Chapter 2
xxx
Author's note: In this chapter it has a reference to line of a song *hint* Alanis Morissette sings it. Can you guess? XD
xxx
In between the sessions, Roy walked over the woman who was standing there right from the beginning.
"Why are you here?" he said sounding dismayed.
''You left me without as much as a reason why!'' she said angrily pointing her finger at him.
''I did I told you it wasn't working anymore''
''Since when? You went to decide all on your own!''
''Look what are you expecting from me? I already told you I am sorry'' she shrugged her arms dejectedly
''Just letting you know that I am not going to fade away as soon as you close your eyes and you know it'' that was all she said and she marched out of the studio.
"What was that about?" Riza asked as she walked to him placing her hands on her hips.
"I had a little bit of business to talk about" he said smiling but there was a hint of bitterness in his voice. In the years she had been working for him, she learned to read him very easily, and he wasn't going to fool her. She decided that she shouldn't press on the matter for now and instead she told him the photographers are waiting for him.
It was almost four o'clock when Roy reached his office again. He took out a bottle of whiskey which he keeps in his cabinet and a glass. He sat down on the couch taking a sip. Luckily Riza left for some other work, or else she would probably given him a lecture about it, but he really needed some alcohol for the day. He leaned back against the couch and let the sharp taste of the alcohol wash his taste buds. He started to unwind a little bit because his shoulders were starting to ache and his legs started to feel heavy. He looked down at the golden brown liquid that swirled in his glass and rested his cheek with the palm of his other hand.
His thoughts started to wonder hazily in his head, ever since he came from Germany he was a young enthusiastic man looking for a job that will promise him success, indeed he did achieve all that, and yet he was still unhappy. He could date any girl he wished if he wanted to, and he made a prominent spot in the career of fashion. Frustrated, he pulled off his shoes, throwing them haphazardly at the foot of the couch. He placed his feet on the coffee table and loosened his tie. He was about to close his eyes when a loud noise interrupted him as if someone has just barged in. He was startled and looked up to find a young man looking at him, wearing casual and unmatched clothing. The boy looked lost and he clearly did not belong here. He shrugged annoyed at his presence,
"What do you want?"
xxx
Edward rushed to the Capitales office building, which he just learned that it was more like an endless labyrinth of offices and hallways. He was already late for the interview and the fact that he had to browse his way to the room where the interview will take place, did not help him either. He was lost and he didn't know who to ask, because there were many people passing by, busy with their work and probably didn't wish to be stopped by some newbie for directions that some probably didn't know either. Regardless of the many setbacks he kept making his way through the never-ending offices, hallways and elevators in hope that he will eventually stumble in the right place.
But he didn't,
Edward was about to open his mouth, when the man shot him a look that said ''you have no business away please leave'' He tried to swallow the irritation because of the man's attitude, and instead of letting it get to his head, he took a deep breathe and tried to be civil.
"Can you help me sir?"
The man raised an eyebrow, he looked like he was taking a break of some sort (even though it was long due from lunchtime) and looked even less interested in helping him, 'boy this is going to be a long day' he thought to himself.
"Please?"
The man turned his head around, not even saying a word. Edward clenched his fists, wanting to sock that smug off his face and teach him a lesson or two about respect. At this point, much to his dismay he just have to turn around and leave, since the man made it quite clear that he wasn't going to answer. He pivoted towards the door and was heading out when he was stopped by a deep voice from behind him.
"What is it?"
'Well at least had the decency to answer, terribly lacking of manners but at least he replied.' He sighed and turned around to face the man.
"Can you please tell me where the room 212, for an interview" he said sighing softly
"Down this hallway to the left" he replied
Edward was about to rush to the place when he was stopped in his tracks again
"Not even a thank you?" the man said in a mocking voice as he stood up holding a glass of whiskey in his hand
A vein popped on Edward's forehead and gritted his teeth, trying not to aggravate the moment.
