The Reunion

A much expected incident

It was 4 in the morning and I just couldn't seem to sleep. I kept lying on my bed with my hands under my head one over the other. No matter how hard I tried, the thought of Rachel hugging me kept my eyes open. I kept thinking about her with a continuous and never ending smile on my face. "I wonder why she hugged me?" I muttered, "Maybe she likes me". I was completely lost in this whole other world, this 'Rachel World' to be very precise.

This was just the first aspect of my sleeplessness, the second was the reunion party, which was going to be held today. It was going to be a four day exclusive event and I was really excited for it I mean everyone from high school was gonna be there! I was really happy, but suddenly this smile disappeared as I was unable to recall anyone from school except for a few. I mean I didn't get close with anyone, in fact I used to ignore them. "Why was I such a douche" I moaned "I wish I would've gotten along with everyone".

During this self-pity moment, my phone buzzed, it was a text message from an unknown number and it stated "hey, looking forward to see you at the reunion, love Laila". My heart beat intensified, it started banging harder and harder and I could literally hear it. "Laila! How the hell did she get my number!" I blurted out. My feelings were at a still stand, I was totally confused. All my past experiences with Laila were now coming to my mind, all those dates, kisses, hangouts everything. I went into this totally different world of the past and then I don't know what happened as I had fallen asleep.

There was this alarming noise banging right in my ears. "ughhh what the hell!" I moaned while trying to get hold of my senses. It was my cell phone ringing:

"McCarthyyy!" Came the voice from the phone. It was enough for me to know that it was my boss, Fred. "Where the hell are you?" he shouted. Man! This guy gives me the creeps. I looked at the time, it was 2 pm and the level of my fear just rose to a whole new level.

I couldn't seem to speak. I had two options, either I could remain quiet without uttering a single word, or, I could just present myself with a good reason and I chose the latter. "S-sorry Sir, I accidentally overslept" I replied frantically with my hand over my head, but this reason just didn't seem to satisfy him. Actually the thing was that I had already taken my 2 monthly leaves and Fred just couldn't afford another one of my holidays.

"Its frickin 2:07" he bawled, "Either you get your ass to work by 2:30 or just keep it to yourself!"

"U-uh I'll be there right away sir" I replied and rushed myself into the washroom. I brushed my teeth, splashed some water on my face, wore my suit and I was off to work. I grabbed a bagel and cup of coffee on the way and some donuts for Fred. Miraculously, I reached the work place at 2:40. As I entered the premises, all of my colleagues started giving me "THE LOOKS", it was a gesture of showing me, how badly I've fucked up.

I knocked the door of Fred's office, "Fred?" I requested and entered.

"You know what McCarthy, I've had enough with you and your lame shitty excuses" he growled while sitting on his chair. "Is he gonna fire me?" I wondered "no he won't".

"Sorry, I just couldn't sleep properly last night" I replied "that's why I came in late today" and after the excuse I presented him with the box of donuts as bail. He fruitfully took the bribe and ate one. I was sure that he'd forget this whole mess and will enjoy his donuts"

"I know how to fix you" he said angrily while pointing his half-eaten donut at me "you'll work overtime, let's see, how about till seven I suppose?"

I was traumatized, I mean I had a frickin reunion party to attend and even Fred knew about it, plus, I had a number of things to do like getting my clothes back from the dry-cleaners, get a shave and even a good haircut. He had completely, utterly ruined my day. I even pleaded for mercy, but he just didn't seem to care.