THE VOID

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪-𝕥𝕨𝕠

{31st of January}

Alice: "You could of stayed at home" ((she says looking up from her computer))

Josephine: "We need to stay in pairs, it's not safe alone" ((she responds, laying back on the office coach))

Alice: ((presses the button on her phone to call Cheryl)) "Cheryl, how many people work in this building?"

Cheryl: ((voice heard through the speaker)) "I believe around 400" ((there is a moment of silence)) "If you want a precise figure, I can check with HR?"

Alice: "No, that's great. Thanks Cheryl" ((she then cuts off the line)) "What did you say about being alone again?" ((She asks mockingly))

Josephine: ((huffs before turning to look at the ceiling))

Alice: "See you didn't need to come with me, isn't Hero off today as well?" ((She asks)) "I thought you'd spend the day together"

Josephine: "I guess I needed a break" ((she sighs)) "Now that we basically live together"

Alice: "Hmm" ((she locks her computer before standing)) "I guess, I get that" ((she moves her chair and sits near Josephine)) "You want to talk?"

Josephine: "I just never know where I stand with him" ((she turns to face Alice)) "He says he loves me, trusts me but the moment it comes to opening up" ((she sits up)) "He shuts down, and just avoids any real conversation"

Alice: "Have you confronted him about it?" ((She asks))

Josephine: "Yes" ((she answers her voice becoming louder)) "And he always plays it off and says we'll talk about it later and then he never does"

Alice: "Maybe he's just not ready to open up" ((she gives Josephine a sympathetic smile)) "That doesn't mean he doesn't trust you, just means he's not ready"

Josephine: "Then he should just say that, instead of dragging it out" ((she drops her head back down))

Alice: "Can I ask you a question?" ((She says warily))

Josephine: "Yeah"

Alice: "Have you opened up to him?" ((She asks)) "Told him things about your past?"

Josephine: ((thinks it over for a minute)) "I guess not really"

Alice: "Maybe you should go first" ((she suggests)) "Start with something small"

Josephine: "I guess, I could try" ((she doesn't feel too good about the idea))

Alice: "I know you're usually the closed off one in a relationship" ((she places her hand on Josephine's arm)) "But I think you need to adapt, and be brave"

Josephine: ((knows Alice has a point, but can't help the uneasy feeling taking over her body))

Alice: ((moves to grab her coat)) "Come, let's go get some lunch"

Josephine: ((her frown turning into a smile)) "Okay" ((she replies standing to follow Alice out of the office))

***

Jack: "I think you should be worried" ((he says putting his newspaper down))

Hero: "I think she just wanted to spend sometime with Alice" ((he smiles but it's not a convincing one))