"What the heck! Why this guy keeps calling, doesn't he understand 'back off'?" I whine while walking and my best friend, Athena just shook her head and shrugged her shoulder.
I met this guy at the charity ball and now he keeps bothering me. I'll block him once I'm done processing the files needed for me to start my internship.
The supervisors did make sure that there are no mistakes at the documents and finally we'll move to signing the papers and after that we can apply at the company of our choice. I'll surely apply at the Phoenix Cooperative.
"Damn, I'm talking to you." Athena hit my shoulders with her annoyed face.
"Oh my, I was spacing out. What were you saying?"
"I said; let's go to the dean's office now. The supervisors are done signing. Tsk!" I don't know, I'm like sinking with excitement and at the same time with agitation for some reason.
Thinking I'd be out of this educational prison inspires me to keep going, I'd rather lose my mind dealing with some stuff outside of this campus.
We finally get our documents signed before 3 o'clock in the afternoon so I decide to treat myself a coffee at W coffee shop. Good thing about this shop is that there's a room for cat and dog lovers, bookworms, discussion room, gamers, indoor playground for those coffee lover parents that can't leave their kids and lastly is a room to relax and unwind in peace and tranquility.
"I want my coffee at the paradise 6." I mentioned and head at the room with my exhausted mind. Vines on the door is a sign that I reached the right room, I heard the soothing sound of the water from the artificial falls inside as well as the background music which is the sound of the birds and other creatures that exist in the nature.
"Thanks God, I needed this." I let myself inhaling the silence and the cold breeze from the room as I open the door.
Occupying the table near the falls made my heart feel at ease. I have to stop over thinking about the future otherwise I'll be unhappy and stress out about the things that are about to happen or maybe not going to happen ever but my system is feeding my mind with some useless ideas and absolutely unnecessary just make me feel disgusted with the present that leads me doing nothing but feeling stuck and useless.
"What an evil in human form! Asshat!" I jumped out of shock and my heartbeat rise to the hundredth level when I heard a yell from the other side. I see no one earlier and I never expect that someone will distract the silence.
"I'm here to relax I hope you know, idiot!" I suddenly yelled because I couldn't calm myself. That jerk startled the hell out of me and I palpitate as if I drunk a drum of strong coffee.
"Who are you to call me idiot?" He responded madly and step out from that dark dim area. A tall guy in suit appears with an intimidating aura and seems to be authoritative. So, I stand firm and chin up to show him I got the power.
"…and who are you to echo your madness in this room where my peace is happening? You're a distraction! Why didn't you take the discussion room if you're like that?" I scoff and roll my eyes, after that I proudly turn my back on him and right at that moment my order arrived which is just right in time.
I take my seat once again and ignore his presence, he continue discussing stuffs with someone over the phone while his eyes pierced on his laptop. Annoyance carved on his face yet he still managed to speak calmly as he could. Damn, why I'm intrigued with what he is doing now.
"I'll see you at the office later." His last response before he ended the call. He passes through me like an assassin in a way that I couldn't even hear his footsteps.
I wish I'm not running with time, I'd like to enjoy my cookies and coffee quite longer but I have to head at the Phoenix Cooperative before 5 o'clock in the afternoon.
"Good afternoon, I'd like to ask where Mr. Castro is at the moment." I ask one of the employees at the HR and he said Mr. Castro is at the boardroom. Swinging my feet out of a little tense while waiting outside and I immediately stand as the door opens, seeing Mr. Castro near me seems putting me inside the box and it is quite suffocating.
"Good afternoon to all." I greeted then and I'm thankful for not stuttering.
"Oh! Hello, Ms. Stanford. Did you bring your documents?"
"Yes sir, here---"
"Wait, she's the girl you were talking about Alfred? What a lovely lady." I almost bite my tongue upon hearing that but my system seems restarting as I look on his face. His built, his eyes and his aura is familiar. He was the one at the coffee shop earlier. What is he doing here?
"Indeed, Clinton! So?" What are they talking about?
"Fortunately Ms. this company is not accepting MOA but Mr. Castro had a wonderful solution. You'll be an intern to Plethora Empire instead." I don't know how to respond because this company is the most convenient for me. It's not far from the university and the head here is nice while I heard that the CEO of the Plethora is intimidating.
I'm shut in silence; I can't even speak a word even though my mind is showing me a script.
"For sure you're amazed. Of course, Plethora Empire is everybody's dream. What can you say?"
I turn my gaze to Mr. Castro because this Clinton guy can't help me to think straight. Last time I check this company is accepting MOA and I already pass my resume here. How come that they suddenly change their mind?
