A/N: Chapters 5 and 6 are not too different from each other so I decided to post them both at the same day. But please, leave reviews for EACH. That's what I only ask of you. Thank you and enjoy.

~WHAT IT TAKES TO STAND~

Chapter 5: Fraternizing with Co-Worker

I couldn't remember the last time it took me this long just to put something on for work. It's unsettling and at the same time refreshing for me to look forward to my day. After fifteen minutes of debating which clothes would look better on me, I settled on the blue camisole that Jessica complimented the other week covering it with my grey coat, a grey pencil-skirt and my pair of blue stilettos. I even put on some lip-gloss, eye-liner, and I blow-dried my hair more carefully to make it look bouncy and to show my curls. I took my time to look at myself in the mirror and was careful to focus only on my upper body. To be honest, I felt a bit better about myself - my camisole seemed to really compliment my pale white skin, and my brunette hair shines better. Even my brown eyes looked bigger because of the eye-liner, and my lips were fuller. All through six years of being on wheels, this was the first time I was able to appreciate my reflection, and the first time I tried to look better for someone.

I arrived the earliest for work, settling my coffee and booting my computer as I waited for my co-workers. As they arrived one after the other, I couldn't help glancing, waiting for Edward to come. I didn't know what to expect, actually, and not even sure if he would notice that I put a little effort on my self today. However, whenever my co-workers glance my way and register a bit of surprise upon looking at me, my hopes alleviates. Eric even went out of his way to tell me that I looked extra special for the day, and Jessica and Angela gave me smiles. The only reaction that I resent was when Mike gave me his lecherous grin.

When Edward came, I was fast to appear busy and pretend I wasn't counting the seconds for him to arrive. Five minutes after his arrival, a ding of new message on my work e-mail alerted me.

You look lovely in blue.

I glanced towards him and saw him eyeing me with a sexy smirk; his index finger languidly stroking his bottom lip.

I replied using my personal e-mail.

Are you flirting with me this early in the morning Mr. Cullen?

His reply came from another source and I was guessing it was also his personal e-mail.

I evoke my right to self-incrimination.

I couldn't help my giggle.

All right then. I'll just hold on to the saying that "silence means… no."

Oh, that's probably why when I yell at my dog "no", he heads right on.

Dogs. We were honestly talking about dogs. I couldn't decide whether to find us weird or funny, but my reply was fast.

Yeah, you're too loud. Just look him in the eye, and if he still persists, grab a cat. That'll quiet him. It's his best friend.

I thought men are dogs' best pals?

No. Men are dogs' best slaves. You bathe them, you give them shelter and food, and all they do is destroy your home.

They really are domineering, aren't they? Who gives them the right?

Science. Dogs are at the top of the food chain. Men are below.

I saw him laugh from his corner.

Really? Hadn't heard that they changed it already.

Come on, you can't be serious? How can you not know? It's plastered all over the news.

I must be too concentrated on the reports on my Daily Fortune.

Why need fortune-telling? Don't you know that "Yesterday is a history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift that's why it's called the present?" Why focus on the future?

You did not just quote that from Kung Fu Panda.

You're right, I didn't. I borrowed it from Mr. Tumblr.

Ah, the perks of modern society. Coming up with original thoughts.

Hey, it's not our fault you live behind a rock.

Don't blame me. Bat-caves are way better than modern houses.

Oh really? Tell me one advantage.

I can carry you there like a caveman.

Caveman Edward? God, why does that sound so hot?

Are you strong enough for me?

Woman. You. My Ego. Hurt.

You're a big guy. You can handle it.

Want me to show you some time? ;)

I knew there was an innuendo there, but I am determined to pretend I didn't notice it.

I think I've seen enough of your EGO.

Do I see you blushing Ms. Swan?

You need eyeglasses. Your vision is off beam.

My vision is just fine, Ms. Swan. But wouldn't it be cool to wear x-ray glasses and see through people's clothes like James Bond? Every guy's fantasy.

Yes, it would. Then I'll make sure you're always around Mike.

Ugh! My mind! Please dispel the images it conjures!

My chuckles turned into full-fledged laughs that made Tyler eye me from his cubicle. I tried covering it again with my cough.

Alright, just think of Oprah then. ;)

You're a cruel woman.

Nah, I just punish naughty kids.

If I knew you're like Santa, I would have been a good boy all year… And wish for Christmas every day.

I'm not like Santa. Santa gives nice kids gifts every year and ignores the naughty ones. I'm more like the Grinch, hating Christmas and punishing you punks.

God. Just go out with me already.

I blushed. It has been such a long time since I flirted with someone and find an easy-flowing conversation that didn't feel forced. It felt good.

I didn't reply after that and started doing my work the Cullen's pay me for. I assumed he was doing the same but when he came to my cubicle only after ten minutes, I was surprised.

"I think this information is needed if you need to think things through and come up with the correct decision," Edward cryptically said with an air of seriousness as he passed me a post-it-note, and walked away as fast as he came. With confusion, I looked at the paper to see a phone number. Reading the instruction there, I couldn't help but smile.

Call to pet both cat and dogs for Christmas.

I immediately saved his number to my phone, trying hard not to be too obvious in my delight. But my happiness was short-lived when I realized how unlikely it is for me to dial his number. Was I ready for even one date? The answer was still elusive.

When I went home, the first thing that I did was to wheel myself to my room to search for my box. It wasn't just any other box – it was something that holds all the memories I have been keeping with me before. I took my photo album and looked at all my pictures: the troubled but healthy days. How I wish to turn back time.

Cheeky meowed as she searched for me in the room. I clicked my tongue several times for her, patting my lap. She jump to come to me and nudged her mouth on my hand. I patted her head like the tragic cat lady I am.

"Do I call him? Am I ready for it?" I asked her. She meowed. "What if he breaks my heart? What do I do? I guess I'll find you a replacement then."

And then she bit my hand. Hard. I hit her head as she scrambled away from me.

The stupid cat.