CLOUDS | hat films

| neuf |

I didn't know what to say or do when it came to Alex. I just felt like a total idiot no matter what I said. Every conversation turned into an awkward silence and it just wasn't like before.

We made it to work and I made a cup of tea before sitting down at my desk, putting my head in my hands. I heard a brief knock before looking over to find Sips at the door. "What's up kiddo?"

I immediately got up and pulled him into a hug. "Oh my god! What are you doing here?"

"Chill, E. Lewis and I are doing our Team Double Dragon stream tomorrow and I gotta be here so I flew out a day early." He pulled away from the hug. "You doing alright?"

"Uh, no, not really." Sips had never seemed like a person that would be willing to listen to someone vent about their problems for hours but he had always been there when I needed him. I began explaining everything that had happened to me in the past few days.

When I finished, he looked completely dumbfounded. "Fuck. Okay, first off all, that Samuel dude's a dick. Second off, don't let the whole thing with Smith get to you. It'll blow over, I promise. You guys are already best friends, and I'm surprised you're not more than that, honestly."

I smiled, sitting back down in my chair. "As always, you're right. Now go annoy Lewis, you big fuckin' bastard."

He chuckled, flipping the bird. As his laughter faded, he made sure to add, "I'm here if you need me kid. Take it easy."

I pulled off my jacket and booted up my computer. Just because I had a shitty weekend didn't mean I could slack. I opened up the newest Telltale game and pressed record.

When I finished, I figured I would grab a snack. I had recorded a lot, so I sent it to the editors to cut up into bits. I tried not to give the editors too much to do. I normally edited my own videos, but that just wasn't happening today.

I took my tea into the kitchenette and searched the cupboards for something to eat, my eyes landing on some Jaffa Cakes. But (of course) they were on the top shelf. I clambered up onto the cabinet, my fingertips brushing against the edge of the box as they fell onto my face.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath, dropping from atop the cabinet. When I turned around I saw Trott holding the box of Jaffas in one hand and a bag in the other.

"Hungry?" he asked, holding up the bag. "I'm on lunch duty for the other two, so I figured I'd bring you something. Hope you like spaghetti."

I smiled meekly. "Thanks, Trotty. Mind if I join you guys eating? Not being able to talk to Alex has kinda been a bummer, so I figure it'll be easier with you and Ross there."

"Of course, E. You're welcome anytime. I think Sips is gonna be eating in there too, so it'll be a full house." He chuckled before leading me to their space.

I walked in to find Sips in my little corner of the couch. "That's my spot, fucker!" I joked, attempting to push him away with no luck. He pulled me in between him and Ross and handed me a tin and fork.

"You're very protective of a spot on a couch that isn't even yours," Sips commented, digging into his food.

"I seem to hang out in here a lot. It is the biggest room in the office, after all."

"New rule: no girls allowed," Ross said, swallowing a piece of bread. "All in favor say aye."

Alex, Ross, Trott, and Sips all chimed in with an 'aye!', seemingly ending my girlish reign of their space.

"Well, sorry to inform you, E, but looks like you'll have to stay in your cramped little office. And take Hannah and Kim with you, 'cause they're not allowed either!" Ross squeaked.