The Neighbor

Chapter 1

"Alrighty everyone, that concludes our seminar for the day! You all made it! I know it is only 4:30 but I know everyone is looking forward to our month break so I am going to be the best boss and let you all go now" 

Thank god. I don't think I'd be able to sit through another 10 minutes of this seminar. Everyone gave a round of applause and then started quietly talking amongst themselves. I was still the newbie so I didn't really have many friends to talk with. I didn't really mind being known as the quiet one though. It was nice to just come to work, respond to emails, schedule meetings for my boss, and do my work. The last thing I wanted was my personal life getting entangled with my work life. I quietly packed up my notebook and looked around as everyone slowly began packing up. 

"Elodie?" 

I lifted my head up to see my boss standing above me. For some reason he was always standing above everyone, I'm assuming it made him feel like he was in control and that he had all the power.

"Yes Mr. Anders?" 

"First of all, please call me Rick, second of all, I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you've been doing. It's much appreciated. Make sure you take this month off fully. I want you to relax. Go have fun, drink, go on vacation, explore, hell I don't even know what you young folk do anymore. Just make it a good break okay? I look forward to hearing about it when we are back." 

I forced a smile and nodded. 

"Will do." 

I stood up grabbing my bag heading towards the door.

"Elodie?" 

I sighed. Here we go. 

"Yes Mr. And- Rick?" 

"I mean it! I don't want any emails from you. This goes for everyone! The only emails I want should be photos of your vacations or adventures if you feel so inclined to share them!" 

I let out a small laugh and nodded my head. 

For being known as one of the harshest lawyers in California, Mr. Anders sure did have a way of making everyone feel like family in a strange way. I am fortunate to have gotten into this firm. I have heard horror stories from other office administrators and their bosses. 11pm phone calls, lots of overtime, no work-life balance. I couldn't imagine. 

I swiped my ID badge clocking out and then headed out of the building. The elevator was a 8 floor ride down, so I always made sure to pop in at least one air-pod so i could drown out the small talk and avoid any conflict. 

We reached the bottom floor and I reached into my bag grabbing my keys. 

"Have a good break Elodie!"

"You too!" 

we all made our way to the garage and got into our vehicles. Luckily the firm was only a 15 minute drive from my house. I was so grateful to not be working in downtown LA. The traffic is horrid no matter what time of day. I started my car up and then pulled my phone out. 

No new messages from Wyatt.

He still must be unpacking. After all, being on your own for 4 years and then deciding to move in together means you accumulate tons of shit that you didn't even know you had. I was just lucky that he was the one moving in, and not vise versa. 

This was a new change, but a good change. Wyatt and I have been dating since 10th grade.  Almost 8 years together. We survived everything. The long distance college. Wyatt moving across the country for an internship. We had such a strong relationship and unbreakable bond.