The Space Between Us

Chapter Two

Sometimes I enjoy my work, other times not so much. When I arrived the office was heaving, employees running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Of course I asked what was going on, but I was met with a very irritating and dramatic response.

"What's going on! For goodness sake Ayla do you not read your emails?" This lovely response was from Miranda, the office busybody. "I mean I'm not surprised, you're always too wrapped up in Mr Johnson to notice the world around you is moving on." 

Did I mention I hate her?

"Thank you for the oh so helpful response Miranda, I'll be sure to keep your opinions under advisement." That and the cheerful smile I sent her way earned me a roll of the eyes, and still no answer as to what was going on.

My desk was centred in the middle of the office space, my desk-mate Oliver already there looking as frantic as everyone else. On my approach, his eyes casted up and a look of relief was reflected back at me.

"Thank fuck you're here girlie, I was about to combust with this workload." Ever the dramatist, Oliver quickly filled me in on what had everyone freaking out. "Sandra, the CEO, sent out an email to Richard about redundancies. It has something to do with a new logging of hours and too much staff. Everyone's freaking out, trying to make sure it's not them so if I was you I'd get looking busy, don't want you to go and then I'm stuck with Miranda over there as a desk-mate. You know she's been eyeing up your chair right?"

For the rest of the afternoon I was stressed to the max, trying to read through as many manuscripts as possible and come up with the best analysis as to why they would be suitable to publish. 

The first: a compelling story of true love between an alien and a teenage boy who find themselves stuck in a parallel universe in which the world is overrun by zombies. At least it wouldn't be boring.

The second: a compelling story of true love between two next door neighbours, who find themselves torn apart by feuding families. Wonder where I've heard that one before...

The third, well you get the gist.

My anxiety was building higher and higher after every terrible manuscript, the clock ticking down till five creating an ever present echo in the office as everyone worked to meet their deadlines.

"Ayla," Dick, sorry Richard, called. "Can you come into my office for a minute?"

Everyone's eyes followed me as I walked towards him, his blatant failure to create an effective space in the door for me to go through obvious as I slid in past his large frame, the door closing behind with a loud click.

"Thank you for your time Ayla." Richard walked round his marble (yes marble) desk, reclining back in his chair as I sat down in mine.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" His eyes cast down towards my chest, something that is common enough now that I would hardly notice it if I wasn't so hyperaware in worry for how this meeting was going to go.

"You're aware of the redundancies, am I right?" I replied I was. "Then you understand why I have asked you in here?" 

Fuck.

"You haven't done anything wrong Ayla, let's start there. I just believe that there are people with more experience who are better suited." 

Believe me when I say I highly disagree, the people in here are knob heads. Richard's eyes cast back down to my chest, then to my face, his eyes scanning for fuck knows what.

"So I'm being made redundant?" I had to be sure.

It just then became apparent to me that the normally open shutter blinds were closed and preventing the office from seeing in. Some would say that was to preserve my dignity considering the nature of this meeting, but something, call it instinct, made me nervous. 

Robert stood then, walking round to the front of the desk and leaning against the table just off to the side of where my legs were. His eyes scanned me, the obvious hunger for something I was not willing to give making me sit up straighter in my seat. 

"Now Ayla, you understand that this is out of my control. I wouldn't want you to think I didn't enjoy your presence in the office." Aye I'm sure you do. "This is just a part of business, sweetheart." I'll sweetheart you. "I do hope we can stay in contact." Fuck no.

"Yeah." Half arsed but had to be said. Wished I didn't.

I stood then, fixing my pencil skirt out of habit. Caught the pervert's attention though. 

"It was lovely knowing you Ayla." He reached out his hand for mine to which I accepted, not that I could really refuse. 

"You too, Mr Johnson."

His fingers stroked over mine, the look in his eyes giving away all of his perverted thoughts in which I wanted to play no part. The handshake lasted ten seconds (yes I did say ten), his grip on my hand not loosening until I finally yanked my hand away. He opened the door, gesturing with his hand that I could leave.

"Don't be a stranger, Ayla."

Never been so happy to leave a job.