Too busy for hook ups

Episode 1 "Hello" Leah spoke in a low tone, as low as though it sounded through the back of her throat, like she always does. Nineteen years old motherless kid, with just a sick dad to fend for. And her little self, battling with financial difficulties after her family went broke. It was snowing. The atmosphere was dim. Birds chirping, trees swaying, and one could also hear little sounds of beeping car horns, riding along the road. It wasn't totally quiet. Few miles from Leah who already, down the street, creepily patrolled on the old oxblood coloured jumpsuit she had on, some minutes ago. Hairy enough that she barely felt the cold, which was earlier running through her spine and making her shiver. Her hair, tied in a ponytail style. Leah had previously applied for jobs but luck never showed up. She had also applied to companies, but ever since the death of her mum, nothing seemed to work. She thought she's been cursed. Yet, chose not to give up on her dad, her only family. Approaching a half painted open building on the tip of her toe. There, hid beside the door entrance, peeking at the middle aged man in charge of goods loading. She observed the white and green vans and a private car in the midst, parked simultaneously, then concluded the man must be a government employee. Suddenly while trying to gain an unauthorised entry into the vast warehouse, it's structure ablaze with light and colourless. Her eyes wider, like one who's struggling to see clearly, the fierce voice of Mr Ben startled her. Leah found few wrinkles on his face, but his skin is not yet worn out, and not as white and smooth as that of a young man. In her thought, she guessed he was in his middle fifties. "Am screwed" She quietly drew backwards, as if Mr Ben would devour her if she didn't, faking an innocent smile, knowing quite well she had done this once. "You again!" the voice wasn't friendly this time "Hey kid, are you by any means, stalking me? I've got a wife and two kids got it!" she stunned speechless and her eyes looking pitiful. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say a word, but close it. Mr Ben fell for her tricks, and his thoughts were centered on a little girl in need. They had ridden down the street to a nearby restaurant. But then, Leah wasn't after the food, she just needed a job. "what would you have?", the waiter who had approached questioned, but switched mood while leaving the table as Leah replied, am fine, turning back at Mr Ben whom his jaw had tightened, and more wrinkles appeared in between his brows. "I never wanted you to treat me a meal" "What is it that you want?" he asked with a squeezed face "I....just wanted a job" she replied after a moment of silence. Again Leah's face looked pitiful, but wasn't pitiful enough to squeeze tears out of those glittering eyes. She had been in the warehouse once and this same Mr Ben chased her away. That day, he thought she was a beggar. She looked at him. "Oh.... sorry, but there's no job for you" "Am good at cleaning, i could clean the warehouse, i've never asked for too much wanting a job of any kind just to take care of my dad!" There was a moment of silence as leah spoke of her dad. She froze, at same time, felt guilty for yelling. She apologised to Mr ben. "I understand" He said, taking a deep breath. But still, couldn't figure out why she yelled. He thought of not reacting, maybe because she's gone through a lot. "Am.... am not a government employee" taking out his business card, leah's eyes widened, her jaw dropped as Mr Ben continued, "I work for the ceo of country style chocolate shop as his secretary. I can only help by talking to him about you, he's in search of a nanny and i... don't know if you're perfect for the job" he paused, tucking the card back into his suit. "Do you... have a smartphone?" Leah who's yet to understand what he meant, remained speechless. She smiled, a beaming one that reached her eyes. A warmth spread through her, and she felt a sense of relief. Again she turned deaf until the question was repeated. He requested for her contact and instantly, she grabbed his phone with trembling fingers. She managed to hold it firmly while typing her numbers. Unexpectedly, Mr ben counted few five hundred pasin, he slowly stretched it out to her, the money in his palm, shaking forward and backwards, like he was expecting rejection. Instead, Leah snatched it with no time wasting. "Oh, you... did take it. A thank you would do" he said, raising his brows. Just then, realised he's been taken in by her