My Favourite Broken Heart
ATTENTION – TRIGGER WARNING: Talking about some sensitive health situations like depression and bulimia… so please do not read if this might be a trigger.
A/N: Someone mentioned that the timeline from the prologue to chapter 1 is off. This is on purpose. If you read the prologue, it states near the end that she is going to tell her story starting from a few months BEFORE the events in the prologue. So the point of my prologue, is to set a stage and understanding of her thoughts for the things that have happened, and will happen from that moment in her life.
I also wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone else who has reviewed =D So glad some people are enjoying my story.
P.S. I don't own Sailor Moon... without further ado, enjoy~
Chapter 2
"I can't believe how much energy you had, and how hard you were hitting Serena," Amy started as she picked at the food on her plate. I felt like she was trying to get at something, delicately. Before we left the hospital I shared some interesting choice words with her about the surprise she was trying to warn me about. Luckily our friendship still intact. Not that I blamed her, or accused her… it was more of me having a mental attack with all my thoughts and taking my frustration out on her. Thankfully, she was very patient and understanding.
"Yeah well, I had A LOT of steam to blow off," I replied sarcastically as I took a swing of my cider. I wasn't much into alcohol, but I liked cider. It was sweet and bubbly. I knew deep down I shouldn't really be drinking while in this current mood… but I couldn't help it. We all know drinking dulls the senses, hence why people with issues tend to be alcoholics… but that becomes an addiction due to the chemicals in our brains telling us it is a reward. And although forgetting was something I'd love to do, I also knew deep down I couldn't help myself out of this problem. Because in one weeks time when I return to the hospital, he will still be there. If only drinking to access could solve all my problems.
"Again, I'm sorry Serena," Amy started. When I marched into her office after work she still couldn't make eye contact with me. And even now she was struggling. Why was she feeling so guilty? It's not like she was the main contributing factor as to why he was employed to be the new chief… right? Did I even want to know the answer to that? Amy did have some pull in the hospital… but I don't think it was enough to be that major. Perhaps it was just the fact that she didn't know how to bring up the issue? She knew what happened between Darien and I way back, and she was one of the main people who helped me through my dark sorrowful days. Perhaps that was it.
I had to stop her from saying sorry again, "AMY! We already discussed this back at the hospital. Just drop it. I really don't want to spend more time talking about that person," I sighed. I really didn't even want to acknowledge his existence right now. I took another swing of my cider, wanting to just forget this awful day already. Perhaps I could just pretend he didn't exist? It's not like I had to work with him… So I could totally avoid him… purposely… yeah? That could work.
Our kickboxing class was a great release though. I couldn't even describe how angry I was when we left work! I was probably seething hatred when we arrived at the venue. Would explain some of the looks I received. Towards the end I was ready to collapse from exhaustion. But it was definitely what I needed. I did feel a lot better, and a lot less angry. To cheer me up further, and to apologise, Amy let me chose where to have dinner. I needed to refuel, and binge. I chose Ribs and alcohol! Nothing like tearing meat directly off the bone with your teeth in a very primal way to release some tension. Of course in my head I was tearing meat of someone else.
"Okay!" she laughed in defence. I'm sure to try and lighten the mood. "At least slow down with the drinking. I can't believe how much you have ate and drunk," she shook her head. Sometimes she acted motherly, but she had one of the softest and caring hearts I have met. Which is what made her a great doctor and surgeon too. But there was an underlying tone on her words. Like I said, she basically knew everything about me.
And she was right of course… I really did eat a lot. I binged. But I was starving. And food is life. I don't regularly have ribs, so I had to have my fill. Okay, maybe I'm making excuses for my behaviour, and maybe I was venting some of my left over anger out on those poor ribs. Plus the alcohol helped take the edge off my feelings. I really just wanted to forget today and sleep peacefully tonight. I deserved that! My day started great with a great feeling, and now look! I'll never look forward to another happy morning as it'll be a sign for a bad omen!
After dinner Amy and I parted ways and I found myself heading back towards home. Luckily I lived on the south side close to my work, and close to public transport. I did have a car, however I rarely used it. But I really enjoyed the walking. It was calming actually. And being close to the city, it was brightly lit and safe. Especially at times like this – where it was later in the night. There was a cool breeze, along with perfect quietness.
