He knocked outside Mr. Stanley's office. It took him a minute before he was assisted to his office. There was Mr. Stanley facing backwards towards him as he knows that he can sense his presence. He slowly faced him. Stanley gestures him to sit down at one of the chair as he hesitantly sat in front of him. A quick moment of silence covered the home room and the only sound is the cars and breathing in their surroundings. Stanley took off his glasses and lean his face on his palm.
"How's your life lately?" Mr. Stanley asked. He seems to be completely worried towards his friend's mental condition after finding out that his mother passed away.
"Stan, you don't have to worry about me. I will be alright." Nicholas replied but Mr. Stanley just gave him a serious look this time causing him to sigh.
"Consider this as a brother talk. You're my sister's boyfriend or future partner. You are also a part of the family, man. If there's something bothering you, you know you can talk to me and I'll be here just like the old times." Mr. Stanley said reassuring him.
It was their thing. Stanley and Nicholas are both from a complicated family except Stanley is obviously from a rich family who get to actually afford things but Nicholas barely reach the end of college because of too much expenses. If it weren't for Stanley, he won't be able to have the life that he worked so hard to achieve. They truly treat each other as family especially in times like this. There are reports that Nicholas is struggling to find his motivation to live life in general and since Stanley is part of his life, he cares about his friend so much that he would let him go to leave and still pay him the monthly salary.
Their conversation was interrupted when Star came peaking at the door and slowly show herself. She handed the files to her brother trying to avoid the tension between Nicholas and her inside the elevator earlier. She was about to leave when Stanley told her to stay.
"I have work to be done, Stanley." Star said but Stanley used his power as her boss to make her stay and talk things out between the two of them.
"I would appreciate it if you won't kill my best buddy here. Star, you can't live your life according to what dad told you to be." Stanley said and Star just rolled her eyes causing Stanley to slam his fist at the table.
"I don't like to talk about this right now. I may be your sister but I'm also a worker, I have to do a lot of things." Star said obviously avoiding the conversation about their family.
"You can't avoid problems, they'll chase you. Stop running for God sake! You're not a kid anymore, recess time is over! Grow up and face it." Stanley yelled at her which causes her to look at him with an anger in her face.
"and he can?! I can't run away from that but somehow your best buddy, Nicholas, can run away from this company and tried to grieve better?! Such an as*****" Star said as she looked down to Nicholas regretting the words she said as the tears now formed into his eyes and it fell like a waterfalls from his eyes. Star was about to apologize for what she said but Nicholas left the room wiping his tears and acting like nothing happened.
He entered the working space for artist who also design some of the department's campaign for the gathering that was about to happen next week. Unexpectedly, she followed him to the working space but she was hesitant to actually talked to him after what his co-workers heard from the moment that he rejected him. She just decided that she'll wait for his lunch break to actually talk to him. Nicholas stare at her for too long watching her leave the space.
"Miss Heartless actually followed you up to this office? That's a new sight." One of his co-worker said but he just shrugged it off as he continue to finish the campaign about domestic abuse and alcoholism. He was focus on doing the presentation now so Mr. Stanley can report it during the gathering next week.
"Good day to you Mr. Dawson." He ignore it as he continue to finish the presentation. Everyone knows that once he started to work on something, he can't actually be bothered or disturb because he will get grumpy all day and not to mention that he's chasing a deadline so he can meet his sister for lunch later.
"Where is Nicholas?" Stanley asked as he look for Nicholas in the office. He raised his hand to indicate that he's in the certain part of the office. Stanley rushed to him as he calmly focus on his work. He slowly lifted his head to look at Stanley as he saw a panic on his face.
"What do you need? Is there any work that I have to do?" He asked with a confused face.
"Star is in big trouble! You have to bring her to the hospital! She collapsed!" Stanley said and without hesitation, Nicholas came running down until he saw the crowd of people surrounding Star.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Stanley yelled to the other employees which caused them to get out of the circle form and there she is. Star's lips look so pale. He didn't hesitate to carry her in a bridal style as he looked to Stanley.
"Get in your car, Stan! We have to hurry!" He said but Stanley just stood there not moving while Nicholas' eyes are just filled with nervousness.
"I can't go! Just being her to the nearest hospital. I have some important details to discuss with the board. I'm really sorry." Stanley said as he walked out of the hall. Nicholas left with no choice but to take Star alone to a hospital.
"I didn't sign up for this." He mumbled as he rushed to his car still carrying Star. He opened the door and placed her gently in the passenger seat as he also put the seatbelt for her own safety.
It only took 10 minutes to reach the hospital. He immediately brought her up inside to the emergency room. He sat there worrying about Star. Until he got a message from a company...