Shattered

Hazel (e)

Hazel
25.
Mr. Wright wasn't in his office when I knocked on his door. The silence that ensued, dared me to peek inside, only to find no one behind the desk.

In the hallway, there was no sign of him, either, and resorted to copying the rest of the paperwork for the trucks that were to be sent out tomorrow morning.

If Mr. Wright didn't show in the next twenty minutes, he would miss his meeting with a client.

I couldn't help the irritation that swelled inside of me—because, even after my prompting, Mr. Wright still seemed to just disappear from his work.

Maybe he just needed a bathroom break, a part of me reasoned. Maybe—

The sudden sound of Mr. Wright's office door slamming shut made me jump nearly a foot in my seat. The hairs prickled on the back of my neck and arms when I looked up, expecting to find an angry boss standing in the doorway.

No one was there. Only the silence to tell me that maybe I should stay where I was for a little while longer. Afraid to move, but suddenly concerned, I forced myself to stay where I was, staring at the door.

Finally, after a few minutes, I felt like I had finally worked up enough courage to stand and make my way over to the door.

With my knuckles hovering over the door, I took in a deep breath, then knocked.

Mr. Wright's familiar voice pulled me inside.

Just as I had thought, he looked particularly angrier than when I had last seen him. The expression on his face somehow colder.

Still, I risked my narrow-eyed, questioning expression. I had to know.

"Where have you—?"

"That's none of your business, is it?" Mr. Wright snapped.

"No, but you—"

"I don't care about some stupid meeting right now, I don't care. Get back to work and cancel it. Actually,  go home, Hazel."

I felt my stomach drop, a look crossing my face that I was sure Mr. Wright could see. If he did, he didn't say anything.

"Sir, are you firing me?" I had to ask.

"I might as well if you keep standing there." Mr. Wright replied. His eyes never left my face, expectant.

Afraid to stay there any longer, though my mind reeling with questions, I slipped from Mr. Wright's office and back into my own. As I was packing my things, I noticed a message on my phone.

You wanna dress fancy and go out to eat tonight??

Jules.

Of course I do!!! I replied back as the eagerness began to set in. It had been weeks since I'd last seen her.

Where? I added.

I couldn't help but to wonder where Jules had been. A few times we'd texted, but most of the time, her replies were either short and spaced out between days or just flat-out nonexistent.

I didn't get a reply until I'd gotten into a cab, pushing away the thoughts that filled me when her excitement shone through her words.

Gramercy Tavern? We can get ready at your apt!!
Be there at 6

Maybe I was just overreacting. Jules worked a lot—just busy.

When I returned home, I distracted myself with sewing. My fingers itched to create something, having been ages since I last picked up the needle.