Ecstasy. This is what you feel in a moment, a moment where you unknowingly find utmost happiness and you remain in the daze of it, not wanting to let anything slip in the phase of the satisfaction and live it to the most.

I don't know what I would label my sudden emotion as? I have this odd feeling in the pit of my stomach where it's clogging with contentment and a strange bubbling of emotional excitement. There is wild fluttering of fackuting butterflies and my mind seems to be in the whirlwind of sensations.

I've been seated on my new office's chair for more than fifteen minutes now trying to calm my flustered self, attempting to have any minimal way to cause distraction to my mind and keep it from delving deep in reminiscing in the moment that I'd experienced a few minutes back.

Groaning, I clench my eyes shut and fist my blouse over my heart in a tight grasp, hoping that it would somehow normalize the racing of the beats and the insane heaving of my chest, which is desperately in search of air to cause proper respiration, to stabilize the intake of air that gets knocked out in his presence.

I stood up pacing the cubicle and trying not to wobble as my legs were threatening they would. They'd been this way ever since that moment, it appears as though they stood rigid then just at the mercy of his presence and gave up as soon as he marched out, they were liquefied to a point that I had to drag the chair with my free hand towards where I stood to get myself seated after his departure.

Huffing I sit back down but the silly smile that had been masked on my face ever since, remains pasted promising not to leave any time soon. The smile takes me back to his smooth, alluring laugh. I rest my head at the head rest, closing my eyes when his face glows at the curtain of my lids.

My eyes popped wide open and I jerked my head forward. What is wrong with me? Ever since the incident I couldn't bring myself to stop thinking about him. Its absurd how that little event had me insane and I couldn't help myself to stop thinking about it.

The crinkles by his eyes when he smiled and the mesmerizing way how his eyes looked so carefree, free from their defensive barriers that they've grown acquainted to. They were alit and sparking. The glittering hazel in the green was so prominent outshining  the dazzling jade.

I was totally slumped forward and he was grabbing me by my waist while we both laughed without any care in the world. It was before we were disturbed and disturbance wasn't just a disturbance, it was a disaster.

Ken stood at the gate with his eyes and mouth wide, almost the size of golf balls. His arms were outstretched strangely to the sides and the palms were facing forward. He was stood as if he was demonstrating an anatomical position of the body, as shown in medical schools.

Gabriel suddenly jumped apart from me like he was burnt, and that hurt. That really did. Any glimpse of the previous humor sobered up and he was stoic as he had always been. He looked back and forth between Ken, I and suddenly to himself, and finally the now isolated fast food package that remained lying on the table. His face was rigid as though he as contemplating and bringing himself to wrap his head around the fact that for once he gave up his defenses and he was not sure of his actions.

From the looks of what his eyes portrayed he was definitely overthinking things and just for this once I didn't want him to regret laughing and bringing contentment to himself. I wanted him to know that its okay and only a part of human nature to do so, but I couldn't bring myself to say a word and saw just him torturing himself with his self questionnaire that his eyes gave away.

He didn't once look me in the eyes and has avoided any sort of emotional slip-up. He looked shocked and remained in the daze before Ken attempted to say something. Both our eyes darted towards him.

Ken opened his mouth and shut it and then opened it again, no audible response was heard and the only thing he was doing was probably regulating his breath. I almost wanted to laugh at him but both the boys looked so peculiar in their habits that I refrained from doing so.

I didn't know why Gabriel did what he did and what he was doing, why does he have to be so cautious.

But I know and even a blind man can tell that there is definitely something that might've happened with Gabriel and is restricting him from enjoying the goodness in life to a point where he doesn't want to show any emotion. My heart broke at the site.He looked so confused, inquisitive as to why he laughed, why he got any emotion to show as though he hadn't thought he would ever laugh or ever do something as natural as breaking a smile.