"Silence means yes, Hailey." Clinton smiled at me but there's something in his eyes that irritates me and I don't know if what that thing is. I sigh as I see him holding my resume.
What a chance in heaven that me and this weirdo has to meet once more and I think it's going to be often from now on.
Now, I want to ask more questions but he made me follow him to the Plethora to convince me more. What can I say aside from thank you to Mr. Castro before leaving? I was really hoping to work with them but this is suddenly happening.
"Who are you?" I asked Clinton while looking at his giant footsteps and thinking how could I catch up.
"I'm Clinton."
"I know."
"Then, you don't need to ask."
"You're a little bit insane." I whispered and roll my eyes on his back. "They said I need to see a therapist, so I'm aware."
"Why you want me at the Plethora?"
"I don't want you. It just happens that you need the Plethora Empire and it will give you excessive amount of experience you need. Get in!"
He is such a bossy. At least he got this a little gentleness in his blood as he open the door for me. I'll give him one point for that gesture.
I have my quickest 20 minutes in my life because this man is not afraid to death and like he owns the highway.
"Are you crazy?" I chided when we get out from his car.
"Who wants to be normal?" the string of my patience is holding on but if I'm with this man every day, I'll be doomed.
"Can I get my documents back? I'll pass that on my own to the supervisor." I said when I realize he is holding it. A gaze shut me up and instead of insisting it I just keep up my pace with him. He is quite popular that mostly everyone we pass by is greeting him but there's this something weird at the atmosphere, some seems scared while staring at him and they end up looking down.
"Is this the head's office?"
"Yes! Anyway I requested your university myself that they'll pass the memorandum of agreement here themselves otherwise you won't get accepted."
"What's the point of me being here then?" I asked while silently amazed by the interior design of this office. Everything inside seems to be an illusion, the lights that creates shadows of art, the furniture that I never ever seen somewhere like the long wooden sofa that looks like a backbone of a dinosaur but bigger than that and the lovely view of the city side outside which is really fascinating like how the cars looks like just some toys in controlled. It's lovely.
"Ears on me!" I come back to my senses with his annoyed voice.
"I was listening."
"Yes, you were not. Listen, use my computer and edit your application form and print it right away."
"Is that another reason why I'm here? Wow!" I scoff and sit on his swiveling chair like I would never get up again because it made me feel more comfortable and being adopted with somehow the energy or life inside this room, I don't know why I felt it here.
"Wait, that's Mr. Gray." I point the painting at the gray wall in the right side.
"You know him but you don't know me?" he said in his monotone voice, reading a magazine while crossing his legs.
"I know him; look how masculine he is at the painting. His a-abs…"
"What are you implying then?" His serious tone caught my attention than being amazed by the painting and at that moment, after staring at him a bit more as he step towards and lean on the table… I know, Mr. Gray turns out to be him. How dumb I was not to recognize him but I was not really a fan of that model to the point I forgot he has a business and that business is this Plethora Empire. So, the name is Clinton. I used to hear Mr. Gray only. My bad.
"…because"
"It is because of masculinity?" He almost whispers it and loosened his tie.
"W-what are you trying to do?" I hesitantly ask upon seeing him unbuttoning his long sleeves while a gaze is devilishly pierced at me. What the hell.
"You need proof isn't it?" With such a tone that would crumble your world sent me shivers down to my spine, sucking my infinite energy bit by bit and my knees begun to tremble causing me to push the swiveling chair backwards.
"Stop!" I stood up and walk pass through him. He got me there but I don't fit in here.
"I'm sorry, I'll apply somewhere else. I honestly can't work with you." I sensed something here that made me feel trouble. Indeed, this place is a beautiful place but I can't be here. Am I scared that's why I wanted to escape here? But why I'm scared?
"We have so much to offer to our interns. Travel incentives if they are qualified and capable of doing the job, cash and other services. Now say that you don't want to try getting to know Plethora Empire." He sat on the table while watching me to leave. Crossing his arms with his authoritative aura and he is intimidating.
"You can work under pressure, you stated here in your application. Adventurous that may fit for every business trips and who knows, you'll be the first intern who will be qualified for the travel incentives." Looking at him while playing his fingers is quite distracting and this is the owner of the Empire… I'm talking to him. It seems like I was lost and unaware with what was going on.
"Try messing up with me…you won't like it." I whispered but a grin appears on his face and a chuckle that irritates my ear. I lost to him in a way that he gets to annoy me when I was trying to win. I ended up editing my document on his computer while he stood nearby watching every move I make. It's creating weird atmosphere and I'm feeling uneasiness now.
"Could you stand back, Sir?"
