It not always takes one glance to know anyone,

Sometimes, years look insufficient to know a person.

Not always they are difficult but some knows the art of deception!

*~*

Working for a long time isn't easy, neither it is healthy for your system, nor for your mental peace.

Exhausted, I shot an angry glare at the computer screen before my eyes blinked in exasperation.

Perhaps a break is a must now!

I got up from the chair putting my screen on sleep before heading toward the cafeteria.

On my way, I felt a pair of eyes on me before my gaze snapped toward the source only to find Kevin looking at me with an enquiring raised brow.

"What happened?" I asked with a frown.

"Where to?"

"To the Cafeteria?" I answered but it came out like a query.

"Oh! Good, get me a burger." He stated going back to his work in his all serious mode.

I gave him a crumbled face before chuckling, shaking my head, I made my way toward the Cafeteria which didn't take long for which I was grateful.

The aroma of coffee and butter was ruling the atmosphere as I stepped inside the door.

I took a long whip taking in the wonderful aroma, before heading toward the counter. Alexis was there to the call.

Alexis the one who owns and manages the cafeteria of our Office building, being too young and joyful to her age, of mid forties, the savior for the tired and joy deprived employees who lose the will to come back in work mode. I chuckled as I saw her, my own explanation swinging in my mind.

I smiled brightly as I saw her waving her hand at my arrival.

"Hey, Butter!" I said as slumped my tired shoulders while resting my arms on her clean white counter.

"Hey Sugar! What's up?" she greeted cheerfully, the elegance and attitude was drenched in her demeanor which always works positive for her.

"Work, a lot of work, a hectic schedule and a tiring me." My face fell as I stated.

"Oh Boy! Look at you girl. All tired like withered rose in the graveyard." It took me a minute to extract the essence of her phrase.

I chuckled, "Yup, but I guess the magic of your coffee can bring back the life in me." I wriggled my brows softly at her.

"Sure Sugar, have a seat. I'll get you the magic!" she winked before taking off to the kitchen.

"Along with some cinnamon rolls!" she spoke turning to her shoulder.

"You're the best!" I squealed grinning behind her.

I waited for my treat patiently looking around. The chattering of people was reverberating around. I sighed softly, averting my eyes back upon my arms resting on the counter.

It was the time Grandpa and I used to have tea after my hectic day. His timeless talk and laughter used to be stress buster. Now, it was all gone, he too left me alone, now the stress has became my best companion along with loneliness.

How strange is this; people come and leave us with time but the memories we create with them last forever, they never leave and through them we relive with those who left us. I smiled at my own theory as my eyes glistered while I pushed the bile of emotions off my chest.

"Here you go sweetie." I raised my eyes at Alexis's sweet call, a smile rose to my face as I watched her placing my coffee and rolls in front of me.

My smile widened as I met her gaze, the tears and mourning have no role here.

Amaira smiles, always.

"Thank you, Alexis."

"Welcome Sugar, now go and enjoy. I'll go check on some cactus." I giggled at her chose of words before nodding; I walked to the vacant table to savor my treat.

The aroma was mouthwatering so was the sight of simple cinnamon rolls resting on the purple plate. With a grin, I gave my complete concentration to them, taking a bite; I bit my inner cheek to muffle my moan.

Closing my eyes I savored the sip of hot coffee, the exhausted mind coming back fresh and new.

"May I sit here?" I raised my head from my coffee cup to meet the mesmerizing eyes of Edward.

His smile was flaunting revealing his small dimples.

It took me a moment to come out of my daze, before I cleared my throat, "Sure Sir. Of course!"

"Thank you." He smiled taking a seat.

"Would you like some?" I asked offering my plate of Cinnamon rolls.

He looked at me for a second before smiling, he took one.

"Thank you." I smiled in return.

"Hello Darling!" Alexis chirped coming to our table.

It took me a moment to believe it was for Mr. Edward.

Darling!

"Hello Alexis, How are you doing?" Edward asked in his polite tone with a bright smile which were an absolute match to his muscular features.

"Treating withered roses from my magic." She said melodramatically looking at me. I bit my lip confused whether to look shocked or chuckle at her timing of dialogue delivery.

Edward was fast, though. He chuckled along with Alexis.

"So who is withered today?"

"This Rosie Sugar, sitting in front of you." She gestured through her hand toward me and I almost chocked the coffee in my throat.

"She was almost fainting when she reached here. Perhaps you should delegate less work to your people. Or put more work on those morons." She stated with such an efficient manner while I sat chocking my own coffee again.

When her eyes set upon me, she smiled in reassurance.

