Joseph

Friday, December 4, 2002

Morning

My physique was sculpted perfectly, my hair was done to perfection, and my suit was spotless.

"You look nice, as usual." My boyfriend stated readjusting his tie. He was always such a peculiar sight. His shaved head and always shaven face. Nothing was ever out of place, not even his tie.

"You ready to go?" He asked as I gave myself one last check in the mirror.

"Yeah let's go"

The weather was frigid, and the bleak sky complemented the snow-covered trees and roadways. Our neighbors smiled, waving at us. I was never the biggest fan of them, but I waved back anyway, mustering up the fakest smile I could.

...

The traffic was mid compared to other days, and the beeping and sounds of muffled sirens filled my ears. Living in New York came with its advantages and disadvantages but I'd gotten used to it, the sounds of the city were like comfort for me. From the corner of my eye, I caught him glancing at me. This was something he always did to fill the silence that I personally loved.

"What? Sebastian"

He looked back at the road, glancing at his watch. "What are you thinking right now?"

I'm thinking about work, the skyscrapers that tower over me, and how much time I'm wasting in traffic.

"The patient," I flatly responded.

He glared at me, tapping away at the wheel. "What's she or he like?"

This question thing isn't really clicking for me. "Not allowed to say, love." He opened his mouth to respond, but I put my finger up, dialing the front desk.

"Hey, it's me, Joseph. I might be a little late."

"Everything okay?"

I glanced at the red light. "Yes, only traffic; please inform my patient that this will not be charged."

"Yes, Mr. Ramirez," she replied, hanging up. My focus was instantly drawn to my emails.

"I'm trying, Joseph, I really am"

Everything outside the car was more interesting than his attempts at conversation. He leaned in to kiss me and I immediately dodged it, going for my suitcase.

"We'll talk tonight, Sebastian."

As I shut the door, the wind blew briskly, making me shudder a little. Maybe a suit wasn't the best option. Making my way to the glass door, I opened it. My chilly body almost immediately warmed one of my favorite things about this building I loved. Other than my patients, of course.

At the front desk, Sarah was occupied with her phone texting and whatnot. Her brunette hair and always rosy cheeks were adorable. But to this day, I'll never understand why I hired her. She had absolutely no work ethic other than texting. Guess her always cheerful mood makes up for it.

"Morning, Mr. Ramirez!" She squealed.

"Morning Sarah, anything new?"

She shuffled some papers, looking intently. "Tomorrow, you have a new patient named..." She lingered for a moment. "Alex Crawfield, 23..."

I nodded, giving her a pearly smile before making my way into the elevator. "Brielle O.M.G, he smiled at me!" I heard her scream. The obvious crush she had on me was amusing. She's a silly girl. Nice, but naïve.

Looking at my watch, I wasn't too late. That's good. Ding! The elevator signaled. The hallway smelt of cinnamon as I stepped out. It was always like this and I could never figure out why. Maybe it was the Janitor? Or someone's perfume?

"Morning Joseph, You look sharp as always," Pete said, making me stop in my tracks. He was a blonde-haired fella with glasses, usually being friendly. He was cute in an odd way. Happy-go-lucky people were always my favorite to be around. They brightened your day without trying. They gave me a beacon of color in the greyness that was everything around me.

"Thanks. How's your morning?"

He readjusted his glasses. "Fine, I was wondering if you'd like to get lunch sometime?"

I feel bad to say no, but I am busy today... "Maybe another time, busy this week"

He frowned, rubbing his neck. "How about a cup of coffee, then?"

He's not going to let up, is he? "Ask Sarah," I responded, opening my office door.

Because my office was on the top floor, it was always bright. A sight to see. The noises of the bustling city blended with the tall skyscrapers. It produced an atmosphere that nothing else could match. Not even my own home. Even though my chair was freezing, I didn't really care about it. The view could overpower any negative thought.

A woman peered through the door as I organized my desk, putting the pens and pencils to the left and my notes and documents to the right.

"Joseph?" She squeaked.

"Come in Rose. " She closed the door behind her, sitting in the chair she typically sat in.

"How have things been? Since the last time I saw you," I smiled, as I got up from my desk, sitting in the nice leather chair across from her.

She adjusted herself in the seat, playing with her nails. "It's about the same, feeling pretty down. I've been just stuck and not happy, and I don't know why."

