Etched

Chapter 21

Emailing the final proofread document to Michael, I sighed and printed it to hand a copy over to Zoella too, if incase she starts whining and making a big scene over it.

The day was mundane, only that Gabriel has stopped giving me as much work as he did to fulfill his part of deal. Well, he didn't give me work at all. I'd to insist Zoella to have me do some of anything. She was definitely surprised when Gabriel straight out refused to have me work at all and had even asked me to go home and rest, prior to the continuation of the conference after the whole-hour break fiasco.

Ever since the conference ended, I hadn't seen him at all. It can be regarded as a good thing because after what had happened, I hardly think I would be able to control my messed-up self if I see him, after all we'd been uncontrollably touchy.

It is extremely inappropriate how we've been excessively comfortable with each other which is bizarre because this isn't me, I don't behave like that with anyone at all. As notorious as he is for charming ladies and being cozy with them, his actions don't give away his expertise. He seems too new to all that is happening between us.

It could be a trick, to make others feel that he is oblivious and then he tosses them to be crushed. Not to be judgemental but isn't that what he is so famous for. Even thinking of things like those are having me wince, causing my conscience to scream that he isn't like that. With the feelings, he looks like he is not sure of what is happening and for this I can relate with him because I can't either.

I want to be with him at the same time I can't. He makes me feel like this is how it should be, how everything is supposed to go and then there comes the resounding voices of the things many people have said.

I huff at the swirling complications in my mind and shake my head continuing with the work.

Attaching the papers into the file, I press the button to connect with cordless in the HR floor. As we finish speaking about their sent report, I place the receiver to sit with a startle as Ken barges in the door, pushing it open with a bang, making me jump a bit on my seat.

"The rule about knocking the door isn't too old yet. You know?" I say.

"I did see Gabriel in his office so I calculated that there wasn't much threat to my eyes. It's not like you would harass his pictures or cardboard cutouts, sitting in the office if you miss him that much. Wait! don't tell me you have secretly gotten cardboard cutouts of him... shirtless" he suggestively looked at me while saying the last part.

"Shut up!" I said, angling the laptop screen to hide my blushing red face. He grinned, that idiot!

He doesn't even have a filter. As if I'm already not too messed-up that he has to go around the topic his way.

"Speaking of cardboard cutouts, a little birdie told me that you've started a little business being a part time florist, how's that going?" his eyes fixated on the different variety of fresh, dried and dead flowers. I completely forgot throwing them away.

I chewed on my bottom lip, scanning the bouquets, a dread filled in. As scary as the situation is, I don't think I'm giving it much of thought and that is even more worrisome.

The cards don't contain sweet words anymore, they are a bit dangerous, threatening even. The only reason I'm not telling anyone is because the last time I told Ken, he claimed that I was going paranoid and stopped me from going in detail about the sender and considering it to be sent as an obligatory gift by the hospital.

I would be a complete nut if I keep believing that the hospital is kind enough to not let go off me and are constantly making sure that I breathe in floral environment. Not to forget the cards read threatening words for a long time now. Unless the hospitals have changed their aims from saving lives to taking them, I don't think they are any longer sent by them. I hesitated and looked over at Ken, should I tell him?