It was like I was on autopilot until I got to my building complex. It wasn't a massive place as it was just me living there, but it was modern and spacious enough. I lived in a prestigious building complex that has the latest security technology, as well as a great location! It wasn't secluded, but it also wasn't right next to a main road. It was more like a little community of towers. There was a handful of towers around the vicinity, as well as a massive park which lead to the near by man made lake. But what drew my attention was the convenience to a few shops and heaps of cafes in walking distance. There is also this little café at the bottom of the housing tower next to my tower building that I attend regularly on weekends.
When I got inside my front door, I found myself fishing my phone out. I dumped my bag on the hallway table and shrugged off my coat, placing it on the hook above the table. Entering the threshold of my home was like a shower that allowed me to dissolve the façade I was putting on. I instantly felt my mood drop. I wondered straight to my bedroom into my ensuite bathroom. Since Amy made me realise how much of a pig I was, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I hated this feeling. I couldn't explain it, but it made me feel very depressed and insecure. This insecurity was the reason I was now hunched over the toilet trying to make myself vomit. I ate what 3 people would have eaten. All those calories. Not to mention the alcohol. I couldn't afford to gain weight. I was actually at a size where I felt comfortable and had some self-confidence.
I wiped my mouth with some toilet paper when I was sure my stomach was empty. With shaky hands I undressed and walked into the shower. I couldn't tell you how good it felt to have those hot beads drum down onto my skin. I loved this feeling. I even loved standing in the rain! Something about water made me feel at peace. It was fluid and serene. Something I loved about the beach, just sitting on the rocks watching the water smash again them. Rolling in and out resiliently. If only it was that easy to come back after being nocked back over and over again. But it didn't stop the water from trying to push the rocks with their waves.
I didn't have the energy for much else after my shower as I found myself spread on my bed, wrapped in my towel. To be honest, I probably wouldn't be getting up, or moving from this spot all night, and I was glad. Exhaustion meant an easy nights sleep. It meant I wouldn't be up over thinking anything as I tossed and turned while I debated over everything that was going wrong in my life.
And true to my word, I woke up feeling refreshed. Thankfully I was actually busy at my practice. I explained to Trista what had happened briefly after Amy had called to leave a message to see how I was doing. Bless her socks. Trista was someone else I trusted with my personal life, who was able to help me if I happened to fall into a panic attack at work.
She was a beautiful woman with long black hair, and amber coloured eyes that mesmerised me in the sun, as they glowed different shades of red and oranges. She was about 10 yeas older than myself. Previously she worked in aged care, however she wanted a less taxing job physically, and also more freedom with her working hours. She worked a few nights at the library while trying to write a book herself. So as I explained earlier, Trista and I had come to a very compromising arrangement in regards to her work with me. Plus, thanks to modern society and technology, we had a great online system that we could both connect to via computers, phones and tablets wherever we were.
Work had kept me pretty busy all week – although I did throw myself into my work harder than usual. I was relieved that this was my off week to go into the hospital on Thursday. It would have been way too soon to see him again. So I was thankful to have a full week of reprieve before I had to be in the same environment as someone else again. So I dove into the deep end of my work and let my mind wonder off that stressful topic. More determined than ever to pretend that he didn't exist.
As a result of digging myself into work and pretending someone didn't exist, I had a few nights of good quality sleep. I was also very thankful I had no plans over the weekend… and all I wanted to do was wallow in self-pity before I had to be in the same vicinity as a certain someone. And that was exactly what I done alllll weekend long from Friday evening to Sunday night. I wallowed.
Before you judge me, I'd like to explain why it is that I have been acting the way I have been. When Darien broke up with me, he literally shattered my whole being. He was at one point my everything. I gave him my everything! At the time I was a high schooler who thought she was special because a senior took interest in me. He was very popular and handsome, not to mention really smart. All the superficial boxes ticked to make my friends and other girls my age jealous.
We did have a very rocky start though. As I explained earlier, he teased me a lot, so when he did confess his feelings, I took it as a joke. He was playing the evil villain who was playing with a young girl's fragile feelings, trying to confuse her so he could destroy her gentle heart. However he was persistent, and with a lot of encourage from my best friends, slowly my perceptive of him changed from evil villain to something less sinister. I was of course always unsure of his true intents, and thus unsure of how I actually felt; rather should be feeling. But once word got around we started dating, I revelled the fact I was dating Darien Chiba. THE Darien Chiba that made every girl's heart throb with longing and jealousy. I potentially could have confused true love with superiority of being at the centre of gossip. But I knew I had to feel overjoyed by him wanting to be with me – and it's not like I actually knew any better.
