Packing my things up feels like it takes way too much time. The seconds feel like minutes as I power down the blank HP desktop. Typing and sifting papers is still sounding around me, letting me know people are still working. It makes me happy to have such a great boss. If not, then I'd still be sitting around working for the next few hours. Now that I finally finished that stack, I can go.

Finishing up the work moved a lot slower than I would've liked. Too much occupied my mind to focus on the codes. After everything, I just couldn't. Lethargy overcame me and sadness enveloped my core. It's not a good time.

Once the screen turns black, I stand and gather my stuff. Then I head to my boss's door and knock. When he lets me know I can come in, I poke my head into the door. Mister Novak sits hunched over, his gaze intent on the computer screen before him. It causes his face to glow, illuminating it brightly. He barely glances at me before nodding.

"Heading out? You finished the stack, I assume?"

I nod, though he's not looking at me. "Yes sir, I've already emailed you some notes, but here's the stack with corrections and notes." Walking in, I hold the stack out, then place it on his desk when I reach him.

"Good, you did good. You can go. Have a good weekend."

But I don't leave. Instead, I linger there, shuffling on my feet. Since we had that talk earlier, I've felt sick to my stomach about how I addressed him. No matter how I felt, I should have never talked to my boss like that. I shouldn't talk to anyone like that. My tone could've been a lot nicer, a lot smoother when standing up for Seren. I'm not sorry for that, but I am for how I said things. Ever since, it's been weighing on my mind.

Clearing my throat, I say, "Sir? I want to apologize for the way I spoke to you before." The tremble in my voice is loud in my ears, and I wonder if he can also hear it. "I think I was way out of line and I'm sorry for that."

"But not for what you said?" He tilts his head to the side, a curious look on him.

"No," I confirm, shaking my head. "Never sorry for what I said. Just how I said it."

"Then don't be sorry, Sutton. You stood up for yourself and someone you care about. That means more than a tone of voice. If that's how you felt you needed to speak, then don't apologize for that."

I can't help slacking my jaw and widening my eyes in disbelief. Coming in here to apologize, I assumed I'd be silenced, maybe even fired. The understanding look on Chandler Novak's face is still astounding, and I feel stupefied.

In the chance of sounding like a broken record, I've never had the chance to stand up for anything. There were only ever off chances where I'd shake my head or mumble under my breath. Those times only happened when people decided to bring my family into the bullying done to me. Almost always, I've been silenced. I've become conditioned to just keep quiet and take what life throws at me without a complaint.

In an unfortunate turn of events, that led to being walked all over.

Now... Now I have this feeling. Things are changing somewhat fast since moving to the city from Crystalwood. It feels abrupt and like I can't keep up, but my emotional freedom is wide and welcoming. Mentally, I can acknowledge that I'm not sinking. There aren't anymore moments where I was to call home and complain about wanting to come back.

I'm fine.

Clearing my throat, I muster up the most grateful face I can without shedding tears. "Thank you, sir," I tell him, nodding my head. Only now can I leave, since things are in good standing with my boss.

Turning, I go to exit, but Chandler calling me back stops me. When I look at him, his eyebrows are furrowed and a small smile is on his face, as if he finds something he can't fathom. This is the most expressive face I've ever seen him make.

He fiddles in his desk for a moment before pulling out a medium-sized piece of paper. "If Seren is someone you see yourself being with for the long run... then I'd love to meet her some time. Here."

Chandler stands and walks over to me. He holds out the paper for me to grab and I take it, my eyes darting to the printed calligraphy on the front. It's a wedding invitation for Sienna Emerson and Chandler Novak. Widening my eyes, I look up at my boss. This just further confirms that Mister Novak is engaged.

"If it pleases you, make her your plus one." He nods at the card in my hands before returning to his desk. "You may go now. Have a wonderful date."

Instead of standing there baffled like I want to do, I rush out of his office. With warm cheeks and a smile, I shuffle to the elevator while making sure I have everything. Though I technically didn't need it, I just got the blessing from my boss that being with Seren is okay. But again, I didn't need it. I'll be with her regardless of what Chandler or anyone else thinks.

As the elevator goes down, my phone rings. Pulling it from my pocket, I for once take a look at the caller ID. My erratic heart beats to see Seren's name. My mind goes to the possibility that she's calling to cancel. Maybe she'll tell me she no longer wants to see me or that this is all just a sick joke.

