DERANGED

CHAPTER TWO: The Encounter

     Outside an elegant 12-storey building at the heart of the downtown area in the city stood Darren: gasping rapidly, wiping the sweat off his face, and scrutinizing the place. 

     “Woaahhhh!!” he let out a sigh of relief. 

      Finally, he made it --- a quarter before eight to reach the venue after the most frustrating wild goose chase he just made to locate the place. He asked several pedestrians for directions to this Durian Building yet, it seemed that most of them haven’t even heard that name. Well, he can’t blame anyone anyway for forgetting the entire street address, and his already dead-battery phone only added to his annoyance; resenting himself repeatedly for not charging it last night hence it only gave him enough power to read the confirmation email after which he immediately flew out from his bed to the bathroom then dressed himself in a corporate attire: black slacks paired with an off-white rolled-up sleeves and a tie decorated with strange cartoon characters. He even gave a quick polish to his old pair of black leather shoes then slung around to his shoulders his favorite black sling faux-leather bag. He now breathed normally under his mask, a mandatory personal protective equipment imposed in the community, yet, he’s still confused as to why the email has been sent just now thus compromising his preparation time. He pouted his lips with a quizzical look in face and started to move towards the building. 

     The facade of the building has a complete classic vibe complemented with modern touches such as the intricate design on the tinted windows and the large wooden door at the entrance. At the center stood a human-size statue featuring a naked woman, holding a basket full of durian fruits. Her blank eyes was already filled with moss; grime and dirt clung to her body. Darren sauntered the area precariously, hoping to come across with somebody who knew the place. Lucky enough for him when he spotted a person hurriedly walking towards him. 

     “Sir! Where are you going? This area is off-limits to the public. Only tenants are allowed here!” greeted the man who apparently by the looks was a roving security guard. 

     “Well, I came here because I’ve received an email telling that I got hired and this was the given address.” Darren explained. 

     “You might have been mistaken, Sir!” replied the man sternly while eyeing him suspiciously and tapped his shoulders firmly. 

     “Sir, you may leave now!” said the guard. 

     “Please, let me in. I’m getting late. I need to go inside by eight! he pleaded to the man. 

     “But, Sir! You need to . . .” the man was cut off when Darren suddenly waved to someone at the entrance door. 

     “Come on in!” a voiced called out to Darren. 

     “Let me go! Can’t you see that gentleman beckoning to me? I’ll tell that boss of yours that you’re harassing me!” he threatened the man. With great bafflement in his eyes, the man had loosened his grip on Darren’s shoulders and let him freely moved towards the door that has been left ajar. The figure of Darren inside quickly vanished from his sight. The man clucked his tongue; entirely puzzled at what had just happened, he briskly walked away while muttering something inaudible to himself. 

     In a dim and seemingly endless corridor, Darren silently moved behind the gentleman. He haven’t heard him talk again yet nor even a single glance back at him so now he’s anxiously thinking that he might have never called to him in the first place. They quietly entered an elevator. He saw the 8thth floor was pressed and the machine started to move up. Using the reflective walls of the lift, he began glancing curiously at the hazed reflection of this reticent person. 

     “Ahem!” the man broke off the awkward silence. 

     “Well, I can see you spying on me.” he said teasingly at the same time turned his face to the embarrassed Darren. 

     “I’m Michael, an HR operation manager of iKol, Inc. I happened to pass by when I saw you back there. I immediately recognized your face; very similar to the picture on your resumé.” he added with a big smile on his face. 

     “Uuhhmm. . . well. . .thank you so much sir Michael for accepting my application. . I thought I’ll never make it on time.” Darren courteously replied. His face was growing red from blushing, and he can’t make any direct eye contact with his host. 

     “Stop it Darren. Stop it! Not now!” he scolded himself under his breath. He can’t help himself from admiring the immaculate appearance of this manager; astonishing handsomeness from head to toe. His well-ironed pastel long-sleeve perfectly match his dark-grey coat paired with blacks slacks and brown leather shoes. Also, his moreno complexion and handsome face was a full-package for Darren. His fantasies broke off, fortunately, before getting the man stripped naked in his reveries when they’ve reached their destination. The gentleman went out first but gave him a quick glanced back at him, indicating him to hasten up. A glass door was then opened and Darren entered in. 