I grabbed my notes and a pen. "Okay, a few things are going on there. You said you were feeling stuck? Elaborate on that a little more?"

She looked at the ceiling, thinking about how to respond. "I mean, I've been feeling really isolated lately. I'm a single mom and there's not a lot of people to spend my time with, I- mean! Obviously my family, but... I don't know"

She's obviously lonely and stressed... My focus shifted to the notebook, where I jotted down everything she said. "So, how long have you been a single mother?"

"For a pretty long time," she giggled nervously, "I have two boys. They're eight and ten and I've been staying home with my mother since my first one was born, so ten years."

If I'm going to take a chance and assume that this is how she feels every day. She might be depressed and lacking in motivation. But I'm not sure. "Are you free today?"

She lowered her head. "I am. She's watching the kids today." He wanted lunch, didn't he?

"How does someone nice taking you to lunch sound?"

Her lips curved into a grin. "That sounds wonderful!"

Getting up, the door creaked as I peeked my head out. "Pete!" There were a few seconds of silence before I heard him scurry down the hallway.

"What can I do for you, sir?"

"Take this pretty lady to lunch."

With a bright smile on his face, he gazed at her. "Of course, let's go!"

She dashed up, squeezing me almost to death. "Thank you! This means a lot." She gave me a small wave before joining him in the elevator.

She just wanted someone to talk to. I could probably use that too... Let's see what Sarah's up to. I went back to my desk and dialed her number. The office phone rang for a few seconds before her voice came over the line.

"Yes, Mr. Ramirez?"

I look out the window, slightly leaning on my chair. "Do I have anything on my schedule today?"

The sound of her fingers shuffling through folders filled my ears. "Uhh, no... but your husband told me to notify you to come home early."

There was a brief moment of silence before I spoke up. "Oh, okay, thanks." "How are things going for you?"

"I'm good," she giggled. "How are you?" what would someone say...

"I'm ok, just chilling and whatnot," the more I thought about my words. The more stupid I felt...

She chuckled. "You don't have to try so hard. I don't bite." My nerves heightened at that response. I mean, what am I supposed to say?

"Sorry I'm not good at the whole talking thing," I joked, playing with my pen.

"It's okay," she giggled. "I appreciate you trying, though," she added.

"Well, thanks for the talk," I said, immediately hanging up.

You'd think that interacting with people on a daily basis would teach you something. That's not the case. Most of my day is just listening to issues and staring out the window. When I put it that way, it sounds much worse than it actually feels. But I guess it doesn't really matter, does it?

It was getting dark, and the city was starting to glow. The only sounds were faint beeps and the quiet shuffle of the one or two employees strolling about the workplace. My phone buzzed on the desk and, of course, it was Sebastian, completely forgotten about leaving early...

I answered the phone, putting it to my ear. His voice, though deep and raspy, was actually my favorite thing about him. It had an edge to it. Like a broken glass bottle, if that makes sense.

"When are you coming home? I got a surprise for you."

The idea of another surprise made my eyes roll to the back of my head. There are only so many times somebody can get you a Rolex before it gets repetitive...

"I'm coming now," I sighed, hanging up.

...

There was a quiet feel to the car ride there. For a while; it seemed as if something was going to happen, but it never did. The yard was immaculately groomed, and every light in the home was turned on as I parked in the driveway. I grabbed my suitcase out of the backseat, making my way to the door. Opening it, I was met with a crowd.

"SURPRISE!" they yelled in excitement, my gaze was drawn to my boyfriend and his glass of wine as they cheered with balloons and champagne.

"It's not my birthday."

He took the briefcase out of my hand, setting it on the table. "I know but-"

His sister interrupted him, throwing confetti at me. "He said you were feeling down, so we're here to cheer you up!"

So he threw me a pity party? How fucking sweet. My eyes went darted back to him. "I'm not feeling down and even if I was, I don't think a pity party would help that."

Their faces dropped to frowns, and he put his glass of wine down. "Babe, I was just trying to do something nice."

As the memory surfaced, my chest tightened. "You should have thought about that before you did what you did," and with that, I was up the stairs.

"I'm sorry!" He yelled as I took off my suit. Only wearing a t-shirt that clung to my muscles and underwear. The covers felt like clouds as I pulled them over me and my eyes closed in unison.

━ ★ ━

What's your favorite ice cream? Let me know in the comments!

Hope you enjoyed the Chapter!

Sincerely, R.J