Feeling sick to my stomach now, I answer. "Hello?"

"Sutton, baby, you work at No No Technologies, right?" Seren's voice comes through and it sounds huskier than ever before. A tingle shoots down my spine, confusing the life out of me.

"Uh, yes, yes I do," I confirm just as the elevator dings.

"Mm, good. What time are you off? I'll come pick you up."

Voluntarily, I smile and walk out of the lift. "I'm off now. I was able to finish up some work early, so my boss let me leave."

"Really? Even better. Okay, change of plans, I'll pick you up from your apartment," she says before there's shuffling on the other end. "Listen, Sutton, I have to go, okay? But pack a change of clothes."

"Oh—" I'm not able to say anything before she hangs up. I don't even care; not while my stomach is fluttering both from anxiousness and from happiness.

Walking from the elevator, I wave to Daisy before making my way over to her. The older woman sits with a smile on her face, one I never tire of seeing. Its motherly effect always seems to calm me and make me think of my mom.

"Now, why have you not come to talk to me in forever?" Daisy crosses her arms over her chest, raising a black eyebrow at me. "You think you're too cool to talk to this old woman?"

Shaking my head, I laugh. "You're nowhere near old, Daisy."

"Oh, please." She waves me away, shaking her head. "I'm not the spring chicken I once was. But that's okay. With age comes wisdom... most of the time. Now, what are you up to this weekend?"

"Actually," I pause, clearing my throat, "I have a date tonight. I'm not sure what we're doing though, if you can believe it."

Daisy gives me a faux scandalized look. "A surprise then. Sounds like it'll be a good time. Well, I won't hold you up, sweetheart. Get out of here and go get ready for your date."

"Thanks, Daisy, have a great weekend." I wave to her again and turn away.

The bus arrives faster than I thought it would. It comes after I make it to the stop. The drive takes somewhere around fifteen minutes with the city traffic and other stops. Bounding out of the large vehicle, I walk the single block to my apartment. There's a pep to my step as I think of Seren's honey-colored hair and golden eyes. Soon, they'll be right in front of me and we'll be on our date.

I do wonder why she wants me to pack an overnight bag. Perhaps we're doing something that involves swimming or a change of clothes.

Shaking my head, I take the stairs two at a time before I reach my floor. I unlock the door and push myself inside. It's freezing in my apartment and it makes me even more happy to be getting out of it. One day, I'll have to talk to the landlord about getting the heat fixed. For now, I'll just pack a duffel and wait for Seren to arrive.

It takes me ten minutes to find suitable clothing for my bag and another ten to shower. By the time I come out, there's knocking on my door. I'm not sure how long that's been happening, but I rush over to pull it open anyway.

"Wow," Seren speaks as I swing the door open. "Is this how you always answer the door?"

Looking down, I flush at the lack of clothing I have. The fluffy towel is the only thing that's covering me. Unable to hide my awkwardness, I step aside and let her in. Seren's heels click on the hardwood floor as she steps inside, her eyes never leaving me.

I take in her figure and the casual clothes she's wearing. Denim skinny jeans hug her slender legs. A gray t-shirt fits her well; not too tight, not too loose. Even wearing something so simple, she looks perfect.

"As much as I love your appreciative gaze, you need to get dressed, Sutton." Her words knock me from my stupor.

Nodding, I rush past her and back to my room. The click of her heels notifies me that she's right on my tail. Glancing back, I stare at Seren with wide eyes.

She raises an eyebrow. "Will my presence make you uncomfortable while you change?"

"Yes," I mumble, confirming her thoughts and my own embarrassment at my lack of confidence.

"Then I'll wait out here." She shrugs. "Be fast, Sutton."

I heed her words so as not to disappoint Seren. My hair is still wet, but it won't take long since it's short. I just hope my skin doesn't appear too dry after not having time to even moisturize. Nevertheless, I grab my duffel and, in a clumsy gallop, rush out of the room. Seren stands by the front door, leaning against it with her arms crossed.

"Cute," she says once her eyes take me in. "Now let's go. I made a reservation, appointment, whatever you want to call it."

Furrowing my eyebrows, I follow her out much like our first date. Locking the door, I ask, "Are we going out to eat again?"

"No, something else. But it's a surprise, so let's go, pretty boy. You'll love it, I promise."

Smiling, I pocket my keys and face her. If Seren thinks so, then I'm sure I will.