All of a sudden Ken started chocking. His face was red and he was beginning to scare me when it transformed to purple and his eyes were tearing up. I was frozen at my place and Ken recovered himself after a while when he saw none of us moving. I'm normally not so inconsiderate but the incident that took place few seconds ago had me frozen in my place. I had this sick will to keep experiencing and have him smile over and over again, which is weird because remaining fixated at a place wouldn't bring back those moments over again.

I somehow knew we would be jinxed and the moment would go in thin air. Even if Ken wasn't here, the moment was meant to go away because how else do I expect Gabriel would've reacted. It was only the matter of when he realized what he was doing before he was designated to return back to his shell.

"And there I thought I would walk in a warzone. Seems like the ceasefire has been very effective and..." he coughed "...intimate" he murmured the last word with a smirk, but I caught his words and passed him a glare trying to prevent myself from blushing.

Gabriel was still lost and he didn't even take notice of Ken's comment and I was starting to genuinely be concerned about him. Why does he have to be so calculating?

"I brought you food but seems like you've had it already and even had extra that when you both were done eating you decided to put it to use but by smearing it on each other. I don't even want to go in the depths of the possibilities that might've happened in this room and oh my holy eyes, I-..." I picked a file and threw it at him. That effectively had him to shut up and Gabriel broke out of whatever trance he was in.

I was dreading that Ken might comment on walking in to Gabriel laughing but he didn't. I can tell that he knew it wouldn't turn out to be good and it would cause Gabriel to recoil therefore he loitered on his usual teasing topics. I have to agree Ken really knows how to be a friend to him and I'm proud of that.

Gabriel walked out of the room without sparing a glance and any of us and he was out of vision in a wink. I sat down in trying to calm my breathing but before I could stabilize it even a notch I was engulfed in a tight bear hug.

Ken pulled away and I cannot muster words to explain how happy he looked like he had accomplished something so big. His chestire grin was extending ear to ear and his eyes glowed in genuine happiness. There was no teasing no trolling just genuine felicity on his features.

"Thank you Smurf" he exclaimed, I frowned.

"For what?"

"For..." he trailed, I squinted my eyes. He shook his head, "...you'd know."

"Ken..." I whined, "you always do that. What sort of code words do you talk in that are incomprehensible to me?"

"I said you'll know it Smurf when the time comes. Anyway, I got you food but since you've already had it..." he unwrapped his sub and took a huge bite of it, "I'll have it on my own."

"Stop lying Ken. This is a Tuna sandwich you know how much I dislike those. You did bring it for yourself alone, didn't you?"

"In my defense I knew that he wouldn't let you stay hungry."

"It was a one time thing, Ken. It was kind of his way to mellow down the harsh words he'd said earlier today. Though coming to think about it he wouldn't even care if he has hurt someone. But then why was he here..." My own statement was a paradox and made me wonder why exactly did he bring me food in the first place. It's not like he cares. Or does he?

"Explains why he was pacing back and forth outside your office holding the Mc. Donald's packet for over an hour."

"What?" I squealed. He gulped nervously and his eyes widened innocently.

"This is my cue to leave. Bye Smurf and don't forget to clean your face because he's already left with sauces on and if you do so too. Don't blame the poor people for speculating as they please" he said and fled out with his sandwich.

"But Ken...wait"

After that no one has decided to pay me a visit and I'm stuck in the office remembering the same thing over and over again.

***

Insight. The gut feeling you get about something is usually appropriate and is almost what occurs and just as I had known. As I had suspected, Gabriel went back to being himself. It's been a week since I have started working here or shall I say a week of hell.

If he was harsh before I'm not sure what words am I suppose to use for him now. No, he hasn't  verbally abused me like he's done so many times in past but mentally yes, like insanely yes.

The very next day when I came to the office, I was met with his demon induced devilish side. Yup, that bad. He shortened the time of my presentations preparation, not only that he made me execute it. It came to me like a shocker. I mailed him the presentation even though I had to stay up later at home I had to constantly keep working because it wasn't only one presentation that I had to complete but multiple in a day because all of them were to meant to be ready for meeting the next day.

