Debris»z.m

04

Chapter Four

"
the entire world knows this collapse. the one where everything holds its breath. where the trees and all their branches touch the ground for the first time. where the ground shakes so hard all the rivers flood, all the seas break in half.
you know this collapse. the one that happens under your skin. the one you feel in your chest sometimes.
the one that feels like unbecoming.
"
Reena B. | does your heart know anything else?
(via rbcages)

~*~

LA Fashion Magazine Headquarters

"What the fuck Lucy," I snarl, as soon as I'm sure we are alone. "Don't you think you should've mentioned that that jackas-"

Lucy does not hesitate to shush me as she pulls me into the ladies room.

Upon meeting with my old boss, Janet, I was informed that our carpool passenger was also the new client I would be photographing for our new assignment.

"That jackass is your new client, Bella, and he will not think twice about getting you fired. Zain will not tolerate any attitude," she scolds through gritted teeth. "Janet has worked so hard to get him here. You are not going to ruin this for her."

And for whatever reason, if reason at all, I feel for Janet. I know how it feels to lose something you have worked so hard and long for. I know how it feels to watch that something be squashed because of the actions of another person.

My eyes meet Lucy's stern gaze, and I watch as patience sweeps over her features. She gives me a knowing look, and I suddenly appreciate her a little more.

"Look, I know that he isn't the easiest person to work with, but I also know that kindness radiates from you. And when you're that kind, you have the ability to look beyond the things that hurt you."

I sigh, taking a deep breath before glancing at myself in the mirror ahead of us. Lucy, watching me in the mirror, gives me a reassuring smile.

"I can do this."

Lucy and I gather in the lounge of the building and wait patiently for Janet to give us further instruction. Because her door was shut, however, we knew that she was meeting with another one of our coworkers. A couple of minutes pass by, before the door to Janet's office is slammed open. By the look on Janet's face, I can tell that something is incredibly wrong.

"You want me to work with her?" Zain questions exasperatedly, narrowing his eyes before storming over towards Lucy and I.

Immediately, the two of us rise to our feet. I raise an eyebrow, obviously offended by his opposition and disgust in the thought of working with me. Little did he know, the feeling was incredibly mutual.

"Just for a month or so," Janet quickly suggests, evidently annoyed by his stubbornness. "Arabella is one of our best photographers. You won't regret this, I swear it."

While I appreciate her compliment, I fail to hide the annoyance that I feel towards her begging. What's so special about him anyways? Why won't she just let him go?

Zain locks eyes with me, and despite the anger I feel at this very moment, I allow myself to get lost in a sea of hazel. Something about the way he looks at me so angrily yet curiously makes my skin itch with insecurity. His cold eyes soften before he opens his mouth to speak.

"One chance," he mutters, breaking his eyes.

I struggle to hide my eye roll; nevertheless, I smile and shrug it off.