Wilted Roses

Chapter # 7

Raizel

I should have slept when I had the chance but guess who didn’t and now exerted once again that my eyes are barely open. Due to lack of rest, my eyes felt heavy. I couldn’t even make out the words on the file, indicating I should put it aside before I make a mistake and close my eyes for a moment.

Frowning, I called Faye, “Faye.” I called her in a harsh tone, “Yes, Sir?” She asked. “Get me a cup of coffee.” I ordered and put my phone back, pressing my teeth together, rubbing my temples, closing my eyes for a moment and before I knew it, I fell asleep. I shouldn’t have but I did.

***

Trapped in darkness again, my heart skipped a beat, I was horrified. “Ah, look what you did..” My breath hitched when someone spoke that in my ear, my mind lost itself in the deepest depth of agony, trembling by the intensity, shaking my head in denial, “I.. didn’t…” I whispered, shutting my eyes, defying the reality before my eyes.

It’s a dream, wake up, dammit, Wake up!

I didn’t flinch when a loud menacing laugh echoed in the air, “Then what’s this?” And having no control over my body or this delusional reality, my eyes gradually opened, gasping, my hands were tainted in blood again, it was rolled down my arms, sending unbearable shiver to my spine but before I could ended up in a cry of anguish, someone shook my shoulder.

***

“Sir!” I gasped, when I looked up and saw Faye with sweat amasses over my forehead along with stiffed breaths. Tensed about my state, “Are you alright?” She asked softly, taking a step back.

I was breathing heavily, “Yes..” I whispered, running my hand in my hairs, making them messy, my lips were quivering, staring at my hands, trying to regain my senses. “You.. were sleeping when I came… it’s been two hours… I.. just came to deliver this file. I will leave it here.” She said hesitantly, unsure of how to react after seeing me like this.

“No, Wait.” I called her, exhaling, drinking some water to get a hold of myself and stop this horror rushing and intoxicating my mind. “Yes..?” She asked, trailing off but loosening my tie, I covered half of my face with my other hand. Don’t leave me alone. I wanted to say it desperately but couldn’t.

“Don’t tell anyone I had a nightmare.” I ordered, swallowing hard, glaring at her to shut her mouth about it. “Why would I in the first place?” She asked in bewilderment. “What will I gain?” She asked, folding her arm, not liking my statement.

“Good.” I whispered, curling my hands.

“Can I leave now?” She asked after a moment of silence between us. Looking up at her, I breathed out, “Yeah…” Thankfully amid all this, she did one thing perfectly-

Minding her own business.

I don’t want anyone asking about my state, I am on my verge and their question increased my pain.

“Take care.” She said with a feeble smile and left me all alone in my miserable thoughts which never fails to induce the fright I tend to avoid.

After taking an ample amount of time to come back to my usual dominant self, my coat rested on my seat as my sleeves were rolled perfectly to the elbow. I stood near the window, looking at the city below me, with lights growing dimmer by the passing time.

That’s why I don’t sleep during work hours, I know no matter where I run, these nightmares won’t leave me and I have to live with it until I find out whose life I took.

Exhaling deeply, I kept looking out until the door knocked and James came, “You called, Boss?” He asked in his usual happy tone. “Yeah..” I hummed, turning to him, “How did the meeting with the investors go?” I asked, coming back to my throne, sitting down. “Great. I will send you the report by Monday.” He smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

“Why Monday?” I asked, taking a file to work on it. “We’re going to a club on Friday night and I am pretty sure I will be hungover the next day so that leaves Sunday.” He explained, scratching his nape nervously as I narrowed my eyes at him, almost displeased.

“You.. wanna tag along?” He offered, gaining my attention fully, “Come again?” I asked, thinking I might have heard him wrong. “Yeah…”

“I believe you are aware of the fact I don’t drink and party.” I said authoritatively but he smiled, thinking he could convince me to come to the party, “It will be fun. All of us are going.” He offered, hoping I would accept.

“And what includes all?” I asked, going back to my file. “Me, Lena, Herd, Rex, Faye and.. Yeah her friend Janessa.” He told me. “Too many people, I don’t have time.” I said coldly, signing the file.

“Come on, Boss, I reassure you that I won't let you be bored.” He tried to convince me but my one glare sealed his lips. “I will send you the address.” He mumbled, smiling, waving at me as he left, being stubborn but I had no intentions of going to a place filled with so many people. What if I say something wrong and imply a wrong impression?