I hardly got anytime to sleep and when I thought I was finally done and mailed it to him, he called for me to present it and give them other reasons why the merger was beneficial, apart from what was written on the slides.

I hadn't had any sleep for forty-eight hours and he was asking me to give them more reasons that too without preparing, and speaking them instantaneous despite him knowing that my brain was completely shut down due to the lack of sleep  and insufficient energy that had been provided to it.

The back to back consignments and back to back tasks had not even given me a second of break to a point where I'm not even able to leave my office during lunch hours and have to remain seated just for the sake of completing the work.

I just stood blank and tried to say any statement that wouldn't make me appear more like an idiot than how I already looked. I had used multiple layers of concealer to diminish my eyes bags and dark circles but no beauty product was appearing to be helpful because my face almost looked dead like.

It was the people from the other company who spoke up in my defense that they loved the presentation and they are convinced otherwise Gabriel hadn't left a single opportunity to put me down.

He kept reprimanding me between the presentation and I wanted to yell and scream at him to tell him that he hadn't asked me to prepare it before hand and now when I'm actually doing it without practice even when I'm lethargic. The least he can do is appreciate it.

After the presentation was over the only words that I was desperately hoping to listen were, that I did a good job or the presentation was good. It might've given me hope my tired self a go ahead instead he said, "I thought Lanter said you were capable. I don't know why his scale starts from the bottom"

It crumbled my heart and the hopeful smile that I had on my face died. I hadn't slept and eaten anything because I was working on this presentation, the least he could do was appreciate, even if it was fake. At least it wouldn't have made me feel like all my efforts and hard work was in vain. 

My head was consistently pounding from days now, with the terrible headache and I can't do anything to soothe it, for I knew the only treatment would be sleep, proper consumption of diet and separation from the laptop screen and none of it was possible because as soon as I returned giving my seventh presentation I have four more files stacked on my table with a dead line of maximum seventy-two hours.

There I thought he has started to feel human emotions but then who am I kidding I was the one who willingly agreed to the deal. If I want I can leave now but that would forever keep me indebted knowing the amount of money I'll have to pay as a fee to my departure.

It's one month. Just one month, I kept saying to myself and it is what i'd been chanting when I signed the contract the day before.

You ask me why so late, well according to the lawyer who had designed it, it was an official document and they are prone to take some time. I was called in to Gabriel's office and he looked a bit nervous. Probably because he was or my eyes were most likely playing tricks on me.

When I was handed over the contract, I was asked to sign it. My eyes dragged along each line but nothing appeared to look illegible because the letters and words were dancing in my head due to the splinting headache.

I took a risk and directly signed it. I couldn't bring myself to strain and read the clauses and also I knew that I've already discussed them.

I caught a bit of a surprised look at the lawyers face but I couldn't do much of its analysis I was literally sleep walking just with my eyes open and by being controlled like a puppet.

Today was Saturday evening and it was around five days and I hadn't slept. I was looking forward to the weekend but when I saw the workload that I was provided I just wanted to run away and quit.

It was seven thirty and Ken barged into my cabin angry. He started complaining how I am not leaving the office and I look horrible. I actually do look horrible, I don't remember the last proper meal that I've consumed and the last time I've rested my back.

He gave me food and I almost automatically shook my head negatively at its sight.

"Smurf you aren't eating anything"

I knew and I couldn't eat because my headache was so capacitating that it turned me nauseous and even the sight of food had me repulsed.

"I am not hungry Ken, I have to work"

Ken snatched the files from my grasp, he shut the laptop close and placed it next to him.

"Eat!" he ordered.

"Ken, I-..."

"Eat, Jenna!" he said Jenna, he never calls me by my name he must be too upset to do that.

