Melanie looked out of the window. The rain splatters were drying and she hoped the rain would stop long enough so that she could leave the office and get to her car without getting drenched. It seemed, lately, that the rain was never going to stop. She sighed and moved back to her desk, sitting in her chair and staring at the papers scattered all over the place.
Melanie was not a tidy person. On the contrary, some would say she was horribly untidy. Her house, her desk, her life, all a complete mess.
"When am I going to grow up and be and adult?" she thought as she shuffled a few papers together to find a free space on the desk. Banging the papers on the desk, taking out her frustrations on them, she stood and went to get her coat, mumbling to herself.
"I've had enough of this fucking job, it stinks and I'm going nowhere." She stormed into her boss's office and threw the door shut.
"I've had it," she screamed. "I can't take this job anymore, I resign!" She stood in front of his desk, her heart racing, her fists clenched, not knowing how this anger had taken so long to boil over, and amazed at herself for her bravery.
Josh was tall and dark. Handsome? yes. Some would say so, but he had the most amazing eyes that could lock you in their gaze, deep blue, and shimmering like the sun on a calm sea. He looked up. His carved face showing no emotion. He'd seen this before, many times, and he wasn't going to let this tart ruin his day. Taking a piece of paper he scribbled a note and placed it at the front of his desk.
"Sit down."
The words were without warmth and surprised Melanie so much that she slowly backed towards the chair, thumping her ass down hard.
"I want you to listen to me Melanie, and listen good. Because I'm about to give you instructions and I don't want you to fuck up." He kept his face steady, his eyes staring straight into hers. He unnerved her and she sat, silently, not daring to move. He had taken the wind out of her sails, she had lost all the fight that she'd had deep inside her, and now, she sat slumped opposite him, waiting for him to speak.
It seemed like an hour before he finally talked and as she listened, she felt her heart pounding in her chest, her mind whirring.
"Leave work today and go to the address written on the piece of paper in front of you. The key is under the mat. Let yourself in. Go directly to the living room and sit on the sofa. You will find more instructions when you arrive. You must be there at six o'clock sharp. Do not be late or you will be punished." He raised an eyebrow. "Do you understand?"
Melanie nodded, almost unable to speak, just muttering, "yes," her voice weak.
"What are you waiting for? Get back to work, and remember, don't be late."
She stood and picked up the slip of paper with the address written on it and scrunched it in her hand. Her knees felt weak, and she stumbled to the door of his office, the same door she had, moments ago, slammed shut in anger. She gingerly opened it and stepped back into the open plan office, carefully closing the door behind her.
She moved slowly back to her desk and slumped in her chair, her heart racing, her eyes gazing back in the direction of Josh's office as she shook her head, as if shaking out the memory, if indeed, that's what it was. Had she dreamed it? No. The paper sat scrunched in her clenched fist. She stared at the words. An address, unfamiliar but she knew roughly where it was. It took a long while before she could take her eyes off the piece of paper, the words written, swimming in her head. She knew she wouldn't need the paper, she had learned the address by heart. But she would keep it with her, it would be just like her to forget.
The time ticked by. The clock seemed to move more and more slowly, until five o'clock finally arrived. She gathered up her things, just her coat and her purse, all thoughts of resignation suddenly forgotten. She turned to look out the window. Damn, still raining, and today had to be the day she forgot her umbrella! Sliding her arms into her coat, she shuffled it onto her shoulders and hurried towards the lift. Nervously she pressed the button.
As she stood in the lift, it suddenly occurred to her that she was worried she would fail. Why was it that when Josh gave an order, everyone just obeyed without question? How was it that his influence was so powerful? What was it about him that made her want to do as he asked? It made her anger rise again, to think that she was just doing it, without question. And yet, he had said if she failed she'd be punished. What could he have meant?
Stepping out of the lift she ran from the office block to her car, the rain soaking her hair and face and pouring from her coat. Cursing as her foot pounded into a puddle she quickly unlocked the car and jumped inside. She didn't have long. The address was the other side of town and the traffic at this time of day would be heavy. She began to drive, wondering what it could all be about. She had to admit, deep down, she liked Josh. He was always the center of attention, and had an endearing personality when he was socializing and away from work. It was only in the office that he changed and became serious. In the bar after work he was always witty and fun.
She looked at her watch. Damn it. A quarter to six. She had fifteen minutes and she had to be a good twenty minutes away. She'd be late. She started to panic, her driving becoming erratic as she weaved in and out of the cars, which beeped her at every turn. Suddenly she slowed, realizing that to get stopped for driving badly would make her far too late, and that wasn't an option.