     Once he got inside, Darren immediately noticed that they were no longer alone. Several pairs of eyes were now fixated at him. He felt uneasy at the inquisitive looks they’re throwing at him. The manager beckoned that he find a seat; he complied and seated himself at the back row. He smiled nervously at his neighbors, reciprocating their short greetings with nods and awkward smile. The whole duration of the orientation seemed eternity to Darren. Without no one to talk to, since he’s bad at socializing, he easily got bored off and from time to time would excuse himself out to the comfort room. He would only get back when it’s Michael’s turn to speak again. In one occasion of his going out; either to escape the next speaker or to pee which was obviously the former, he came upon the manager who was pissing in one of the urinals right at the moment he entered. He swerved his gaze away from somewhat had looked in his hindsight, a soda-in-can poking out from its owner’s pants so entered a cubicle instead, feverishly biting his lips. 

     “Does your stomach hurt?” asked Michael genuinely concerned as he continued doing his business. 

     “Uuhhmm no Sir. Ahh. ..I just need… some tissues.” he stammered and with great effort, tried to wipe the image out of his corrupted mind.

     Yet, unconsciously, he found himself standing on top of the bowl, stealthily peeking towards the urinal; his whole body is trembling with fear and excitement when accidentally he slipped and fell to the ground banging his head on the unlocked door. 

     “Oouucch” he yelped. He looked up and saw Michael standing on top of him while zippering his trousers. 

     “Are you hurt? What happened?” he worriedly asked while helping Darren stand up. 

     “Ahh it’s nothing. I’m alright sir, it just that the floor is . . . wet and slippery.” he groaned. 

     “Alright then. I’ll need to go ahead. Please come back immediately for we’re about to end.” replied the startled gent who cautiously went for the exit, followed by a click of a closing door. 

     Darren inhaled deeply, recovering himself from the brief disaster, he slapped himself lightly but firmly for several times. 

     “You’re an absolute i***t Darren. You’re really an i***t! Now let’s get back!” he reprimanded himself.

     After long arduous hours of non-stop lectures on DO’s and DON’Ts and other company policies and stuffs, Darren was able to breath free at last. It’s already past seven in the evening when it started to rain. He looked outside from a large glass window: dark, wet, and gloomy. Earlier, he’d seen others vacating the premises, yet he remained in the lobby to wait for a booked ride. No one was visible inside, but him. Then, after waiting a few more couple of minutes, his taxi arrived. He quickly sprinted to board the car when a voice suddenly called out to him. 

     “Wait, Darren! I need a ride!” out of heavy rain came out Michael, running towards the car. Darren immediately opened the door for him. 

     “Sir, kindly keep the door close. Water will enter the car. Where’s our destination?” the driver asked sharply. 

     He automatically closed the door after Michael entered who was smiling and wiping his drenched head. 

     “Sir, good that you’re able to come upon me. I was about to leave.” he heartily told his superior who’s frantically wiping his clothes dry. 

     “Well, lucky for me to have you.” he hastily retorted followed by a playful wink.

     “Sir? . . . . uhhmm” Darren stuttered. “Sir! What now?” the driver shouted at Darren. 

     He gave his address to the taxi driver then the car sped right away immediately. He panned his attention to the gentleman beside him. 

     “Where’s your destination sir?” he asked him, mimicking the driver. The driver gave him unfriendly look and raised eyebrows. 

     “Honestly, I don’t know yet. I was supposedly be going to attend an event but it’s been called off just now because of this downpour. I don’t know where to go, ‘cause I don’t want to go home yet.” explained Michael melancholy.

     After a brief of awkward silence Michael asked. “Can I go to your place?” added he while eyeing Darren pleadingly.

      “Sir. . . I haven’t invited anyone yet on my flat. Uhhmm. . it’s a messy . . . and . . . uhhmmm. . . unwelcoming place.” he responded uncertainly. 

     At the rear view mirror, he got a glimpse of the driver, listening and looking at them or perhaps at him with a genuinely queer expression on his face. 

     “What a nosy prick” Darren mumbled to himself. 

     Then, after a few seconds of quick thoughts, he drew closer to Michael and whispered softly, “Yes Sir, you may come with me.”