943 Words, this chapter

Chapter Two, Normal

A few days later she let a mate drag her to a party. She was having a miserable time until a handsome blond man bumped her.

"I'm so sorry," he said. He smiled and his bright white teeth were dazzling.

"That's...alright," she said, blushing.

"Hi, I'm Ted."

"Jess."

"I'm sorry, but I'm glad I bumped you."

She giggled. "Me too, actually."

"Please tell me you're as intelligent as you are beautiful."

She blushed. "I can't. I'm modest as well."

He laughed.

She easily fell into conversation with him. She was blinded by that smile and those stunning blue eyes.

The rest of the party disappeared for her, she was mesmerized by this man.

Her friend suddenly appeared. "Time to go? Already?" Jess asked. "It can't be."

Ted laughed. "I was thinking that too. I've had a wonderful time."

"Oh, me too!"

"May I call you, Jess?"

She smiled. "Yes, please do," she said, searching her purse for her phone. She texted him the number and got his.

"I will call."

"You better," she said.

The next morning Jess was singing away at the ADD when she got a feeling she was being watched. She turned. Becker stood behind her, chuckling. "You're cute, even singing off key."

"Ha ha. Sorry, Becker. I'm happy."

"Obviously."

She stuck her tongue out and resumed the song.

"Any reason why?"

She looked at him and suddenly felt bad. "Um...yes, actually. I, uh..." She sighed. "I met a guy, Becker."

"Really?" he asked. "That's good. I"m happy for you."

"Thanks."

"What's his name?"

"Ted."

"Is he good enough for our field coordinator? She's pretty special."

She blushed and laughed. "I think so."

"Good. He better be because if he's not..."

She shook her head, chuckling. "You'll take care of him for me?"

He smiled. "You bet I will."

She blushed. "No worries, Becker. He's very nice."

"Good. You deserve very nice."

"Thanks." She smiled awkwardly.

"So, when are you seeing him again?" he asked, trying to sound casual about it.

"Today! We're going out for lunch, a proper lunch too at a real restaurant where I can actually enjoy my food!"

He laughed. "It's been a while, I guess."

"For a real lunch, not the canteen food, greasy take away or a mushed sandwich? Yes, its been ages." She sighed happily. "And the company will be wonderful."

He looked at her. She looked so happy that she was radiant. He couldn't help but feel a bit sad...and stupid, but he managed a smile, if it was a bit forced. "That's really nice, Jess."

She looked at him and felt a little pang of guilt. "Maybe I shouldn't be droning on."

"No, I like it."

She smiled. "You're a sweetie."

He chuckled. "Haven't been called that much."

She laughed.

"I'm happy for you, Jess."

"I know."

They stared awkwardly but smiled. Then she looked at her watch. "Oh, it's time. Yay!" She jumped up, putting her things together.

"Have fun."

"I will. He's letting me choose. We're doing Curry at my favorite Indian place." She smiled happily but then had a thought. She glanced at the ADD and frowned.

"I saw that," said Becker. "Don't worry, they'll be no alerts."

"No," she said as she walked to the Ops exit. "Not today."

Becker nodded. "Have fun."

"I will!"

Becker chuckled as she skipped through the door.

Just as the ADD blared. Jess ran back in.

"Damn it!"

"You're on lunch," Becker said, grabbing a black box. "Go."

"And enjoy my Curry while you could be dancing with a raptor? What kind of a girl do you think I am?"

He smiled. "One with a date."

"I can't go!" She cried, grabbing her mobile. "I can't leave you guys now!"

"Yes, you can," he said.

She shook her head, nudging the tech who covered for her out of the chair. "I've got this, thank you," she said.

"Jess, you're being silly. We'll be fine."

"No, Becker," she said, even as she dialed her phone. "Ted, I'm so sorry. I can't leave work after all. No, nothing's wrong..."

Becker frowned and shook his head.

She shot him a glare. "I'm sorry too. I'll call you when I'm free. OK, you too."

"Jess, you didn't need to do that."

"Sh, Becker," she said, looking over the information. "OK, I have the creature on monitor."

The lift opened and the team ran out.

"Jess? I thought you had a date?"

"She just canceled it, Abby," said Becker.

Jess greeted Abby's frown with, "I can't go and enjoy myself knowing my best friends are in danger! How can I?"

"I thought you were starving too," said Becker.

She shot him a dirty look. "I'm not that hungry." Her stomach would choose then to rumble. She grimaced.

He laughed, following the others out. "Tell you what, if it's a quick job, I'll bring you back fish n' chips."

She smiled brightly. "That's sweet. Thank you."

He nodded.

Just as the lift closed she called, "You all be careful!"

She was alone.

She sighed. "It was the right thing to do," she said softly, staring at her mobile. She nodded to herself and put her attention back to the monitors.

And her stomach rumbled again..

"Dang. I am hungry. It's nice of Becker to think of me," she said aloud, "but I was really craving Curry." She sighed. "Life at the Arc...yay."

End of Chapter Two