Learning to Live

Chapter 2

Two weeks later.

My blood tests had already come out and the cancer wasn't spreading. The doctor had already started me on chemotherapy. I felt horrible, as expected. Everything I ate, I puked it all up and my skin was pale.

At work, I can't seem to focus. I'm always thinking about what the doctor told me that I have a year to live and that made me crave alcohol even more. I thought seeing it go down the drain would have somehow stopped me from craving--needing it but it didn't. I've been sober for a year and all it took was one drink and I was back.

My staff didn't know anything about my illness but I think they were beginning to suspect that something was wrong with me. I could see them whispering and looking at me every time they walked past my glass door, or maybe I was paranoid.

I sat in my chair and looked at the buildings outside. Suddenly, someone knocks on my door four times. It was Lian, my secretary. She's a few years older than I am with freckles and light brown hair. I had a younger secretary before her, who was gorgeous but her head was filled with everything a balloon has...which was air. She couldn't do anything right, except make the guys in the office drool. So I fired her and hired Lian; ever since she's been my secretary and she's been doing a great job, but I wouldn't let her know that. Otherwise, she'll slack and I can't have that.

She always knocks three times, Pause and knocks one last time and it always annoyed the hell out of me. Couldn't she knock like a normal person? "Come in, Lian. What's the matter?"

"Mr. Somers, just a reminder you have a Skype meeting with Mr. Haung today at 2."

I turn around and rest my chin in the palm of my hand, "Yes, I know." She just stood there fiddling with her pen like she was itching to say or ask for something.

"Anything else, Lian? I don't have all day." I said in a gruff voice.

"W-Well my...um." She clears her throat, "My son's elementary school graduation is tomorrow and I-I was wondering if I could have the day off to attend it."

A smirk appears on my face because I love moments like these...to tell someone 'no.' I got up and button my suit as I walk towards her. "Yes, you can have the day off."

Her face lights up. "Really? Thank y--"

"But on the day that is actually your DAY OFF. Which I recall was on Sunday's right?"

"Yes but Mr. Somers--"

"Leave my office now!" I demanded.

She gasps and hurries out of my office. After realizing what I've said to her. I felt something in me. A feeling of regret? or pity? I don't know, maybe it's the chemo screwing with my emotions.

I suddenly felt the need to vomit. I rush to the office bathroom because mine was being remodeled. I open one of the stalls and start to hurl. When I stop to take a breath, I heard someone whistling.

I hurl one more time and the whistling abruptly stops. "Are you alright in there?" The person asks with an orotund voice that sounds so familiar.

"I'm good," I said as I begin puking again.

"Doesn't sound like you are, man."

This man was getting on my nerves. "Seriously, I'm fine."

"Alright, but Just next time maybe you should stay away from the cafeteria food. The boss doesn't provide good food for these people. It's like a pigsty down there." He laughs.

My face screwed up with anger at what he said. What? Wait 'til he finds out who's in here. He's fired! I flush the toilet and open the door. I was going to give this guy a piece of my mind, "Listen here..." A tall skinny man stands in front of the sink with his arms folded and a smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes at him because it was my best friend and business associate, Jonathan Wells. I haven't seen him for a month because he was in L.A. on business.