Slap

Catherine

I woke up twenty minutes before eight and my eyes widened as I checked the time. I rushed into the bathroom, my throbbing head felt like it was about to drop and with all my strength, I managed to ignore half the pain.

I took a little coffee and jogged my way towards the road, I got a taxi immediately and mentioned my location.

I threw a few dollar bills when I reached the company and ran my way upstairs. I couldn’t use the elevator because of my level and it was a funny day for most people because it wasn’t everyday you see a 235 pound lady who’s 5’3 ft running up the stairs.

It was my first day and I didn’t want to be late, with panting, I got to my office five minutes after 8.

My head was about to drop, my body was aching badly and I felt nauseous, I wanted to throw up but I managed to keep a straight face as I walked into my new office.

I could see envious glances, the energy around told me that I wasn’t welcomed. “I’m sure Dave helped her get it…”

“Dave was the one who worked for it, she has been following him around for years, it finally paid off” Their words made Cora sad as it reminded her of last night.

The wine had made us forget about everything for a moment but now we were sober and the worst thing was not remembering how I got home, what I said or did.

“I’m sure we didn’t do anything wrong… Dave’s uncle is very strict, I’m sure he would punish us if we did something wrong” Cora replied and I couldn’t agree more.

He’s a very ruthless and fierce man who regards nobody so if a nobody like me should do something, it’s only a matter of minutes before he arrives.

I got my desk ready and Mary burst inside without knocking. “Here’s your schedule, you need to arrange these names in chronological order… Don’t make any mistake because Dave wouldn’t be able to help you out” Mary replied bitterly and I sighed.

I wonder what they’d feel now that we’ve broken up, I’m sure it’ll make them happy and they’d see more things to use against me.

I worked with full force for almost an hour, I was trying to occupy myself so I wouldn’t be able to think about Dave, his uncle or the pain in my chest.

“You’ve got to eat” Cora reminded me, when my stomach rumbled and I nodded. “Dave is the one who should be feeling this pain, starving yourself wouldn’t change what has happened” Cora pointed out and I nodded.

I need to make myself happy, it’s time to focus squarely on myself. I walked to the first floor, where the staff cafeteria was located.

I grabbed a sandwich and energy bars before heading back. I was at the coffee machine, trying to make coffee when a few ladies walked past me.

“Foodie…”

“She looks like an ape…”

“Did you see her running today? Was pathetic”

Their words were hurtful but it didn’t get to me. If I can survive a heart break then I can survive literally anything in this world.

“She’s making coffee when she’s in trouble…”

“Justin is here to look for her… I’m sure she’s gotten on his bad side because you’ll never see him randomly”

“He’s a Demi-god… He’s flawless and everything about him is screaming fire… I almost passed out when I saw him…” The air suddenly went dull and lively at the same time.

I could feel the presence of a prominent figure and everyone was aware of what a powerful man he was. The girls were about to kill themselves while the guys felt insecure and belittled.

My heart began racing as I remembered what they were saying about me being in trouble. Cora shrank instantly and I broke into sweat as my sandwich almost slipped out of my palm.

I hesitated at the tea machine for a moment, wondering what I’d say, how I’d face him and what crime I had committed. I tried my best to rack my brain but yesterday’s event was gone, I remembered nothing at all.

Everybody’s gaze was on me as I walked towards my office with the tea in my hand. My heart was pounding fast as I neared my office, I wanted to run away and never return, I also wanted the ground to swallow me, I just wanted anything to happen.

The few steps before my office was like a thousand miles as I kept using all my strength to lift my heavy feet.

His back facing me and he was knocking on my door, my anxiousness gave me no time to think about how amazing he looked.

“Yes… Do you need anything?” My voice quivered and my face was covered in sweat already.

He spun around and out of fright, the tea slipped out of my hand, dropping on my feet “argh!” It was out of impulse that I screamed and before I could lift my leg, I felt a soft hand pressing onto it with a handkerchief.

Out of shock, I staggered back, almost falling although his grip on my leg tightened. He shook his head as he stared at me.

Ignoring the warmth of his fingers, my heart was racing, I was sweating profusely as every eye fixated on me.

“Th… Thank you… I… I…” He raised his head, his dark eyes making shivers run down my spine as I forced my mouth closed. My brain had shut down and I was frozen as he wrapped the handkerchief around my leg gently.

He stood up and grabbed the bag he was holding before. “I brought you hangover soup… I feel slightly guilty since I was the one who offered you the wine” He apologized and I nodded, unable to utter a word.

I was in shock as he strode out gently. My hand was still hanging in the air when everyone began murmuring as I turned to look at him but their voices didn’t get to my ears as I locked gaze with the devil himself, Dave.

He was very furious at me and fear gripped me like I had been caught cheating. He was staring at me with hatred and I felt my heart pounding like it was about to burst out of my chest.

I was covered in sweat and the scald on my feet disappeared and was replaced with great fear, I began to wonder how he’d feel and what my fate was.

The bag dropped from my hand and my fear became visible. I was still panicking as he began walking towards me when my gaze shifted and I saw Ava smiling deviously beside him.

She stared at me with contempt but I knew deep down she was beyond happy to see me in such a state. Dave walked up to me.

“Dav…” Before I could utter any word, a slap landed on my cheek, making everyone turn silent as gasps rang out.