Let me paint the image of him for you. Think Greek god. Literally. Not only was he intellectually capable (remember super smart!), but he was also a very fine, and well-proportioned physical specimen. He played a few sports, which kept him in great shape. Being around 6'2" tall he played a lot of basketball more often than not. Due to playing a lot outdoors, he had an olive complexion, which never truly disappeared once he studied more during college and didn't spend half the amount of time outside like he used to. He did have the softest hair that was jet black. No matter if it was freshly washed, or slicked with oil and sweat, it shone like satin. But the most attractive and captivating part of him was his eyes. That midnight blue colour; like looking into the depth of the ocean, an endless sea that you could stare into forever. From his strong square cut jawline, to his toned arms and calves, he was perfection in every girl's eyes. And I for one could personally tell you he also had abs that would have even given Clarke Kent a run for his money.
Nevertheless, I was young and foolish. I allowed the superficial things to get to my head. I dated him for all the wrong reasons. The more people around me gushed about his looks and grades, the more proud I was of dating him, and possible even flaunted it a bit. I was so swept up in what other people thought of me, and my relationship, I failed to understand the meaning of what an actual relationship was. I failed to be an actual girlfriend. I was so intent on letting everyone around me tell me how I should be, how I should act and what was expected of me as a girlfriend, that I didn't even stop to think to question it. I didn't even consider Darien's thoughts and feelings. Not even my own! I blindly let other people's words influence my behaviour and relationship. To stop and think about repercussions and consequences was such a foreign entity.
I wanted to be a part of the gossip at school. I wanted to feel 'normal', to fit in, and not feel as an outcast. So if having a boyfriend meant forcing him to take me on dates, kiss and have sex… than that's what I done. I was blinded by my peers and media. I didn't realise that relationships were different for everyone. But at the time, I didn't know any better, and I assume my peers didn't either. I was so wrapped up in trying to belong, I never understood where my boyfriend was coming from when he wanted to communicate about our relationship, when he tried to explain his own feelings and wants for 'us'. Wasn't I already doing what everyone else was doing?
Before we broke up, he was becoming very distant and wasn't as attentive as usual. He'd complain every now and than about his studies being hard and feeling under a lot of pressure and stress. I had my own studies too! And yet we were both close to graduation. I was stoked… why wasn't he? So when it finally happened… I was trapped in a darkness of complete unknown. I couldn't understand anything. His actions, his words, his decision.
He said I had no idea about relationships, that I was a terrible girlfriend. I was always acting immature and thoughtless. Apparently I didn't have the ability to understand his wants and needs and how he wanted this relationship to work. I am rephrasing and summarising here, cause there was a lot wrong with me, obviously… to him. I swore I was doing everything right though. It was he who had it all wrong! And once he had shared his thoughts and opinions he had of myself and our relationship, he walked out. Cutting all connections and communications with me. He didn't even stay long enough to hear me out. I understand now, that he had truly given up all hope he had of me changing for the better. I found out years later he went abroad, and attributed the quickness of the break up to that – not wanting anything to tie him here perhaps?
But when he left after his break up rant, I was so distort at first; lost in what to feel and how to cope with it all. I spiralled into the darkness and lost myself for a time there. Was I not smart enough? Was I not pretty enough? Was I not skinny enough? What was it that I had done? However at the same time I was angry, with everyone. Why had they not told me sooner! My 'friends' were quick to side with him and agree that it was my fault. BUT HOW? Why didn't they say something sooner? Is this the reality people faced in relationships? Why be in one in the first place! A lot of my thoughts were irrational, but I needed to put the blame of something.
The break up left me pretty devastated for a long time. So it was safe to say that my first year after high school was more of a self-explorative experience. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but my parents told me to find a job, so I worked part-time as a receptionist for a small accounting firm down the road from our house. But as I explained earlier, I'd done a lot of self-diagnosing for how I was feeling. Trying to find some sort of explanation. The more I read and learnt, the more I was interested. This led me to research about social behaviours. It was all very interesting, and eye opening! Because of this thirst for knowledge, I applied to college the following year to do a Bachelor of Social Science.