"Relax Honey, he is a friend. He won't fire me or close my cafeteria. Just chill." She said looking at Mr. Edward who just shook his head with amusement gleaming in his eyes.

I sat baffled at their interaction.

"If you don't mind, may I have my special coffee, I really need it now." Edward asked after a moment of silence.

"Eddy Coffee, sure Darling! I'll get it right away." She winked before sprinting on her feet she went to kitchen.

"Eddy Coffee?" I asked surprised, once she was out of sight.

Eddy? Doesn't suit him.

"Um! Yes, my special coffee, especially prepared by Alexis." He answered looking at the surface of table.

His demeanor as I witnessed was calm and composed in fact in actual terms he was looking cheerful and at ease while we were almost committing suicide under the pressure. 

The project as were briefed about was one of the dream projects for Claire and Co. and the desperation for this specific project could be easily read in the eyes of Mr. Chairman while he was speaking at that day.

The whole team was working day and night, even Edward, the seriousness and stress could also be catch from his face once you see him working. The aura of CEO always revolves around him when he works.

But here I see a cheerful, stress free person who is enjoying the present.

Such an experienced personality!

"Oh! That's lovely!" I answered at his explanation relating to his special coffee.

"Would you like to have some?" he asked gently, his husky tone was different to hear.

I looked at my coffee thinking.

"It's fine Amaira! You must not say no to coffee. I'll get one for you too." He said with dimple flaunting smile, saving me from pondering over the coffee.

"Alexis, can we have two cups?"

"Sure Honey, but it must be for Sugar only. Not all deserve my Eddy Coffee." Alexis answered peeping from the kitchen. People turned their faces at us while I turned pale with embarrassment.

"Calm down Amaira. You're going pale. It isn't something big." He consoled as he witnessed my sudden change.

"But people—"

"They'll forget tomorrow." He stated breaking off me.

I wish if that was this easy!

"That's easy actually. People need new topics and gossips to discuss Amaira. Their excitement and pleasure goes as it comes, they need new topic every day." He said softly; like reading my inner turmoil through his dark eyes.

I raised my eyes to him as he continued, "Forget what they think; just do what you feel right. Live your life ahead, don't pay attention to look and worry about what they say behind."

I sat flabbergasted hearing the words he spoke with such a simplicity and conviction.

"What?"

"You're really something. Your words seem so mature and right to hear." I confessed, forgetting the fact for a moment that he is my Boss.

"Well hearing isn't anything, but working over it is something." He stated leaning back at little, easing off the stiffness of his muscular back.

"I'll try to bring it to life." I nodded murmuring.

"That's better." I heard him as I took a sip of my now cold tasteless coffee.

"Here, your coffees." Alexis arrived with our coffees breaking the charm he created with his words.

"Thanks Alexis."

I winked at her before she rushed out to the call of another table with a murderous displeased look.

The coffee was really a treat.

"It's really a special treat to taste buds." I confessed after going half way through the cup.

"It's the best from her." He took leisure sips.

"I agree absolutely." I said taking another sip taking the aroma.

We chatted a little more, mostly about the project that we were handling.

From what I could perceive till now, Edward is quite an amazing person within high work ethics and zero arrogance traits. He is intelligent shrewd and smart but holds no pride for it; instead, he is a down to earth person.

Talking with him is quite easy and satisfying. No wonder if I spill my deadliest secret to him with ease. He has charm and a personality that wins the heart and trust with ease.

"That we can do." He concluded taking my suggestion with a smile.

I won't lie, but if any another senior would be here, they would not appreciate a newbie to poke their suggestion but Edward handled it with quite an ease. He not only heard me patiently but also he took into consideration along with improvements.

"I think we should get back to our respective works." He announced and I felt a wave of sadness rushed over me.

The time runs fast!

"Thanks for the treat Amaira." He stated gesturing toward the cinnamon rolls.

"And thanks a lot for the Eddy Special." I raised the empty cup in hand.

"The pleasure was all hers." We chuckled; he concluded gesturing toward nowhere in sight Alexis.

We straightened as a grinning Alexis came to our table staring at Edward.

Surely, she isn't immune by Edward's charm!

"I would like to include it as my daily caffeine doze." I stated smiling broadly at Alexis.

"No, that's my Eddy's drink—Sure sweetie." Alexis announced with a smile, taking a drastic change in her tone and demeanor.

It had something different in her tone.

"Thanks Alexis, You're the best." I squealed softly.

"That I'm sugar." She said looking at Edward with a plain face, who was looking at her with a controlled smile.

"I guess, we should head back." I said awkwardly.

"Yes, we must." Edward agreed with a nod at my direction.

One step outside and something I remembered which halted my ascending steps.

