The Corpse And The Crazy

Caesura

Nicolette was not like other girls, or at least, that's what she told herself. She was destined to be something great, which you could clearly tell from the fact that she was. not. like. the. other. girls. Dammit. 

For instance, she didn't like the colour pink, she didn't paint her face with make-up, and she played video games sometimes! So clearly, she was special. Yet, the world disappointed her in the way it treated her. 

When she arrived at her work today, she couldn't help but frown when her male co-worker didn't immediately confess his undying love to her. What a pity.

She put her brown hair in a messy bun and went on with her day. She worked at the reception of a prestigious hotel, so, she was sent directly back into the locker room when she arrived with her hair a mess, wearing jeans and converse. Her life was such a drag. 

She put on her work uniform, which included high heels. Naturally, she had the option to wear flats instead, but then she wouldn't have had the opportunity to wobble in her heels and fall into the arms of a strong, male, co-worker. 

Without acknowledging the other receptionist at all, Nicolette sat down and started to work. Due to her uniform problem, she'd been half an hour late, but for her that only meant she didn't need to talk to that giggling barbie who was seated next to her before her shift started. No judgement, of course. 

Nicolette didn't understand why men always went for such girly girls. What did they see in them? It couldn't be that they were attracted to them, obviously. 

While she pondered this puzzling question, two people entered the lobby. 

They were a strange couple. One of them was exactly Nicolette's type; he was tall, strong, dark-haired, broody... His muscly arms were clearly visible in his t-shirt... Those broad shoulders... He was carrying a leather jacket over his arm, perfectly casual... 

The other was a girl. 

They approached the front desk, and Nicolette quickly sat upright and put on the broadest smile she could manage. 

'Hii, how could I help you?' she asked the man. She prided herself on the fact that she was faster than her co-worker. Nicolette wouldn't give that bitch a chance. 

'Penthouse,' he answered. 

'Do you want me to add an extra bed to that?' she said, eyeing the girl. 

'The single one is fine.' 

She seemed visibly disappointed, but she didn't let this obstacle stop her. 'On what name would that be?'

'Sotario.'

 'Anything else I can help you with?' She leant forward,  batting her eyelashes.

'No.' 

Even though he'd answered no, Nicolette knew he meant yes. Otherwise, why would he have stayed in front of the reception? She played with her hair, smiling. 

But then her stupid co-worker ruined everything, 'are you going to give them their key?' she muttered. 

'What do you mean.' Nicolette kept smiling and trying to keep eye contact. 

'The key? For their room?' 

Nicolette rolled her eyes and handed him the key. Without uttering another word, he walked away and disappeared into the elevator. 

Once they were out of hearing distance, Nicolette snapped at her colleague, 'what did you do that for?'

'What?' She had the audacity to look surprised, offended even. 

'You were trying to sabotage me!'

'I was trying to help you, Nicolette.' 

'Oh? Help me? Sure.' And that was the end of it, Nicolette spent the rest of her shift trying to get back at her, but with no success. 

She didn't even notice the hospital gown peeking out from under the coat that the girl wore, or that she was constantly whispering to herself. After all, what was the girl of interest to Nicolette?