Some scenarios confuse you, leave you baffled, not knowing where to guide or where to isolate you. You struggle in looking for a source that would clear things up but you remain unknown to the surroundings, better yet get more tangled in trying to undo the knots of scepticism.

Just as when in the brightest of days, you wince up the sky when light breaks through clouds, squinting your lids, adjusting them to the brightness to make vision of the vast sky in daylight but end up failing at pinpointing the beauty of the clouds and the patterns of the sky that you might have if it were nighttime.

No matter how contradicting it sounds, sometimes situations do end up being extremely weird in regular cases too, when you cannot figure out the enigma in the bright appearing light but it is clear to you when its dark.

Just like a mystery that I've met recently. A mystery with the name of 'Gabriel White'. The one thing I've learnt about him in the very little time I've grown acquainted with him is, the more I believe that I've started to understand him, to know him better the lesser it is usually proven at the end, he turns out to be the complete opposite.

He'd do the things that are least thought of at the moment, leaving you gaping at the possibilities that have unfurled contrary to the assumptions our minds have made.

I kept staring at the closed steel gates of the elevators from where he had disappeared, trying to understand and summarize the situations and happenings of the entire day and the capability of my mind at being able to digest the summed-up events.

Ken had already gone after him immediately after he decided to storm off due his mood and anger disbalance not before sending me a wink and a thumbs-up. What for? I still don't know.

"Earth to, Jenna?" Matt says waving his hand rapidly to break me out of the reverie I was induced in. He chuckled at my state,  I shook my head. "You alright?" he asked smiling.

"Uh- I... yeah. I'm fine," I said smiling at him "let's get back to work" I said clasping my hands together and forcing a grin at my face. Even though my day downhill, I wouldn't spoil it for Matt, it's his first day and it would only be nice if I don't put people's mood down.

"I-..." Matt said scratching the back of his neck and looked down at his shoes, "...Can we...a-are we..." a faint pink blush painted against his neck, driving madly up towards his ears. A slow smile crept up at my face when I observed his attempts at hiding his blush.

"You wanna say something?" I offered,

"Is it that obvious?" he said, being uncomfortable at his shy attitude. I nodded. "I j-just wanted to ask if we were friends yet? like don't get me wrong. I want to be your friend, you're an amazing person. We could be great friends, you know. Only if you like, don't believe that I am forcing you. It's just that it would be really cool to be friends with you. Yeah?" he said babbling it out.

"No, I am sorry Matt. I can't be your friend" I said straight faced, trying to keep my amusement in. Is that what he was worried about? Of me not being friends with him.

He was shocked, his mouth dropped open. I couldn't contain it, so a laugh escaped my mouth, "I was joking Matt, we can be friends, in fact we are friends, aren't we?"

He nodded enthusiastically, "yups" he said.

We retired back to the direction of our working stations, Matt's desk was placed right across mine. His wasn't as filled as rest of ours were, probably because he just joined the office. But it looked neat and tidy unlike most of the fellow collogues, including myself.

He waved at me after sinking in his work chair and showed me a peace sign raising his index and middle finger at the same time. Passing him a smile, I turned towards my desk and sat down. I sighed at the heap of numerous files Lanter had sent on my desk a few minutes ago.

Looks like someone has announced it to the whole office that I wasn't leaving. I rolled my eyes.

Just as I was about to start working on them, my eyes got diverted to a beautiful bouquet. My fingers reached forward and gently grabbed ahold of thin jute sheet that housed the stems together tying them with a light pink satin ribbon.

The light and dark pink tulips were surrounded by little white 'baby breath' flowers. I inhaled the floral scent and my lids dropped shut at the sweet fragrance. My fingers skimmed through the silk like petals admiring their softness against my touch. I was almost entranced, not wanting to leave the overpowering sense of contentment that a part of nature in the form of flowers had brought me in a very horrible day.

A smile stretched across my features and remained for the longest of times while I kept gazing at the beauty in the name of blossoms.

As I was gazing at the flowers, my eyes caught sight of a card that was placed amidst the blooming tulips. The card was stroked in a decent font, it read,

'I hope these bring you a smile'

Delicately placing them back at the desk, I looked around to catch someone's eye, to have a hint of who's given these beautiful flowers to me but everyone stayed busy working not being least bothered about raising heads from their work stations.

