"The Tower Of Babel..."

Chapter 18... Collateral.

"I want him out." I stated.

"You what!" Tower glared at me.

"Wait a minute. We already had this planned. We're just waiting for Sheri to go on her extended leave, then we can set the wheels in motion. Why are we suddenly changing that now?" Soul asked.

We were seated in Soul's office. Both he and Tower were adamant that I tell them what had me all shaken a while ago. I wouldn't budge however, and wanted Tower safe in the folds of his relationship with Sheri, that I decided right here and now to do this on my own... without anyone's help.

"I merely think that his participation in all this isn't necessary. I can win this pageant on my own. He'd just drag me down with his... charm." I said, trying not to look into Tower's dark stares.

"Oh! So now you think I'm oozing with charm? And just when I think it's supposed to be a compliment, you make it sound like it's a curse and that you want none of it being showered on you." Tower was definitely pissed.

"Let me get this straight. You think the added attention and publicity isn't necessary to solidify your chances of winning? Well, like I said before... you are after all the key factor in this Babel. If you think Tower is just a distraction then we can drop him." Soul agreed.

"Hey now wait a minute. This isn't fair! I also spent time planning this. You can't just throw me out. We had a deal." Tower said.

"I don't want to cause any problems between you and Sheri. Besides, it's not like everyone would believe you'd settle for me." I stated almost in a whisper.

"Settle for you? What are you talking about? I don't, I'm not... are you jealous of Sheri?" Tower inquired, realizing what this was all about.

"What? No! I'm just... I'm just looking after you." I hastily replied.

"Uhuh. Ok? So looking after me entails leaving me behind and just shutting me out of a way to earn the prize I was offered or promised? The bike... remember?" Tower asked.

"Look, I'm sure Soul would be able to find something else for you to do that would entail something close to this offer. Right Soul?" I asked, hopeful.

"Not really. It's either this or I don't pay for the bike Tower. Sorry. It's Babel's call now." Soul said.

"Great! Just great. Well, I'm out of here. You guys have a great day. Hope you have fun, 'cause you both just screwed me over." Tower stormed out of the office. The silence afterwards was deafening.

"What really happened?" Soul asked after we were left alone in his office.

"I'm plain. I'm nothing special. I'd only taint his reputation." I said softly.

"So... this isn't about your feelings? This is for Tower?" Soul said, verbalizing something I could not say out loud. I was silent. Knowing he hit the nail on the head, he sighed.

"Look at me Babel. Tell me honestly. Who told you that you were plain?" I remained quiet. "There are security cameras around the building, I can ask security to show me footages to find out who you last spoke to. Well, ofcourse there are some blind spots like the washrooms and the clinic area, but other than that you're on candid camera. So it's either you tell me, or security will supply me with the necessary info." Soul explained how I was cornered.

"Midas." I admitted.

"And you believed him? Someone who would benefit by dampening your morale? He wants me to step down Babel. In the same way I would do anything to keep my position, even if it's a bit childish as a bet... don't you think Midas would do the same? Besides, looks isn't everything. Haven't you heard? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My wife isn't the prettiest girl in town... but by god in my eyes no one compares to her. And she's just lucky that I'm a handsome son of a bitch who loves her so much, because without me her offsprings would look really... bad." He said smiling.

"I'm sorry Soul. I just don't want to hurt Tower in any way." I stated bluntly.

"The only way you're gonna hurt that big oaf... is if you leave him out. He has a lot riding on this deal Babel. Unlike you, he needs this. I need this. We owe you big time for wanting to help us, even if you're not getting anything in return. Even if you've just recently met us. Even if we get on your nerves. We truly appreciate you coming along for this low down childish ride. Now, do you really want him out? Because like I said... you call the shots now." Soul looked at me expecting a clear answer.

"I want him." I whispered. "I mean, I want to still be working with him." I blushed.

"Then... go tell him." Soul advised. I slowly stood up to make my way out of his office and look for Tower when Soul added...

"Oh and please stop having sex in the office Babel, I could lose my job for continuously covering up for the both of you." And with that I left Soul's office as red as a fire truck.

I found Tower alone in the pantry. He had his head resting on his folded arms on a table. I made my way to him, a bacon and egg pie on a plate as a peace offering.

I placed the plate gently on his table. He didn't say anything. He just stared at the table blankly.

"I'm sorry." I said softly.

He was still quiet. I pushed the pie a little bit closer to him.

"I said I was sorry." I repeated.

"You really think I'm charming?" He asked.

"Oh my god, after all that's happened that's all you have to say? I'm going home." I stood up to leave, but he was quick to grab my wrist and pulled me closer to hug my waist.

"I need this to work. I'm not rich Babel. This is the only way I can afford to pay for the bike. I know you think that's dumb or downright stupid, but when you're dirt poor like me you tend to grab any opportunity to help you get through. So thank you... for helping me out here." He said, and I felt him hug my waist tighter.

"Hey it wouldn't be the Tower of Babel without you right? Soul has us shipped already. We can't be separated now... we gotta stick together to make this work. Just promise me something Tower. When this is all done... promise me we'd still be friends?" I asked gently combing his thick wavy black hair with my fingers, as he continued to hug me.

"For as long as you want me Babel. For as long as you want me." He whispered and I just knew, right then and there, that more than Soul's position was riding on this deal now... my heart has somehow been thrown into it as well.