During my first semester of college, my family and friends wanted to do an intervention. I was secluding myself more and more, making excuses to ignore everyone; loosing weight like no tomorrow, the list goes on. As much as I was angry with all of my friends, I did grow up with them all… and deep down I'd never be able to stay mad at them forever. Still, this intervention was something they, along with my family, felt needed to happen. I was no longer the happy, smiling, carefree child my parents remembered. And I was no longer the happy go-lucky airhead my friends remembered.
Thankfully they had a success, and my parents forced me to talk to a psychologist. Eventually I found release with the psychologist – he explained things to me that helped me understand and piece things together in my mind. Some things I did not want to admit, even to myself. Even via my self diagnosis, I knew I had some issues, but I didn't want to admit them. That would mean they were real, and I had real issues. Yet, I opened up more and more. Soon I was clinically diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression and bulimia. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty of it all… you know how to Google, just as well as I. But I found a safe place with him, where I was not judged. I think it was at this moment I realised how dependant I was on my psychologist, and wanted to share that with other people who were feeling as I was.
It was a long road to recovery… well I take that back, recovery to me would mean I had found a cure, and that was not the case at all. I had learnt to overcome some of my shortcoming. I found a new way to manage them, and try and be in control of my thinking. Not to let them control me. I have my good days and bad days, but I believe each year I have conquered more of my thoughts and feelings, it's another step towards the road of complete control, and maybe, just maybe, a cure?
In some of the steps I took to rid myself of my dampening issues, I took control of my love life again. I decided to try my hand at dating, again. It was a few years after, towards the end of my bachelors of Psychology – which I changed to after my first semester of Social Science. At the beginning I was known as the outcast, but as I came out of my shell more and more, my friends pointed to my attention the amount of guys who had started to look in my direction. I was scared at first, I'm not going to lie. The thought of dating freaked me out. But I took the step, and had learnt not to carry the advice of my friends so heavily… but I took the leap into the unknown and opened myself up to the new experience. I knew I would be left heart broken and feeling like shit again… but it was something I needed to do to improve myself.
What an experience it was. I grew up a lot through self exploration with my psychologist, and finally understood a lot of things first hand now. Just how demanding a relationship was with someone who wanted your time so frequently, while I needed the time to tend after myself and my own affairs of study and appointments. I felt as if I finally understood how Darien was feeling. I felt like I was Darien in this new relationship, and my boyfriend was playing the role of the old me. I was quick to end that relationship. It was terrible on my nerves. Way too stressful and demanding.
It also showed me how uneducated I was in regards to relationships. Especially being of my age at the time. I also liked the sexual side of the relationship. Not only was it the pleasure, but the confidence it gave me, both physically and mentally. Being wanted and desired. It was a feeling I chased by having a few one-night affairs and flings. It was exhilarating, to be honest. The more men I met with, and experienced, the more I learnt about men and their wants and needs. This further gave me insight about what they expected in general relationships with woman. I finally understood that all relationships were indeed not the same, and there were two people in every relationship, not just the one person who had to look after themselves. They spoke of compromises like it was foreign to me. I had so much to learnt, and took each man as a way to gain more experience. I wouldn't suggest this pathway for any other woman to take, but as I said, these unions gave me that self-confidence I required to feel better about myself. At first I worried about the name shaming, but thank goodness for the 21st century and women's empowerment! Of course it also wasn't something I shared idly with everyone either. A lady is of course allowed her own secrets.
Once I graduated college and worked for a few years, I tried my hand at dating again – not just flings and one-nighters. I figured working full time with a regular routine would make dating easier, and less stressful. And although my suspicions were right, my knowledge about men and relationships made me more aware of what kind of person I wanted to date. When I say this, I mean the non-superficial kind of things. Like if he was secure with a car, job or home. Ambitious with future plans and goals - someone who knew what they wanted and where they wanted to go. I also wanted someone who matched my sense of humour and personality. Someone I could trust to tell about myself and they wouldn't judge me. Someone I could truly call my best friend and share every aspect of my life with without hesitation. You know, the actual important things that make two people connect and fall in love with each other. I could, and can, say I finally knew what type of man I wanted, as well as what type of relationship I wanted.
