Shattered

Carter (e)

Carter
24.
I tapped my foot against the carpeted floor anxiously, the soft thuds not nearly enough to drown out my wandering, angered thoughts. I was growing more impatient by the second.

Where was Hazel?

Even though I knew her work habits, knew that I could trust Hazel to show up, I couldn't help but to feel a bit annoyed. She could berate me for not doing my job, but I couldn't her?

Still, another part of me couldn't help but think that maybe Hazel was finally bailing. After all, it wouldn't be the first time someone just decided not to show up anymore.

I groaned frustratedly and shook my head. It would be fine. I knew Hazel.

Sure enough, it wasn't much longer before I heard the jingle of keys and the sound of a door opening and closing from the office next to mine.

Narrowing my eyes with a glare, I stood to my feet, ready to confront Hazel for showing up late—but on second thought, I faltered and fell back into my seat.

When Hazel finally came into my room, her horror-stricken, apologetic face told me everything I needed to know, made it easier to keep ahold of the anger sifting inside me.

"I-I'm so sorry for...for being late." Said Hazel breathily, her wild eyes looking anywhere but my face, embarrassed.

"I went—I was supposed to just go t-to the coffee shop, and then I got...got caught up in so—never mind."

Hazel shook her head, then let her eyes finally fall over mine. They were darkened and narrowed in thought. "And then my taxi driver got pulled over for speeding."

The look was gone in an instant, replaced by widened eyes, instead. "Sir. Sorry."

Somehow, I felt my lips begin to curve upward with those rambled, breathy words, but I quickly caught myself and let a hard, displeased look cross over my face.

"Those are your excuses? How about maybe you don't go to the coffee shop and you'll actually show up on time?"

Hazel paused, frowning. "Sorry," she answered simply. "I-I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Hazel's choice of wording made my stoic, angry expression falter. She left no room for me to speak, and couldn't help the surprise that began to fill me. That was it? No arguments?

I opened my mouth to voice the surprise I felt, unable to help myself, but Hazel turned away before I could speak.

I tried to get back to my work, per the usual, monotonous routine that was supposed to help me forget about Hazel. But, as time drew on, I found it harder and harder just to clear her from my mind.

Did something happen at the coffee shop? What was she thinking about? I couldn't help myself but to question. Something was definitely off, and I needed to know what it was.

She came to me. Her dark eyes were apologetic as she slid inside my office, but there was something else in them that I couldn't make out. Curiosity, maybe? Hopefulness?

"What do you want?" I asked, sounding annoyed. Not wanting to be interrupted.

"Can I ask you something?" She said.

Her eyes flit over my face, pulled her bottom lip between her teeth when I nodded.

"You know Mr. Riley, right?"

My pulse skipped a beat inside my chest, picking up speed as my own thoughts filled and entangled in my mind. As Hazel's former boss, I was suddenly left wondering just how much Hazel knew. How much did Chris tell her?