The Office

Fourteen

--Mitch--

I ran out of Scott's office and into the closest bathroom. I opened the stall and locked it, sliding down against the wall behind the toilet. I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs and started crying. I cried until I heard the bathroom door open, "Mitch? It's Scott. I know you're in here." He went through and opened all the stalls and then stopped outside mine, "Come on Mitch. I'm sorry okay. Please forgive me?" I set my head on my knees and let out a sob before I heard Scott again, "Mitch. Come out please. I'm really sorry."

I stood up and unlocked the door. I slowly opened it to reveal Scott standing in front of me, "Hi." I said quietly.

"Hi. Will you come back to the office with me and talk? Please." I nodded and followed him back to his office.

-

"Mitch. I really am sorry for what I said about Joel. I just think you're giving him too much credit. He's so mean to you and you don't care because he gave you your son. I don't think that's a valid reason. Any guy could've given you a kid."

"I understand where you're coming from. I do. But he's not the first man to beat me. I never told anyone, but my father used to beat me. My mother never asked if he did because I always got beat up at school. I would lie and say a bully did it. Men don't treat me well, Scott. I'm used to it."

"Wow. I'm so sorry. I hate that you're used to it and think it's no big deal. The two most important men in your life treat you like shit and you just shrug it off like it's nothing. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I don't care. I just want my son to live a happy life."

"But what if Joel hurts you to the point of death? Then he gets Andrew and starts beating him. Maybe even kill him too. Would you want that to happen?"

I started crying and covered my face with my hands, "No. I-I don't but there's nothing I can do." I let out a sob and Scott came around the desk and sat in the chair next to me. He wrapped his arms around me and started rubbing my back, "I'm sorry you have to deal with me like this. You're my boss."

"I know I'm your boss. But we're friends Mitch and I care about you. You don't deserve anything that's happened to you, can't you see that? You're not a horrible person like them. You're amazing. An amazing father. I see how your face lights up when you talk about your son, Mitch. You love him more than anything in the world. Don't lose that because you don't want to split up your family. Andrew wants you to be happy, and that means leaving Joel."

"You're right. But what do I do? What if he tries to fight for full custody and I'm not strong enough to fight back?"

"You're the strongest person I know Mitch. You're so strong to go through all you've been through. Don't let Joel stop you from seeing your son."

"I won't. I'll try as hard as I can. Thank you so much Scott. You're amazing." I pulled out of his embrace and he looked at me. I looked at him. Into those beautiful blue eyes. They're so magical.

"I believe in you Mitch."