Cause and Effect

Part 44

~Zander~

Oliver has driven me to work today once again. I offered to pay for gas on several occasions, but he has refused all payment. Whether this was something out of pride or kindness, I did not know. But, oh well, more money for me.

The car pulls up through the security and I jump out as we come to the elevator to Harold's apartment. Oliver explains that he has some errands to run for Harold after he clicks his phone off, saying he got a call from Harold. I nod in understanding and walk to the elevator, bouncing on the balls of my feet.

I step out of the elevator, escaping the maddening music that grows fainter as I leave, only to stop short as I hear voices. Straining my sensitive ears, I hear a conversation playing.

"Harold is under great stress..." a gruff voice I faintly recognize plays.

"Really? How come?" another says.

"With all this shit going on with his brother... And after Lilly? Poor guy is burying himself in his work." the first voice retorts. Brother? I didn't know Harold had a brother...

"Oh, yeah. I just hope it doesn't affect my pay check or anything. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy, but I need to get paid..." the second voice responds again.

"I get you, dude. I feel for the guy, but I need to pay for my bills. And I-" he paused and I heard scuffling. "Is there somebody here?" he asked in a low voice, but I heard it. Knowing I had been discovered, I called out,

"Hey, guys!" I plastered on a grin and jogged in. The guys totally bought my fake smile and all began yelling "hi"s and such, slapping my back in greetings.

****

After work, I all but yelled at Oliver to speed to the loft. Sprinting inside, my arms flailed in awkward ways as I barged into everybody chowing on pizza. Oliver came up behind me, slightly out of breath.

"Big news! I am so smart! I'm a fucking agent! Like, I'm so cool, James Bond is jealous!" I yelled out, dancing around and hopping in odd moves that resembled an epileptic attack.

"SIT DOWN AND EXPLAIN. YOU'RE MAKING ME DIZZY." Brent yelled, pressing her hand to her head, getting another headache. I took huge breath and let a huge grin etch upon my pale face.

"I found out that..." I paused for effect, earning irritated glares. "HAROLD HAS A BROTHER." I yelled out. Everybody have me surprised looks, except for Oliver and Brent.

"Why don't you look surprised?!" I demanded from them. Brent shrugged and set her slice of pizza down.

"I figured as much. So did Oliver. As irritating as he is, he is smart." She sent a respectful nod of the head, which he returned.

I looked between all of them, then threw my hands up in annoyance and threw myself on the couch next to Ally. She tried to comfort me and I just pouted in sadness.

"Whatever. Pass me a slice of anchovy pizza." I said to Daniel, seeing as he was closest to the boxes.

There was a pause, then a large collect of disgusted noises.

"What the actual hell...?" Daniel muttered, slapping a slice of pepperoni on a paper plate.