Fix You

Chapter 1: Lifeless

1

It’s a little past six pm. For me, it’s a little late but for Tom; I do not know what the word late means. I cannot understand him in the most of the time. He acts like he’s a caring friend but then drags me to some things I don’t want.

I cleaned my desk. I put the things that I think I will not need inside the drawer then I placed the papers that I’ve scanned on the table. I’ll need those papers later for the project that I am currently working on. I took my bag from the mini table by the corner. It’s an old backpack made up of a thick material. I can say that this is my favourite because Alice gave this to me. This is her last gift to me. I’ve been using this for three years now.

I don’t always have a reason to go home from this office, actually. In fact, I can stay here until eight or nine pm. but I remember I got a dog waiting. I pulled my bag from the table and wore it on my shoulders. As I walk outside the office, Tom appeared in front of me. He came from the wash room. He blocked my way to the door and said, “What? You’re going home?”

“Where else should I go?” I answered him a question as if I do not know what he is planning to do.

“I thought you agreed on going to Paddy’s?”

“What Paddy’s?” Innocent.

“The club. Remember?”

“Oh, the club.”

“And you said, ‘ok’.”

“Yeah, I said, ‘okay, whatever’.” I tried to pass through his side but he held my shoulders with his hands.

“Hold on,” he said “I’ll just get my bag.” He dragged me away from the door by my shoulder and went inside to his desk.

“You did not get it, Tom. It means, ‘whatever you say, I’m not going’.”

He stopped walking then he turned to me. “What? After waiting for you for more than an hour, you’re not going?”

“You know, I could probably come with you some other time but I got a dog waiting for me at home and he must be really hungry by now.” I explained even though I feel like I didn’t have to. I noticed the feeling of annoyance on his face but it didn’t bother me.

“I thought the girl next door is taking care of your dog?” he asked me as if saying that I am just making an alibi.

“Jean’s father is confined in a hospital. I did not bother her today.”

“Alright. Then, come with me at least until the Car Park,” he said as he fixes his things on his table.

2

We were on the elevator going to the car park when I noticed the “your-such-a-weirdo look” on his face as he stares on the bag hanging on my shoulder. I looked at him. He got no bag on his shoulder but a small clutch bag on his left hand.

“Is there a problem?” I asked him with a fierce look from my eyes.

“Nothing!” he nervously answered. I can say that my gestures and expressions really work on him. I found it a little funny and it almost made me smile but I didn’t so we just kept the silence staring on the elevator door and waiting it to open.

“Where’s the sling bag that Jenna gave you?” he suddenly asked me.

“You want that? I can give it to you.” Irrelevant

“Why? Don’t you like it?”

“It’s just not enough for my things.” Another silence for some minutes then the elevator door opened. I thought it was over until –