"Oh, crap. Alexis I would like to have a burger."

I was given the look which clearly stated the shock all over her face.

"For Kevin, he asked to bring it when I was coming here." I clarified as the gawking continued.

"Yeah sure, wait up a minute." She disappeared to the kitchen.

"I must leave, now." Edward announced, the warmth vanished and the strict came back to create a guard around him, or it was just my delusion.

"Yeah, sure. Thanks for the treat Sir."

"Edward, it was a pleasure." He smiled before turning he left from the door.

I waited for Alexis to get Kevin's order, leaning against the counter. She came and I smiled, a very odd moment when she didn't smile back but kept the parcel of burger. I kept looking at her stone like face as she turned and left without uttering a word.

Is she mad at me because I asked for her special Eddy's coffee? I wondered as I stood frowning at her retreated figure vanishing behind the kitchen door.

Perhaps I must stick to my regular one! I decided as shaking my head slightly, I walked back to the lift.

"What took you so long?" Kevin asked as he rushed to snatch the package from me, I furrowed my brows slightly as his childish act.

"I'm sorry." I answered sauntering toward my desk while he busied himself tearing the wrapper from his burger.

"I thought you're helping her to grow Lettuce for burgers." I hear him muttering from behind.

"No, I was actually turning wheat into bread." I retorted earning a chuckle from his already filled mouth.

I reached my desk only to groan,

Work again!

*^*

In work the whole day passed and I had no track of it. The one who say life is long, must come and work here to know how time and life pass.

He will take his words back, I challenge.

I played with words as I huffed in annoyance. The project we have been working on is taking no name to be finish and finalized. Even today, when I talked to Mr. Deniz about the plan sheet, he after taking my forty five minutes in being details by me, he offered some more alterations which ultimately caused me to rectify the assumed sums on which I made my statement.

I was on a mood to bang my head from the nearby pillar but then, who would have completed my work.

Groaning internally, I smiled halfheartedly at his must be followed suggestions and slumped back on the desk.

The alterations took almost my whole evening and here I'm again straight and working on my desk and the clock is ticking the time 9:23 PM.

With one last enter; I saved the statement in a soft copy before closing the whole software.

With another command, I waited for the screen to go black and blank; I smiled as it followed the command and cut the electric supply.

"Amaira!" I peeped up through the cubicle wall, as I heard my name being called.

It was Alaric who was grinning. I smiled back as I waited for him to continue.

"Hey! Enough for today, come everyone is waiting." He stated and I frowned. Peeking at my wrist watch I noticed the time while musing over his words.

Who would be waiting for me at this hour?

"Come!" he pressed and I nodded utterly perplexed before swinging my bag on my shoulder; I followed the direction where I saw him vanishing.

"What exactly you keep doing all day?" he asked as he turned over his shoulder, while walking ahead me through the vacant semi dark corridors for our floor.

"Huh?" I found myself baffled at his words.

"Everyone just left and you stuck to your work, girl, you can always come and do the work tomorrow. You always have tomorrow." He spoke as we board the elevator which surprisingly took us upstairs.

I was baffled yet answered him after a sigh, "Yes, but I thought to finish it today, so—"

"So that they can assign you another work? Chill girl. All of us know you're hard working and devoted, trust me we all are. But in your work don't forget to live life. You have a life, which you must live before time flies away. Because trust me girl, it'll fly soon and you won't even know. So whatever you get, just enjoy." He concluded as we reached the desired floor. I turned to face him; a playful smile was adorned on his face which was looking alluring on his matured features.

"What's say?" he asked as the metal door slit from mid at Alexis's café.

I nodded musing at his words which seem right at a point.

Of course, life and time never wait for anyone, they have their own pace, their own clock and once they leave, we have nothing.

Absolutely true!

He grinned at my nod before we walked and my eyes squinted at the crowd of my colleagues who I thought left long ago but they stood here, chattering in group, in a precise manner enjoying.

"Here comes the workaholic!" Alaric announced and peculiarly everyone snapped their busy gaze at me.

"Amaira! Here she is." It was Kevin who somewhat screeched coming forward from somewhere the crowd and I cringed at his announcement.

When he reached me I raised my brow at him and he smiled sheepishly.

"What's happening here?" I hissed in his ears, Alaric stood close.

"You don't know?" he asked with a small frown as if the reason was being announced in the prime time news. Even though it was, I was too busy to spare a glance there.

"It's Garcia's birthday today." He revealed in an obvious whisper.

"Oh!" I nodded.

In my whole hectic schedule I never raised my brow to even peep what was going outside. It's always been like this, once I'm engrossed in something I feel no one and nothing is out there.