act, fooled by her manufactured sadness. Her fake pitiful expression had him believing she was humble. He was cut up in her performance, that he didn't see how arrogant she truly is. Now she was smiling with her both carved brows, up, as she murmured, "sorry but i don't say thanks, i would be expecting your call.....Mr Ben" the loud sounds of her footsteps were heard as she opened the transparent glass door, and dashed out, leaving Mr Ben who felt used. Little was Leah aware, he's realised her true self. He still couldn't say a word, trying to figure out how he's got here. How Mr Smith would feel if he had presented such mannerless girl to be his nanny. Talking about Davy Smith, who's already given up after several interviews, and dismissed all the ladies because he found a fualt, or whatsoever. The bell above the door chimed, a cheerful sound that felt unexpectedly out of place. Davy looked up from arranging a display of handmade chocolate bars, his brows furrowing in surprise. Standing there, framed by the afternoon sun, was Laura. A year had passed since he'd last seen her, a year filled with the growing distance between them. "Laura," he breathed, the name feeling foreign on his tongue. She offered a tentative smile, her eyes, same shade of warm brown as his, scanning the office, then settling back on him. "Davy," she replied, her voice softer than he remembered. The air between them thickened, and a mix of unspoken words. He stepped out from behind the shelf, the familiar scent of cocoa and sugar, spreading throughout his nose as he inhaled it. "You... haven't changed your perfume," he managed, the words feeling inadequate for the time between them. Laura noded, her gaze now steady "How have you been?" She asked. "Good. As you can see" "I meant... your mental health?" the question came with unidentifiable emotion between them. Still where they stood, the distance was plain. "You look much better, i guess." The compliment hung in the air, till Davy smirked. "The awkwardness is unnecessary. Let's not be formal... big sis. You returned unannounced." He exhaled in relief. Throughout this one year distance without communication felt tough. He'd always bided for the day she explained in a thousand words to relief his emptiness, something even his best friend Steve, couldn't. "Business trip, seriously sis? Is that how's supposed to be? a whole lot of one year business trip. No communication?" Laura spread both arms, letting her diamond Chanel handbag, drop to the floor. She expected a warm hug but Davy used the couch. "We've got lots to talk about" Just then, the air switched back to normal. It was now as though Laura never left, as she lunged for the couch, collapsing beside him. "How is Japan and business trip?" "Davy! it feels like a lifetime, " She breathed, burying her face in his shoulder. "A whole year, Japan was amazing, the trip was a success but i missed this. I missed... my kid brother. Communication was difficult, because i lost my phone. I couldn't remember your number offhand when i got a new one and i feel terrible for doing that." He hugged her back, a little awkwardly at first, then tighter. "Yeah, it was quiet here without you. You look good, though. Different, like you've seen more beautiful things." They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the kind that only siblings who've shared a lifetime can enjoy. Then, Laura pulled back, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, spill. How's the dating scene back home? Any lucky ladies? Or are you gonna hide them from me?" Davy shifted, his grin faltering slightly "Uh, it's been busy, you know? Work's been crazy. Lot's of working overtime." Laura raised an eyebrow. "Busy? Davy, you've been using 'busy' as an excuse throughout the last years before my trip. Is there someone you're actually avoiding, or are you just enjoying the bachelor life a little too much.?" He sighed, running his right hand through his hair, "It's not that simple, Laura. It's just... when the time is right, you know? I don't want to rush. plus, you were gone. Who was i supposed to complain to about my terrible dates?" He managed a weak smile, but Laura saw the flicker of something else in his eyes. It wasn't just about being busy. Now she pulled back completely and grabbed his arm, "Davy, how's your health?" The question came with an anxious looks on her face, but he faced the ruvas as he replied 'fine', "You're sure?" Davy's jaw tightened, he now wore a long face without replying, Laura decided not to ask further before he looses his