Snake

PREPARED

I had a few days to prepare for the Pharma event, and my nerves were a wreck. Luckily, someone from the company volunteered to be my plus one.

His name is Boris, and he was hired during the same time I was. He's also one of the few coworkers I've become really cool with.

I chose a simple yellow low neckline dress with matching strap heels. Boris wore the signature black tuxedo for the black tie affair.

A limo picked both of us up, and within thirty minutes, we were pulling up to the event.

"Thanks for inviting me, Violet. It's been a while since I've gone out."

I smiled at his excitement. "Thanks for saying yes."

We got out of the limo in awe of all the people, lights, and cameras. You would have thought it was the academy awards ceremony.

Boris and I put on our Zen Pharma pins to represent our company. I grabbed a glass of champagne to calm my nerves. My goal was to be seen, not heard.

We took our seats and sat through the two hour ceremony. Awards of recognition, company of the year, and innovators were given out.

"Zen Pharma for outstanding achievements in medicine...." I was barely paying attention to the presenter.

"Violet, they called us...get up." Boris brought back my focus.

My eyes widened while everyone waited. Once I got up, the claps erupted as I headed to the stage.

I hope they don't expect a speech.

With the award in my hand, I smiled. I just said how I felt about my boss and the words flowed.

"Thank you for this award of appreciation. I accept this on behalf of our amazing leader, teacher, and humble genius, Mr. Kenji J. Zen. Thank you."

Claps were given again, and I took my seat. The restroom was calling me, so I excused myself and went to the long hall. My heels tapping on the floor was the only sound.

I saw the ladies' restroom sign to the left, then went inside. It was empty and eerily quiet. After relieving myself, I washed my hands and checked my make-up. I heard whispers in the distance, causing me to look around.

When I looked back into the mirror, my image was gone. My eyes were trying to find my face, and then one of the stalls slowly opened.

I watched through the mirror as a pale, dark-haired man walked out. He wore a dark tailored suit and freshly shined shoes.

I didn't hear anyone come in, and why is he in the ladies' room?

"To see you, Violet."

***

My body froze in place, wondering what was in that champagne I drank earlier.

The man walked closer but I wasn't taking any chances. I ignored his presence and hurried out of there. Scared to look back, the tapping of my heels was rapid going down the hall.

"Ah!"

I felt something pull the hem of my dress, and I freaked out. There was nobody around me or in the distance ahead. I tried snatching my dress back, but it wasn't releasing.

"Let me go!" I cried out.

Suddenly, it was yanked so hard that I fell to the floor. I still saw no one while I was slowly being dragged by an invisible force.

"Please, help me! Somebody help me!"

I was being pulled back towards the ladies' room, and I screamed in panic. Then suddenly it stopped and I backed away with my heart beating rapidly.

"Are you okay?" An older woman asked.

When I looked around, the halls were now filled with people. I was helped up by two men with tears running down my face. Soon, Boris came running towards me.

"Violet, are you okay?"

I hugged him, crying in shock. By the shaking of my body, he squeezed me tight, trying to console me.

"What happened?"

The familiar deep voice spoke in the distance. I knew it was Rin, but I didn't look.

"I'm not sure, but she's a wreck."

Boris continued to comfort me, but then I felt hands grab, then lift me up. My eyes opened to Rin carrying me in his arms. He put me down once we got to our limo.

"Make sure she gets home safe."

"Of course," Boris said, helping me get into the car.

The whole ride to my house, I sat in silence. My brain was still trying to put pieces of what happened together.

From the man in the restroom to an invisible force dragging me down the hall, I was shook to my core.

The next morning, Rin showed up to my place. He was instantly throwing questions at me.

"You left the phone we provided you in the limo."

I was relieved he found it and quickly took it from him.

"Thanks."

"Why did you have it with you?"

"Just in case, Mr. Zen contacted me."

"He's on vacation. Why would he call you?"

"I don't know..."

"Anyone could have gotten a hold of that. Confidential information is kept on that phone. The wrong person could see what's in it... like your boyfriend Boris."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"You need to be more careful with company property."

"I was attacked...the last thing I was worried about was a damn phone."

His mean expression didn't change.

"Who attacked you?"

"I'm-I'm not sure. I couldn't see them, but I was definitely dragged. I need some time to get my thoughts together."

"Mr. Zen comes back the day after tomorrow. You should be fine by then."

"What? I can't. I need more time off... This is all too much."

"Well, you can always quit if this job is too much for you."

I was so angry by his words that my eyes filled with tears. His lack of sympathy was hurtful.

"I was fucking attacked last night!"

"By something you couldn't see....what are we supposed to do?"

My frustration was at its peak but I held back my tears then sat up straight.

"I'll talk to Mr. Zen myself. You can go, Nishimura."

"Whatever this special treatment you think you get from him won't last long. He'll move on to the next young thing that comes his way or get hired."

"It's not like that."

"Do you think you're the first personal assistant he's had a little crush on or wanted to fuck?"

I looked away, trying to calm my annoyance.

"Get out, Rin."

He made his way to the door. "Tread lightly, Ms. Edwards."

Once he was gone, I let my tears go.

"Ugh! he's such an asshole."