Needless to say, I never did find Mr right. Maybe I was too aware of what I wanted? Not trying to admit I may be a bit picky. But as I mentioned, I had more broken hearts to mend. However they were not as severe as my first. I attributed this to the fact that I thought Darien and I would be forever, that it was true love. And as I entered more relationships, I was aware of the possibility that it might not be forever. I guess I was already expecting some break ups to happen, and others I just knew he wasn't the one, so I end the relationship. I definitely didn't become more resilient about my relationships… cause after a handful more a guys, I gave up on love. Not that I don't dream about love, or would love to meet someone who could sweep me off my feet… I've just lost the faith that he is anywhere near me to find him. As everyone and anyone can tell you, love can be found in some of the least expected places, and to the most unsuspecting of people. I just hope I haven't lost too much faith and miss the opportunity when it presents itself.
But don't feel sorry for me! I have made peace with myself. And everyday I learn to love myself and look after myself more and more. There's no point forcing love with someone for the wrong reasons like loneliness and support. Nor forcing myself into relationships only to compare them to everyone else I had been with. To be honest though, I'm not lonely. I like to think of myself as a powerful woman who doesn't need a man. I'm self-sufficient. I have a good job and can support myself. My cooking is okay… I can at least fend for myself so I'm not starving. And I'm intelligent enough to not get myself into massive trouble either!
Sooo… I've lost my original train of thought… mhmm… oh right! Burying myself in work. Typical really. Especially when I didn't want to face reality. I'd go into zombie mode and close myself up. It was a terrible habit, and am probably way too rude to those around me, but it was a coping mechanism. Something I couldn't just stop doing. No one can break a habit over night.
Alas, time flew right by me and I was still holding onto the edge of my seat for dear life. I really don't know how. I felt as if I have been on autopilot for years. A few weeks had gone past and things seemed to go back into routine for me. I didn't have many bump in's with someone, but my ability to pretend he wasn't there was superb! But that didn't mean subconsciously I had fooled myself. Because I'd stare up at my bedroom ceiling trying not to cry almost very day I'd have to go into the hospital. I never used to dread it… I always looked forward to seeing Amy and having a girls chat. But someone really did damper the whole environment for me. Rationally I knew it unlikely to have to talk to him, or approach him, and the statistics of actually running into him were so small… but still… did I really want to risk it? Risk my jobs? Oh dear goodness. If life were a person I'd have castrated them with a blunt knife! But every morning I'd still get up and go into work like I didn't care.
Just like today. I wanted to stay in bed and cry… but I didn't. The term 'adulting' comes to mind. This fine Tuesday morning I opted for a larger, extra strength coffee by the time I got to the hospital coffee shop. Along with Amy's usual order since I couldn't see her around to meet me. It's funny… it was almost like déjà vu. I had run into him of all people as I was leaving the small shop. I refused to acknowledged him – remember he doesn't exist to me anymore. So I was perhaps rude not to say thanks for keeping the door open for me? Maybe it wasn't déjà vu. This did happen pretty regularly here at the coffee shop with him. But I don't care. I knew it was only pretences. If it hadn't have been at work he never would have been a gentleman to keep the door open.
I could feel my anger rising again. All because of him! As much as I wished to pretend he didn't exist, it was impossible. Somehow he was under my skin without even trying. I paused for a moment placing the coffees on a nearby seat and grabbed my pills out from my bag. These past few weeks, I had been going through my pills like crazy.
"Serena," I heard my name as I swallowed down the pills with my hot coffee. I glanced up from my bag to the direction of my name. It was Amy. She was waving as she ran the few short steps to me. "Running late again?" she laughed. "I didn't think you were coming with my coffee," she said as she grabbed for hers off the seat beside us.
Well, I wasn't late. Technically. Just later than usual. I used to come early so we could chat, but these days we didn't have much time in the mornings for our usual chats. Which probably left her confused as to whether or not she needed to get her own coffee herself. But I did have to laugh, "Yeah, you know it," I replied to her. And she did know why I was late these days. No way I needed to tell her either. I guess she figured I was trying to avoid someone, or dreaded coming here – hence the lateness.
She only smiled at me with that knowing gaze. "Oh that hits the spot!" she hummed after she took anther mouthful of coffee. I rose an eyebrow questioning. She was usually slow to drink coffee. "I was called in at 3am this morning for an emergency operation," she sighed. No wonder she was chugging that coffee.