temper. "If you say so then. You... haven't still made new friends?" "A guy named Steve, whom i beat the s**t out the swindler who duped him one year ago. We became best buddies three months ago, but that's just three months ago. I can't be too attached. Sometimes, not all the time, we hangout to play golf or basketball." Laura's tummy growled loudly, she sighed tiredly and instantly began heading out, letting go of Davy's arms, "God! am so hungry" "My cookings are still very poor. I would've taken you home and made lunch," he said. She turned back to him, her expression looking all judgmental "You're great at making chocolates but can't cook. This, has always been wierd of you. You see why you ought to get married, maybe i should matchmake you. Don't be hard on yourself dude." "Coming from a loner" Davy muttered. There aroused a moment of silence while the both kept furrowing at each other. It's always been this way while growing up, a moment of two siblings fight in between a sweet discussion. Most times davy gets beaten up but he never cared, besides he's already ended up annoying his elder sis. Just then he smiled. "You brat keep testing my patience. I spoil you a lot doesn't mean that i can't beat you" "Didn't get annoyed? " "It's been years already, so am used to your annoyance. When you talked about your bad cooking, i should've asked instead, what happened to the your nanny? Did she quit because she couldn't stand you or... you fired her?" "She kept doing the worst things. No improvement." Laura's face was a thunder cloud, her jaw tightened as she stared at Davy. "You. Always. Have an excuse, don't you? Even your health, no longer matter, right? Here i've been, in this past few years before my trip, trying to help but you keep chasing all your nannies with your bad behaviour. Must you make everything so difficult for you, as well as myself? Must it be too obvious that you have PTSD? Am sure that... while i was away, you ignored your therapy sections." She scoffed. "This is ridiculous," her voice shaking with frustration. Davy mumbled something in return, but Laura wasn't listening. She turned on her heel, the anger, like a hot wave rolling through her. She forced a faint smile and managed her way out of the office, leaving him in the silence she created. He began thinking about more interviews with interested women. Well, who's still interested? no one longer wants to apply. Meanwhile, Mr Ben, already cancelled his intension of calling the only interested girl. Leah. The silence on Leah's phone was deafening. Two days. Two agonising days since Mr Ben and his smooth promises had assured her a call about a job. Each passing hour was a fresh layer of anxiety, a tightening knot in her stomach. She'd replayed their conversation a hundred times, dissecting every word, searching for a hidden meaning, a subtle clue she might have missed. Was it her tone? Did she sound too eager, or not eager enough? Was she rude in anyway? She seemed not to know where she'd missed it. The possibilities swirled, each one more disheartening than the last. Her father, a constant, unpredictable presence in her small apartment, shuffled into the living room. His eyes, usually distant and unfocused, seemed to land on her for a fleeting moment. "Le..ah," he mumbled, his voice a gravelly rasp. He gestured vaguely towards her, then towards the bed. "Go... uh... go get it." Leah blinked, confused. Get what? Before she could ask, he pushed passed her, his movements jerky and uncoordinated. He nudged her leg, a surprising strong shove, sending her stumbling. She cried out, clutching her foot, tears welling in her eyes as she felt a sharp pain which seemed not be ceasing anything soon, stealing her breath. Her dad already wandered back to his room, humming a tuneless melody. The pains worsened. Leah kept wondering where it all went wrong, was it the job call, gnawing uncertainty, it felt like a cruel joke. And then, her dad, in his own broken way, had delivered another blow. It wasn't the physical pain, though that was considerable. It was the frustration of being trapped. Stuck. Her life felt like a series of missed connections and unexpected stumbles. The silence was now amplified by the pain in her foot and the echo of her father's mispronounced name in her mind. "Mr ben. I will mess your life in our next meeting. I don't care about whom you work for." She muttered. 