"Look at you, work under pressure? You're amazing!" So, he knows how to roll his eyes and now I want to squeeze him. 'This is not the pressure that I meant' I'd love to respond but my bratty attitude win over.
"Are you mocking me? I just don't like your presence and now I hope you'll take few steps back and let me finish this peacefully, okay?"
"This is my territory and---"
"Shush!"
"Don't shush me." I giggle as I saw his expression. So, he is territorial and he let me in here. I think I know now the feeling of a winner.
"Here, Clinton. Thanks for the free printing service." I bluff and hand him over the new document.
"What a little devil." He said and gently throws the folder on his table, so, I drag my feet out of his office.
How his office could look neat and clean? The cubicles are organized and the working desks aren't piled up by files and everything here are pleasing to the eyes.
I throw myself at my bed as I arrived home since I don't have someone to talk to. My parents are still at work and now I'm thinking what to have for dinner while rolling on my bed like crazy.
"Hmm, I smell something tasty." Mom greeted me while I am transferring food to the bowl.
"You made creamy chicken and Gnocchi. Did you put more pepper?"
"Yes, more mozzarella and baby spinach, for sure you'll love it." I chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"Mom, I decided to apply at the Plethora Empire." I started telling her while preparing the table.
"Wait, famous Clinton Gray owned that empire." She responded happily.
"You know him?" That's new to me. He is modeling clothes for men yet mom knows that weird man.
"Well, business industry dear. You shouldn't forget that." She chuckled and begun eating.
Mother and I watched a show and after that I head back to my room and hoping to be visited by a sleep fairy yet instead I begun searching about Plethora Empire and why I didn't know Clinton Gray is the owner of it. I was also dumb not to recognize him in person. I was like a fool assuming to know him even just a little bit but I was wrong.
A sun rays hit my face and there I realize that I over slept. I don't feel strong today and I don't feel like getting up but I have to go to the university to change my memorandum of agreement.
"Hi, Babi. Let's go now." I talked to my big bike. Oh my, the traffic is real this morning. At the middle of the road the guy on a beautiful luxurious car opened his window and talked to me. Trying to ask my name and to not be rude I took my helmet out and tell him I'm Ali which is not a lie because some of my friends call me that. Fortunately, the green light lights and we're off to go. After that everything goes smooth until I arrived at the university.
"Ali!"
"Hi, Beth!" She's one of my college friends.
"You didn't tell us that you'll be an intern at Plethora." Sabrina sounds upset but it was so sudden, how can I tell them? I wasn't even able to tell the story to my crazy best friend.
"Do you know that the company rejects intern applicants? What's something special in you? What's your secret?" They keep asking me some stuff that I don't even know how to answer. One thing I'm sure of, I don't feel so special about it.
"Girls, I have to go now. I'm going at the office of the supervisor to change my MOA." I raised my brows because they're like looking at each other, it seems like they're wondering about something.
"Spill the tea." I cross my arms and face them again.
"Mr. Gray is here." They whisper and that surprised me.
"Why?"
"We heard that he drop by at the dean's office and also he is one of the speaker to the other department's seminar."
"Then, we know that you'll be an intern there because some students said that he informed the supervisor about it, also, your new MOA is getting prepared by the office staff. Interesting news isn't it?"
What is he doing? He is causing trouble for me. I don't want to hear anything from the professors after this.
My morning started really well, honestly, and yet I'm feeling a bit flustered when the instructor keep asking me questions about the internship and why. They wouldn't even believe that the cooperative just hand me over to the Plethora.
As soon as my MOA signed they handed it to me and ask me to wait for Clinton at the office. They just want to take a picture with him. They're getting even weirder. Around 10 o'clock in the morning he showed up at the dean's office with a gentle smile on his face. What a weirdo. I'm sure they said he is a man with madness in his blood, that smile must be just for show.
"Good morning Mr. Gray. We're glad you allow Ms. Stanford to be working with you." I raise my brows. I was wondering what does it means. Is it working on his side or working on his company?
The girls take a photo with him while I'm just sitting on the couch feeling both awkwardness and annoyance until, "Hailey, join us." Clinton invited me with them, I don't want to but the professors insist as well so I didn't make it long. I just want to leave now.
"Bye Mr. Gray, it's our pleasure to have you here." They just can't let him go.
"Do well in there; the name of our University is at stake." One of the professors whispered on my ear with her intimidating voice supposed to be. She can't scare me. A mistake once must be that unforgettable. I can't say I learned my lesson but somehow after that something within me changed.
I didn't respond, I just stare and smile at her before following Clinton's giant steps.
"What did she said?" I'm surprised that he slowed down and asked me that stupid question.
