Betrayed [h.s.]

Chapter Five

I barely slept a wink last night, and I hope that my nights don't continue like this. These nightmares just feel so real and horrible and I forget they're only nightmares.

What's worst about having these nightmare is that I had to witness the wedding, not only once, but twice. I don't want to go through that ever again, whether its just a nightmare or not. It's already bad that he isn't here, and I don't need nightmares to make that any worse.

I force myself out of bed with the little bit of energy I have and put on a dress with my pumps. I don't feel like getting dressed, but I also don't want to look like I got ran over by a train. To get rid of the look, or help it, I apply some make up. I take one last look in the mirror, sort of approving my look, before I head out to my car.

It isn't as hot as I expected it to be, in fact this is probably the coldest it'll get over the spring, but then again, you never know with the weather here in Texas.

I hurry to my car, getting the feeling that if I go any slower I will be late for work. I turn on the transmission and pull out of the parking lot.

When I get to work, Ana greets me with a smile. Despite the fact that I look like total garbage today, I return the kind gesture and make my way to the elevator.

"Hold the elevator!" A man shouts as he runs with a suitcase in hand.

Before the elevator can close, I stop it and the man walks in, huffing and trying to catch his breath. I bite my lip to try to contain my laugh.

He looks familiar, but I've never seen him here before.

"Thank you," he says after he's done heaving for air.

"You're welcome," I kindly reply.

"Do I know you?" he asks after a while.

"Um.. no, I don't think so." I shake my head.

"Oh." The light shade of pink that covers his cheeks tells me he regrets asking the question as if he were embarrassed.

"I'm Nicole, by the way." I say, attempting to ease his embarrassment.

"Jonah." He holds out a hand for me to shake, which I kindly do. "Wait, you're that girl from the grocery store." he tells me.

"Oh you're the guy that-"

"Shh," he silences me. "We don't speak about that here," he jokes.

I giggle as I remember his silly actions, and he joins me with a chuckle of his own. He looks different with a suit on, I suppose that's why I didn't recognize him.

"How long have you worked here? I haven't seen you around," I ask after our laughter has died down.

"About a week now. But I've been working in editing for two years, I just got transferred," he adds, smiling, obviously proud of himself. "What about you?"

"I've been working here for three and a half years." I say with just as much pride as him.

The elevator comes to a stop and I step out. "Well, I'll see you around," I say and wave at him. "It was nice seeing you.. again," I laugh.

He gives me a nod before the elevator closes.

This is certainly a great way to start my day, compared to all the other ones this week.

I dive into work once I close and lock my office door.

The captivating manuscript keeps me from looking at the clock, but I tear my eyes away. It's already ten? Wow, time really does fly.