Were these for me? who would send me flowers and not even mention their name. I've never in my life received a bouquet as pretty as this.

Shrugging at it, I kept my thoughts aside and worked of hours and hours until the sun dipped and was time to go home.

I had mixed emotions for the entire part of the day, one part kept me sad reminding me of the words that had been said to demean me but one look at the flowers kept them for a little while.

***

"Five bucks, he'll start crying" Ken said,

"You're on!" Matt replied.

Cassie looked at me and rolled her eyes. Ken suddenly backward counted whispering,

"10,...9,...8"

All four pair of our eyes were drawn on the scene in front of our eyes. Our elbows planted against the hardwood of the table, Ken obviously started biting his nails off at which I poked at Cassie to smack his hand away since she was sitting next to Ken in our round table and I next to Matt.

Ken whined at the intensity of the whack, which I must agree was very harsh but effective in dropping his hand and preventing his nails from enduring further torture.

We were currently sat in the round table in the cafeteria, devouring chicken sandwiches in the lunch time. It's been a routine, all four of us end up sitting at the same spot and then we talk usually utter every nonsense we think of. It was our little routine.

Matt has been a part of our little group quicker than we could think of it and has been so familiar to us like he'd always been a part of us and hadn't been new here. The previously shy boy first impression of his washed away when he grew closer to us. We came across different sides of him proving furthermore why he was so fit to be with us.

Ken although did act differently around him sometimes, he couldn't ignore the amiable atmosphere emanated by Matt.

With dark brown hair, brown eyes and muscly body Matt sure was the center of attraction to the  female population if the loud sighs whenever he walk past them or the dreamy eyed look they possess at his sight, gives away something.

Cassie and I had even been recipients of a few glares whereas I had also been mentioned as 'The girl who bags hot guys away' some went as far as calling me a 'voodoo queen'. Well, I am being really famous with the latter one though.

It's not that hard to guess who's started these name calling sessions because I'd always seen a satisfied smile on Rachel's face at the words of recognition used for me. She even kissed a guy smack on the lips when he did that, the day was surreal for him because he stayed flustered through the entire length of the day and couldn't comprehend what was happening. I mean I give it to him, it's not everyday that the offices' beauty smooches at your lips, the beauty after whom almost the entire staff is.

Right now though in front of us stood a trio having Jeremy, Amelia and from what I've heard his name,Paul having a discussion, a chat everyone is interested to listen.

Jeremy, also known as the softie of the office works in of the departments at the building and has had a crush on Amelia, a cute girl from his own department. Everyone, from the most unobservant people to even hawk eyes knew that he had a 'thing' for her. Anyone could tell but her. She remained oblivious to his liking.

Now after much convincing by his friends, he was finally able to go and talk to Amelia and just when he was about to begin his confession, an unfamiliar man came around claiming Amelia to be his girlfriend and that he was here to take her to the lunch date that they had planned on the phone.

Poor Jeremy, he'd been listening and watching the exchange and their sweet interchanges of love talks with an attempted straight face, but his heartbreak was a clear picture on his face. He looked terrible, seconds from breaking and melting into a puddle but remained firm because he never wanted to scare Amelia away.

From the looks on his face, one could tell that he was just craving to be a part of her life even if he remains a friend and nothing more. My heart sank at the expressions at his face, he looked so devastated. He was generally a very nice person so it was hurting even more to see him stuck in a situation like this.

God forbid if something like this happens with me and the love of my life who's typically non existent, if he hypothetically comes around and is snagged away by someone else, what would I do?

But then there's no prince charming for me so lets shove my topic of discussion somewhere else even though a picture of someone flashes in my mind at the word prince charming yet I pay no heed to it.

Prince charming, more like Devil charming.

Ken continued his counting "3,...2,...1..."

And there started the waterworks as soon as Amelia and his boyfriend walked out of the cafeteria, a tear slipped out of Jeremy's eye, followed by another.

There was a chorus of 'awws' resonating from different tables and a banter at ours where Ken and Matt were involved in the exchange of money. I stood up, smacked their heads and was proceeding to go to provide Jeremy some comfort before Ken grabbed my arm,

"Now now Smurf, we can't go and provide comfort to all the broken, can we? There are already too many broken that are being healed just by your presence. Don't burden your soul too much, we don't want it to be dividing the attention for different people and making others jealous." I frowned. This guy never makes sense.

