Chapter 5- Walking meme

                               Remy

The ray of sunlight kissed my skin through my window, instantly dragging me out of sleep. I hadn’t bothered setting up an alarm because I knew I didn’t need it.

I reached blindly for my phone on the bedside table.

6:30

“Shit.”

I yanked myself out of bed and immediately headed to the bathroom. 

Today was my first day back at work after a very long, very needed two months leave. And I couldn’t afford to be late.

I stripped out of my clothes and got into the shower. The hot water spilled over me from my hair down to my toes, melting away the remnants of sleep and tension.

Thankfully, I had already laid out my outfit last night– a habit I was taught from childhood.

I chose a burgundy tailored shirt dress with a red classic point toe high heel to match. Gold accessories,  a black rectangle shoulder bag and a sleek messy low bun completed the look. 

I kept my make up simple but elegant. 

I didn’t bother with breakfast because the office had that covered. I glanced at my phone to check the time. 7:30. Had just 30 minutes to get to work.

As if on que, my phone buzzed with a message from Cory. 

‘I’m outside’

Running to my window, I spotted his black Mercedes parked beside my car.

What was he doing here?

I quickly grabbed my house keys from its usual position, and stepped out. Locking the door behind me.

Cory was already out of his car with a cup of coffee in his hand. He strolled towards me, his smile warm and annoyingly perfect for this early in the morning.

“Good morning.” He said casually, offering me the cup.

“Morning.” I replied, taking it. “What are you doing here?” I asked, as we both walked towards his car.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m here to pick you up.”

“I can see that” I responded with a small laugh. “I just don’t know why,” I continued, “ I have a car, remember.” I pointed to the silver SUV just a few inches away.

“ I know that, but I just thought you needed company. With all the eyes that would be on you today.” He explained as he opened the passenger door for me to enter.

I offered a gracious smile before slipping in. He wasn’t  wrong. The gossip mill was spinning already and I was the headline.

That was something I wasn’t prepared for, but it was soothing to know he was right by my side.

I took a sip of the coffee and let the taste linger in my tongue before I swallowed it. Black, no cream, with little sugar just how I liked it.

“Thanks for this” I murmured, raising the cup, as soon as he got into the car. “And also for being here, means a lot”

“Don’t sweat it.” He replied with a smile before turning on the ignition.

*************

The Daily Chronicle.

 The name stretched out in big bold letters across the large glass building.

Cory found a spot to park in the parking lot where other cars were seen. As soon as I stepped out of the car, my throat went dry. It was like I was a new kid on the first day of high school.

Cory noticed my uneasiness and gently touched my shoulder. 

“ Are you ok?” He asked as we walked out of the parking lot towards the building.

“Not really. My palms are really sweaty” I responded with an awkward smile, bringing it up for him to see.

“You’re just nervous. Whatever that happens in there, just remember, you’re not the jerk who left without a word, so you have nothing to worry about. Ok?” He replied.

“Ok.” I said, giving a quick nod. His words left a sense of warmth and gently eased my mind.

But immediately we walked inside the building, regret hit.

I felt the piercing eyes of literally everyone who came in contact with us. Whispers trailed behind like shadows. Exactly how I had predicted.

I wasn’t used to being the center of gossip, but thanks to August, here I was living my worst nightmare.

We made our way to the turnstile and gained access using our cards. Each footstep drawing us close to the elevator, away from prying eyes.

“At this point, I don’t mind taking the stairs.” I muttered under my breath but not low enough for Cory to hear.

“Common, it’s not that bad.” He replied as he pressed the elevator button.

“Are you kidding me? Was I the only one that saw the stares?” I inquired with wide eyes.

He smirked. “They’re just checking you out. You look pretty good today.”

Despite myself, I smiled. Maybe, I needed to hear that.

The elevator dinged open, and as we stepped inside, I inhaled deeply. Whatever waited upstairs for me– the comments, the questions, more stares, I’ll make sure to handle it.

Not because I was ready, but because I wasn’t alone. 

The elevator door slid shut, sealing us inside with a soft hum. My heartbeat felt louder in the enclosed space, but Cory’s presence beside me kept me from spiraling.

“Remember,” he said quietly without turning to me, “you owe nobody an explanation.”

I gave a weak chuckle. “Tell that to the news room.”

The elevator door opened to the fourth floor. My floor. The familiar scent of coffee, papers and printer ink washed over me making me nauseous. I used to love it, used to live for.

Now all it did was bring back memories I wanted buried.

Cory stepped out first, subtly shielding me as we walked into the bullpen. Heads turned. Conversations stuttered. A few people pretended to be focused on their screens, but their eyes trailed after me when I walked past them.

I forced my shoulders back.

I could do this.

My workspace was just a few feet away. Same desk, same chair, same computers that probably still held my half-written articles. The sticky notes I left on my monitor before my leave–finish future drafts– was still stuck there like an accusation.

I reached for it and peeled it off, laying it on my desk. 

Cory lingered close, he pretended to check something on his phone but I knew he was just keeping watch, ready to intercept anyone who tried to approach me too quickly.

“You know you have work to do right? You can’t just stand there like my body guard” I smiled while settling down on my seat. “ Go on. I can handle it from here on out. I promise.” 

He gave a skeptical look, not really sure if he could let me be.

“I promise.” I repeated with a slight nod.

“Just breathe.” He whispered before turning and walking towards his office. 

I nodded again, though my chest tightened the second he left.

A shadow fell over my workspace. Someone had walked up quietly, slowly.

I looked up, expecting a co-worker with a fake sympathy or forced curiosity. But instead I was met with a pair of cold, assessing eyes– eyes that belonged to someone I wasn’t quite prepared to face or even associate with.

“This should be interesting.” I muttered under my breath as I faked a deep smile.