"Oh excuse me Mister taking it easy, if you didn't answer me already and stop wasting my time I wouldn't have to be as late as I already am!" Edward replied in a very angry voice. Edward turned back to the door and rushed out of the office, marching his way to his destination, with his head down and his fists clenched on both of his sides.
He felt a little guilty that he didn't thank him for helping him out, after all he could have just left him wander aimlessly through this place. He still felt guilty even though, the guy was being a totally jerk too, playing him out for his own amusement, when he was already frustrated of being late. He tried to push back those feelings and clear his mind, preparing himself for the interview.
xxx
"What's so funny?"
Riza asked curiously as she watched him placing his hand over his forehead brushing some of his black bangs back and laughing heartily.
"Just someone passed by who was quite an oddball" he said as he lay back against the couch
Riza looked back at the door and turned her eyes back on him 'I didn't see anyone'
"Oh well, have you finished your paperwork?" Roy continued as he crossed his legs
"Yes there's still plenty to do" Riza replied in a matter of fact way. She ignored the groan from her male counterpart, and walked over to the desk.
xxx
Edward felt relieved when the interview was over. He walked out of the damn building and was going for the closest cafeteria he could find to buy a big cup of hot coffee, when he was on his way, his cell phone rang,
"Yes?"
"Edward, please can you come to the hospital?" Winry's voice sounded urgent from the other end
"What happened?" Edward felt his heart skipping a beat.
"I don't know, I had a call from work and they told me to hurry up to the hospital" she sounded like she was panicking, and Edward felt the same way but he refused to let it get the best of him, calm down it may not be as bad
"Are you heading there now?" he said trying to sound as calm as he could muster
"Yes, where are you? I'll come and pick you up and we'll head to the hospital right away" Winry replied in a determined voice
Edward told her the address and then he went to buy a take away coffee and waited at the point of meeting, which was in front of the Golden theatre.
This was going to be one bad day
He pondered to himself as he watched masses of cars and taxes passing by, trying to recognize the familiar car that Winry drives.
xxx
Winry was tending to one of her clients who lost his leg in a car accident. She gave him a wooden leg as a temporary replacement but she is working on a metallic prototype which she would replace more permanently and efficiently then the current one. She was taking extra measurements to finish the model she was working on when Garfiel walked to her working area.
"Do you have a minute please?" the man was buff but he walked in little paces swinging his hips like a lady. He twirled his long and very well groomed moustache; it was a habit of his when he is worried about something. She looked up a bit annoyed, she hated being interrupted when she was working.
"Yes?" she said as she continued working on the automail, tying up some screws and checking if the joints are flexible enough.
"You have a phone call dear, from at your husband's work, it's important" he replied not really specifying why it was important, but he sounded troubled.
''Ok'' she said placing the prototype leg on the table and stood up
"Sorry I will be back in a minute" she said to her client and followed Garfield to the office.
The office was a small space with a desk and a computer, it had several cabins but the place was stacked with papers, and paper notes stuck to a wooden board on the wall. She walked to the phone and picked up the receiver
"Hello?"
"Madam Elric?"
'"Yes it is me" she found it strange that it wasn't Alphonse
"I'm sorry to tell you this but there had been accident and your husband was taken to hospital"
She didn't say anything at first, she just froze, taking in the news, she felt she couldn't hold the receiver well; her hands were trembling.
"Will he be ok?" she asked anxiously
"I don't know sorry, you should visit him at the hospital Madam" he replied
"Alright thank you" she then answered and placed the received back in its holder. She turned around and leaned on the counter trying to hold control of the fear that was creeping onto her but she tried to remain calm and collect her thoughts. She wished she could just drop everything and head straight to hospital but she had a client and she had to tell Edward about it too. She took a deep breath and decided to tell Garfiel who turned pale on hearing the news, he ushered her to leave immediately and let him take care of the client. She pulled off her bandana and grabbed her bag and jacket, on her way out to her car she pulled out her cell phone and called Edward.
xxx