The word 'completely devoted' people associate with me, but it's what I have inhabited in my nature naturally.

Kevin and Alaric almost dragged me with them quickly.

We reached the sitting area, at one table Garcia along with Veronica and others was standing, enjoying their conversation.

As we walked there, I noticed the simple girl I meet every day was looking different, in place of her plain formal clothes; she had a pretty summer dress hugging her figure. A little touch of cosmetic was shining on her cheeks.

There was something different; I could have caught like others if I would have paid a little attention.

I mentally strangled the project as we reached there.

"Hey, Happy birthday Garcia." I said as I hugged her, she returned the hug with equal warmth.

"Thank you, Amaira." She spoke in our hug.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know that it was your—"

"Oh! I understand, no big deal but we had to wait for you so long." She pouts as we separated and I made a sorry face. Veronica was no far from being dramatic in her own pout just behind Garcia.

Garcia is such a sweet and charming girl, with my stay here, I have seen her as an innocent and helpful girl, who can make you warm inside with her naïve smile.

"Sorry." I whispered again, she smiled in warmth.

"Now, now, girls, let just cut it and cut the cake, otherwise I'll lick it full." Kevin commented and chuckling we made our way to the decorated table where her cake was.

Alexis was there chatting with some people, too engrossed in their matter, the table was set and on it a sufficient to feed a single piece to each mouth cake was resting.

We all assembled encircling the table, I stood along with Veronica and Kevin beside Garcia, Alaric and Sahara stood close. Garcia picked up the ribbon decorated knife with a shy smile, all of us cheered and clapped while singing a birthday song for her.

"Happy birthday to you!"

The surroundings brightened in the cheerful smiles and joy of people around me, this moment wasn't looking like we were actually professional colleagues standing in the work premises but some college friends celebrating the birthday of one of our friend.

No one was distinguished in the designation or age, all were here of almost our group and department and I see no stress on their face at the moment.

I was lost in my thoughts regarding the surroundings until I felt something being smeared on my face, a velvety texture like cream, a whisper of moment later, I realized my face being decorated with cream. A gasp escaped my lip before my mouth was stuffed with the sweet cake.

Laughter resonated in joy around and my eyes just widened as I realized what just happened. Sprinting on my feet, I faced a laughing hysterically Kevin who was boosting his confidence, one hand, smeared in cake other was on his mouth to support his laughter.

Revenge bolted inside me, my nostrils flared, with a speed of thunderbolt I screeched, "Kevin!"

"Oops!" he realized the reaction he could receive for his actions and with that he sprinted on his feet and ran away from the crowd. I turned back to only to smash with cake straight on my nose and the culprit this time was Veronica.

Are they kids of elementary school? I wondered as I juggled the weight of almost falling over laughter with Garcia on my shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"Just enjoy Sweetie," it was Alexis who came out of somewhere.

"Tit for Tat, that's a very famous phrase and very much practical." She winked as her gaze took mine to the cake on table.

With wits working in perfect manner I grinned, before Veronica could concoct the reason behind my smile, a huge dollop of cream was smeared on her astonished face and people were laughing hysterically, this time I too joined them.

The next was Kevin who got flying revenge from Alaric on my insisting.

"What's this bro?" Kevin whined as the cream covered his hair and forehead, surprised utterly.

"Come on bro. don't whine like that, it was her command." Alaric gesture toward me but I was too engrossed in my snickering.

"Amaira!"

"Yes!" my nonchalant response shut his mouth and he came back to us whining his way, and started arguing with Alaric and resulting them playing with Cream.

"They are crazy!" I murmured shaking my head at their childish etiquette.

"You have absolutely no idea. They can be wild." Garcia replied and I grinned in acceptance.

"Happy birthday Garcia."

"Thank you Amaira." She grinned back.

It was Alexis who calm the storm of wildness among the big toddlers between us.

"Calm down boy! The birthday girl must taste her cake also." a shriek I heard beside me and huge smirks on Kevin and Alaric's face.

A hand caught my arm and was dragged back before Alaric and Kevin attacked innocent Garcia who had horror written all across her face.

It was Veronica who got me away from another attack.

"Stop guys!" we intervened before they could finish the cake on Garcia.

"Now clean this up, young Monsters!" Alexis ordered, giving pressure on the pointed finger movements as she spoke. The boys nodded before cleaning the mess they created. Garcia had to leave to clean her face and hair while I used the napkin to clean my smeared face.

"She couldn't even taste the cake." I murmured in sadness as I looked at the now gone on hair and face residuals of cake on table.

"It wasn't for taste; it was our cake that we brought to play with." Kevin came to stand beside me.

