Intertwined: Invisible Strings

Chapter Five

Chapter Five- Fever and Forgery

            “This is everything you’ve been wanting to experience,” I whispered to myself, “You’ve got this, you’re going to be a badass Lawyer, 1 year from now,”. I sighed despondently sniffing violently through my stuffy nose trying to breathe but both my nostrils seemed to have planned a joint agenda to murder me by clogging themselves. As I sit on the cozy couch in our small living room, sipping on a cup of steaming tea, I can feel the warmth seeping into my tired body. The bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, are alive with the sounds of the city, but all I can think about is the night I just had. After Rohan, no one has ever managed to quicken my heart rate or infiltrate my thoughts like Alaric had done and I’ve only known him for a few days. I didn’t know if I was deathly attracted to him or if I despised him and his entitled, cocky behaviour. I believe it was the second one, yes…I despised him…loathed entirely in fact. I hated his sharp jawline, his dark charcoal eyes which hid behind his lustrous lashes and his pink lips which he bites whenever he’s in deep concentration…and I hate all of it.

            After that impromptu late-night rendezvous at work, I didn’t get enough sleep because I was so busy making sure every single detail was prepared for trial today. However, my lack of selfcare resulted in me waking up soaked in sweat yet somehow still trembling from the cold air. My skin was burning up, my nose betrayed me terribly because I could not breathe normally and the pounding that I was feeling in my head did not help my situation. Ping! The sound of my phone made me roll my eyes in exasperation. I had been added to WhatsApp group for the wedding party of Rohan and Sarah…I have not even opened the chat much less seen whatever was going on in it…I had muted the chat but for some reason my phone didn’t get the memo and still pinged. As to why I didn’t exit the group chat…I don’t know yet but I plan to very soon.

            Aishna walked into the living room, her highlighted hair swung up in a high ponytail and she was entirely dressed in a beautiful baby blue blouse and soft black pants. As soon as she saw me concern swept over her entire face, “Rubi, are you sure that you can go to work today?” She asked while organising her teaching resources. I was about to give her one of my people pleasing smiles but it was no use with her she can see through my façade from miles away. “I’m not okay but I have to be, this is the first time I’ll be stepping in the courtroom since I’ve been working at Vanderfields, it’s a chance to prove to myself that I am worthy,” I continued, my throat paining with its sourness.

            “If you need anything let me know, we have half day today so that the children can prepare for the sports day on Sunday,” she chirped as she scanned the perimeter of the apartment to make sure she had packed everything. “Aish! Promise me that if Red car uncle shows up…you’re going to tell him that you’ve changed your mind!” I reminded her from the comfort of my couch.

            She paused to glance at me, “No promises, love you! Goodluck!” and with that she was out of the door. This girl will never change. I chuckled to myself and tried to get up even though every bone in my body was protesting against it. I had approximately one hour to get ready and meet Alaric at the courthouse. Great. After my wardrobe malfunctions in the past days I wasn’t in the mood to dress to impress so I decided to keep it simple with the classic pantsuit. Muted tones are best for legal proceedings or so I’ve been told by my previous mentors so despite my infirmed state, I dawned a brown pantsuit and paired it with a white and black stripped blouse. I put my long hair in a Rapunzel like braid, slipped on my trusted pumps and with that I too was out of the door.

As I approached the grand courthouse building, my heart began to race with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The towering pillars and imposing architecture of the courthouse created an atmosphere of solemnity and importance. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I climbed the steps to the entrance. The heavy doors swung open before me, and I stepped inside, feeling a sense of reverence wash over me. The interior of the courthouse was just as impressive as the exterior, with high ceilings, marble floors, and grand chandeliers casting a warm glow. The sound of echoing footsteps filled the air, mingling with the hushed voices of people going about their business.