Not That Simple

Finding Out

I stare at my computer screen and yet I see no words, it's all a black and white scribbled blur. My mind has taken off somewhere else ever since that phone call. Am I really that bad? Could someone seriously despise the thought of being with me enough to react like that?

The thought turns my stomach, not in disgust, more like the way it does when you're in school as a kid and that group of "populars" choose you to be there next target. Your stomach falls to your feet in a snap.

Movement in the office stirs me from my screen, I take a quick glance mostly expecting it to be someone asking to sign off a file. I'm wrong.

Perfect, soft brunette hair, bright blue eyes, a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms, and a heart that deserves the world. It's her.

Almost timidly she makes her way down the aisle and to her credit looks as if she could give two shits about the people who stare at her as she passes. Her eyes are fixed somewhere in my direction, I immediately run my fingers through my hair hoping I look presentable. Clearing my throat I try to focus back on my screen, acting oblivious.

I just can't.
My heart pounds against my ribcage threatening to burst out at any moment. With every second I try to take deep breaths, hoping it calms my nerves somehow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see her hand reach out and knock gently against my door. I roll a few centimetres away from my desk in my chair calling, "Come in."

The handle tilts and the door creaks open slowly, Monica's face comes into view and my heart triples, rampaging around my chest.
"Umm- hi..." she mumbles quietly, taking a few steps into my office before closing my door behind her. "I just wanted to talk-"

Her whole body tenses, and she begins to take deep breaths through her nose, he eyes closing. Her hands go to her stomach and in a split second, she darts into the office bathroom on her left.

It takes me a few seconds to catch on before I leap out of my chair, streaking after her as if my life depends on it. I frown at the sight of her crouched over the toilet, pushing against the walls to keep herself upright. I watch the colour drain from her face with every passing second, leaving her pale and shaky.

Reaching out tentatively, I move her hair from either side of her face, holding it at her neck, my thumb grazing her shoulder in comfort. Tears slip down her cheeks from the corner of her eyes and I feel so helpless.

Eventually, her body relaxes and she slumps back slightly, her back against my shins.

Shaking her head, she sighs for a second, "I'm so sorry" she whispers, her voice croaky from the recent surprise attack. "Can you just give me a second?" I see her reach into her purse pulling out a toothbrush and paste.
I hold out my hand and help her to her feet, she smiles ever so slightly and I nod,  leaving her to get cleaned up.

I stare at the closed door somehow watching her scrub her teeth and wipe her face as if there is no barrier between us. "Sir, could you sign me this file please?" twisting around, I nearly jump five foot in the air, Ashleigh stands there innocently, holding out a document.

I hurry over to her and take the file, tossing it onto my desk absentmindedly, "Y-yeah, I'll sort it... can you just get back to work please? I will bring you the file once it's sorted."

My body shake with nerves, if she sees Monica it'll start something again, and after what I've just seen I don't think Monica's up for that.

Still Ashleigh stands there, looking at me expectantly, glancing at the closed door every so often, "Did I hear someone being sick in here?"