Fall For Your Type

°♡°

I stir in my bed the moment I start feeling my body wake from its slumber. I turn my head to the side and open my eyes only to be greeted by an empty space.

Tony had already left. I'm not surprised. I'm a little disappointed since somewhere in my heart I had hoped that she'd stay over, but not surprised, nonetheless. It's pretty much the norm and something I've grown used to - or at least try to.

I sigh as I jump out of bed, picking up my grey t-shirt and black brief that are lying carelessly on the floor, slipping them on and making a beeline to the bathroom in the passage. I dip my hands under the running water before splashing it onto my face, allowing its coolness to penetrate my skin.

How did my life end up like this? I think hunching over the sink.

It hasn't always been this complicated before. I never really cared for relationships or intimacy because I felt it was a luxury I couldn't have.

Until I met her.

Remembering my first encounter with Toni feels like recalling an event that happened a little over twenty hours ago even though it's been four years.

♡

I remember it being around the first week Vinny and I were welcomed by new members of the teaching staff. Vinny had insisted we go to our welcome party despite my protests.

I don't think people would take lightly to you being absent from your own welcome party, were the words that drove me to reluctantly agree to get out of my comfort zone.

It's safe to say that I had a fairly miserable time seeing how out of place I was and couldn't fit in at all despite Vinny's efforts to make me feel included. So, I chose to isolate myself at the bar for the greater part of the evening.

"Not much of a party person, huh?"

I was startled and confused by her presence.

"Why aren't you with the others?" she asked, occupying the stool next to mine.

"Parties aren't exactly my type of scene," I answered, averting my eyes from her. "Can't seem to fit in or mix and mingle with people in settings like these."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "I guess I prefer solitude over trying to keep up with conversations happening simultaneously. My friend Vinny is the only exception since he's someone I've known since college and he's far much more tolerable to have as company."

"And you think I'm not tolerable to have as company?" she asked humorously.

I cast a glance at her before chuckling sardonically. "You don't want to be friends with me," I told her. "A lot of people don't find me interesting enough to have as a friend - or so I've been told."

"Well, I won't know if you don't give me a chance."

I stared at her both curious and intrigued. "You're an odd one."

She shrugged and grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

♡

As I exit the bathroom, I notice a beam of light in the passage coming from Feenyx's room. I furrow my eyebrows perplexed by this as I stride over to her door. It's nearly three in the morning. What could she possibly be doing up this late especially when we have work in a few hours?

I knock on her door. "Feenyx? You awake?"

There's no response.

I open the door slowly and quietly to avoid making any noise in case she's asleep and lo and behold, I find her lying in bed with her laptop resting on her lap, knocked out. Must have been catching up with her work as a secretary.

I move towards her bed, carefully removing the laptop from her lap and place it on her desk right next to a manila file - the same file she showed me containing every detail about Toni.

Aren't you a tad bit curious about why this bitch has been treating you like a science experiment for the past two years?

I would be lying if I said that I didn't have the slightest curiosity about Toni and I would definitely be lying if I say that I'm not tempted to take that file and skim through it so I can find something - anything - to help me understand her better so I'll know how best I can help her.

But despite that, I can't find it in myself to do it. It's not my place to dig into her past and even if I did, who she was then doesn't define who she is now. Part of me has hope that she might change and maybe just maybe that things will change.

Exhaling a sigh, I turn off the lights and close the door on my way out.

♡

"Feenyx! Hurry up. We need to leave soon!" I yell, packing my laptop into my bag.

I hear no response from her. Not even a sassy remark about how long it takes to maintain her gorgeous looks and that I shouldn't rush perfection.

Letting out an exasperated growl, not in the mood to put up with her silent treatment, I march towards her room. "At least tell me you're done-" I stop mid-sentence the moment I open the door.

Feenyx is seated on her bed, still dressed in her nightwear, her arms hugging her legs and her face buried in her knees. I notice her clenched fists have turned white and are shaking.

"Feenyx?" I say, slowly approaching her bedside. "Hey, are you okay?"

As soon as my hand makes contact with her shoulder, she lets out a blood-curdling shriek, flailing her arms frantically and saying that she's sorry and promising to behave.

"Feenyx," I say, grabbing her arms. "Hey! You're in no danger."

As soon as her eyes meet mine, her whole fight-or-flight response dissolves as she lets out a long and heavy sigh. Despite her body being relaxed I can still feel it shaking under my touch. Her messy hair, bloodshot eyes and baggy eyes aren't exactly helping her case. She looks like she's just woken up from a bad dream.

"Fuck." She cusses under her breath, rubbing her face.

"You okay?" I ask.

There's a brief pause. "I'm fine."

Like hell you are.

"You should stay in for today and rest," I say.

"It's fine. I'll get ready." She says, already preparing herself to get out of bed.

"It's not a suggestion," I reply, firmly holding her in place. "You look like you're going to drop dead any second and no amount of make-up is going to cover that up."

"Rude." She frowns, glancing at me.

"I'm serious," I respond, my firm look not faltering. This isn't up to debate, and she can already tell that I'm not changing my mind.

She rolls her eyes and relents with a sigh. "Fine. At least it's Friday."

I nod satisfied that she agreed to my advice. "I'm heading out now."

"Wait." She grabs my hand, stopping me from leaving. "Can we talk when you get back?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Can't you call or text me instead?"

"This is a conversation that needs to happen face to face - not over a mobile talking device."

I drag my tongue across my cheek, contemplating her request until I relent. "Fine," I say, making my way towards the door. "Make sure you get plenty of rest, okay?"

"You got it, boss." She salutes with a weak smile.

Don't forget to vote and comment ♡