I am woken up by Freddie who is shaking me, calling my name with his tender tone. I look up to see him crouching down with his head to the side looking at me, " you awake?", and I smile lazily nodding.
" It's 4:00 so it's time to go" , he gets up and walks to his desk where his brief case is packed and ready to go. I had a good nap and can say with confidence that I am ready for this weekend. I get up from the bean bag and stretch my arms and rubbing my eyes.
Freddie looks at me curiously but doesn't say anything as I pick up my own bag and head for the door. " So no plans with your co-workers that I'm ruining or anything?" I ask as he locks his door and starts walking.
" Nn-no, I've never really g-gone out with them before", he says sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. " Well, -" " Hey, Fredrick, I heard about the break up, tough stuff brush, I knew that chick was out of your league.." I know this boy did not just interrupt me! I stand in front of Fred, with my hand on my hip, rolling my eyes to look at this guy who is much taller than me, I keep my head level refusing to give him the satisfaction of lifting my head to look at him. "Excuse me, I was talking to him before you rudely interrupted me and who are you again?".
He looks a little older than us, maybe in his 30's. He has short brown hair with side part and he has small blue eyes. He's wearing a t shirt with a comic I've never seen and jeans. I find it strange for a man his age to be dressed so casually at work but what do I know.
He looks down at me as if he is seeing me for the first time. " Do I know you?" "If you're wondering then probably not, if we met you would remember me and I asked you as question." I don't hesitate, he wants to act rude then I'll show him rude.
I state straight into his blue eyes fully expecting a response. I feel Fred's tentative hand reach for my arm. I turn back to look at him and I see his face, he looks uncomfortable. I want to bring this ogar down to size, but I don't want to create problems for Fred at his work place. I can't help it though, when people bully others my reaction is instant, I don't care who you are and where we are, I will fight because bullying is unacceptable.
I turn back to see this guy who has yet to introduce himself looking at my butt. I decide there and then that he isn't worth it so I take Fred's hand in mine and I walk past the guy to the elevator. I breathe in and out trying to calm myself down. The elevator pings open and we step in, Fred lets go of my hand and wraps his arms around himself.
"Whose the idiot?" trying to get him to talk to me or at least look at me. I see his frown reflected from the walls of the elevator. Why didn'the listen to me this morning, sure he hasn't seen his brother but clearly the news has spread and he was not ready for it. Before he can answer, the elevator doors open again and one of the directors at my firm, Mr Vester walks in.
Act cool, act cool, he there's no way he recognises me. I've only seen him a few times since orientation and besides I have a sick note. "Fredrick!" he greets, I'm surprised. I didn't know Fred knew any of the people at the firm besides Alka and I. "Pa" Fred's response stuns me, this is their father!
This time I bite my cheeks to stop me from showing my true expression. How did this not come up in our discussions, I think it's important to tell the people you've just started hanging out with that your dad is their boss. "I except to see you at Family dinner, no excuses"
Fred awkwardly nods and stays quiet, the silence inside the elevator is stuffy and tense. I don't want to bring unwanted attention to myself but I won't to comfort Fred as well. I'm save by the bell as the elevator pings and we all get off in the garage.
Fred makes a beeline for his car and leaves me behind as if he can't get to his car fast enough. I never realised how long his legs are until now. I quickly glance behind me and I see Mr Vester standing in front of the elevator looking at us, so I tighten my grip on my straps and pick up my pace to following Fred to his parking.
I wonder if Alka knows that one of our bosses is David's dad, honestly, it explains his behavior, I mean, it must be nice to know you probably won't get fired from your fathers company. I shake my head, sometimes life is so unfair. The arrogance and sense of entitlement David has at times really shows.
By the time I get to the car, Fred is inside, the engine is on and he's waiting for me. As I close the door my phone rings, I don't even have a moment to catch my bearings before he speeds off. My head hits the head rest hard, Fred doesn't seem to notice though. He looks determined to escape the underground parking, as fast as possible.
My phone keeps ringing as I quickly grab the seat belt and secure myself, then I fish it out of my bag, "hello?", I didn't check the screen before answering. "Where are you! Me and my parents are outside the address you gave but you're not here."
Oh, I completely forgot to tell Alka about going out and about Fred. " Listen babe, we will be there in like 10 minutes", "What do you mean we?" she whispers, "No big, just Fred and I that's all"
I hear what's sounds like movement and then " Are you out of your mind, my conservative parents are outside your place, ready to meet you for the first time and you are just now mentioning that you're coming with a guy!"
I have to distance the phone from my ear to protect my eardrum, "it's not a big deal we're all friends right?" " Sure, just let him drop you off by the corner and you can walk the rest of the way," "We'll.." "Well?"
" Listen babe, I invited Fred to stay over for the sleepover weekend", I hear her huff loudly, honestly I don't see the problem since she is always on me about making new friends, and I did, kinda.