"A cat just winked at me yesterday" I said looking seriously at Ken, hoping for an appropriate reply that might question my sanity but no,

"What?" asked Matt, frowning. Yeah appropriate response,

"Did you hit your head somewhere, Jenna?" questioned Cassie. Even better response,

"Are you sure it was winking at you because if it was a female cat there must be chances that she winked at you so you convey it to me. Oh Lord! I know it's hard to resist me, girls are fine now even animals are flattered by my charm. Have mercy on me Lord. Have mercy" he said throwing his arms upwards as though complaining about actually being loved by all. Here came, a response that is totally inappropriate, out of context.

I pinched at his arm, he yelled. "Ow! violent much?"

"No cat winked at me, the reason I said that was because I wanted to say some irrelevant statement like you do. Stuff that makes no sense and all you gotta do in return was ask me what nonsense I was uttering so that I could make you feel that you do the same thing to me with your confusing words but no you-" continuing to hit his head I spoke "-had to believe that the cat actually winked at me"

"What are you even talking about?" he said.

I stopped to think about what I was actually saying and honestly it made no sense but to me it did, then again I was probably using some lame logic.

"Is she sick?" he whispered to Cassie.

"No, just the side effects of not seeing him around for a week. It's normal" Cassie whisper replied back.

I huffed, "guys! you do realize I'm standing right here, right? I am not missing anyone. Grow up both of you" I replied suddenly extremely pissed off.

"Yeah, right!" came their reply in unison, they both then looked at each other and grinned saying "jinx" and being happy like crazy.

I ignored the two and marched out of the cafeteria patting Jeremy at the back as a sign of sympathy on the way outside. I know I could've done much better than patting someone on the back as a sign of support but before I could offer something to anyone, I'll have to make sure that I'm not in the anger induced state for the time being.

Turning back I glanced back at Ken and Cassie who are looking over at me with amused faces, probably looking for hints to prove their theories right even though they were completely fake. I am really done with them.

They've been doing this for around a week now, resulting in getting me twice as infuriated as much as I already am. They claim that I'm yearning to be friends with him again.

It's been over a week since I've last interacted with or talked to angry bird and they think its because of not seeing him that I've grown crazy and violent. I've tried my level best to keep my distance from him. Even when I did sense him around, I didn't wave or smile at him like I used to.

All I did was simply ignore and prevented eye contact, kept my head down and bingo.

Although I felt his gaze on me whenever he was near, I never did anything to entertain it because I knew that he must be prepared to fire me with more words to put me down and honestly after that day I am unable to take anymore of his spewed assumptions and words.

I couldn't tell Ken and Cassie of what had happened, Ken is his best friend and mine too, I wouldn't leave him in a conflicting situation to pick a side so I'd much keep them out of the mess. They do know that we aren't on good terms and something did happen but no one knows what.

I could feel footsteps approaching me but I didn't bother turning around, Matt jogged up next to me and slung his arm around my shoulder loosely. I looked over at him and he grinned down at me.

"Did I miss something" he asked referring to the incident in the cafeteria.

"Nothing that's important," I replied sulking,

"Hmm nothing important but something definitely horrible that has turned my Jinjo's mood to this," he said, halting me in my steps and grabbing my shoulders, he tapped at my nose,

I groaned, "Would you stop calling me that Matty Batty?"

He scowled and I grinned. A slow smile extended on his lips,

"That's it Jinjo started smiling again. That's my girl!" he exclaimed hugging me tightly to himself.

I laughed and hugged him back until we were distracted by a very rude but a smooth alluring voice that left me dissolved in a puddle,

"If you two are done with the PDA, would both of you go and continue with what you were appointed to do otherwise Pauling, you can come and receive your eviction notice from my desk." he said diverting the last sentence towards Matt, mentioning his sir name.

I clenched my teeth tight and grasped ahold of Matt palm, the strength of my hold was so vice that I'm sure my nails must be digging and leaving deep indentations but I did need to have an outlet for all the emotions otherwise I must have literally raised my head to say so much to him.

Gabriel's eyes dropped to our entwined hands and his steely gaze turned murderous. I clenched Matt's hand furthermore.

He is blackmailing and threatening Matt now. But again, I couldn't let Matt suffer this alone. He's got this new job and he has a family to support, I cannot steal this opportunity from him.