I couldn't bring forth my appetite but I had to do it for Ken, which is why I took in a morsel and my stomach hurled, the next moment I had my palm pressed against my mouth and I dashed straight to the toilet to throw up.

I'd studied back in school how lack of sleep and constant stress stimulates anti peristalsis and today I experienced it. I threw up until I knew there was nothing left of the consumed diet and the amount of food I'd consumed throughout the day which was nothing but a banana, my throat was scratchy and I coughed to soothe it out.

The act of puking had my head to pound adversely and I almost sank on the bathroom floor until Cassie barged in and started rubbing my back.

I gagged a few more times and completely emptied what remained. Ken came in next and helped me up my feet refusing to let me spend any more time in the office.

"...but my work. The deal-" I whined.

"Fuck that deal-" Ken cut me off and his booming voice had me flinching. His voice didn't help  my headache whatsoever. "...sorry, but no I'm not letting you stay here any longer. You chose your ways this past week and I stayed quiet but not anymore. Just know that. I've talked with him and now you are going home"

"What did he say?" I asked while Ken had me walking towards the parking and Cassie went to collect my purse.

"Stop talking Smurf. You are sick. You are going home, you'll sleep. Cassie is going to stay over and I'll be back in the morning because I have to prepare for our picnic tomorrow. We're taking you out on the beach and no..." he said when I was about to cut him off, "...you have no option to refuse. You need fresh air and you're going to be getting it. No arguments"

I was tired and I couldn't bring myself to complain either which is why I said nothing. We waited in his car for Cassie and drove towards my house.

Rushing inside Ken and Cassie directed me to bed after they'd made sure I ate a little and I could keep it in.

I couldn't even express the feelings I'd experienced just as soon as my head touched the mattress. My worn out brain did nothing to irritate me for the moment and had me sleep a little before it called in the nightmare and destroyed every bit of the much needed slumber.

***

Morning came by sooner and before I knew it Ken, Matt and Cassie were running here and there collecting things for the picnic. I wanted to refuse to their request but I couldn't bring myself to put down their happy moods.

I just wanted to stay in and sleep but my friends had already thought of ways to cheer me up. Matt as here early in the morning and my poor friend was so concerned about my health. He complained of how I was ignoring them for the past week but I assured him that I had no such intentions and I was only trying to complete my allotted projects.

I assisted them in packing and arranging everything and when it was finally time to leave my door bell buzzed. I walked towards it and had my mouth opened at the intruder.

Wearing a lime printed shirt with all kinds of lemons and with spider man shorts stood a man who wore a straw hat and blue glassed sunglasses paired with flip flops.

Ken and Matt came and stood next to me and failed in attempting to hide their laughter, causing giggles to bubble in mouth and I was failing to swallow them.

Why do people have to look like cartoons for appearing on my door? I don't think he was invited to our little beach trip but from the looks of what this guy is wearing and how he looks ready for the picnic, he sure came for the cause.

Cassie came from behind Ken and I and said,

"Guys, meet my cousin Chase. He's here from California and since he was around I invited him. He looks like an idiot but he's a nice person. Can he go with us?"

The two imbeciles, Ken and Matt not very subtly refused but I glared at them and told Cassie that we were okay with him coming along.

Half an hour later I regretted my decision because we didn't even leave the place yet and he was shamelessly flirting with me to a point where he made me uncomfortable. He started calling me 'Jenna Smurfy' which irritated Ken and I to no extent.

We were now standing outside piling our stuff in Ken's car when Matt suddenly called shot gun and Cassie called dibs for the window in the backseat leaving to be seated next to the pervert Chase.

I groaned and pleaded Ken, he shrugged at me saying that he couldn't do anything.

"Jenna smurfy, come and sit next to me" I plastered a fake smile and shook my head 'no'  "then who would you sit with?" he asked with a sly smirk.

"She'd sit with me" came a voice.

There goes my picnic.

***

*UNEDITED

Here we go!

Vote and share.

press the star at the bottom of the screen.

love, S.