Chapter 03.01: Another Way Around

Adeline couldn’t figure out how she will work and finish at least half of the 200 paperworks which Shirley had provided her to do. Every minute in every hour, she couldn’t help but look at the clock repeatedly. While Sandra, who was already cleaning up her desk, had noticed it.

She also observes how Adeline shakes her tired and numbing hand because of the relentless signing, stamping, and encoding of the data to the computer. Sandra may show a worried reaction, but deep inside, she was enjoying the suffering Adeline is having. Right after she was done retouching her makeup, Sandra pretends to comfort and cheer up Adeline.

“I hate to see you like that, Adeline. You need to take a break.” she told her.

Adeline stretched her neck as she remained focused on the computer and continued encoding the data, “I already did.”

“Are you talking about the 10 minute break? It’s like a drink-or-pee break, I’m sure it didn’t help you get some rest for even a bit.”

“I’m fine. Thanks for being concerned.” Adeline continued with her task.

Sandra didn't even force Adeline anymore and took her belongings to get ready to go home. She pats her on the back, the reason for Adeline to look at her.

“I will go home first. I’ll see you again tomorrow.” Sandra said.

“Okay. Be careful on your way home.” Adeline waved goodbye to her, and she walked out of the office.

A few minutes later, Jeremy and Shizuko visited Adeline on her desk, which she exactly finished the 100th count of the paperwork task given to her. She glanced at the two who were already carrying their belongings and ready to go home as well.

Adeline sighed and smiled, “Hey there, lovebirds.”

“Lovebirds?” Jeremy scoffed, “Where did you even get that?”

Adeline cleans off her desk and arranges everything back in order before shutting down the computer. She goes up from her seat to get a cup of drinking water from the water dispenser, before going back to her desk to drink it.

“Would you like to grab dinner with us?” Shizuko asked her.

It took Adeline long before answering Shizuko’s question since she planned to finish drinking the whole cup of water. She breathes out a sigh of relief after putting down the cup above her desk.

“Wow, you looked like you’re parched.” Jeremy went amazed.

“I know what you meant. This is the first time for me to see someone drink water… deliciously.” Shizuko added.

Adeline couldn’t help but laugh because of how naturally humorous the two of them were. She picked up her bag, and they all left the office. The trio went to dine at a well-known fast-food restaurant that is quite close to their office.

Jeremy suddenly put his cheeseburger back on the plate, “So, you mean, you're not really from New York?” 

“Not really. Well, my mother was born in New York, but she and my dad started living in Austin, Texas, even before I was born.” Adeline explained while gently mixing her strawberry milkshake order.

“Really? Well, my ideal girl is not from New York, so, maybe a girl from Austin, Texas would be fine.” Jeremy went in for a bite on his cheeseburger before Shizuko gave him a back slap.

“You pathological liar. You know yourself that statement wasn’t true up to a hundred percent!” she exclaimed to him, which made them all laugh at each other.

 Adeline sips a bit from her milkshake, “This is the reason I called you two lovebirds.”

Shizuko and Jeremy glanced at her.

“I’m sure that there’s love revolving to the two of you. You just won’t admit that you’re both seeing floating hearts above each other’s heads.” Adeline continued.

Jeremy’s face went MEH while Shizuko’s face went to I’m over it reaction as she put down her chipotle bowl.

“Adeline, will you give me permission to talk to you rudely? Just for now only, let me have it.” Shizuko told her.

Jeremy waved his hand in front of Adeline, “No! Don’t say yes. Shizuko is an abusive human being if you give her a chance-”

“Shut up and just eat your fat ass cheeseburger!” Shizuko took his cheeseburger and shoved it in his mouth, which surprised Adeline.

She couldn't believe that they are even more mischievous and chaotic once they’re out of the office. She immediately stops them from getting further that could cause a real and serious fight in the end.

“Alright, alright!” Adeline called their attention. “What rude words would you like to say to me, Shizuko? I’m giving you permission, just for once.”

The two stopped babbling and quarreling with each other before Shizuko glanced at Adeline.

“I just want to tell you the words fuck you, and that is for saying that Jerm and I were lovebirds.” Shizuko didn’t hesitate to speak out what’s on her mind and soul.

Adeline went speechless as she looked at Jeremy who was mouthing her the words, ‘I warned you’. She couldn’t help but laugh at what Shizuko told her.

“I’m sorry for calling you two lovebirds, but I will not stop. So, are we cool?” she asked them.

Shizuko threw her back on the couch and Jeremy couldn’t help but laugh and make fun of her as if it was his daily dose of energy. 

Adeline went straight home to her apartment after grabbing dinner and before going to sleep, she tried to call her mother. She was so happy when the person she had long wanted to talk to had finally answered her call.