The Writer's Dilemma

Happiness and Sadness

After lunch, Kerem and Pierre were made to leave due to another item on their schedule. Audrey could feel that they were reluctant to leave as they bid their farewells, letting her know they were looking forward to working with her again. She didn’t have any more time to chat with Kerem but they gave each other an innocent smile and wave. When she turned to enter back into the building, she saw Wyatt get into the passenger seat. She waved, hoping to get his attention, but her attempts went ignored. She frowned, wondering if she had somehow offended him as their van rolled away from the curb. Walking back to the bank of elevators, she received an incoming call from Jocelyn.

                “Jocelyn?”

                “Audrey,” Jocelyn’s voice was shaky. “I’m sorry about last night.”

                “Don’t be! Your health is the most important thing! How are you feeling? What did the doctors say?” The elevator doors rolled open. Audrey entered, letting the doors close behind her.

                “I’m starting to feel better. The doctors are still waiting on a few test results. They aren’t quite sure what is wrong yet. Tell me… were you ok with CEO Alarie?”

                “Fine. I didn’t return to his house last night. He said I can only get my things if I get it myself… otherwise, I have your things.”

                “Don’t step a foot inside that house alone. Do you hear me?” Jocelyn’s voice strained as Audrey stepped out of the elevator, walking directly to her cubicle.

                “I won’t. You just get some rest and return when you’re better. On other news, we had a company meeting with Kerem Bassett and Pierre Dupont,” Audrey announced as she stood just inside her cubicle, noticing an envelope laying daintily on her keyboard.

                “That’s awesome! I’m sad I missed it,” Jocelyn coughed. “I’m sorry Audrey. I’m afraid I’ll have to hear more about it later. I’m kind of tired now,” Jocelyn coughed through her goodbye, hanging up without an answer. Audrey picked up the envelope, pulling out a letter.

                                Miss Marchand,

                                I’m greatly sorry I couldn’t interact with you today. The company

                                Doesn’t allow me to interact with personal acquaintances during working

Hours. I am happy that you had a great time with Kerem and Pierre. It’s nice

to see you smile. I left a present for you with this letter. Can’t wait to

meet up with you this weekend!

                                                                                                Wyatt

                Audrey opened the envelope again, finding the photo of her and Kerem at the book signing even tucked at the bottom. She smiled, her heart mending with feelings of happiness. She stuck it next to her other photo on the wall of her cubicle, staring at it in awe. From the first meeting, at the book sign, and today felt like a dream to her.

                “Seems like you and that Kerem Basset fellow get along really well,” The voice startled Audrey, her whole body going into defensive mode as a hand slid down her arm. “That makes me upset. You never smile or laugh for me… anymore,” Marius’s voice was low, seductive sounding if it hadn’t creeped Audrey out. She felt the warmth and happiness from a minute ago drain from her, a shiver running through her. “What can I do to make you smile for me again?” The question came out bitterly. She felt a tug on a strand of her hair, followed by a tight grip of a handful of hair, pushing her into the wall of her cubicle. Audrey breathed hard against the wall of her cubicle, careful not to make a sound. “Things haven’t been going my way recently. I guess I need to remind you that you will do as I say, or there will be consequences,” The grip on her hair disappeared, along with Marius all together. Audrey trembled against her cubicle, her mind wandering.

                The clock struck ticked away as she remained motionless, leaning against the wall for support. Things were beginning to spiral and Audrey was no longer sure how she would be able to get through this crisis for a second time. Minutes turned into an hour before she finally took a seat at her desk, pulling up her schedule. Tomorrow would be Thursday. She had a one-hour meeting about the next day’s photoshoot with Marius. Friday would be busy but then it would be the weekend and she would get to meet Wyatt, her fan, and the person who was helping her the most currently. With that thought Audrey found her inspiration to keep working, putting Marius at the back of her mind. She pulled out her cell, typing rapidly.

                                Audrey: Wyatt, Thank you for your letter. I appreciate the gift too!

                                I hope that we can still meet this weekend? Any ideas?

                She hit the send button, setting her phone aside as she pulled up the writing document on her computer, beginning to write about the Day in the Life of Marius Alarie.

                The next morning arrived too quickly with an urgent call from Marius, waking her up before her alarm. The early morning phone calls began once more, filling her with dread. She rushed into work, the sky outside filled with dark, gray clouds, letting loos big raindrops that soaked everything in minutes. As the bus pulled up to the front of her building, she could make out Marius’s tall and domineering form holding an umbrella, waiting for her.

                Leaving the safety of the bus, Audrey’s heartbeat began to quicken. It had only been a week and Marius nearly had her scared out of her skin. His umbrella swung over her head, his body bumping into hers to keep them both from getting rained on.

                “Good morning, Miss Marchand,” His low, threatening tone giving her an idea of what kind of day it was going to be. As they met in the CEO's office that morning, Marius’s mood appeared to be in an even worse mood. “I’ve been thinking,” He grabbed her wrist forcefully. “I can always make you smile for me,” He trapped her between his body and the large meeting table, bending over her, their noses almost touching. He twisted her wrist, even more, forcing her to cry out in pain. A smile had begun to form on his lips. Audrey wanted to scream from the pain racing up her arm but didn’t want to give Marius the luxury of hearing her cries of pain. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction, instead, she bit down on her lip. “I can always find a way to make you smile,” With those words, he began to slap her in the ribs, careful to only hit her in concealed places. “I can keep doing this till you show me a smile.” He continued to twist her wrist and slap her, tears forming in Audrey’s eyes before she gave him an unwonted smile. He let go of her, letting her collapse onto the floor, gasping for air while holding onto her wrist. “Don’t tell me the schedule again. Do you hear me?” He growled, his voice deeper and dark than Audrey ever remembered hearing it before.

                “Yes,” Audrey answered meekly, gasping in between sobs.

                “Good. Meeting from one to two. Dismissed.” He left the office, leaving her there to gather herself, crying soundlessly. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, alerting her to a message. She gingerly pulled out her phone, reading the message through her tears.

                                Wyatt:

                                Let’s meet at Claudel’s Café. The café is actually closed that day so use the

                                Code: 022691 to open the door. Hope you have a wonderful day!