Trauma

Part 5 "Forced"

# SEVENTEEN - CHANGE UP

"Hey Lizzie, How have you been doing?" A voice chirped through the speaker.

"I've been good. How about you?" I answered politely. I was still in my pajamas, holding a coffee mug that warmed my hands.

"Good. Good. I got the translations that you sent me, and there are a few things I want to discuss with you. Think you could come by today?"

"Umm..Can't we talk about this through the phone?" I asked, Kind of reluctant. Why did she have to spring this up to me? What if I had plans? Well...Okay, that was unrealistic, but still!

"I would rather talk face to face. And I also wanted to show you the latest series of the book you have translated." The editor pressed.

"Sure. I'll come at 3." I answered, stopping myself from sighing in the speaker.

"Good. See you later." 

I jumped on my bed, sighing. To get to the company, I had to take the subway which I wanted to stay away from as much as possible. I really really hated the subway.

Because I couldn't fight the inevitable, I dragged my butt off my bed and took a long shower.

After that, I dressed up and stood in front of the mirror. I rarely dressed up because I usually stayed home, with nobody to judge or care what I wore. Seeing myself in the dress I used to love made me think about the past. I shook my head as I stuffed my feet into my shoes. This was not the time to be sentimental.

When I opened the door to get out, I bumped into somebody. Startled, I jumped back letting out a small scream. 

"Ow. Is that how you greet your neighbor, Lizzie?" Jack asked, faking hurt.

"I'm so sorry. I guess I wasn't paying attention." I apologized, trying to calm myself. My face was burning. Please don't mention the weird cat-coughing-up-a-hairball-sound I just made...!

"It's fine. Going somewhere?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. I..I better get going." I stammered, breathing out the sigh of relief. And with that, I rushed into the elevator, trying to avoid further questions. I fanned myself trying to cool my face down. 

Way to go for a nice impression, Lizzie. I thought, making my face turn even a brighter shade of red. Wait...Why do I even care whether I make a nice impression on the guy? I soon shook my head again as the elevator reached the 1st floor.

There must have been something in that dish he made...