UNPREDICTABLE
XIV. CHILDREN
"YOU'RE BOTH ACTING
LIKE CHILDREN!"

➖

MONDAY WAS the usual, it dragged, it was boring, and it was surprisingly busy. Emery was moving around so much to finish off paper work, printing and dropping off paper work to different people on different floors, that she'd done about fifteen thousand steps. And that was all before three in the afternoon.

She had been called into Shawn's office for an update on what she had completed. It was around three in the afternoon, where she took her heels off at the door of Shawn's office, closed it, and then collapsed on the couch close by.

Shawn looked up from his paper work at the sudden huff that escaped Emery's lips and the squeak of the couch that echoed in the room. Where he found that Emery had completely collapsed on the couch, looking absolutely exhausted.

"I'm guessing by the way you just fell onto the couch, you've been busy and successful?" Shawn questioned.

"Like you wouldn't believe. It feels like I've just played an entire game of basketball. I've done fifteen thousand steps and counting!" exclaimed Emery.

Shawn let out a chuckle, as the sound of his pen running across the page could just be heard in the silence of the room. He was signing off on paycheques, as Wednesday was pay day. He had a lot of cheques to sign in the next few hours.

"That's good. Did you do everything on the checklist I emailed you?" Shawn questioned.

"Yes. Everybody else has to do their part if they have one."

"Great, thank you," said Shawn.

"You're welcome."

There was silence between the two of them, no voices being used. The only thing that could be heard was their breathing, Shawn shuffling papers and the sound of Shawn's pen running across the pages. Shawn stacked up the papers, not even realising how late it was, or the fact that he had never dismissed Emery from his office.

"Emery, you can go back to your desk now," he said.

His eyes flickered up to the couch not far from the desk, finding that Emery was still there. She was awfully quiet, and that was because she'd fallen asleep on the couch. A grin adorned Shawn's face at the sight.

He rose from his chair, making his way over quietly. He grabbed the blanket that hung on the back of the couch, unfolded it, and then placed it over Emery's sleeping form. She curled into it, letting out a small sigh.

Shawn just smiled at her, making his way back to his desk to grab a stack of paper work that he had finished not long before Emery came in. He made his way to the door, just smiling slightly at the sleeping form before he left the office and gently shut the door behind him.

He made his way over to Edward's desk, placing the stack of paper's beside him. Edward looked up from the screen he was currently looking at, to the stack of papers beside him, and then up to Shawn.

"Could you please scan these into the computer, and email them to Emery?" asked Shawn.

"Yes sir," replied Edward.

"Thanks Edward, much appreciated."

Shawn then walked away, Edward's eyes finding his computer screen again. The CEO made his way over to one of the other desks across the room, and Edward watched as Shawn spoke to the girl that he himself didn't even know the name of.

He watched as his boss leant against her desk, arms cross over his chest. His smile was wide, and his eyes were sparkling, or that's what Edward thought. He watched as the girl nodded up at him with a smile, eyes glazed over with adoration. Shawn then walked away, not even touching the girl at all, not like he did with Emery.

He found a it a bit strange really, the way he always lingered whenever Emery was around. It was like he just wanted to spend more time with her, just to see her smile, or hear her laugh, or even just hear her voice. There was something in the way he behaved around Emery that him questioning the success of his and Lainey's plan.

It hit about five thirty, when people started leaving the office. Edward had packed up his belongings and left, Lainey at his side. They noticed that Emery hadn't come back to her desk since she'd walked in there about an hour and a half ago. They just let it go, as they figured she was doing something for Shawn in his office.

Shawn had walked out of the elevator after he had to go down to the first level to speak to some of the employees. His footsteps echoed around the empty room as he made his way towards his office. He gently opened the door, kicking off his shoes, closing the door behind him, and making his way back to his desk.

He sat back down, letting out a small sigh, resting his hands behind his head as he rested his feet on the desk. It had been a long day of walking around the office, ensuring that employees were doing the right thing and if they needed any help with anything.

For a man like himself, people would be sure that he'd be used to the continuous flirting that happened constantly. But, he'd never had so many people at one time suddenly flirt with him just to help them. He really didn't like it at all, definitely not in the work place.

He still helped the employees out though, because what kind of boss would he be if he didn't? It was exhausting however, as there were so many people to help. He decided that it be best if he limited the time frame between everyone, so that he could get through everyone.

His phone started ringing, echoing around the office. He quickly reached forward to pick up the phone to stop it from ringing, placing it against his ear as he sat normally on his chair.

"Good afternoon, this is Shawn Mendes," said Shawn.

"Ah, Shawn. I hope you aren't too busy? It's Steven Maxwell."

It was Steven Maxwell, a regular client and buyer of Ellwood Corporation. He owns Maxwell Motors, another major company in New York. He was known for building best motors in the country, with the help of Ellwood Corporation however.

As Axel Ellwood had an interest in several different things, his company was based around those several different things. He was into architect, fashion designing, blue prints for engines, journalism and even building cameras. Every few floors of the building was a different part of the company.

