Bella jumped when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Jesus fucking Christ!" She always was easily startled and hated the fact that she was. She wasn't mad about the scaring her part, just the fact that she gets startled so easily. If she could change one thing about her, it would be that - or maybe the introvert should be changed first?
Alice, who stood beside her, giggled, "Never heard you curse like a sailor before, Bella. I'm glad you know how to." She was relieved that Bella didn't walk out when she was surprised.
"I might shock you with my knowledge," Bella chuckled and Alice's eyes widened, she had never seen a smile on her face before; apart from the time she told her the job was hers.
Sitting at her desk and smiling? Has hell frozen over? Alice thought it was nice she was willing to talk but it still left her a bit speechless.
"What are you doing here, anyway? I don't mean to offend you or anything but you don't usually come in today and certainly not at this hour." She wondered what drove Bella to the office, it's unusual for her to stray from the routine she built.
"Oh, nothing much. You know, a change of scenery sparks creativity and all that." She waved her hand around her surroundings. Of course she wasn't going to tell Alice about the man she was pining over. First off, they weren't that close and second, 'hermit' was enough, she didn't need another title like 'stalker' or worse, 'obsessed freak'. Even though she was both.
"Uh-huh." Alice observed Bella was fidgeting. They might not be bffs but she knew her long enough to know she was avoiding talking about why she was here. Well, may it be good or bad, she was ecstatic Bella voluntarily went to the office. Her desk and chair were collecting cobwebs and Alice was delighted that they will now be in use. Her first wish has come true.
"So, I'm making coffee. Do you want one?" Another shocker. She knew where the break room was? Alice shook her head and held up the coffee she brought with her.
"I'm glad you're here, Bella. I hope to see you when I leave at lunchtime. Get comfortable, that seat is still brand new." Alice smiled, her eyes crinkling and Bella knew she was being sincere.
They both went separate directions, Alice to her office and Bella to the break room. She started the coffee maker without any mistakes since it was the same model as the one she had at home.
Remembering her short chat a while ago with Alice, she couldn't help but smile wide. It may not seem like a deep conversation but to Bella, it felt warm and easy. The words kept tumbling out of her mouth before she even had a chance to think. Comfortable is exactly what it was. It felt like she was at home snuggling her afghan while watching the rain patter on the window.
She loved that feeling. Loved it. She loved the smile towards her, she loved the giggles that were shared and the easy-going conversation that took place.
The man on the bus was the reason she went to work so early and the reason she shared that moment with Alice. She's going from being 'somewhat okay' to the change that's happening to actually looking forward to their next chat.
At 8:30am on a Wednesday, Bella decided that this change in her routine isn't so bad at all.
Will update three chapters a week - Friday to Sunday. Thank you for reading~!