'Reporting from Hawridge TV station, on the three accident scenes which occurred due to the heavy rain of two nights ago, the government.....' "Are you okay? That's your sister's future company." Mr ben asked, staring at the ceo's long face through the front mirror. He put on a tentative smile with his brows up, like he was forced to, then turned off the radio. He sighed "The government would do nothing. Keep driving." Mr Ben unknowingly pressed this puddle, a wave of muddy water, surged, splashing all over Leah, who was at that very moment, striding with purpose towards a job interview. Her pink flowered gown and boots were instantly transformed into a mess alongside with her printed documents, which had already scattered all over. This moment was her only time for a change. Leah's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing into slits. Her job interview, her whole career path, and her future plans were forgotten for a second because of how unfair it was. She let out a loud yell that scared a bunch of pigeons into flying away, and then, chased after the car, feeling wronged. Her new pair of shoes bought with the few five hundred pasin given to her by Mr Ben, usually reserved for making a confident entrance, now pounded the pavement with the fury of a thousand avenging angels. "You absolute Neanderthals!" She shrieked, her voice echoing into the ceo's ears continually, "do you have any idea what you've done? Hey! stop the ugly looking car!" Davy, peering through the now-splattered window, felt a flicker of genuine fear. "Mr Ben," he stammered, "do you, by any chance, know that... that lunatic?" Mr Ben's knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. He knew Leah. He remembered Leah, the girl who put on pretentious looks to get him offer a job out of pity. "No,sir," he lied, his voice a stained whisper. "Never seen her before in my life." Davy, unnerved, urged him to speed up. But Mr Ben, suddenly thinking of the only way, which was more important than any dishonest loyalty he felt, slammed his foot on the brakes. "If i don't stop, sir," he gasped, "she would follow us all the way to the office. "Wait. What?," before Davy could protest, Mr Ben hid himself into a pretzel and disappeared under the passenger seat, a silent prayer escaping his lips as Leah's furious footsteps grew alarmingly close. "You mannerless he goat," her voice thundered. Davy casually toses few bills at her face. They flutter to the ground near her feet. Leah's eyes widened, then narrow with fury. She took a step forward, hee voice trembling with range. "Are you serious? You think, this makes it okay? You think throwing money at me like am some sort of... some sort of beggar... fixes this. I had a very important place to be this morning, but you just ruined it." Davy chuckles arrogantly, leaning back. He raised a brow, scanning his eyes up and down at Leah, his expression one of disdain. "Just a little something for dry cleaning. Don't spend it all in one place." "Are you even listening to yourself? Is that supposed to be an apology, more insults?" She breathed out of frustration, with tears lurking in her eyes. "Why else would a looking beggar, chase me all the way here?" "Seriously? If i were your mom.... "Hey. Kid. You can never be my mom. Why am i even talking to you anyways. So just pick up the money and leave." Leah stared at him for a moment, the injustice and humiliation burning within her. Davy fixed his gaze on the road ahead, he smirked. "Still staring at me? Little girl, of course i know that am handsome, but you aren't my type" "You didn't see me standing there at the first place?" "Oops. Didn't see you there. Besides, am not the driver, and owe you no explanation. The poor should remain clueless." He smirked again. Highly annoying to Leah that she picked up the bills and tossed it back at him. Davy now filled with range. "I don't need your money." "What.The. f**k. Mr Ben! start up let's get the hell, out of here!" Leah turned at the driver's seat, there, empty and suspicious. She stunned, like she'd heard it elsewhere. "Mr... Ben," she said, taking another step forward. Davy just shrugged and rolled up his ruvas. Mr Ben puts the car in gear after he reappeared and slowly drove away, leaving Leah, standing alone. She had no choice than head back, with the doubt of, 'It's not him.' But then, she's going to definitely deal with Mr Davy Smith, if she runs into him without his car. That black Honda, Leah wouldn't forget what it looked like. She kept thinking of how to bash it. To her, even a good looking train is better than it. The train station was cold. There few stood, waiting for the next train. At a distance was Steve, ever