Tom and Betty

Chapter 5 Beety and the Monster

We arrived at the Dawson Mansion in flying colors. I mean with him cursing under his breath. I almost feel bad for Ms. Jennifer for marrying this man who couldn’t live without cursing every day. But the next thing I witnessed made me change my mind. So unrealistic and unnerving. Ms. Jennifer is a literal Femme Fatal. So lethal and dangerous to deal with.

Mr. Dawson greeted her with a cold shoulder and confronted her directly on the point.

“What in the world are you doing this whole time?”

“Well, hello to you too.” She snickered and took her time to sit on the sofa and crossed her legs.

Taking the cue for them to talk privately, I casually went to one of the rooms in the living room, which is a library room. Towering shelves of books in old and dusty spines. Hearing muffled shouting, I am finally feeling grateful for something on this day. Looking forward to flicking through pages to pages, I lost track of time and what we were doing here.

“Ms. Hernandez,”

“Ms. Hernandez, wake up.”

“Betty.”

“Ms. Hernandez, I swear I’ll leave you here in this house alone!”

I bolted awake feeling a little woozy and not in the right state when Mr. Dawson held my arms to steady me in place.

“Come on, let’s go.”

I never bothered to ask him how it went well, but frustration and worry etched on his face. I have never seen him playing with such emotions. Vulnerability is slowly traveling on this powerful man.

Mr. Dawson is like a hard candy. Hard but soft on the inside. Bit by bit, I am slowly seeing different sides of this man.

“Don’t ask questions.” Turning away from my ‘woke-up like this’ state, I followed him, maintaining a good distance from him. I feel like this man could blow up like a grenade.

We remained silent inside the car not until he started to tell what happened.

“This happened in the last two years, when we were still starting our relationship. She had no choice but to do it in honor of her father. Business is business. That’s why you shouldn’t engage in arranged marriage, Ms. Hernandez. It’s so hard being in a relationship you do not want. Do you have a boyfriend?”

His question knocked me off. His tone is so serious as he is looking at me through the rearview mirror.

“We broke up last March, sir. It’s been five months now. He was my best friend. Then it turned into lover but our relationship only lasted for three months. He cheated. To be honest, I don’t want to talk about it. I feel ashamed when someone asks me about it.”

We fell into silence once again, as if he was carefully thinking about what to respond.

“You shouldn’t feel ashamed. It’s not your fault. Just go out and look at what your heart is looking for.”

I turned to see him, amazed by how he came up with those words. He is looking at me with hopeful eyes with a small smile on his lips. Well, this man isn’t as bad as I expected.

“Thank you, sir.” The only thing I responded. The less I talk, the less information they can get.

Mr. Dawson officially discussed what the real deal is between the issue and his marriage. Ms. Jennifer had to sell six of his assets in exchange for his divorce and cutting ties with her family. So, it only means their relationship went badly two years ago. As much as I would like to ask how it took so long for them to get officially divorced, I decided to shut my mouth and listen to him telling the story.

“Betty, I appreciate your effort in your work. If it was not because of you, I would probably still be blind that six of my assets were sold off two years ago. Though it brought a positive outcome to our company, I still have the right and final say about things like this.”

Mr. Dawson smiled at me. A smile that didn’t reach his eyes. One problem solved, but you can still feel the weight on his shoulder.

All the vice presidents were already back in their stations and hopeful that everything would be back to normal. I mean normal, as in, normal routine of solving minor problems in their departments.

I began to pack my bags and turned to leave my station when Mr. Dawson spoke for the last time.

“You can take a leave tomorrow, Betty. I know I’ve been too harsh towards you these past few weeks. Take a rest.” He took off his eyeglasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. I know he is thankful that we solved his problems. His marriage and the mystery behind his shares. He is thankful but he just can’t say it. It’s okay, as long as I have made a good impression on him.

“Okay, See you on Friday, sir.”

Oh shoot, Foundation Day is on Friday. Another problem.

Speaking of the devil, James appeared just as I opened the door to leave.

“Hey, here’s the dress for Foundation Day on Friday. And, here’s my number. Text me with your address so I can come and pick you up.”