"I hope you realize you're being nosy, Mr. Gray." I roll my eyes and walk ahead of him.
"That's so rude, Hailey."
"That's so rude, Hailey." I mocked him and head first to the parking space. I don't want to go to the company with him.
Honestly, I don't know why I'm quite nervous with his presence. I'm freaking out.
As I arrived at the Plethora I asked Clinton's secretary if where am I going to be assigned but first she suggested touring me around before Clinton will arrive. I want to do something before that but it seems like we still need him.
"She's unusual, what do you think?"
"I think she just got the attitude." I know they're talking about me; they can't even turn their gaze away.
"First, this is the marketing department. Laura, the lady right there is the head of the office." The lady just smile at me and went back to work. She's honestly intimidating. We reach the cafeteria at the 2nd floor before Clinton arrived. I don't know what take him too long.
"Sir, the meeting with the board will start soon." His secretary reminded him as he draws near.
"Alright, come with me Alicia. Let that girl wait for me at the office." He said and rush to the elevator, he seems irritated.
"You heard him." Alicia whispered with a command from her eyes and follows the boss immediately. I heard Clinton is a scary man but he seems distracted and just a plain man filled with bitterness in his blood. I think Alicia and I will get along.
I don't want to join with them at the elevator but they're waiting for me. I thought they're rushing.
"Don't waste my valuable time again." I'm surprised with what I heard and my damn attitude just suddenly activated, "I didn't beg you to wait." I countered and roll my eyes. This is one of the reasons why I don't want to work in here. I admit that he is amazing in this field but he is too famous that I'll go viral if I'll do something wrong. Alicia cleared her throat on purpose as our silence makes our reflection on the elevator's mirror wall clearer.
"What are you doing here?" He's here and he is annoying.
"I'm helping them." I responded and continue filing some documents from the recent months.
"Come with me. From now on you'll work with the accounting department and you could be my assistant."
"I think I love it here and accounting department, sir."
"Follow me!"
"Alright, I'm following." I think I really have to behave well now because he'll evaluate me but also the truth is his authoritative voice is enough for me to follow.
"Marco, see me here at the office." He called him via telephone and after a minute he arrived. A handsome man with a tan skin color in a maroon suit walks in with a smile on his face, I like his radiant smile and his monoloid eyes; after few more gazes I found out the color of his eyes, its hazel.
"This is Hailey Stanford, our intern. I'd like you to give her a quick rundown of her task to be my assistant. Hailey, this is Marco and you heard what I've said." A phone call caught Clinton's attention and so he left me with Marco. He introduced himself again with a sweet smile on his face and it helps to reduce the tension inside me. He discussed the responsibilities and let me familiarize everything inside the office because according to him Clinton gets mad easily. "Just never mind him if he do, don't let your heart absorb what he is going to say if ever." He whispered and swiftly stole a glance at the boss.
"Anyway, you could use this gadget to manage his calendar, appointments, booking transportation or accommodation for any travel and for arranging meetings. I think that's all for now, you can ask me anytime. "
"Thanks, Sir Marco." He just smiled and gestured me to my desk. I wasn't able to utter anything before he left because I'm mesmerized with my desk set up. I really love it.
The space amazed me and not only that but the choice of office furniture; a well-designed desk with ample storage space is provided and is equipped with a comfortable ergonomic chair to ensure proper posture and comfort for a long work hours. I could say because I sit and it even made me feel like I'm the boss but wait… I'm wondering where the corner of the other assistant is since I'm in this space. Well, that's something I don't have to bother thinking. Technology and communication tools are complete and other necessary peripherals.
One fascinating thing in this office suite is the small meeting area where it can accommodate visitors or colleagues if ever they have something to discuss.
Admiring this comfortable environment and the sophisticated appeal of the suite that aligns with the overall style of the company and executive offices I noticed the CCTV camera and I wonder what that is for.
"That's weird!" I utter and sigh.
"The weird thing is you looking like a kid while observing the whole suite." Like a mole the boss just appears.
"If you still have questions you can just ask Marco on the other suite, alright?"
"You go here just for that?" I asked, I forgot that I'm working here as an intern and I don't have to be like that.
"May I know what time is the meeting with the president of Dewar's group?" I think I pissed him off.
I panicked, I swear.
I checked the calendar and couldn't find the group he mentioned, "I think it's not today, sir." I hope he buys that.
"Of course it's not today. That group does not even exist." He responded and turns his back on me like what a freak.
I played music while memorizing his schedule for later because I don't want to embarrass myself in front of him and other people. Upon browsing I'm touched as I saw that he has a reservation for dinner with his parents at one of the five star hotels in this city, such a sweet son.
