My Dear Parasyte

Chapter 18

Nervous Beginning

Sonia stops laughing when she realizes that her laughter has become nervous. Her eyes scan the room anxiously in an attempt to escape his gaze. If only there was a way out of this very Gotou situation. He remains seated and staring at her so intensely. If looks could kill Sonia feels she would immediately burst into flames then explode. Come to think of it staring was so rude. Didn't his mother ever teach him that? Why did it seem like he couldn't get enough? His hulking muscles rise and fall with his every breath. Sonia spots the lamp on the corner of the desk. Mister Takeshi kept it. He could have quietly discarded it, but he didn't. This was a shining moment, and it puts a smile on her face.

"Pleased?" asks Gotou

The mere sound of his voice wipes the smile off her face. Sonia shrugs pretending it's no big deal. Desperate to cut through the growing awkward silence Sonia attempts to make more small talk.

"Will I be working for you too? You said before that you and Mister Takeshi are business partners."

Sonia clears her throat and decides to return his stare. Gotou seems to hesitate to respond. Was she secretly getting under his skin for once? Sonia smiles enjoying this interaction. Gotou is silent a few more seconds before speaking.

"Yes. You will be working for me as well."

The news hits Sonia's happiness and shatters it into millions of tiny pieces. She can't hide her despair it emerges in her expression. After realizing it she tries her hardest to form and maintain a neutral face. Why did talking to Gotou always feel like a game of mental chess yet he barely ever speaks? Sonia isn't positive but she could have sworn that a thin smile appears on Gotou's lips before quickly vanishing.

"What will I be doing for you?" Sonia asks trying not to panic.

"You will be assisting me with keeping things in order."

Gotou stands allowing Sonia's eyes to follow his face all the way up.

"Shortcomings are sure to be expected in the beginning."

He puts both hands on the desk and leans toward Sonia.

"Nonetheless my efforts will mold you and expand your outlook." Gotou says in a confident tone.

His enormous muscles loom and seem to flex all on their own. Sonia has made her mind up. She wants to open her mouth to scream right now. What the hell did he mean by that? He gave her chills but not in a good way. What would he do if she did scream right now? Would he enjoy it or try to shut her up? Sonia shudders. Was he really only talking about work? He was being nothing short of frightening. Was this a normal conversation with this goliath or was he attempting to scare her on purpose? Running out of the office right now would be the best idea. Sonia gathers herself and begins to rise but both her legs begin to rebel shaking almost violently enough to give out. She can't make it to the door. Now forced to plop back down in her seat completely horrified she can no longer meet his eyes. Her stomach does a cartwheel. She hunches over.

"I feel like I might be sick."

Just as she cups a hand over her mouth Mister Takeshi enters the office with a smile on his face. It's quickly replaced by a frown after he sees the state of Sonia.

"Sonia what happened?"

In confusion he looks from her to Mister Gotou.

"I can't do this I have to leave."

Sonia is a bit shaky but finally able to stand.

"But we haven't spoken about employment details."

"Perhaps it's nerves." Adds Gotou

She wants to scream that it's all Gotou's fault. If he wasn't there everything would be great. The size of him forces her to reconsider.

"I just…I need air."

"Sure yes. I will go with you." Says Mister Takeshi

He looks back to Gotou.

"We will return shortly."

Sonia didn't want to ever see him again. Why was he like this? His presence always so threatening. She couldn't take it a minute longer. As her and Mister Takeshi get to the hallway she can't hold back anymore.

"What is his problem?"

Mister Takeshi seems taken back.

"Who's problem?"

Sonia swallows hard before responding.

"Your business partner. I think he does it to me on purpose!"

"He stares at me because he thinks I'm a moron or he wants to scare me or both."

Mister Takeshi lightly puts a hand on Sonia's shoulder.

"I can speak with him about it."

"No!"

Sonia almost jumps out of her skin.

"Then what do you suppose I do? I don't want you to feel afraid while working here."

"Just don't say anything for now please."

"If you don't want me to then I won't."

Mister Takeshi wasn't listening to a damn word that she had been saying. What could she do? Go into full blown panic mode right here in the hallway? If he thought she was a head case then he might reconsider hiring her for the job. Sonia seems to relax a little. What if Mister Takeshi was right? This wasn't her first-time meeting Gotou though it was like the third time and it only seemed to get worse with each encounter. It was no way she was imagining things about him.

"I understand he can come off as menacing at first but the two of you might need to get to know each other better. I feel it's just a misunderstanding." He adds.

Perhaps Mister Takeshi did have the right idea. Maybe she should be the one to confront Gotou once and for all. She should stop allowing him to have so much power over her. Afterall she had made up her mind that she wasn't going to be kicked around anymore. This was her time to shine.

Halfway to the elevator Sonia stops.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. I feel better now. I think we should head back to your office to go over the details."