Anyone who can see us right now, would give them the wrong signal about my relationship with this man. I mean, yes, we’re friends, but we barely hang out together. You can count with your fingers the times we exchange conversation.

“Okay, I will send you my address.” I smiled at him clutching the large paper bag in my arms.

“You know what, let me get you home today. I want to get to know my date on Friday.” He chuckled, retrieving the bag once again.

“Huh? What—no. I mean, you could be—”

“What? An axe murderer? Come on, what are you? A grade schooler? I have no intention of murdering you. I want to see you on Friday with that dress.” He responded, shaking his head in amusement.

“Okay, fine! But I must go to the grocery store, first.”

He smiled once again and took the bag from my hand. Just as we were about to turn around to leave, my boss’ door opened, revealing a very angry looking Mr. Dawson. He walked past us without giving a glance. He is fuming with anger. Heavy footsteps and stiff shoulders greeted us, making us shut our mouths. James is looking normal as if it didn’t affect him at all.

“Come on.” He ushered me to the elevator and, much to my surprise, Mr. Dawson is also waiting for the lift to open.

I grabbed James by his elbow, hoping he would turn in my direction and probably take the stairs to the ground floor or kill time and wait for Mr. Dawson to ride the elevator on his own.

But James doesn’t budge, pretending he doesn’t feel me nudging him. I cursed under my breath along with the sudden ping of the elevator. Mr. Dawson settled at the back of the elevator, leaving us no choice but to stay in the center.

“You know what, I think I have to do grocery shopping too.” I didn’t answer but bit the tip of my tongue. I swear I will strangle this man in the parking lot.

“Are you alone in your apartment?”

“What time should I pick you up on Friday?”

“I forgot to bring your shoes... oh shoot. I’ll give ‘em to you tomorrow.” came James’ series of questions, but I remained silent the whole time. All I gave him was death glares and a mouthful of shut up.

We reached the third floor and the elevator door opened, and a hard, serious voice boomed behind us, making me flinch in surprise.

“Excuse me. I want your report tomorrow, Ms. Hernandez.”

What the actual fck?!

He got off the lift and walked casually away from our sight. I never got the chance to respond to his favor. I was stoned on the ground, and I couldn’t react to what happened.

“Is he freaking serious?” I mumbled, clenching my fists on my side.

“What? Why? What happened?”

“This is all your fault!” I grabbed him by his collar playfully and shook him as he laughed his ass off, making us jerk in surprise as the elevator door opened, revealing three employees with disbelief on their faces.

“Get a room…” one old male employee chimed in with amusement in their faces.

“So nice to be young, isn’t it?”

The two younger employees snickered while looking at us with baffled expressions.

“Uh, we’re not---” I never got the chance to correct the misunderstanding as they began to talk to each other about work-related topics. James is in silent mode, but his shoulders are vibrating with laughter pointing at my face.

“You should look at your face. Red as a beet.”

A lightbulb turned on his head as his grin grew wide. James and his ideas.

“Uh right! Beet as in Betty. Betty and the Beet.” His laughter boomed in the elevator, making the other people chuckle in unison. Way to embarrass me, James!

I stomped my feet into the parking lot, unaware of James, tailing behind me, still laughing.

“Come on, Beet. I was just joking.”

“You’re so embarrassing.” I spat, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You know what, I would probably take the bus. Don’t bother taking me home.”

I grabbed the paper bag from his grip and turned around to leave.

“Okay, sorry Betty. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Come on, it won’t happen again.”

His face is serious now, you can hear the sincerity in his voice.

“I’m sorry, okay? I just missed having someone to joke around.” he circled his car and opened the door for me, not meeting my eyes.

Now, I am feeling bad for ruining his joy. This man sure has skeletons in his closet. I had no choice but to get inside the car as I had promised him to take me home.

“I am just frustrated. I wasn’t supposed to report to the office tomorrow. Mr. Dawson gave me an early day off. I don’t know what happened. Suddenly he wanted me to write his report tomorrow. What does he want me to do, work from home?”

James became silent, eyes fixated on the road, with eyebrows scrunched together.