The top floor was mainly the journalism side, then it went downwards from there. Journalism, Architect, engine blue prints, fashion designing and camera building. He had many specialists working on everything at once, that was why he was such a successful man. And that was why it was such a big thing for Emery to be able to take over the company.

And she was definitely upset about it for the first week, but now, she didn't really care all that much anymore. She knew Shawn was doing good, and the company was doing exceptionally well. She couldn't complain, because Shawn was just helping out.

"Steven! I'm definitely not busy right now. What can I do for you?" asked Shawn.

"I was wondering if we could have that conference meeting for the new blue prints sometime tomorrow?"

"Yes, no, of course. I have nothing planned tomorrow. How does 10:30am sound?"

"Perfect. I'll see you then."

"You sure will! Enjoy your evening."

"You too Shawn."

Steven then hung up the phone. Shawn leaned forward and placed the phone back down in its spot. He leaned back in his chair, quietly, when he heard a sigh echo around his office. His eyes flickered to Emery, who sat up in confusion.

She still looked exhausted. Her hair was slightly messy from the friction of the couch, but she just ran her fingers through it and tied it back up again. She sat up and leaned against the back of the couch, stretching as she let out a yawn.

"Afternoon sleeping beauty. How did you sleep?" Shawn smiled.

"It was pretty good. That couch is so comfortable. What time is it?"

Shawn let out a chuckle. "I'm glad you think so. And it's just after 6 pm."

Emery eyes widened. "How long was I asleep for?"

"Couple hours," Shawn shrugged.

Emery let out a loud, "What?!"

She shook her head, quickly flicking the blanket off of her body. She was so behind in work that it made her want to cry. It meant she would have to stay later that night to finish it all off.

"Shawn, why didn't you wake me up? I'm so behind in my work."

She was stressing. He could tell. He knew she hated staying back late to finish off work. It was bad habit of hers however. She was always staying back late to finish work off, and it needed to stop. She was over working herself.

"You were exhausted. You needed the rest. Go home, have a nice dinner and a nice bath, and get some rest. You can finish off your work tomorrow," said Shawn.

"But Shawn, I-"

"No buts, go home Emery. You're already exhausted. Get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. Maxwell is coming over to look at the blue prints."

Emery just nodded her head. "Okay, Shawn. I'll see you tomorrow then, I guess."

Shawn nodded. "Good night Emery."

"Night Shawn."

Emery made her way out of Shawn's office, closing the door gently beside her. She made her way over to her desk, picking up her things and making sure she saved all the documents on her computer.

She was exhausted she wasn't even aware of the other co-worker who was still at their desk. Emery made it to the elevator, which took her down to the bottom floor a lot slower than she remembered. She crossed the road, when someone was yelling out her name.

"Emery!"

She halted in her spot, turning to face whoever had yelled out her name. It was no surprise when she found Shawn jogging across the road towards her, stopping as he'd made it to her.

"You forgot your phone, I think it fell out of your pocket when you were asleep," explained Shawn.

Emery grinned tiredly. "Thanks Shawn."

"Hey, no worries."

Emery placed her phone in her pocket, before smiling at Shawn. He smiled back, before she found herself turning on her heel to make her way home. Shawn the opposite way, making his way back to the building. Neither aware of the black van, and the man dressed in black down the road, taking photographs of them both.

The meeting the next morning was finally over, which meant that they were able to go back to their desks. Emery was one of the first few out of the conference room, and was making her way to the printer room as she had printed paper out just before the meeting and had no time to pick it up.

She was standing there, pressing her printing card against the printer. Awaiting as the printer finalised it was her, and printed out the documents. She was waiting patiently, when Rory, another employee walked into the room.

"How's Mr Mendes' bed?" Rory asked.

Emery turned to her. "Excuse me?"

"I said, how's Mr Mendes' bed?"

"What are you getting at exactly?"

"Just wanted to know how sleeping with the boss was? I mean, it must be pretty damn good, right?"

Emery let out a scoff. "I'll let you know when it happens. Which is never. Understood?"

"No, I don't understand. I mean, why choose you? There are so many other girls worth his while. You're just a spoilt kid, who gets everything she wants when she asks for it. What could Shawn possibly see in a spoilt brat?"

Emery found her fist suddenly connecting with the girl's face, the sound of crunching audible. Rory let out a cry at the pain, before she felt something warm drip down to her lip. She touched it, finding that she was in fact bleeding. Serves her right, thought Emery.

"You bitch!" Rory exclaimed.

Emery just snarled. "Next time, keep your mouth shut."

"How about you keep your legs shut instead?" Rory bit back.

"You fucking bitch!" Emery shouted.

It caught the attention of other co-workers on the same floor, especially the sound of Emery slamming Rory into the wall behind her. The sound of her head smacking into the plastered wall echoed around the floor. People gathered around to witness whatever the hell was currently going on.

"I am not a spoilt fucking brat. You're the only spoilt brat around here. Axel only left you off the hook when you leaked private information, was because he knew that your husband left and you couldn't defend for yourself. The only reason you're stuck here is because Axel felt sorry for you!

