"Just Friends"

And So It Begins

Elijah Williams

When I was a kid, I always thought that I would be an astronaut or a scientist, or even an artist. But... no. I'm stuck here, in a typical city with a nine to five typical office job. so now, I'm typing random shit I don't even care about with my back hunched over.

"Mr. Williams, can you head to Mr. Ortega's office please?"

"yes, sir..." I half-assed my response, but my boss either didn't notice or didn't care.

I get up from my chair and start heading that direction when Jenn stops me.

"Hey, Eli, where you headed?"

"boss's office.." I respond quietly.

"I wonder what that's about." Maddie butts in.

I couldn't live without these girls. These girls got me through the toughest of times. we've known each other since middle school, and in high school, Maddie and Jennifer started dating. they are practically the cutest couple ever, by the way. they always tease each other and are super open about there relationship, props to them.

"Oh, I don't know either. I suppose I may be getting fired, or be getting a raise, or maybe even a promotion. Or just lectured because I don't get actual work done because I'm so sleep-deprived. who knows."

"well, it kinda seems like you have an idea," Jenn says.

"No shit, Sherlock." Maddie looks at her, sarcastically. She always has this look to her. Maddie is very... I guess sarcastic would be the best word for her mood most of the time. The way she talks is never really serious, but not silly.

Jenn flips her hair like she usually does when she is faking being upset or offended.

"excuse me?" she says, with the high pitched weird voice she uses for this I've heard a million times.

I had planned to watch this happen, but I remembered that my boss wanted me and I had to walk away. when I make my way into the big man's office, the first thing I notice is that the boss isn't there, but someone else in his place.

"hi, um... I'm looking for my boss, Mr. Ortega. do you know where he is?"

the person in his place was a young man, about my age most likely, probably in his early to mid-twenties. He was leaning back in the chair in a button-down, several buttons undone. I have no idea who this man is, but he is quite intriguing.

"Hello, yes. I do. he is at home at the moment. he wanted to see you, I was told. I have to tell you, he has seen that you have been very tired, and even now, I notice it too. but you've been productive all the same. Tell you what, how about you take a week off, catch up on sleep, and come back refreshed." the man says. "you look like you need it."

"do I really look that tired?" I say, running my fingers through my hair, and rubbing my eyes.

"yes. You do. now go home and sleep."

"Okay...?" I start walking out of the office, when he stops me.

"I'm Tanner, by the way. Tanner Smith."