"Damn! Want my double strength?" I really couldn't have done her job. I really didn't know how she functioned on such little sleep either! But she was such a hero in my eyes. So forfeiting precious coffee for a higher purpose was acceptable in this case.
"Oh no," she shook her head, "I've already had quiet a few coffees already," she laughed. She didn't believe in drinking too much caffeine since the body quickly get used to it, and before you know it, you're doubling the strength and quantity! "Luckily I can leave early and finally get some decent hours of sleep."
Her voice was meek and I could tell she was defeated and in major need of some good hours. Her posture was the first sign, than her eyes and facial expressions. "Want one of my sleeping pills?" I laughed. It was a joke, she never would. She was one of the biggest health freaks I knew.
"Are you still using them Serena?" she changed the subject, as well as the mood. She was serious now. Doctor Amy Mizuno was here in front of me now, not my friend.
"Not as much anymore, it's okay Ames," I replied quietly as I gave her an award-winning smile. "You know I've had some great positive successes lately." And I had been! I wasn't relying on my sleeping pills as much as I used to. But every now than when I was kept awake from stress and irrational thoughts, I'd pop a pill and knock myself out.
"I know, but I do worry about you Sere. We all do. You should really talk to the girls more often too. They are always asking me for updates on you." I swear I could see my mothers worry and frown on her face. That chastising look.
Argh… I'm sure I just shuddered too. Everyone worried too much about me. Sometimes it annoyed me. I know they all mean well, but one of the reasons I stopped talking to majority of the people in my life, is the fact they all tiptoe around me like I'm about to break. Especially the girls. Amy and I met our other friends in junior year of high school, and remained friends ever since. There were 5 of us in total. Each of us completely different than the next. But I think that's what makes our friendship work. The dynamic of each personality gave a dimension to the friendship that strengthened our bond.
"Yeah… I'll give them a call," I offered. I'm sure my tone was defeated, as well as dismissive because she didn't say anything else, although I could tell by her clenched jaw she wanted to add something. "Anyway, I better get to my office," I motioned towards our wing.
Amy smiled sweetly as we started to walk. "You should speak to some of the nurses when you have a chance," she brought up softly. Her gaze was low.
I gave her another raised brow, "Why? Did something happen?" Nurses knew everything. Everything! Biggest gossipers around! So clearly something saucy was going around if it even managed to peak Amy's interest.
Amy looked away from me, her voice was soft and careful, "I've just heard some tits and tats about you, that's all," she stopped walking and looked at me with concern, "I tried to steer the nurses in other directions… but a lot of the gossip are rumours about you and Darien," she looked away again as she bit her bottom lip. I don't think she meant to let that bit slide! I knew Amy would stand up for me, but this was a sensitive topic that she obviously didn't want to add fuel to. But must have been very concerned if it meant actually bringing it up to my attention. We both don't actively try to get involved with the gossip.
Every now and then someone will either mention something casually, or I'll accidently eavesdrop a conversation and find some gossip out that way. But never actively participated in gossip.
"Any clue who started it?" I asked. What rumours? Him and I never interacted at work to cause any rumours! Unless Molly had decided to return back to work? She knew we dated, but she didn't know too much about our relationship. There was Melvin too. During school he knew we were acquainted. And obviously when Darien started he admitted to Melvin we had history. Also the fact that Molly might have let something slip to Melvin as well?
I could see it forming in my head. The speculations of why we might have broke up? If others noticed my avoidance, one would assume it was a bad break up… I could see all the possibilities going through my head now. Damn! I should have thought about this before acting so brashly and ignoring him on purpose. What were the others thinking and assuming.
"Sorry, I couldn't find anything out." I could see her looking down as we started walking again. "I haven't had much time, and it's just been some small bits I've heard here and there."
"Eh, it's okay Ames. Nothing new really," and I wasn't wrong! For years I'd always had to put up with people talking behind my back and making up their own minds about me. This situation was no different. Well it was different. It's wasn't just about me and my behaviour this time. It was not about a certain someone else.
That will be my mission today! Hit up all the nurses and figure out what is being said!
Amy and I parted way at the elevator. And I marched to my office with a new sense of purpose for the day.
A/N: I'm not going to go into depth with day to day character interactions etc. I don't want to make this a long story with too many chapters. Just main bits and interactions I will focus on.