Out with the Old

Approximately 10 minutes have passed since Trent left Ted's office. And after staring into space for far too long he realizes he should head upstairs to see if Rebecca needs any help with the administrative side of signing a new player.

He knows that she doesn't really need his help but he always likes to offer. And selfishly he needs the distraction.

The vacant locker room is unsettling and is causing his thoughts to spiral out of control. He is hesitant to return to his apartment, as he knows the silence there will be just as deafening.

He can feel himself starting to drown in his thoughts again. The game was a nice distraction but now the persistent sense of confusion is swarming back.

Why am I still here?

The feeling of being pulled in two different directions is starting to be too much. He's not sure how to control this feeling but one thing he is certain of is that spending time with Rebecca will be like a breadth of fresh air.

He knows hiding behind the guise of offering help is a weak excuse but he needs this. More than he would ever care to admit.

If nothing else, maybe Rebecca can give him an estimate of when their new player will start. He needs to prepare for Zava's arrival. He is sure that the transition will come with its' twists and turns, as most transitions do, but he's starting to think that signing Zava is the way to go, even if he comes with the Drama Queen Gene.

But, if there is a way to help Rebecca(and the team) achieve one of her goals, then he can manage. Besides, all people are different people so he has no right to judge someone, let alone someone he doesn't know.

Taking one last glance around the office, he grabs his book bag, turns off the lights, and makes his way up to her office.

With every step he takes, he finds himself smiling and more excited to see her. He knows everyone is mostly gone for the day so as he approaches her office he decides it's best to not go dancing in like usual. He would feel horrible if he startled her, especially when she likely assumes she is the last person here.

Her door is halfway open so he pauses to knock rhythmically and poke his head in. However, she doesn't respond.

She's seated at her desk but is staring intently out her window. Clearly lost in thought.

Once more, he knocks gently, but there is no response. He whispers "Boss" softly to avoid startling her, but again, no answer.

He walks farther into her office. Angling to the left hoping she'll catch him in her periphery but she doesn't.

"Rebecca," she slightly flinches before registering his presence. Taking a deep breath she slowly turns her head towards him but her eyes remain unfocused. After bouncing all over the room they finally settle on him. It's clear that she needed a moment to reorient herself and recognize where she is.

"Apologies, Boss. Didn't mean to startle yuh. I knocked and called your name but you seemed worlds away. I probably could've done the chicken dance and you still wouldn't have noticed," he chuckles, but she remains silent.

He knows that she doesn't always engage with his jokes but her dissociation is really starting to concern him. Normally he can count on at least an eye roll but she's still staring through him.

Without saying another word he decides to move toward his seat. Her eyes follow him as he sits across from her but she doesn't say anything. "You okay there Boss?"

She still looks dazed. Giving him all the more evidence that she really isn't here in the moment with him.

She smiles at him but it's not one of her genuine ones. He loves her smile. Wishes he could see it more. Wishes he could be the one to bring it out in her.