Drake couldn't stop excitement from forming in his chest when he checked his wristwatch. He picked his briefcase from his desk and walked out of the office without saying anything to anyone.  Ever since he returned from the restroom with a broad smile on his face coupled with his swollen lips, they kept casting glances his way. Apparently,  they were wondering what had happened to him and why he looked unaffected by what they had done. He knew they wanted the satisfaction of knowing they were getting to him and he swore never to give it to them - again. 

Walking down the hallway with his briefcase in his hand, he noticed Nicole chatting with a few of her friends. Her last words flashed into his memory and he quickly backed away, running to the elevator. He prayed she hadn't seen him; he knew she would run after him if she did. 

Though he felt bad to avoid her, he knew there was no other way; he had no power to fight back. He needed to be smart and tread carefully. The devilish glint he had seen in Jeremy's eyes spoke nothing but danger and he felt it would be wise not to provoke him further. He had just a few months to leave so he wouldn't want to mess it all up. He craved a  peaceful life, away from all sort of problem.  

Heaving a sigh of relief to be finally out of the company and done with the day's job, he got into his car. He fetched his key from his pocket and leaned forward to insert his key when the loud knock on his window startled him. 

He looked up immediately, wondering if it was Jeremy coming to finish him up. The unsmiling face of Nicole greeted him and his heart began to thud violently as he contemplated running her over or speaking with her. 

He came out of his car finally; his eyes glancing around in search of Jeremy. 
"Hi, Nicole!" He greeted non enthusiastically and her frown deepened. 
"You were going to leave without me?" A brow raised as she folded her arms.

"How do you do that?" He tried to joke, pointing at her perfectly raised brow but his grin disappeared when she slapped his finger away, shooting him a dirty glare. He sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead in exhaustion.   She sure didn't deserve to be treated that way. She had done nothing but care and love him. Would he throw this one person away because of a stupid jerk? 

"I'm sorry." He sighed, looking down at his feet.
"Look at me!" Nicole commanded and he did so. Her eyes narrowed as she examined his face.
"What happened to you?" She held his chin. 

Instinctively, he glanced around before shaking his head. "Nothing. I ran into a wall while operating my phone. I wasn't looking." He laughed awkwardly.
"Clumsy." She smiled then, tugging at his cheek and shaking her head. "I have to go back in. I still have some unfinished business to do.  I'll call you,  okay?" 

He nodded and watched her head back to the company's building. He rubbed his forehead, feeling sad he had lied to her. This was the moment he needed his bed badly - the soft fluffy material was his comfort. 

Driving out of the parking lot, he hoped he wouldn't have any more issue when next he saw Jeremy.

His drive home was quiet and he finally got into his compound after a drive of about thirty minutes. He hurried into his house, without sparing the house beside his a look.  He wasn't ready for any more drama.  

Taking the stairs up, he threw his briefcase to the side of the wall - its content pouring out. He was exhausted so he tugged at his perfectly knotted tie, battling with it for a while before the slim fabric gave way.   

Finally naked, he dashed into the bathroom to have a cold shower. The feel of water trickling down his skin sent shivers down his spine and he shut his eyes, letting water caress every part of his body. Sighing in contentment, he wrapped his towel around his waist, padding back into his room and cladding himself in his pyjamas. 

He took the stairs down to the kitchen; the knowledge of the next day being a weekend making him dance a bit in happiness.  

He rummaged through his cupboard, hoping to find something to eat. His eyes caught the pack of cereals so he settled on one of the stools to do justice to his food. 

It was clear he would miss his house when he finally relocated to town. He had lived in the country for so long and now he shared a strong bond with it. The thought of him leaving soon caused a lump to form in his throat. If only he had someone that took care of his every need.

Chuckling at his ridiculous wish, he shoved a spoonful of cereal into his mouth. That was sure a stupid dream that would never manifest in this world or the world to come.  No one would want to help a loser like him.  That was a sure fact. 

★ ★ ★

Drake was awakened by the soft knock on his door.  He sat up,  wondering who it was. He rubbed his eyes wearily,  yawning loudly in the process.  His eyes met the wooden wall clock by the right-hand side of his room and he gasped.  The day had fully broken yet he had been in bed and would not have woken up had the knock at the door not came in. He jumped up from his bed, thinking he was late for work only to remember it was a weekend; he sat back, relieved. 

He stood up when the knock resounded again. He had forgotten about the knock in his agitation.  Walking into the bathroom to wash his face, he wondered why Nicole was at his house that morning. Perhaps,  she had decided to visit him instead of calling him as she had promised.  He took the stairs two by two and in a minute, he was at the door.

But it was not Nicole at the door.  It was the lady from yesterday and Drake's eyes widened as he gawked at her. Was she there to pour more insults on him? He wiped his eyes a bit to ensure he wasn't dreaming.  She was dressed in black: her hood covering her face a bit.  As usual, she had her glare intact; her eyes roving around his face. 
"Hey!" She greeted but Drake was too stunned to speak. They stood for a while, staring at each other unwavering.

"Will you let me in or not?" She snorted and his eyes narrowed.  She was back to being rude. 

He opened his mouth to yell at her but no word came out instead, he stepped aside a bit for her to enter into his house. It felt like his legs had a mind of their own. 

It was strange seeing someone else in his house; it had always been Nicole - once in a while.  He fumbled with his button as he stood awkwardly by the door, not knowing what to do while she moved to his sofa and made herself comfortable.  She glanced at him with her brow raised and he averted his eyes.  
"You live like a ghost." She pronounced and his jaw dropped. 

"I thought I was the only one in this street since it was just too quiet and dull." She bit her fingers slowly for a while before fixing her gaze at him.

"Why are you standing like a dummy?" She asked him and his eyes narrowed.  He should be the one having the upper hand and not her. He owned the house yet it felt like he was a slave to her. 

"Look,  if you're acting this way because of yesterday,  then you shouldn't. It is not my fault our first meeting was that stupid." She looked at him and he nodded since he didn't know what else to do.