A Perfect Life Without You (Ongoing)

Chapter 1: Old Arnold

"Oh god, I am so sorry Sir, I truly had no intentions on spilling the coffee all over you!" I said with my trembling voice as my hands carefully wiped a white cloth over his now soaked dress shirt.

"Oh, well don't worry about it." The man took the cloth in his own hands and with an unpleasing frown started walking furiously towards the door. With those long strides, it probably took him two seconds – I promise I am not exaggerating. The man literally looked like he was training for the speed walking marathon.

I was left with a gaping mouth and big eyes, staring into the void (also known as my destruction). Did I just do that? I have worked here for two years and never have I done something nearly as pathetically clumsy as that. Well, except the time I tripped in Arnold's doorstep. Also, that other time where I walked around with ketchup smeared in the corners of my mouth. Okay, fine perhaps I am a little clumsy!

Arnold is my boss. I've just grown somehow to call him Arnold instead of the proper title. Mostly because he insisted to quite the formal appellations. Finally, after a year I got used to calling him by his name, and he slowly became more a friend then my boss. Arnold has truly been there for me when no one were. Even though he has only been a part of my life for such a brief time, he has helped me in unrepayable ways. I honestly don't know what I would do if I never met this man.

When I was done embarrassing myself in the lunch room, I walked over to the copy room to print out copies of this parchment Arnold asked for. Every time Arnold asks me to copy for him I rarely know what it is that I'm copying. Honestly, it's not my business, I just do what I'm told.

You see, I am not very highly promoted, in fact I'm originally here to do the things no one wants to do. Like copying, cleaning, phone calls and bring coffee – although after today I think the coffee request will sink considerably.

I knocked twice on the huge doors to Arnolds office, knowing that I would be welcomed warm-heartedly in by a stressed old man.

Suddenly I heard strong coughing from the other side of the door.

"Come in!" I shove the unnecessarily-heavy doors with a great deal of force, focusing on not folding the papers I have in my hand. "Here you are Arnold, the papers you asked for." I placed the white copies neatly on his desk, still treating it like fragile glass. I am a determent women at times, and I want to be good at my job. So, if that involves treating paper like a 3000 years old fossil, then so be it. "Thank you very much Annarose." A warm but tired smile stretched its way on his mouth, showing just how much he has been working. Big wrinkly hands with one shining gold ring reached to grab the papers, and then putting them safely in his drawer.

A storm of concern suddenly hit me.

How old is he really? How long has he been working? Surly it can't be healthy for an old man to work like this?

"How are you Arnold?" I tried concealing my concern by smiling sweetly, and casually sitting on the arm lean on one of his very comfy chairs if I might add. He looked up from the computer with a pair of deep-set blue eyes. "Fine, why do you ask?" A hint of amusement is visible on his pale face. "I don't know, I guess I'm just concerned about you. You have been working an awfully lot lately, and I hear you cough sometimes. Not that it's any-"

"Oh Annarose..."

"I mean, you look a little tired. Perhaps you should take a vacation." Arnold stood up from his chair and walked over to me. His gold decorated cane clicking with every step. "Annarose I don't want you to worry about me, I am fine. Really! You have done more then you know for me, and brought me so much joy these two years. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. The least you should have to do is include me in your prayers." Arnold's hand held one side of my face and I immediately felt some of the concern lift from my shoulders.

"Anyway, I was just about to leave for the night." His tall figure started walking towards the door. He is visibly having more and more challenges with walking. My worries came flying back like a butterfly. He is not just "fine".

"Either way, I believe you would throw me out if I didn't leave now." He said looking over his shoulder and meeting my eyes. "Just go. Oh, and get some rest!" I said smiling and waving him out.

*** *** ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hiiiii guys!!! I'm super excited, can you tell?
This is my first attempt to write a book so please don't be too harsh on me. I know that there's probably some spelling error and so on...
wow, that sounds like a good start.
Anyway,
This book is called "A Perfect Life Without You." I hope that all goes well with this book. Fingers crossed!! And that I'll actually finish it :)).
I am looking forward to seeing all the different characters come to life, and especially two certain someone;)))

I know that this chapter is short, but to be honest I kinda like my chapters shortish? That is just how I like to read them, but I promise that the next chapters will be longer. <3

And keep reading so you can join me on this crazy journey through this wild book :D. There is so much more emotions, history and heat that have to be unraveled.

- Ine