Ms. Jennifer had no other instructions aside from not being late. She also said to pass by the HR department since our employee ID cards are already available.
I went down to the HR to retrieve my ID and saw Helena talking to Ms. Maureen. She had her best smile on and looking as if she is the most innocent girl in town. Gone was the menacing lady who threatened me.
Ms. Maureen saw me and smiled at me and she gestured to a lady near me. I came up to her and asked if I could have my ID.
"Helena Smith right?" she asked and when I nodded, she added, "You are much more beautiful in person. That ID picture did not do you justice. Sue the guy who took it."
"I would if I can only remember where I got it from." while shaking my head. I looked terrible in the picture. Well, I can no longer do anything about it. I just shrugged it off. I waved at Ms. Maureen and the lady who handed me my ID card and went out of the office. Not even bothering to say goodbye to Ericka. I knew she would just ignore me so why bother being nice to her. Not even realizing that my ignoring her presence would ricochet at me in the future.
I heard my phone rang as I was about to go out of the building. The name flashing on the screen made me smile. I wonder how he would react if he saw the name that I save for him on my phone.
"Shorty, we are at the parking space. Hurry up. We're starving." Ed said. Not even bothering with some courtesy.
"Hello, Edison. Its so nice of you to call and remind me of the dinner invitation. I will make sure to hurry up so as not to make you wait." I said. My voice dripping with sarcasm as I crossed the parking space.
"Cut the crap, Helena. Not in the mood." he said and hung up.
If only I was alone, I could have said a few words that would best describe Edison. None of them are sweet.
"Lena." Jeff said and welcomed me with a hug. This always caught me off guard. Jeff is so free when he expresses himself. And he always make sure that he would hug me or pat me in my back or stroke my hair while we are talking. At some point, I can see Ed's expression changing, especially if the hug or the touching goes longer than he likes. I am not really sure why he is like that though.
"How was your talk with Ms. Jennifer?" Jeff asked while we were on our way to wherever it is that he is taking us.
"Nothing to it. She just said not to be late and to pick our IDs in our way home." I said. "How about you? Did Mr. Harvey say anything?"
"Well, if you could call his grunting, talking, then he did. A lot for that matter." he said while looking at me from the rear view mirror. I heard Ed scoff. I laughed when I started imagining the three of them greeting Mr. Harvey respectfully and only receiving a grunt in response.
" I bet John's face would be priceless."I said.
" It was. Priceless." he said while winking at me.
" I wonder who will drive who crazy." I said.
" Mr. Harvey will drive John crazy. You see, John is so smart that the common language that we, humans use is beyond him." Ed said.
"Woa! Did something happen?" I asked because I can sense something was off when he said those things about John.
"Something always happens when you are with him. It seems like he is always in the need for attention." he muttered. This made Jeff laugh.
"Spill it. Never leave any details behind." I said. My eyes gleaming with the need to gossip. Both men laughed at me.
"Later, Lena. Let's have our dinner first." Jeff said as he maneuvered the car through a busy parking space.
I was so deep in my thoughts about Ericka and the possible things that might happen. I imagined what kind of trouble she could cause me in a working environment. All of my imagined situation led to one thing. That the trouble that she promised to bring me will be subject me to utter humiliation. I was surprised when the door of the car opened and Ed leaned in.
"What are you thinking about that you did not even hear a word that we have said?" Ed asked while scowling. I just shrugged in response making him scowl even more.
I got out of the car. And as soon as I did, I smelled the salty freshness of the sea breeze. This made me look up is surprise. I did not realized that we have travelled far away from the city. Jeff took us to a diner with beach front.
"Wow! This place is marvelous!" I exclaimed. I was not able to resist the lure of the glistening sea. I started moving towards the glistening sea. The setting sun casted red and orange streaks across the skies. Intensifying the beauty before my eyes. I took a deep breath. I have always loved the sea. If I could choose another career, I might have chosen one that would allow me to be in it everyday. There is just something in it that calms me. Its like my body remembers a memory that my mind does not. Odd.
I took off my shoes and started playing with the waves. I do not want to miss the chance of being kissed by salt water. Even if it is just in my feet.
"Loving it, are we?" Ed asked. When I turned around, I had a warm and bright smile on my face making him gasp.
"God, you truly are beautiful." he said in a raspy voice. His eyes turning a shade darker.
He started taking slow and sure steps towards me. The gentle sea breeze blowing through my hair like a lovers hand. Some was blown across my face. I raised my hand to tuck my hair behind my ear when a gentle but rough hand beat me to it. I gasped as I felt electrified wherever that finger touched me. When I opened my eyes, I saw Ed leaning towards me and looking at me intently. I started squirming under his gaze.
"A true beauty." I heard him whisper.