This is me

Chapter four

Terrell had taken the rest of the day off but promised David that he would accomplish more of his work in his own quarters. "He is determined to not let Chad take your place of leadership," Troy mentioned to David during a meeting in David's office. David sighed, knowing that Terrell was loyal, but he still couldn't piece together why Terrell was this determined. Even someone who was this loyal required a real motive for determination, and Terrell had not shared any information with David or the others. "Someone would also like to meet you. Apparently a sponsor, but they...look as though they have been sleeping on the streets for a while. I have spoken to the main secretary, and she agrees we shouldn't let the man see you. It wouldn't look good for us, as she says." David arched an eyebrow, "While that may be what Miss Settle thinks, what is it that you think?" Troy seemed to hesitate, and then spoke, "I believe that no matter who it is, or what situation they are in, we should speak to them and see to their needs."

David chuckled, nodding in a warm way. "It is settled then. I will go speak to the man within a few minutes. Did he say what he wanted to meet about?" Troy looked at his feet for a few moments before answering. "He wants to work for us and help you become the rightful leader. He appears to have some kind of unknown problem with Chad." David nodded, set down the paper file he had been holding, and made his way toward the door. "Are you sure you want to do this? Some people might not like the idea," Troy called after him, and David turned to face his friend, a small smile on his face. "Remember, Troy: It matters not how someone is grown, but what they grow to be," David said, modelling the quote (from Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) into his own. Troy smirked, which made David pause once more, and he said, "Don't think I didn't realize that you just quoted Harry Potter, in a way."

David gave a sharp nod, turned, and swiftly left the office. He headed down a series of stairs, only the top half having a smooth velvet-like carpet, while the bottom half of the staircase was bare, showing the hardwood beneath. "When is the rest of it going to be completed?" David asked a nearby carpenter, who leaned against one of the many lime-green walls, a cup of coffee in hand. The carpenter shrugged, obviously trying to stifle a yawn before saying, "We should be given more instruction later today. Until then, we have a break." David nodded, continued down the red-carpeted corridor, turned another corner, and found himself in the main lobby of the Capital Building. He already noticed new sofas that rested before one of the larger walls, right next to the entrance. Standing in the centre was a man who looked as though he was about to collapse. His eyes were bloodshot, his eyelids heavy, lines wrinkling his face and dirt was plastered to his arms through the rips in his shirt.

"I apologise about the wait," David said, and the man jerked his head up, his brown eyes locking onto David instantly. "It is no trouble. I am always made to wait," the man said in a deep and hoarse voice, which reminded David of sandpaper being slowly dragged along a hard surface. "Why don't we go and talk in my office, there you can be more relaxed," David said, and the man shook his head, fear appearing in his eyes and disappearing almost instantly. "I am afraid not. I would much prefer if I was not locked in a room with you. I am often beaten for the way I am with certain matters at hand; therefore, though I trust you, I think it wise to not loiter." David sighed, feeling exasperated, but then considered the man's situation. "Alright, then. I haven't been on this planet for much longer than you, I imagine. I will see if a place in the Residents can be found for you to stay if you wish. Why don't we take a walk? I have heard that the Garden is a peaceful and wonderful place to loiter."

The man looked taken aback, gazing at David with something like worship in his eyes, and then slowly bowing his head. "That would be appropriate," the man said, and David nodded, looking over at the secretary, Miss Settle, who had disgust in her eyes. "Come then, my man. Let us discuss the reason for which you have come to the Capital Building." David turned swiftly, not headed to the entrance doors as the man had assumed, but instead leading him through the many corridors of the Capital Building and exiting through the back doors. Beyond the back doors rested the amazingly beautiful Garden, with low cut grass that was greener than anything David could imagine. Roses grew from bushes at the back of the large Garden, almost like large red dots in a sea of green. Aside from the brilliant green grass and the beautiful roses, large oak trees rose from the ground around the edges of the Garden as though they were making strong barriers to encase the beauty. "It's wonderful," the man whispered, taking in the fresh air and sighing almost peacefully.