Shaking my head, I shook this thought out of my mind and began to work again and within a matter of days, Friday came. I returned home after work, looking out of the balcony, James texted me,

You sure you don’t want to come, Boss? He asked but sighing, I didn’t even bother to reply to his text, only staring out with my arms closed, staring into the darkest shades dispersing everywhere.

What life does he have apart from work?

Mother’s words echoed in my mind, pressing my teeth together, I shook my head. “I don’t even want a life apart from it.” I scoffed, going back inside, plopping on the bed, using my phone to pass time.

It was not even an hour and I almost dozed off but why can’t a moment of tranquility be bestowed upon me!? Hissing, My eyes fluttered open the instant I closed them, I felt inexplicably horrified, getting up I turned on the light, taking deep breaths, feeling afraid in my own place, body shivering in dread.

“Shit.” Cursing under my breath, I went to my wardrobe, taking out a buttoned black shirt and ripped jeans, combed my hair backward and wore my watch, getting ready as quickly as I could to get away from this terrifying place. Being here will only scare me and having no choice, I had to leave.

Well it’s better than sitting in the corner and spending my night in pure appall.

With a deep frown plastered on my lips, I went there, entering the loud and noisy club with my steps slowing down. “Maybe spending the night in a corner is not that bad…” I whispered to myself, gulping hard, disquiet at this point by the atmosphere of this place. My steps halted and were about to retreat. “I would rather stay alone than to be here. COming here is the worst idea.” I muttered, grimace lingering over my lips but before I could leave that damn James came,

“I can’t believe you made it, Boss! What are you doing there? Come along.” He beamed, taking me with him to the bar, “James, I-” I tried to speak but stopping at the bar counter, he told the bartender, “I won, he made it. Give me my 100 dollars and his fruit cocktail.” He said proudly. “Dammit you made a bet with him?” Lena came, scolding him. “So what?” He shrugged, scoffing at her.

“I know you don’t drink so I asked him to make this for you.” He grinned, offering me a fruit cocktail. “Fine, here you go.” The guy muttered rudely, giving the money and my drink. “Thanks.” I said quietly, trying to scrutinize the area with distress written all over my face. I shouldn't have come here in the first place. I thought.

“I can’t believe you actually came, Boss. I was ninety-nine point zero zero nine percent sure that you might come and you just did!” He beamed as we both sat down. “Hmmm.” I hummed, not enjoying this even a bit.

“This place is too loud.” I sighed, pinching my nose. “Of course, Man! It’s a club.” The bartender laughed, shaking the drink as I watched him doing that stunt. “Those with the silent hearts come here to give them a voice.” He smirked, pouring a drink.

“That’s only a pathetic way to run away from your inner demons.” I retorted. “I like your pessimist view.” He laughed, making another drink. “Truth always hurts.” I responded coldly. “Call it one’s wrong reprieve. They use one wrong thing to forget the other.” he hummed, still lost in his work as I looked around only to find nothing as some sort of amusement.

“I would still call it a pathetic way of running away.” I breathed out, not changing my point of view. “It’s not good for your health either.” I added. “These places are not saints, why are you here? Mr?” He chuckled, coming over to me, arching a brow, leaning closer speaking what I try to hide,

“To run away, hmm?” He asked, my heart skipped a beat but I chuckled dryly, “There are countless methods to run away and this is not mine.” I replied, staring directly into his eyes sternly.

“You are a fascinating man, I like you. People I meet are usually fragile. It's easy to mold their perspective. I hope I can meet you again.” He smirked, getting back. “I don’t think I want to be in this place again.” I shrugged, although I do like to share a debate with him on the perspective of life. He is an interesting man.

“Who knows your fate would lead you here again? You never know.” He laughed, moving back when a random girl approached him. “Hey…” She said seductively and was about to touch me but I grabbed her wrist, “What do you think you are doing?” I asked assertively, getting up, “What can I do when you are there.. All alone?” She whispered, still advancing. “Just leave me alone.” I said, leaving her wrist, making her move back.

“I am intrigued to know.” She offered. “But I am not interested in telling.” I rolled my eyes off, closing my arms, “Hmph, jerk.” She scoffed and left and after smearing my mood, I turned, ready to leave this horrendous place but another voice joined,

“I am so sorry I am late!” Turning, my eyes widened for a bare moment when I saw Faye in a blue knee length frock, with net sleeves, suiting her so much as I couldn’t help but to stare at her arresting form in entrance, not believing it is the Faye I see at work because the person before me right now is the most beautiful person I have ever laid my eyes upon.