In the Eyes of My Beholder

Chapter 2: I'd Say It's Nice to Meet You But It's Not

Chapter 2: I'd Say It's Nice to Meet You, But It's Not

Tucking my cellphone into my back pocket, I shut the car door behind me, locked it, and zipped up my sweater. I gawked at the building in front of me, and read Elleswood written in block, capital letters. Crossing my arms over my chest, I marched up the path that led to the main entrance.

I'd been calling my mother for the past hour, since she asked me to pick her up, but she hasn't been answering. I knew going inside probably wasn't the wisest of my options, but I needed to know if I would have to stay here for another hour.

School had been very much what I expected it to be. It was rather typical if anything, but I was able to pick out a few cool kids that I could look forward to being friends with. The teachers were nice, but I did far too much talking and introductions than I would've preferred.

I pulled open the majestic glass door, and tried to hide my awe. Clearing my throat, I slowly made my way to the front desk lady. She stood behind the desk typing away vigorously on the keyboard. Her hair was tied back in a sleek bun, and not a strand of hair stuck out. Her suit sat tightly on her, hugging her figure a little too well. The buttons on her white blouse were very precisely unbuttoned to target the proper attention from clients and coworkers.

She looked up at me, and pushed her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

"May I help you, miss?"

Clearing my throat once more, I spoke, "Yes, my mother. Uh- I mean, Mrs. Brooks? Yeah, I need to see her. Can you direct me to her office?"

She raised her eyebrow at me, and pursed her lips, "Your name?" She picked up the phone beside her, and pushed a few buttons before bringing it up to her ear.

"Arabelle."

She nodded, and spoke quickly into the phone, telling my mother that I was here to see her.

"Top floor, Ms. Brooks," she smiled, "Take the elevator to your right," she pointed her head towards the elevator.

I awkwardly folded my arms over my chest again feeling underdressed, as I surveyed everyone around me. Everything was so pristine, and I felt like I would break something by just walking on the floor. The elevator dinged, and I clicked on the fiftieth floor, seeing that it was the highest number. Two minutes later, I began tapping my foot impatiently against the marble, as more people entered the elevator.

35...

40...

45...

"You learn to get used to it," a woman smiled at me as she exited the elevator in front of me.

I returned it, and tapped her arm before she could leave, "Do you know which office belongs to Mrs. Brooks?"

"Mrs. Brooks? You have an appointment with her? Or is it -"

Robustly, I shook my head and interrupted her, "I'm her daughter. Which way, please?"

She smiled again and pointed, and I thanked her.

This level was much less busy than the ground one, being that the woman was the only person I saw on this floor. I watched as she treaded away from me and into what I assumed was her office before she closed the door. The path before me was very narrow, and was made up of black marble. It gleamed, notwithstanding me stalking against it. To my left and right, there were glass windows from ground to ceiling, but I quickly looked away once I realized how high up I was. I turned the corner, and entered a much darker hallway, and there I found my mother frantically walking with a folder in hand.

"Mom!"

She froze as a deer in headlights, "What are you doing here?!"

I furrowed my eyebrows at her, now standing in front of her.

"You do remember telling me to pick you up like an hour ago? Why are you still here?"

She heaved a deep sigh, "My boss needs me to stay a couple more hours to finish filing a few documents; he has to leave soon because something came up. I understand if you're tired baby. Go home, I'll get a cab."

The idea was pleasing, but I couldn't be so despicable. My conscience was telling me that the right thing to do would be to wait for her.

"Can I help?"

She chortled, "No honey. You shouldn't even be up here right now. If my-"

A door slammed and the noise resonated throughout the entire corridor, startling both my mother and me. Turning my head, I tried to find what had been the cause, but it was to no avail.

"I'll be leaving now, Mrs. Brooks. I trust you know what you're doing, but if you have any questions, you may call me. But I would prefer you not; this matter I must attend is to not be interrupted by any means."

My eyes landed on a man who towered over my mother as he approached her from behind. I gazed over his attire, from top to the very bottom. His hair was dark, and neatly groomed, but I could tell that he had run his hand through it several times. His skin was pale, but oddly vibrant in color. His facial structure looked firm, and with the stubble that ran down his jawline, rough. His lips were red and full. His suit was fitted, and there was not a single wrinkle on it. He carried himself very well, and I watched as his firm and calloused hands buttoned his vest and adjusted his navy blue tie.

His eyes landed on me and they narrowed infinitesimally. I didn't dare look away though; I refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he intimidated me. I could tell that that was the aura he gave off to everyone around him, and that it was the impression he wanted everyone to have of him. I stared back at him with the same intensity, not blinking.

"Mrs. Brooks, I clarified that no clients were to be seen past five o'clock today," he directed at my mother, not breaking my gaze.

"Yes, Mr. Elleswood. It's my fault; she'll be leaving right away," my mother stammered, trying to throw me hints that it was time for my dismissal.

But I wasn't having it, "No, I think I'll wait."

"I'd say it's nice to meet you, but it's not." I smiled a little too sweetly at the man who was now standing in front of me.

"Arabelle," my mother warned, glaring at me.

His eyes flickered to my mother and back to me, "You know her?"

My mother sighed in defeat, "She's my daughter. I'm sorry for...her," my mother placed her palm against her forehead, and looked at me pleadingly, "Honey, go home. I'll see you later."

"Fine, I'll make some dinner."

I turned to glare at the man once again, before I turned around and marched back to the elevator.

But there weren't many of us on the top floor, and I heard his every step as he walked behind me.

"I'm leaving. You don't have to follow me out," I directed at him, not bothering to turn around, since we were now the only ones in the hallway. As we walked amidst the glass windows, I noticed it was now dark outside.

"And why would I follow you out?" He snickered, "You're the least of my concerns."

I bit my lip, and made an abrupt turn to face him.

We stood mere inches from each other.

Fixing my gaze straight into his eyes I said, "That so? Well, I'll be the one to change that, Mr. Elleswood."