Hell on Earth (Boyxboy)

Chapter 4: Friends

                                                                      4

Joseph felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. What had he just done. Oh god. Oh shit. Shit. What has gotten into me? I mean, I don't even know the man's name! I shouldn't care what happens to him, he's a murderer, for christsake!

Joseph shook his head. Whatever the hell was wrong with him was probably a result of his recent increase in stress. It was making him go crazy. Joseph rubbed his eyes wearily, trying to get the recent enlightenment out of his mind.

Down the hall, Joseph heard the tell-tale squeal of one of his coworkers, Tracy.

Tracy was naturally pretty. Her long brown hair and soft tanned skin kept her looking young, even though, in truth, she was well on her way to 30. Tracy had green eyes, reminiscent of emeralds, and her personality was in stark contrast with Joseph’s.

While Joseph tended to prefer solitude and quiet, Tracy was outgoing and always at the center of the action.

“Joseph! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Tracy nearly strangled Joseph with one of her signature hugs. “I’ve found the perfect guy for you! His name is Miller and he works with utilities. I’m pretty sure he swings your way and he has a great personality!”

 Joseph sighed. Ever since Tracy had figured out that Joseph wasn’t exactly interested in the female gender, i.e. gay, she had made it her mission to try and set Joseph up. With obviously little to no success.

“Tracy, you know how I feel about you trying to set me up… I prefer to know the people before I date them.” They started walking down the hallway, towards the mess hall.

“But Joseph! You are such an introvert!”

“I resent that.”

“But it’s true.” Tracy said. Joseph couldn’t argue with that. He did have a tendency to push people away.

Tracy shook her head dramatically. “What you need, Joseph, is to get out there and meet people. Honestly, you don’t ever date or anything. You need a good hearty fuck every now and again, you know.” Tracy ended matter-of-fact-ly.

“TRACY. Seriously?! Do you have no shame?” Joseph was blushing. Tracy just smiled and giggled.

They arrived at the mess hall, Joseph’s face was still red. Tracy went off to go pick up some food, while Joseph sat at the usual table. There were five other people there, Kaylei, Amy, Mariah, Keith and Meghan. They looked at Joseph as he sat down.

Joseph didn’t bother getting any food, because lately he had found that he’d have no appetite, more often than not, and would just end up throwing anything he did buy out.

“Hey Joseph!” Said Mariah. “I heard you talked to the council today. Is it true you got kicked off the alien case?”

Shit. News travels like freakin’ lightening! The whole affair hadn’t happened more than ten minutes ago…

“Yeah, I heard you got your ass handed to you by the head councilman.” Said a voice from behind Joseph. Shit. Marc.

The one person Joseph did not want to talk to. Marc was associated more closely with the military section of the ground floor. And even though most of the scientists stayed to their work and the militants to theirs, Marc never failed to find and ridicule Joseph.

Honestly, it was just like high school all over again. Some people just never grow up.

Joseph turned around in his chair to face a wall of muscle. He looked up, finally finding Marc’s face.