Something happened the day we all got lice.
I don't know what it was. I must have said something, or done something. Whatever it was, it was pretty bad.
All I know is Erin's not talking to me. All week I've been trying, but she always makes an excuse and practically runs out of the room. It really struck me how slow time is after she started avoiding me. I sometimes find myself staring at reception through the blinded doors. Then I have to mentally shake myself, because, I mean, not only does she have a boyfriend, she inexplicably hates me.
I just want to know why. Today Pam and Darryl leave the office and I try yet again to talk to her. When she enters the break room I pretend I was just walking in, but there she goes. Talking quickly and walking away faster. What's happening?
To make matters worse, Clark is back and he will not shut up. All he's talking is Jan, sex, and...oh wait. That's it. Somewhere along the way, Jan and Sex became synonymous in my brain.
Not only that, everyone is high on caffeine from Clark and Jan's oh-so-thoughtful gift. I figure I won't touch coffee again for a week, not after watching them all work and drink espresso through the blinds. I want to punch something. Somehow it feels like the world is falling down around my ears.
Just ten minutes after five, I turn off my computer screen and get up, ready to leave. Everyone left a few minutes ago-and, I'm not gonna lie, that was a bit funny to witness through the windows of the conference room. Then I returned to my desk to finish up a complaint card really quick. As I reach for my jacket around my chair, the door opens. I wouldn't have been able to tell, but it creaks. I look up to see the very face I've been thinking about all day.
"Pete," is all she says in greeting.
"Hi, Erin," I say, but my voice is soft and I worry it betrays how scared I am of what she might say.
"I don't think we can be friends anymore," she blurts and looks down at her shoes.
I bite my lip and let the silence calm down the roiling emotions inside. "Why not?" I manage to make my voice sound even.
"I just...it's not your fault. It's mine. You're a good friend and all, but...I don't want to break anyone's trust."
"My trust?" I don't understand who she's talking about.
"Not yours. It's complicated. Let's just leave it for a little bit, okay?"
"What did I do, Erin?" I say quietly, not looking at her.
There's silence, and when I raise my eyes to hers, she sucks in a sharp breath and leaves. Rapidly.
I grip hard to the back of my chair to stop myself from falling over. My knees just feel suddenly weak.
I walk into the break room and slam the vending machine as hard as I can with both fists.
I don't feel better.
