"Been a Long Time"

Chapter 11: Back to Work, Unfortunately

My week of vacation was soon over, meaning I get to go back to work and insomnia! Yay!! As the week passed Yao Tong continued training and learning with the team. We even went out for supper on a couple occasions, which was very fun. The boys lived up to their promise of giving me one of the best vacations ever. They played games with me, we watched movies, we went to the arcade, and did other stuff when we got the chance.

I packed my stuff into the back of my car before turning around to say goodbye to my audience of friends and my brother. I hugged them all before stepping back.

"You all behave while I'm gone, got it!" I said in my serious 'older sister' voice. They all bobbed their heads in agreement, trying not to laugh. "Good. I'll be back during the weekend, but I doubt I will be able to stay long considering that the rush season is starting. Bye, guys!"

I turned around and got in my car. I drove off, waving to them out my window. Once out of sight, I rolled my window up and sighed. Back to work. Yippee...

I turned my radio on, trying to fill the silence with something other than my reluctant disappointment at the thought of going to work. Unfortunately, I was soon home and had to turn my work phone back on. I got my luggage out of the car then headed inside to unpack my bags. 

Once inside, I locked my door and headed for my room. After putting my bags on my mattress I plopped down beside them before reaching for my work phone that was on the nightstand. I sighed, turning it on. Immediately, a lot of emails and such sprang up that needed my direct attention instead of my replacement for the week. Poor Mr. Ching had been my replacement for the week.

"Tired Workaholics"

Ms. Lu: Hey, I'm back from vacation. Do I need to come to the office for anything?

Mr. Ching: There is two things that I need you to sign, but those can wait for tomorrow. Get settled and take care of all the emails that I know for a fact have piled up in your inbox.

Ms. Lu: Thanks, you are an absolute lifesaver. I am going to get started on those emails here soon. I'll see you tomorrow!

Mr. Ching: Very well, Miss, I'll see you tomorrow!

I went to my monitor and got to work on the mountain of emails and coinciding paperwork that needed my attention.

.

.

.

I closed Gmail, finally done with everything. I sighed, laying back. My hand accidentally struck something hard to my right. I groaned, realizing that I had yet to unpack. 

I glanced at the clock. Nine o'clock at night... did I really work that long? Oof. I sat up, pulling out my phone to see if anyone had texted me.

Cute Shorty: Hey, Brother Cheng is a little mad... what do I do?

Lu Y/n: Tell him that if he doesn't shape up I will come over and drag him through the base after shoving him in a pink dress. That should do the trick. 😂

Cute Shorty: Will that really do it?

Lu Y/n: Yep! Just show him the text. 😂

Cute Shorty: Ok... I'll do that now. Brb.

I put my phone down and looked over at my bags. I groaned, getting up to start unpacking. I opened my suitcase, pulling out all my dirty clothes, throwing the articles of clothing into the basket next to my closet door. Next, I pulled out the remaining clean clothes and put them away respectively. My phone dinged as I reached for my toiletries.

Cute Shorty: It worked. 🤣

Lu Y/n: Told you! 😂

Cute Shorty: Thanks! I am going to head to bed. Goodnight!

Lu Y/n: Goodnight!

Putting my phone down again, I put my toiletries and the rest of my luggage away.

Once I was done with that I went to my kitchen to find something to eat. I opened the fridge, scanning the contents. I had some eggs, ham, and veggies so I could make an omelette... I considered it then discarded the idea. I kinda want something sweet... I have milk, eggs, and bread... I'm making French toast.

I grabbed the eggs and milk, then headed to the cabinets for the vanilla, cinnamon, and bread. Putting the ingredients on the counter, I squatted down to find the necessary pan from the lower cabinets. Once I had got everything I poured the milk in the pan, added all the dry ingredients and vanilla, and cracked the eggs into the pan. I whisked it all together before realizing that I kinda need a pan to cook the toast in. I grabbed a skillet from underneath then went to the stove to heat the pan up.

Once the pan was hot I dipped two pieces of bread in the concoction from earlier and put them in the pan to cook. Half way through, I flipped the bread and waited some more. While they cooked the rest of the way I grabbed a plate, butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. After checking the French toast, I flipped them onto my plate and shut the oven off.

I turned around, putting the plate on the counter next to all the toppings. I buttered the toast, sprinkled a little powdered sugar on, and poured on a healthy dose of maple syrup before picking up the plate and sat at my table. I dug into the delicious meal before me.

After I was done eating, I cleaned up my mess, put the remaining batter away, and headed back to my bedroom to take a shower.

Apparently, I had been in the shower for too long, because the last minute or so of my shower was ice cold. When it first went cold I may or may not have squealed in surprise. Embarrassing, I know. Anyway! I got out, dried off, got dressed in some comfy pj's, and threw my dirty towel and clothes in my dirty laundry basket. I'm going to have to do laundry soon... sad. I'm not doing it tonight though!

I grabbed my phone, checking the time. It is currently 10:25. Should I watch something, play a game or two, read, or go to bed? I'm not all that tired so that rules out going to bed. I've been playing a lot of games so that rules out another one. Watching something will make me stay up longer, so I am going to read. I went over to the small bookshelf next to my desk that was bowing under the weight of the books. I'm going to have to get a bigger bookshelf soon. My collection keeps growing. 

I decided to go with one of my childhood favorites: Ranger's Apprentice.

I read far into the night before finally falling asleep.