Lit: A Story

Chapter One

I awkwardly stand a few steps from the entryway of the lounge.

I hear the others talking avidly about the activities. Being one of the seniors, I must be leading the orientation of the lower batches. I shrug; it is not my fault if the bus I rode on arrived late. I take my luggage and silently trudge to the next floor.

"Aurore!"

My head whips back. Tasha waves. She runs to me and hits my arm. I wince, then hit her back.

"You have to do fifteen pumps," she reminds. I roll my eyes.

"As if those kids can get me," I say in defense.

"Really, Aurore. You should try being honest sometimes," Tasha clucks her tongue. Passing my had-carry to her, I smirk.

"I prefer being a liar. Thank you very much."

Abreast, we walk up the steps. We stay at the third landing. Bags have been dropped on the mini-lounge. Tasha and I breathlessly slump. Our bodies lie like sacks on the couch. The clock ticks as we catch our breath.

The room I am occupying is at the edge. It is bigger than what I used to stay at. Higher ranks do have credits. Tasha sniffs; she smiles as the aroma of fresh scented candles infiltrate her nostrils.

"Duty delivery."

I stop taking in air. I cannot gulp. My body seizes to move. Inside, my system clamors. It wants to turn my physical body towards the speaker. It isn’t shame that kept me from where I stand. I know it's not.

"Pierre. Just leave that to me," I hear Tasha's footsteps.

"Aurore needs to sign here."

I silently grumble. Dragging my feet, I go to where he is standing. Pierre holds out a pen. I get mine from my pocket. I sign my name.

"We'll confer in an hour," he adds.

Tasha pushes him back. Daringly, I look up. I see his eyes, but the anticipated feeling does not come. He catches me. That instance must have made me appear like a dolt.

But I stand firm. No remorse about forgetting. No regret about moving on.

Pierre is insignificant.