the charmer, strolling through the bustling station, wasn't conscious of his steps till his leg struck a rough stone. Wincing internally, he forced a smile, hoping Laura, who was engrossed with her phone, hadn't noticed his dramatic stumble. "Just admiring the architecture," he muttered, limping casually towards where she sat. He spotted a space beside her, with a surge of misplaced bravery, plopped down. "Waiting for the 3:15pm train to wherever?" he asked, his voice a bit too loud. Laura offered a polite, albeit of confused, nod. Steve, undeterred, launched into his carefully rehearsed introduction. "You probably don't remember me, but i'm Steve, your brother's best friend? We bumped into each other, few days ago while you were on your way, out of his office. He told me you're his elder sis when i asked. We also met last night... at that place with the loud music and questionable lighting?" He paused, searching her face for a flicker of recognition. Nothing. Taking a deep breath, he decided to go for the grand final. "I've been meaning to tell you... my internal organs are currently performing a complex ballet, and your presence... seems to be the lead dancer." His voice, at ease and lower. He flashed a hopeful, albeit slightly manic, grin. His only accomplishment, was Laura now looking straight at him, feels like a dream come true. "You're... not my type." She shocked him with her words and quickly dashed into the next train, before it zoomed off. This had never happened before. Steve couldn't believe he was turned down and left, in a confused state to ponder if his charms had faded, or the lunch he had at Taste Life restaurant ruined his lips. It's glass door always jingles as one pushes it open. Leah stepped in, on a mini jean skirt. Short enough that both straight legs were revealed. Her eyes narrow and looking tired as the waiter approached. "Excuse me, miss, are you dinning with us today?" he asked, his tone bordering on dismissive. Leah misstride, stopped. "Dinning? I'm meeting Semia! I would also need the chair by the window." She said as she marched to a table at the back, where a couple was seated. "Excuse me, this seat belongs to me." The couple stared, bewildered. "Your seat?" the man sputtered. "We were here first!" Leah crossed her arms, her eyes still narrow. Before the waiter could interfere, she rose her voice "This is my spot! I always seat here when i come to see Semia, your boss's daughter. She's my best friend!" After a tensed moment, the couple stood indignantly, "What nerve! Even the waiter can't react? You all are troublesome. This marks the end of our patronage. Daniel, let's leave this ridiculous building." They stormed out, muttering about Leah being a menace while she finally settled in, tapping her foot impatiently until Semia spotted her. She rushed over, with the beaming smile that reached her eyes, and tapped Leah's head slightly. "I knew you would be one finally getting this rude and troublesome couple out of our restaurant. My dad's too tolerating." "What do you mean? I thought you would get mad at me." "Mad? They deserved it. What are you doing here anyway? Still searching for vacancies? I've told you my dad can't afford to pay more than two employees." Leah grinned as they exchanged their usual quirky handshake. She sat, burying her face to the table. "I know... Semia, i just needed a break from my dad's mental drama. He had fallen from the bed while sleeping." "What?" Semia's eyes widened in shock "Yeah. He's in the coma at doctor Hanson's hospital. It wasn't a little fall. It was all my fualt, i shouldn't have let him sleep on my up bunk bed" "If your mom never had..." Semia paused, her voice shaking. "Died? Yeah..." Leah completed her statement, her jaw tightened as she took a deep breath. Her eyes narrower, they scanned round, till dropped on a customer dinning two tables away. She swallowed saliva, taking out her purse "What are you doing?" Semia asked, turning to find what Leah had seen, "Crispy drumstick and beer," she said, counting the last few bills in her purse. " Hah? Leah. You can't have those. I don't want any street baker coming to yell on how you drunkenly badged into his shop and fell asleep!" "Don't worry Semia. This time, i won't be doing any baker's dishes. I currently worked on how to control my liquor. Besides i need this, am down now and angry!" Her eyes now wider, voice sharper, and face furrowing. She began recounting her morning. "I made a blood donation, you know, for a patient with same rare blood type as my uncle. And his