Holden
The door to my room opens just as Apple's alarm goes off. I sigh as I reach for her phone which is on the other side of my bed. I hear her groan as I topple over her to get to it.
"I told you to turn that off last night,'' I grumble as I pick it up. I finally silence the blaring alarm as sunlight spills into the room. Today is Saturday but I know I have to go to the company. I have a shit ton of files on my table, I have a lot of virtual meetings to attend, things I can't avoid.
Apple stirs beside me, and I shake my head at the dark thoughts looming in my head. Apple is my girl; she has been my girl for two years now providing a semblance of normalcy within the clandestine life.
I sit up on the bed and she grabs me by my arm "Don't leave yet,'' she clings unto me with a goofy smile on her face.
Reluctantly, I comply with Apple's request, a rare indulgence that provides a temporary reprieve from the darker aspects of my life. As we lay entwined in our shared warmth, I find myself momentarily lost in the blissful embrace of normalcy.
"Tonight, is my parents' anniversary, hope you didn't forget,'' she tells me and in that split second, I remember.
"Shit, I have a couple of meetings to attend. How did this skip my mind?''
I hear the defeat in her voice, and I know that she is used to this "I told Beth, she put it in your calendar.''
Despite the disappointment evident in her tone, Apple understands the demands of my profession and the countless obligations that come with it. With a sigh, I make a mental note to reschedule my meetings and prioritize her parents' anniversary. It is in moments like these that I am reminded of the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between my personal life and the shadowy world that I so often inhabit. For all the darkness that surrounds me, there are still flickers of light that I cannot afford to lose.
"I will show up Apple pie, don't worry about.''
I know how hard it will be to move things around, but I will try to at least give her thirty minutes or an hour.
As I pull myself away from Apple's comforting embrace, I can't help but acknowledge the inherent complexity intertwined with my existence. My life is a paradox, a constant juggling act between the normalcy she provides and the shadowy undertakings that demand my attention. Determined to make amends for my oversight, I steel my resolve and prepare to face the day ahead. This dance between darkness and light continues, and I must learn to navigate it with grace and resilience.
The drive to the office is a mundane yet calming routine, offering a brief moment of solace before the chaos of the day begins. As the cityscape passes by, my thoughts drift between the upcoming tasks and the tasks made to Apple.
Apple is from an affluent family like mine. Abigail Brently, of Brently Enterprises, a name that carries significant weight in the business world. While our families' connections may have initially brought us together, it is the genuine bond shared between us that has sustained our relationship. Time and time again, Apple has stood by me through thick and thin, offering unwavering support in the face of adversity.
Our families might have been the reason for our initial connection, but our connection grounds me. reminding me that there is more to life than the shadowy corners that consume so much of my time.
I get to the office in less time than I would have and the security guard at the front entrance greets me with a knowing nod. This familiar interaction serves as a sharp reminder of the multiple personas I must embody throughout my day. As the elevator doors close behind me, I steel myself for the series of meetings and negotiations that lay ahead, all the while keeping Apple and her parents' anniversary at the forefront of my mind.
As the elevators open to the 30th floor, Beth is waiting for me with her iPad diligently prepared to discuss the day's agenda. Her efficiency and dedication serve as a comforting constant amid the whirlwind of responsibilities I face daily. With each appointment and decision, I keep my promise to Apple in mind, determined to carve out time for her parents' anniversary despite the pressing matters at hand. These seemingly ordinary moments are crucial reminders of the delicate balance between my personal life and the ever-looming darkness that threatens to consume me.
"Good morning, sir,'' she greets me as her pace tries to match mine.
I am a man of many hats, but my day is not complete without the familiar exchange of greetings and introductions that has become a staple of our routine. I finally get to my office and Beth follows me.
"Why didn't you mark the Brently's anniversary for today?"
It is strange for Beth to omit something, so I need an explanation from her.
"You asked me to take it out after the meeting with Mr. Finley.''
I think back to the last meeting I had with my father, and it makes sense that I would have asked her to do that. Realizing the reason behind my instruction, I recall the immense pressure I faced during the confrontation with Mr. Finley. It's as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and in a moment of desperation, I had chosen to prioritize the demands of the business. Now, as the day unfolds with each passing task, my resolve to fulfill my promise to Apple only strengthens. After all, achieving success means nothing without the love and support of those we hold dear.
"Fuck, cancel my meeting with the Brentwood acquisition team this afternoon," I instruct, determined to keep my promise to Apple.
With a sense of urgency, I begin to rearrange my schedule, pushing aside less pressing matters to ensure I make it to their anniversary celebration. As the clock ticks forward, each completed task brings me one step closer to fulfilling my commitment, reminding me of the importance of tending to my relationships alongside my burgeoning career. In this intricate web of obligations and loyalties, I've come to understand that fostering a sense of balance is key to navigating the dark side with grace and resilience.
As the evening approached, I felt drained from everything. This is how it usually is. I wear myself out and it still doesn't feel good enough. My father has given me so many responsibilities and it feels like he wants me to fail.
It feels like he has something to prove, and I want to prove him wrong, that is why I have pushed and pushed but I don't know how much longer I can push for.
When does it end?