My Dear Parasyte
Chapter 17
The Possible Job
Sonia releases her class at the ringing of the final bell. As she realizes today is Monday she drops back into the chair at her desk and lets out a deep sigh. Today seemed longer than ever and it was only the start of the week. How was she going to make it through? She stares at fifteen empty chairs that make up her class. Her life was beginning to feel like an endless loop with destination being dead end. Sonia sighs once more as she watches a bird perched on a branch on the tree outside her classroom window. At least she had a classroom with a view. That's called looking on the bright side. The little brown bird tweets to another bird shortly before taking flight. If only Sonia could be like that bird. She needed a hobbies, she needed a life. There had to be something to get her out of this funk. She puts away supplies and tidies the classroom before grabbing her things to leave. On her way down the hall the male colleague that she hoped she'd never see again corners her.
"Hey. I heard that you were sick." He says
"Yeah. I'm better now and kinda in a hurry." Says Sonia
She tries to step past him but he moves to block her again.
"I was wondering if you would be doing summer school again this year?" He asks.
Sonia shrugs.
"I'm not sure."
"What does that even mean? Is that a no?"
"I didn't say that..….I might be taking another job for the summer but I haven't decided."
"A new job hmmmm? Is it for another school?"
"No!"
"If you don't mind me asking who will you be working for?"
"Mister Takeshi I think. Well he offered it to me."
"The mayor?!
"Yeah."
"As in thee Mayor? Mayor Takeshi himself?"
"Yes! Why are you asking like it's so hard to believe?" Sonia raises her volume.
"He did come here a while back. I remember now." Says the colleague
"What does he want you to do?" he asks
Sonia shakes her head.
"I don't know we haven't discussed it yet."
The colleague narrows his eyes.
"Are you sure he is really offering you a job?"
"What do you mean?" asks Sonia
"Don't be so naïve. A man may say one thing but mean another Sonia."
Her male colleague gives her a very judgmental stare.
"I wouldn't have thought you were that kind of woman. Reiko likely but not you."
"If you're calling me that type of woman then it's clear that you don't know me at all! Do me a favor and stay the hell away from me!"
Her colleague starts to stay something else, but Sonia doesn't hear as she storms away. That man had always spoken to her without regard for her feelings. Although she was now infuriated there was no denying that it felt great to tell him off. As Sonia goes down the front steps of the school. She thinks about how this could be a new beginning. No more being the pushover, no more keeping silent when in disagreement with others. No more worrying about being judged for feeling what she felt. This was a new beginning and anyone that treated her badly was going to be cut loose. No more tolerating it. Catching the train, she headed to meet Mister Takeshi to go over the job. This time she was beaming as she took the elevator to the third floor. The building was just as she remembers with sleek furniture, unique architecture, and high-end technology. Getting off she passes the banquet room on her way to Mister Takeshi's office. It was at the end of the hallway. A shiny plaque on the door reads correctly. Sonia knocks twice before opening the door.
"Mister Takeshi. I'm here for our meeting." She says softly
Once inside his office her heart nearly leaps out of her chest. Was it just her or are his muscles a bit larger than before? Mayor Takeshi is nowhere in sight. Its only her and muscles o mega within the corner office. He seems to stare through her with his hulking body seated behind the desk. Her mouth opens but she has trouble making her tongue work to form words.
"You have a meeting with Mister Takeshi yes?" He asks.
His voice comes out strong and confident. Everything about this guy frightened Sonia to her core and now she was alone with him. After a few more minutes of excruciating silence Sonia is finally able to force her mouth into audible speech.
"I'm sorry. Yes, I do."
Sonia manages to speak but can't stop staring at him. She'd never seen a man with so many muscles up close before. Was he a bodybuilder? That would explain a lot.
"He should be back any minute now. There is a seat there you can wait." He says
Sonia looks to the seat in front of her on the opposite side of the desk. She wanted to refuse and hightail it out of there but knew she couldn't. She could make an excuse about needing to use the ladies room but how long could she really stay in there. Time to be an adult and face your fears Sonia attempts to reassure herself. Still it doesn't make her feel any better as he butt lands on the comfy upholstery chair. She tries not to make eye contact and looks at the art hanging on the walls. Silence follows but she can feel the big guys eyes burning into her face. So, she swallows her fear and takes the reigns.
"I don't think I got your name."
"Gotou. We met near the elevator the night of the banquet." He says
"That's right. Sorry."
Sonia knows that she must appear nervous to this man, but he doesn't mention it.
"Your name is Sonia Tara."
"Okay now I feel really bad about not remembering yours."
Sonia giggles but the big guy doesn't so much as crack a smile. Sonia immediately stops laughing and thinks to herself Mister Takeshi you better get your ass here now.
