyfriend explained. “Who are you looking for?”

“No one in particular.” Ben replied, occupying himself with finishing his drink.

“But you are looking for someone.” Eroan stated trying to read between the lines. “Is this ‘no one in particular’, the same person that left a mark on you the other day?” He asked in an effort to get his friend to give him some sort of clue.

“Eroan.”

“Benjamin.” He mimicked. “I know you. If it’s not a woman, then it’s something I should seriously worry about. So, what is it?”

“Your imagination.” Ben told him. “You’ve been working on your story for so long, you’re starting to imagine things.”

“My story has nothing to do with it.” Eroan said in his defense. “Although I must admit, you might find yourself reflected in one the characters.” He told his friend. “So, tell me, what should I write next on his story line? Is he in trouble? Has he fallen in love?”

“Nothing, you should write nothing.” Ben stated. “I have to go. I’ll see you later.” He said standing up but, instead of walking towards the doors, doing it towards the buffet table. His friend’s eyes following him as he picked up something before leaving.

***

The sound of typing and paper being unfolded filled the office like every other morning. A noisy printer in the background becoming louder and louder with each use. Ameria closed her eyes for a moment trying to focus but, the severe lack of sleep was beginning to fog her brain. Its levels of irritability going through the roof.

“Special delivery for Ms. Iarvaris.” She heard a young boy say and had to open her eyes to look at him. Her peer trainees turning their heads to snoop as well.