mom's side view looked exactly like my late granny. It was uncanny! But did she thank me? Nope. I Couldn't even see her face. She just snatched the pint and disappeared." Semia noded. "Wow that's... something. Weird how that happens. But then... you donated, and still talking about taking beer? Leah you need rest and not beer." They smiled at each other. Just then, their conversation was interrupted by two ladies, leaving the restaurant. "Did you hear about the ceo who lives at plot twenty four? the other whispered, "So wealthy and influential. And they say he's incredibly generous, especially to ladies who... you know, served him well." Leah's eyes widened, a determined glint in her eyes as she nudged Semia who smiled. "Hey Leah, they're not wrong. I also heard his elder sis is the soon heir to the biggest reporting station in town. You gonna be paid handsomely. You're good at cleaning, right?" She asked, staring at Leah who's now looking less determined. Her eyes now narrow and dull. She sighed, shaking her head in rejection. "Thought it through just now. Don't wanna be a housekeeper." "Hah? Why all of a sudden?" Semia asked, her jaw tight. "The rich are troublesome, i love my peace." She buried her downwards, till the jingling door reopened after the women. Semia sprung up on seeing Mr Thom, and before Leah finished her statement, he interrupted. "Mr cook, not Thom." "She's heard dad. Leah was about to lend me a hand on the dirty dishes. Right?" She turned with those fake smiling expression like one who knew she was doomed, but Leah saved her by nodding. She spent almost all day in Taste life restaurant, no worries, but the next morning, was a shocking blast of her life. The harsh fluorescent light of the unfamiliar room buzzed, making Leah's eyes flutter open, her head throbbing. The bedsheet were crisp, cool and definitely not hers as she felt it. A knot of unease tightened in her stomach. Then she saw him. His eyes were as pretty as that of a dove, down to his Adam apple at the middle of that long neck, so appetising that it's owner could be taken if not careful. His pinky carved lips, close as though he wanted to kiss her. 'What. The. Fuck.' Leah sprung up. This guy's half naked, was the first thing going on in her head before she glared at his face. Davy, her nightmare. He was wearing a silk robe, transparent enough to reveal the lean lines of his body. He lounged on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on her. "Isn't it... you? How did i..." Davy chuckled, a low sound that couldn't ease her rising panic. "What have you done to me you p*****t!" Her voice trembled loudly. "Where... am i?" "Did you... get enough sleep, little rascal?" He purred, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. The audacity, the sheer nerve of him, after he'd ruined her chance at a decent job, and now here he was staring at Leah like she belonged to him. The room, the robe, his predatory stare. It was a nightmare. "Won't you... get your revenge now it's just you and i? You looked like you were dying to do it, that day." "Did i... get kidn*pped?" Her voice now lower, after realising her clothes were still on. He smirked, his eyes narrow. "What do you think... on how you ended up in the hands of your nightmare? I nearly thought you came to seduce me. Earlier i was going to ask... how you knew where i live, but seeing your attitude this morning. Whether it's real or you're just pretending. I dare not." The fragmented memories began to coalesce, hazy at first, then clearer. She remembered the sting of beer at Taste life restaurant, the world blurring in her eyes, as the night wore on, in a drunken state. Plot twenty-six was the only thing she thought of. She'd stumbled through the street like a pathetic figure, bothering strangers, her voice slurred as she pleaded for directions. Each blank stare, each dismissive wave, chipped away her fragile composure. Finally, a kind soul pointed her the right direction. The building loomed, imposed and stark under the night sky. Fueled by potent mix of alcohol, she'd pushed open the heavy door. The automatic locks clicked shut, and the rest turned completely blur before Leah fell asleep. After it was all done on her, she stunned speechless, her lips trembling, and gaze unsteady. Davy smiled. "God blessed you with the right moment and opportunity for an apology. Am waiting," he adjusted, waiting on Leah who's thought were why she ended up drinking. No visible response, Davy's jaw tightened. "Then... how would you... thank me for the hospitality?"