The Wedding Issue

Chapter Twenty Nine - Finding Your Soulmate

Walking into work today was strange. People were acting like I had a "FRAGILE" label written on me, and I didn't appreciate any of it. I looked fine, I walked fine and talked fine. There was no reason for them to adopt the "handle with care" attitude whenever they were around me. It made me feel incredibly weak and that was one feeling I couldn't stand. Telling them – or yelling at them - that I didn't want to be treated that way didn't really make much of a difference either. The sympathy in their eyes was appalling.

Madison was on top of things, which was somehow very hard to believe if I hadn't seen it by my own eyes. I rubbed them just to be sure I wasn't hallucinating. In fact, she eerily reminded me of my younger self. There was passion and drive in her eyes and a whole lot of authority in her tone. Sure, I would've loved her clothes to be a little more Prada and a little less Gap, but it's nothing a salary raise can't fix. I think the title of Junior Editor wouldn't be so bad. Besides, the leap in her career could give her the boost of confidence she so desperately needs. Monica was right about hiring her, but I was never going to admit that to her, obviously.

The moment they saw me approach them, they got on their feet surprised. Well, Madison was surprised, Monica looked like she was about to throw a killer tantrum.

'Why the hell did you decide to leave your bed this morning?', she said as she came by my side and held my arm so that I could lean on her.

I pulled my arm gently as not to hurt her feelings. It was quite obvious that her mommy instincts were spreading to everyone around her, not just her baby. It was both cute and annoying.

'I'm fine, Mon. Look at me. Do I look like I need a helping hand?', I told her as I pointed to the six-inch stilettos I was walking in.

She shook her head with disapproval.

'Is there anything we could get you, Miss Fernandez?', Madison offered shyly as she adjusted her glasses.

I looked at her and smiled. I wanted to tell her to never quit that habit of hers that made her so unique. It reminded everyone that she was a kind, warm-hearted and incredibly determined young woman. She could've quit. She could've gave up and never met any of my ill-treatment. She could've went crawling into a corner and lulled herself by crying the hurt away. Instead, she withstood all of that and actually proved that she wasn't made to be somebody's assistant. She was made to lead and make a difference. I could see that so clearly now, and I wished I could've seen it sooner.

'Thank you, Madison. You've been of such a great help lately. I don't think I would've been able to pull it off as well as you have with this issue.'

The look on her face was priceless and the redness of her cheeks and nose was adorable. I wasn't the one to give out free compliments, but she totally deserved the praise. She looked at me with sheer admiration that I couldn't resist reciprocating the feeling. It hit me then that she would soon hate me for what would happen between Killian and her twin. I wished there was a way that we could all come out of this winners. Regrettably, some of us will be hurt and angry.

'We were actually going to get something to eat. Would you like us to get you anything?', Monica offered.

'No, thank you. I think I want to catch up on some of the finalized articles, if you don't mind sharing them with me.'

'Yes, they're on Madison's desk', she said as she was heading over to get them before I stopped her.

'I'll get them. You go get some food in you. I want your baby to be all cute and fat', I said.

They giggled as I ushered them away. I should really give both of them a raise.

My phone beeped and I took it out of my purse hurriedly, anticipating it was Killian with some not-so-good-but-really-great news.