"Mr. White, why don't you replace my name in place of Matt's in the eviction letter that you're talking about because he's doing his job perfectly fine. It's me, I've got issues with people here" I said looking dead in his eye.

He sneered, "You're willing to give up your position for him" he said glancing his accusatory glare towards where Matt stood.

What kind of an inconsiderate man is he? Does he really not care about someone else's respect. What would he get by continuously demeaning Matt.

"I-..." I was cut off by him,

"The time you waste fighting with people, if you use it wisely you might get a position somewhere in life." he said and started walking.

I shoved against his chest to stop his movements, the action didn't go unnoticed by a few staff that had decided to loiter around.

Gabriel glared at me, he looked around and everyone reshuffled to continue with what they were doing quickly ending their gasps half way.

My hand was still against his chest, my head moved to the side and the look on Matt's face proved that I, in fact have taken a step that might cause him to prepare his funeral speech for me.

Gabriel continued glaring daggers at Matt who was on the verge of wetting his pants. The gazing turned so intense that he was left with no option but to say "I'll head off to work Jinjo, I'll see you there" and he literally ran away.

I gulped inaudibly keeping my head low. Closing my eyes, I decided to go with the flow, now that I've taken the step I might as well speak and clear things around. No one is here, its either now or never.

Sighing, I looked at him while he kept his deadly gaze on. It was terrifying but I made it look regular and ineffective. "Can we talk?" I asked in a monotone voice.

He kept his eyes on my face, his once rough look now dissolved into the neutral expressions he has, as though he forgot why he was angry and kept gazing at my face as if he was memorizing it, from my eyes to my nose to the cheeks and then...I was lost in his eyes, the beautiful green of their so pure and so raw, in the lightest shade, so sparkly and so mesmerizing holding me hostage as if my features are only meant for those eyes to appreciate. The intensity of his gaze unnerved me.

I blushed and suddenly felt very self-conscious. With my free hand I quickly scrubbed against my face to see if there was something, something that was out of place. I kept rubbing my eyes to the extent where a lash broke and dived in my eyeball due to the continuous agitation.

My kneading got more vigorous until a warm hand came along and gently clasped mine. His hand moved mine away and I looked up at him with one open eye and the other one tightly shut. It was almost as I was winking at him.

His soft green eyes motioned for me to let go and let him do the business, almost in a trance, I dropped my hand and kept gazing in his eye all the while he very delicately blew against my eye to get rid of the last.

As soon as he was done, I quickly stepped back and retracted my hand from his chest.

I'll have to talk to him. This is not done, I'll have to have a closure.

"Mr. White I've decided that since we're so after each others throat whenever we are around we shouldn't talk to each other. This is usually not the way how professionals should deal like but since there have been events in the past that have been a little inappropriate and have also ended up being hurtful so its only fitting if we take this step.

Things shouldn't be going this way, so it will be in both of our best interests if we stop seeing each other. The lesser we'd see one another the lesser we'll be prone to confrontations that are unacceptable. Let's start anew, pretend we are strangers who are never meant to meet.

I'd be like your regular employee, like the so many others who you have and don't know anything about. Things would go amazing. Also, it's not like, it does any good to your day when you see my face so might as well save yourself mood spoilage by being completely anonymous to me. Have a great day"

I said and walked right away before he could say anything. But I didn't miss the way his eyes darkened in anger and uttermost sadness and how his jaw and was clenched and there was a tick. He was stunned like he couldn't believe I said that.

His face was shrouded in utter loss like he has lost something. Probably the chance of having someone to insult but it appeared stronger than that. His expression just standing out, yelling for comprehension.

I pretty much ran out of the scene and locked myself in the female restrooms. Breathing in huge gulps of air, I looked up and saw myself in the mirror surprised to see the person standing against.

What happened to the girl who was looking back at me, she had so much confidence just a few minutes ago but why does it look like all she had in the name of confidence was a façade and it felt like she left a part of some contentment which she never knew of, from where she came running away.

Why does it feel like I'm crumbling inside, that I've lost myself and a part of my potential piece of happiness when I ranted all that to him. I sighed and looked upwards.

What is happening to me?

***

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'Etched' won the first place in genre 'Romance' in 'The constellation awards'

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*UNEDITED*