"I however, worked my ass off since day one. Since fucking day one! To get to where I am now. You think my grandfather just gave me the job straight away? I've been working here since I was fifteen! I started from the bottom, where you currently still are - for how long? Four years? Being a lazy little bitch doesn't get promotions, Rory. It's about time you'd learnt that."

The sound of more footsteps could be heard. Emery still hand her fist curled around Rory's shirt, pushing her into the wall. The vein on her neck was prominent, just like the flush of red on her face from the adrenaline and anger running through her veins. She was fucking pissed. So very pissed off. Nobody disrespected her for no reason and got away with it.

"What is going on here?" Shawn's voice boomed.

His eyes flickered to the blonde, widening in surprise at the sight of her pinning Rory up against the wall. He glanced down at Emery, grabbing her arm gently to remove it from Rory's shirt. She just snatched her hand away, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You would defend the spoilt brat. It's because she's your bedroom slave, isn't she? You just use her for your sexual desires and nothing else!"

Emery lunged forward, throwing her fist into Rory's face again. The sound of another crack echoed around the room, and a few people winced loudly at the sound. Shawn reaches forward, pulling Emery away from Rory so that nothing else happened.

"That's enough! Both of you! You're both acting like children!" Shawn boomed.

"She's the spoilt brat," remarked Rory.

Emery went to lunge forward again, but Shawn quickly reached out for her, pulling her back before she could punch Rory again. Emery was beyond frustrated. She was ready to swing at the stupid bitch again if she needed. Hopefully, this time it'd teach her a lesson.

"Enough. Both of you. Rory, go clean yourself up. We'll speak in my office in ten minutes. Everyone go back to your desks. It will be sorted out accordingly. Emery, my office, now."

Slowly, the crowd dispersed into nothingness as everyone had made their way back to their desks. Rory had disappeared to go clean herself up, with Emery storming to Shawn's office, Shawn collecting the paper she had printed out.

Everyone watched as Emery walked into Shawn's office, slamming the door behind her. She was so pissed. So very pissed off that she was ready to hit another person who annoyed her. The sound of the door opening caught her attention from the chair she was sitting in. She turned to find Shawn making his way in, a stack of papers in his grasp.

He made his way around the desk, placing the stack of papers beside him. Emery sat quietly, trying to regulate her breathing and her heartbeat. Shawn looked up from the desk after a few minutes, straight at Emery, who looked to be like she was playing with her hand. And then he noticed the red marks.

He rose from his chair quickly, grabbing the first aid kit that was on the shelf behind him. He made his way around to Emery's side, taking a seat in the chair as he placed the first aid kid down.

He grabbed out the needed tools, looking over at Emery. She just nodded her head, holding her hand out for him. He gently started cleaning the bruises and cuts on her knuckles, before he wrapped it up in a bandage. He held her hand for a few moments, before he gently asked.

"What did she say?"

Emery let out a sigh. "That we supposedly slept together, and that I was a spoilt brat. And she kept saying why you wouldn't go for someone like me. And then I punched her and she got mad. I told her to keep her mouth shut and she told me to keep my legs shut so I slammed her into the wall. And that was when everyone started gathering around. And then you came."

Shawn just nodded his head, ingesting the information he was just told. He sat there quietly, thinking about what the possible outcomes could be. He hadn't even realised it, but his thumb was gently caressing Emery's injured hand.

"Take the rest of the day off," said Shawn.

Emery quickly looked up at him, eyes wide. She then quickly shook her head repeatedly. She couldn't take the day off. She had work to do. She wouldn't afford to not work.

"Shawn, I can't afford to take the day off. I have so much work to do. You can't just keep giving me days off because you like me," snapped Emery.

Emery then quickly covered her mouth in shock at what she'd just said. Shawn pulled his hand away from her, silence suddenly taking over the room with tension suddenly following. He just nodded his head, an unamused expression on his face. Emery had no idea what to say and neither did he.

"Shawn, I- I didn't- I'm so-"

But she was cut short. Shawn stood up from his chair, walking around to take a seat back at his desk. He was then flipping through the pages he had on his desk, not even looking at her as he spoke.

"Take the rest of the day off, rest your hand. I'll file the incident report and you can fill it out when your hand is healed," said Shawn.

Emery just nodded quietly, rising from where she was seated. The room was full of so much tension you could cut it with a knife. She'd upset him, and she wasn't sure how she was supposed to fix it.

She opened the door, holding it as she looked over at Shawn, who looked so annoyed with everything. She contemplated saying something else, but she couldn't bring herself too. She left the room, and that was the end of that.

Emery logged off her computer, both Lainey and Edward watching her. She could feel their eyes on her, but she didn't really care at that moment. She packed up her bag, throwing it over her shoulder.

"Where are you going Em?" asked Lainey.

"Home," replied Emery.

Lainey knew instantly that there was something wrong. She could tell by Emery's tone of voice. She was determined to find out though.

"What, why?"

"Sh-Mr Mendes sent me home because of my hand."

Emery caught herself before the word slipped out of her mouth. She was not used to calling Shawn "Mr Mendes" when those two were around. But she had too. It was apart of the rules.

"Bruised hand?" Ed asked.

Emery nodded. "Yes. I'll see you guys on Thursday."

And then she was gone.