And Then Again, We Fell

The 25 year old lady stood at the cab rank, waiting for a cab. She stared down at her watch. "12 pm". She was so eager to get home on time, she really wanted to share the good news with her family_ her stepmom and her daughter. Both have been with her through the thick and thin_ Her father's death and her mom's disappearance. A cab drove towards her when she was still lost in her thoughts. She blinked, snapping back to reality as the cab driver's voice cut through her reverie. For a moment, she stared blankly at him, her mind still foggy from her thoughts. Then, she smiled weakly and cleared her throat. "Oh, Sorry about that. I'm heading to Willowbrook Avenue. The second house on the right". She said as she got into the cab. During the drive, she focused her gaze on the window as she pondered on how her family would react to the good news. She clutched her mini-purse tightly against her chest. Her phone made a beeping sound. She switched the phone on and it was a message. She tapped on it. HOW DID IT GO? ARE YOU ON YOUR WAY HOME. MOM IS MAKING YOUR FAVORITE. XOXO She chuckled after reading the message. Her sister was missing her already. I AM ON MY WAY She replied before locking her phone screen. She closed her eyes and didn't know when she drifted off to sleep. The horn hooking brought her back to reality. "Ma'am, we are here". The cabman said. "Oh, I'm sorry". She apologized, paid him and got out of the cab. Tessy awaited her at the front door. As she saw Tessy, she faked a frown. "Anna!". Tessy called enthusiastically. "And what's with the down face?". Tessy asked. " Don't tell me it didn't turn out right". Tessy said. Anna looked up at Tessy with tears in her eyes. "Oh my baby!". Tessy said hugging Anna. She patted Anna's back slowly, tears forming a mist in her own eyes. She hate to see her sister cry. Anna is the elder one among them, she is four months older than Tessy. Her (Anna) mom had left when she was eight, Anna had thought it was because of Rose her mom abandoned her, she had hated Rose because of it, but later on, she discovered that Rose (Tessy's mom) was not the cause of her mom's disappearance. Rose was compassionate and kind, with a warm smile that could light up an entire room. Anna had always assumed that Rose would be just like her own mother—cold, distant, and uncaring. But as she spent more time with Tessy and Rose, she began to see Rose in a different light. Rose would often cook dinner for Anna and Tessy, filling the kitchen with the delicious smells of baking cookies and roasting vegetables. She would listen to Anna's problems and offer words of comfort, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding, and she would hug Anna tightly, holding her close as if she were her own daughter. 'Don't cry anymore,' Tessy added, wiping Anna's tears. 'I got the job,' Anna said in a faint whisper. 'What did you say?' Tessy asked. 'I got the job,' Anna repeated, wiping the tears off her own eyes. 'OMG!' Tessy muttered. 'Don't ever come home with that face. You scared the hell out of me,' Tessy warned. 'You got the job!' Tessy screamed, hugging Anna as they both started screaming. 'Can't I at least have peace in my house?' a voice interrupted. 'Mom, Anna got the job!' Tessy informed. 'Really? Is that true?' Ms. Wright asked, wanting to hear from the horse’s mouth. 'Yeah, Mom,' Anna said. 'Come give Mama a hug.' Anna went into Rose’s arm and felt a sense of warmth there. 'I prepared your favorite,' Rose said, smiling warmly as she gestured to the steamy hot plate on the table. Anna’s stomach growled in anticipation as she took her seat. Rose had made her favorite chicken parmesan with spaghetti, complete with garlic bread on the side. 'Thanks, Mom,' Anna said, feeling grateful for the kindness and love that Rose always showed her. 'You are the best.''' $ Anna and Tessy were lying on the grass at the balcony, watching the stairs. “You would be starting work tomorrow night?” “Yeah.” “I want to give you words of advice,” Tessy said teasingly. “Nah, I don’t need your advice,” Anna mocked. “OK,” Tessy shrugged. “If there’s any cute guy you feel will suit me, don’t hesitate to introduce me to him.” “Yeah, I will definitely do that,” Anna said. “But you were seeing someone recently, right?” Anna asked. “Rex?” Tessy scoffed. “He's an i***t, jerk, and a pain in the ass.”Tessy said “ It was last month you met him and you are giving this complaints about him? ". Anna was baffled. " He showed his true colors from the start but I was blinded to it. This isn't my fault sis" Anna wondered how Tess could fall in love with five guys in a month. It was difficult for her to fall in love with just anyone. Anna was not the 'friends with boys type' , and always kept her distance from them. Till he showed up. He was different from the other guys. “Let’s head inside, mama is already waiting for us,” Tessy said as she was talking slowly already. $ Anna woke up by the piercing sound of the alarm. She rolled over and her fingers stopped the noise. The joy could not be hidden. “Today was her first day at work.” As she sat up in bed, a wide smile spread across her face, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She had been waiting for this day for what felt like an eternity. After months of job searching, interviews, and sleepless nights, she had finally landed on her dream job. Anna threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, feeling a surge of energy and anticipation. Tessy was not on her bed, she must have gone to her mom's room to spend the night. Anna thought. Anna took a deep breath, savoring the moment, and began to get ready for her first day. As she headed to the shower, she mentally rehearsed her to-do list: get dressed, have breakfast, grab her bag, and head out the door. The warm water of the shower helped to calm her nerves, and as she got dressed, she felt a sense of confidence wash over her. Anna's outfit was a thoughtful combination of professional and personal style. She chose a tailored, knee-length navy blue dress made of high-quality wool blend. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves without being too tight. Around her neck, she wore a delicate silver necklace with a small crystal pendant that added a touch of elegance to hear overall look. Her ears were adorned with simple,yet sophisticated, silver stud earrings. On her feet, Anna wore a pair of black, low-heeled pumps that complemented the navy blue dress perfectly. The shoes were polished to perfection, and the low heel gave her a confident boost. To complete her outfit, Anna carried a sleek black leather tote bag that held all her essentials, including her laptop, notebook and wallet. The bag was professional yet stylish in loose, effortless waves that framed her face, and her makeup was natural and understated. Breakfast was already on the dinning table. "Anna". Tessy called. Anna rushed downstairs. "Wow!". Tessy exclaimed. "Why does it seem as if you are on a mission to seduce someone". Tessy said staring intently at Anna. " I'm going for work, it's my first day. First impression matters". " Oh". Tessy nodded as she chuckled. " Anyway, breakfast is ready". Tessy informed. " I'll skip it. I don't want to be late for my first day". Anna said and ran out of the house. " Don't forget our promise". Tessy said behind her wondering if Anna had really promised her. $ Anna boarded a cab and arrived on time to the Y and L company, she quickly got out of the cab, staring at the building. As Anna stepped into the sleek, modern building, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. She had spent hours preparing for this moment, researching the company and researching her introduction. As she made her way to the reception desk, her eyes scanned the bustling lobby, taking in the sound of muted conversation and the hum of coffee machine. Just as she was about to reach the desk, her gaze landed on a familiar figure standing by the entrance. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought she saw Collins Lee, her highschool sweetheart. But as quickly as she saw him, he turned and disappeared into the crowd. Anna's mind raced- was it really him, or just her imagination playing tricks on her? She shook her head chiding herself for being silly. She had missed him a lot. The fact, and it hurt her. With a new found sense of determination, Anna approached the reception desk and introduced herself. The friendly receptionist handed her a security badge and directed her to the architecture department. "Good morning" She greeted the lady she was introduced to. "Morning. I'm Caitlyn Moore. The person you would be working with". The older lady introduced. " You are not the only one anyway. Others are on their way". She added seeing the surprised look on Anna's face. "I am Anna Wright". Anna introduced. "Gather together interns. The president is here". Collins Lee, the CEO of Y and L company stood before them. "Good morning, I'm Collins Lee..." Anna who was whispering to a newfound friend, shifted her gaze forward as she heard his name. So he was the one she actually saw. She stared at his face, it hadn't changed a bit just that he looked more handsome than before. "Not now, Anna, you both are never happening anymore". Anna waved the thought off her mind. " I hope you don't regret working with me". He said smiling before leaving with his assistant. Anna scoffed hearing his last statement. "How am I going to survive this?". She said taking in deep breaths. "Alright, I will act like I never knew him". "Are you alright?". A deep baritone voice asked. " Yeah. I'm good". Anna said faking a smile. "Let's get to work". Anna said excusing herself. $ Collins was going through the resumé of the intakes, flipping through their documents, then, he sighted a name he hadn't seen or heard of in years. ANNA WRIGHT. "Guess who I saw". Anna said on a call with Tessy. "Collins Lee". Tessy answered. "How could you easily get that?". Anna asked surprised " Because he's the only one who will make you speak this way". Tessy teased. "Gosh!" " I'm done with him, did you forget. He's the CEO of my company, how am I going to survive with it?" Anna muttered. " This is going to be a frenemy reunion". Tessy teased. "I shouldn't have called you. If I knew you would make things worse. Goodbye, I am getting back to work". Anna said as she hung up. " Miss Wright". Caitlyn called. " I'm so sorry ma, I did not mean to take long than expected". Anna apologized. " It's ok. Anyway, the President wants to see you". " I expected that but not so soon". Anna thought. " Why ma". Anna faked a surprised look. "I don't know. Go with this man". Anna went away with the male figure that stood before. The man led her to the office and went away immediately. "Come back. I cannot face this man alone". Anna thought Anna went into Collins office room. There was no sign of him. She admired every bit of his office room. "Collins had always been this neat" Anna stood still admiring the office room that she did not notice footsteps approaching. Collins stopped walking, his eyes on Anna. 'She still dazzle as before' He gave a slight cough making Anna aware of his presence. Anna turned to face him. "Good morning President. You sent for me sir". Anna said acting in her best official manner. " Long time no see pumpkin". Collins said mockingly. Anna remained silent staring at the floor. "Pumpkin, I'm the one talking with you not the floor. Why are you staring at the floor?" " Pumpkin?". Collins mocked. Anna raised her head to him. " Pumpkin". He chuckled. "I've warned you. Don't call me that again". Anna said in a calm manner. Tears forming a mist in her eyes. "I hurt your feelings but you have to consider mine". She added. " Consider yours?". Collins chuckled. " You don't have to haunt me now. I was going through a lot of mess back then". Anna said. " You never said it pumpkin, you just ended it, you never said your reasons". " Because I was afraid to say it". Anna said. " You can leave my office now". Collins said confused. " I was already on my way to leave". Anna said leaving. Anna could out and began to cry. How could Collins bring the past so soon. Why is he now acting cruel? She remembered, Collins being a cool, friendly guy. He was every girl's dream at highschool. As Anna replayed what led to their breakup, the tears ran out uncontrollably. Collins sat in his office room thinking, he shouldn't have brought it up so soon. He had let the anger in him out. He couldn't bear the fact that his ex-girlfriend, the one he had loved so dearly will be showing up every single moment of his life. He had skipped all the highschool reunion because he did not want to see Anna. "I hope we can work together". Collins thought. Anna on the other hand, had also skipped all highschool reunion because of Collins. She never wanted to come across him again. But what now.. seeing him everyday was the worst. "I hope we can work together". Anna said.