“I already made plans for tomorrow and now it’s all ruined.” I mumbled, feeling blue about my boss.

‘Then don’t report tomorrow.”

I was surprised by James’ remarks. So serious and he seems to be worked up with my situation. He is silent and it seems like he is thinking something serious.

“What? No. Do you want me to get fired?” I concluded and put a long period on my decision. This is it. I have to be at the office tomorrow.

We arrived at my apartment in less than 30 mins. Faster than it usually does. Phew. I must have a car soon.

“I’m sorry you have to report to the office tomorrow because of me.” James mumbled while taking all the groceries and paper bag in his left hand.

“It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault, James. I was just kidding when I said that.” I finally smiled at him ‘cause I clearly made him feel bad for putting all the blame on him.

“It is. I know it is my fault.” He stared at me like he was going to say something.

“What do you mean?” I neatly stacked boxes of eggs in my right hand and helped him carry some of my groceries.

“Nothing. What floor are you on?” he asked, diverting and putting the topic away.

“Ten.”

“Can I help you carry these to your floor?”

Scanning all the grocery bags, I realized I needed some help with that stuff. I overspent on my groceries once again. James and I talked a lot of things while doing grocery shopping, from work to pet topics. I found out he has a Golden Retriever named Spinach and a Siamese cat, Panda.

He was silent the whole elevator ride. Something is clearly bothering him. James is a happy person. For almost two months of working with him, I mean, of being friends with him, I have not seen him down or sad. He is always smiling and greets people every day. So far, this is the first time I’ve seen this occupied with something.

“Are you okay?” I asked him as we walked side by side to my apartment door.

“Huh? Yes, of course. I’m okay.”

“You look like you’re having diarrhea. You’re not okay, stop lying.”

That made him laugh, patting my head with his free hand.

“I’m okay, I promise. Okay, should I leave these here?” Motioning the grocery bags on the floor, which I gradually agreed to.

“Yes, I can manage from here. Thank you so much for your help, James. See you tomorrow.”

He smiled and waited for me to close the door. Living alone can be stressful sometimes. Same old routine, no one to talk to, same playlist every day, and the same feeling of peacefulness.

The next day, I woke up a little too early from my usual alarm. I almost forgot I still had to make breakfast for Tom freaking Dawson. What has gotten into him for being so indecisive?

Shaking the thoughts of it, I began making his breakfast, which consisted of sausage, boiled broccoli, avocado sandwich and beef bone soup in a tumbler. I stared at the lunchbox so intently that it could explode any moment.

“If I just don’t need this job.”

I arrived at the office an hour early. Much to my surprise, Mr. Dawson is already in his office. I stood outside the door for a good two minutes contemplating what to say in front of him. I tiptoed my way inside silently praying he would not look up to me. But then I realized, I shouldn’t have to feel this way. He was the one who was so indecisive about his decisions. I stared at the lunch box I had been holding the entire time and scoffed at the idea of having the audacity to cook for this a*hole. Oops. Bad word. Okay, spare me, I’m mad, okay?

I cleared my throat, slowly walking towards him, eyes hurting from glaring at his forehead. Hoping some laser beam would shoot out at him.

“I thought I made myself clear I am giving you a day off today.” He greets you while signing documents.

That made me stop. The wind knocked the air in my entire lungs as my breathing shallowed, biting my tongue in annoyance. I wanted to strangle him and push him off of this entire building, but being the professional I am, I heaved a deep sigh and composed myself.

“You asked me to send your report, sir.” I simply responded by putting my hands behind me as I was clutching my fists so hard, I swear. They would bleed anytime soon.

“Oh, really? Did I say that? I don’t remember. Don’t bother, I already made the report last night.”

Oh mama mia, please forgive me if I kill this person.

A humorless laugh escaped my mouth. Putting large steps towards his table, planting my feet steady on the floor.

“I could care less if you’re busy and tend to forget things easily, but it would be better to be decent enough to keep our words. I am also a busy person here and outside the office. I know I shouldn’t act this way. Heck, I love this job but I am afraid someone will make me regret this. Sir.” That came out unexpectedly and I was even shocked by my words.