"Hailey, come with us. We'll have our lunch." I'm surprised that Alicia come by, her suite is just next to Marco's but I didn't expect that they would invite me to eat with them plus I didn't notice the time.
"Alright, I'll follow." She smiled before she left and I arrange my stuffs back to their right places then remind Clinton about his leadership meeting after lunch.
"You should come with me later."
"Ha? You mean Alicia?" I don't want to go with him, honestly. I'm kind of scared since this is my first day and he already assigned me in this job. I was expecting that I'd be stuck at photocopying papers, handling over documents to the other departments or filing but this one is quite scary for me yet. Dang, I sounded a weakling.
"You're not dumb so I know you understand that I was referring to you, after that I'll be at the studio for another shoot and I think you'll be at better help."
"As I know that's out of my duty as an intern."
"You're my assistant so what's wrong?" I just shrugged and I could just simply put on my DTR that I assisted him.
I thought the task would be so hard but Clinton gave me a chance to observe, yes, Alicia was there to help me and now I'm with Clinton going to the studio for his photo shoot. A lost kitten is it to be but I really look like that at the corner of this spacious studio. Everyone is in their busy ass meanwhile I'm just being observant and wishing time would go faster because the situation is killing me.
"Hailey!" Clinton gestured me to come near them and I was astonished with his look and outfit.
"Which one would you rather choose this black leather jacket with silver chains or this black glittery one?" He showed me his options with his sincere wondering eyes and that made me giggle. I don't understand why he asked me when he has this stylist.
"The first option suits to your look. It's giving a bad boy vibe." I responded but I didn't make the last part clear but I bet he did heard what I said because he planted me a quick killer gaze before handling the glittery jacket to the assistant of the stylist. He took a photo shoot after, it was really effortless, and he was enjoying it. He looks amazing and really professional. He is wearing the title on his face and no wonder why many like him that much. Everyone around him works with a smile on their faces and I though he is a scary man or it's only because he is in a different environment… just maybe!
"Hey, I've been looking at you for few times now. Don't be creep out but you're beautiful. Who are you with?"
"Eh, you startled me man." I hissed but I managed to smile after that.
"You sounded like I'm a lost kid." I continue while staring at him. He looks like a model too but I haven't seen him earlier.
"You look really attractive for a kid." Geez, he is using the art of flattery.
"Kids are attractive isn't it?"
"Well, yeah! My charm seems not working on you. I'm Matt by the way."
"I'm Chelsea! It's nice to meet you, Matt." I lied but how playful the universe is when Clinton called my name while walking forth. I was embarrassed to the highest level and, "Sorry, the real name is Hailey." I introduced myself once again and the funny thing is that he also give me a fake name. What a freak!
"He is really weird." I talked to myself while heading out because Clinton is done for the day.
"He likes you." Out of nowhere he just commented while following me.
"I don't think so."
"Of course you don't." He said in monotone voice and walk even faster.
"Are you rushing? You don't have any upcoming meeting for today."
"Well, it's already 5: 30pm. You still have to log out." Well, he is right. It only took us 20 minutes to arrive at the company because his driver seems to love racing and luckily there's no traffic.
After logging out I went to the parking space before I could notice that my babi is gone. Where is my big bike?
I was on my way back to ask for the CCTV footage when I crossed to Clinton again.
"Forgot something?" He asked and I told him about my lost bike.
"I'll give you a lift." He said with his black face. Geez!
"I need to find my bike, I hope you understand." I'm a bit pissed off honestly.
"I asked someone to send it back to your home." He responded calmly while it surprised me.
"How dare you. You didn't ask permission!" I suddenly lose my cool because why not? I'm on the right side.
"I'll drive you home."
"I'll commute." I'm mad at him but he is acting like nothing happened.
"If I said I'll drive you home, you can't refuse to it." On a serious note he is driving me crazy but when he pulled my hand closer to him everything fade away and was replaced by a sensation that I don't have to feel. The warmth from his palm seems transferring some unknown energy that made my heart go crazy, it is not a spark or what but it's something that I never felt before.
"Keep up your pace otherwise I'll carry you." With that, I melted and I don't like it.
Dear Self,
I wonder what kind of feeling was that when he pulled me and held my hand. Handsome guys really are dangerous but he did nothing more than other men but I swear it's something I got scared to feel but I want to feel that kind of sensation again. I know I sound weird right now and I hope this is simply just an attraction. I couldn't afford falling in love again but his words seem to reach my soul faster than ever. It is scary but I hope I'm just being assuming. Please hit my dummy brain to recover from any shit. I love you!
Sincerely,
Yours