For a Moment at Least (Age Gap)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

I watched as Deacon placed his hands on the arms of the chair, lifting himself to a standing position. I could hear a pounding in my ears as I let my gaze linger on his flexed arms. I noticed tattooed markings on his hands I tried to make them out by following them up his arm, but they disappeared under his sleeves.

I finally found the courage to meet his eyes. The pounding in my ears grew louder as I realized how dark his eyes were. His gaze never left mine as I took a small step back, submitting to his dominance. I jumped as I heard the office door close. Finally breaking from his gaze to meet Mr. Cornell's.

"Miss Belrose, this is Mr. Vidar a dear old friend." he introduced, a smug smile pulled at his lips. I switched my gaze back to Deacon. I thought his dark eyes we're frightening a moment ago but they were nothing compared to how he was staring at Mr. Cornell.

"We've met. Well we haven't met each other I guess. But I know of you." I broke the silence, immediately regretting it. Deacon glanced at me before quickly switching his gaze to the floor. His chest was rising and falling a little faster as we sat in silence. I watched as he clenched his fists for a moment before letting them go. Deacon slowly closed his eyes and opened them, letting his stare land on me.  His eyes were now light brown.

"Small world." Cornell noted while making his way to his desk. I couldn't look away from Deacon. His eyes seemed softer, more kind.

"Yes, you're Rachels's younger sister." Deacon commented. A shiver ran down my spine, tying up my insides. His voice was deep and steady. I nodded, not trusting my own voice.

"I should be going." Deacon spoke again, walking towards me to get to the door. My heart accelerated. The smell of him filled my lungs. Every bone in my body was telling me to touch him, be with him, let him have me.

"Deacon." Mr. Cornell spoke up before he could leave. Deacon met eyes with Cornell.

"Messing with her life will only hurt her." Cornell's words were venom to my ears. Messing with her life? My brain threw itself into multiple scenarios of Deacon having a significant other. A 'her' that had the chance to lay with him at night, to kiss him and make love with him. The pounding in my chest dulled. Deacon glanced at me before responding to Cornell.

" I don't care." Deacon said before leaving.

As soon as the door closed behind him I felt my body return to normal. I could feel my legs, and they were very much working now. I slowly took a seat across from Cornell, still holding my article in my arms.

" I have a question about the column you assigned to me." I broke Cornell's silent gaze at the closed door. His eyes met mine with a sorrowful stare. I shifted in my seat. Something told me I wasn't going to like what he was going to say.

"Ellis." he began. This was the first time Cornell had used my first name. "As much as I loved your article. We're not running it." he spoke, breaking his eyes away from mine. "We're actually in no need of an intern as of now. You'll need to pack your things today and maybe we can call you if your help is needed in the future." he added. My heart fell through my chest. I was riding everything on this internship. This is what I wanted to do, this was my dream. Journalism, writing, creating. It was all I've ever wanted to do.

I had no words. I wanted to defend myself, beg him to rethink his decision or ask him why. But I was afraid if I opened my mouth I would start crying. I nodded and left his office without a word.

I went home that night at my lowest low. Mom and dad finally left me alone, after I continued to brush off their persistent questions about my mood. I sat in my room and listened to lofi beats through my headphones while cleaning and organizing. Something I've always done to calm my mind when I was on the verge of a breakdown.