"Huh?"

"Yes, her cake is coming, Alexis is getting it." Veronica explained softly beside me.

"Oh! So you guys celebrate everyone's birthday like this?" I asked as couldn't keep myself away from quenching my curious thirst.

"Nope! Most of time we are civil, it's just few times we like to be wild. And while working over this project, I guess it was necessary." Kevin enunciated making a serious yet musing face. I turned to his way, he was looking ahead.

I sighed softly, indeed this project has almost took away own peace and comfort. Even working day and night, we have been witnessing complications on a daily basis.

"Well it was great!" I said looking at him with a smile.

He glanced at me once before his lips quivered to a side, "Yeah! Especially when I took you off guarded, it was the best part." He grinned staring at me.

I grinned back as I speak, "Well my favorite was flying revenge. Such a remarkable shot it was."

This statement wiped the smirk from his face and spread across mine.

Soon enough, we gathered again, this time like in a sophisticated manner.

Garcia cut the cake and fed everyone. After that the dinner was arranged for everyone present.

I sat along with Veronica, Kevin and Garcia but later Alaric chose to sit between us after sitting some time with Sahara and her mates.

I found the act odd but paid no heed further.

We enjoyed our dinner with occasional topics to discuss but the discussion relating the project were watched to keep far away.

One query I had in mind which I was eager to ask, but somehow I kept it inside me.

"Guys, so who organize this whole event?" I finally asked and waited in anticipation as I poked the pasta with my fork.

"Alexis, she does all this arrangements." Alaric responded taking a sip of his drink.

"Oh! Great, it's a huge thing she—"

"She just organizes. The permissions and funds are being provided by our company." Veronica injected as I processed Alaric's words.

That's news!

Such a lovely gesture! Dinner and party for every employee's birthday.

Who would leave such an amazing company!

"No, Veronica, I have heard, the funds, they don't come from company. Actually." Garcia leaning a little forward on the table gaining our attention as she spoke in a little audible whisper. I raised my eyes from the broccoli in my plate to her, her gaze hesitant, but at the same time she was looking more excited to share.

"I have heard Alexis and Mr. Edward, it was just eavesdropping but it was completely unintentional." She gulped and gave her clarification while we sat awaiting her words.

"The funds are being provided by Mr. Edward, from his personal accounts. Company has just given their permission and premises of Café at Alexis that is on Mr. Edward's words. Apart from that all the arrangements are being funded by Mr. Edward and being carried off by Alexis." She revealed.

My brows furrowed as finding the element strange to digest.

The CEO is funding the celebration party of employees from his personal account.

Strange!

The interaction between Edward and Alexis freshened in my memory from afternoon, the closeness and bond between them was looking healthy and strong.

Perhaps this was the reason.

But why him alone?

I sweep my gaze around, at the number of people, though the crowd wasn't large as the population of the company yet there were a lot of people. And by the look of arrangements and food, I surmise it doesn't cost small.

And for every employee?

"If that's it, then why he keeps this hidden that he funds for us." Veronica asked in pure bemusement, I sat pondering the same.

Garcia shrugged softly, not knowing what to answer.

"I could just hear this much and that was completely unintentional. In fact I was caught." Our gaze shot at her in surprise.

She squirmed at our reaction before nodding; she almost put her face in her plate before speaking a low timid voice, her cheeks I caught turning pink with embarrassment.

"Edward caught me, he wasn't angry but he asked me not to tell anyone."

"Then why are you telling us?" I couldn't help but ask in sheer curiosity.

"Well, he was giving the whole credit to company, but actually its Edward who must be praised." She said stealing a glance at Alaric; the blush on her face was speaking much more than her mouth could speak and the shyness in her eyes was gleaming brightly.

Another Edward Morgan fan! I muttered in mind as I concentrated on my now mashed pasta in plate.

Veronica in front of me gushed, her eyes fluttered at Edward's mention and I saw Kevin huffing softly.

"Toast to the man who always thinks for his people!" Alaric raised his flute glass, a smirk formed upon his lips, followed by Garcia who as I perceive was waiting for someone to announce, just leaped with her flute raising her hand a little above Alaric's lengthy arm, her eyes sparkling with wild enthrallment.

Veronica wasn't away from them as she too raised her glass and nudged Kevin softly.

I sat munching on my food before defeated under their anticipating waiting gaze, I raised my glass too and with a clink they cheered Mr. CEO.

Mr. Edward Morgan!

You have such a huge following here!

***

Few meets are insufficient;

Few words are nothing,

Sometimes a glance, somewhere a life

That's all depends! 

***

Amaira Flair

July 28, 2018