Chapter Four

That First Day

A/N: I cannot wait for the chapters to be more Seto-heavy. He's a fascinating character to write for

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh! does not belong to me. I only own Lizette and other OCs. Any chapter image I used has been found through Google, and I take no credit for it. Everything Yu-Gi-Oh! related rightfully belongs to Kazuki Takahashi.

~ oOo ~

LIZBETH

I entered the front revolving doors of KaibaCorp the following morning, precisely fifteen till eight. If my new boss expected me to be on time, at a specific time, I would arrive as early as I needed to be. I had my reasons for wanting - needing - this job, and nothing would stand in my way of keeping it for as long as I needed. Yesterday, Mr. Kaiba commented that I would need to survive the first three months.

Bring it on. I accept all challenges and will face them head-on.

Maneuvering through the doors, I walked toward the ladies at the front desk as they were still situating themselves, having just arrived at work. Greeting them, I said, "Good morning!"

The one in the middle who assisted me yesterday was the first to turn around as she smiled. "Oh, Ms. Kawasaki! Good morning!" She bowed a little, and the other two followed.

I bowed slightly back. "Ah, you already know my name?" My head tilted in confusion.

"Word travels fast in this building, I'm afraid." She smiled, extending her hand for me to grasp. "I'm Sakura. This is Erika," she said, pointing to the woman on her right. "And this is Yuri," she said, pointing to the woman on her left. "Trust us. When you were hired, word spread fast that Mr. Kaiba finally found a replacement personal assistant. You'll be the talk of the building for some time."

"I…" My eyes blinked. "I can't tell. Is that a good thing? Or a bad thing?"

"It depends on how you want to look at it," Erika commented. "It's nothing against you, it's just…" She shared a look with her friends.

"The last people to hold your position didn't last very long," Yuri stated, shrugging her shoulders. "You're the fourth new person to hold the position this year. So…maybe it's good that she's hearing this from us?" She peered at the two ladies, who nodded.

Sighing, Sakura added, "There are already tabs about how long you'll last. Your position has become…something of a joke to some who work here."

"Ah, I see." Grasping my chin, I held it, deep in thought. "Then…I guess I better not disappoint. I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, according to Chi, you highly impressed Mr. Kaiba yesterday, so he must see something in you that might work."

Was he impressed? I smirked. "I previously worked in a law office before this. I'm kinda used to a fast-paced environment while being the go-between for individuals ahead of me. This'll be different, that's for sure. But I like a challenge. It makes things fun." The three instantly giggled.

"Yeah, I can see why Chi liked you, too," Erika said with a smile. "Don't let what others have to say bring you down. Work your ass off, and you'll do just fine."

"I appreciate your warning and kind words; thank you. Now," I held my new ID badge up for them to see. "Mr. Kaiba wanted me to meet him at eight. Should I head up to his office or…? Is there somewhere specific I'm supposed to be?"

"You'll head up to floor fifty; that's where Mr. Kaiba's office is. Your desk will be situated outside his office so you can greet those before they enter. I would wait there until he arrives." She held up her ID as well. "These badges match our jobs and determine our access levels. Considering you're working under the CEO, I assume your badge will grant you access throughout the building. Ours, however," She danced at her two coworkers. "Ours can only get us so far as that's outside our job description."

"Hmm, ok, that makes sense." I glanced at my watch. "Ah! I should get moving. Have a wonderful day, you three!" I stepped away toward the side, waiting before one of the elevator doors. Back from the front, I could vaguely hear what they were saying.

"Damn, she's super nice!"

"Maybe she'll be a better fit than the last one was."

"Let's hope so."

Their comments left me smiling. But I did not hear more of their conversation as the doors opened, and I stepped inside. After pressing the button to floor fifty, I was to wait the few minutes it took to reach the top of the building. At that time, I thought back to yesterday.

After the interview, I spent another hour inside the Human Resources Department finalizing all my new hire paperwork, forms for insurance, personal documentation, and all the necessary items. I took a photo for my ID badge, waited until that was done, and was instructed to arrive on time the following morning.

Once I left the building, the first item on my to-do list was to call Emiko. She had been waiting all morning, just as I had, and I had specific instructions to call her as soon as the interview was over to discuss what had happened. I was not expecting to receive the job during the interview, nor was she. She screamed over the phone, and I could hear someone yelling at her to pipe down.

She met me at my apartment later that night to celebrate. Since I was to start the next day, we opted not to go out and drink. Instead, we brought the party to my house. We purchased takeout and ate until our stomachs were about to explode. It was indeed a fantastic night. We spent it drinking - albeit me on the lighter side, just in case. We played game after game, watched hilarious videos online, Googled funny memes, and enjoyed ourselves in celebration.

Then, when appropriate, I called Lucas, my best friend who still lived in the United States. He knew I was applying for this job, but considering his time zone was sixteen-plus hours ahead of mine, our conversation sometimes lacked due to the time difference. Still, that did not diminish our friendship, as we kept the long-distance relationship lasting as best we could. The moment I screamed the news, he screamed back and immediately switched the call so he could FaceTime us.

He was applying his makeup, and when I said that I called at the wrong time, he said, "Girl, my makeup can wait. This moment is about you, sweetie!"

With Lucas and Emiko by my side, I was unstoppable.

The three of us FaceTimed for as long as possible, but when I noticed it was after eleven, I told everyone I needed my beauty sleep. Lucas agreed and hung up the phone on the condition that I would call him the following day to explain how my first day went. Emiko was the same when she left; she wanted all the details I could provide. She threw her arms around me and gave me the biggest bear hug imaginable.

"I'm so proud of you, Liz."

Just thinking about last night left me smiling. My friends…I would be lost without those two by my side. These last several years have been tough, and I honestly did not know where I would be without them.

"You're a worthless piece of shit, Lizette."

The grip on my purse tightened. Staring into my reflection of the elevator doors, I paused momentarily and sighed. That man cannot hurt me, that man cannot hurt me…

I continued my mantra until the elevator door dinged, opening only when it reached floor fifty. Taking a step out, I breathed in a gulp of air, needing to slow down the zaps of lightning coating my skin. Slapping my cheeks lightly, I shook my head, ridding my brain of such thoughts, and surveyed the floor I was on yesterday.

The opening to the floor seemed small. But there was a hallway off the side, most likely leading to additional rooms that could not be seen from here. The door to Mr. Kaiba's office was along the back wall, the door in the center. To the right side sat an elongated empty desk, which I assumed to be where I was stationed. There were several plants along the walls, the corners, and some on tables meant for decoration. The floor, overall, seemed modern for the most part.

Checking my watch, I noticed it was almost eight, with just minutes to spare. Keeping my belongings, I stepped toward Mr. Kaiba's door and knocked, not knowing if I was to meet him there or if he would come and get me. I decided the previous was correct. My knock echoed against the silent room, and before I could knock again to be on the safe side, there was a click and a soft "Enter" from inside.

Opening the door, I was met with the same sight as yesterday, with Mr. Kaiba sitting behind his desk. Catching my eye from across the room, he gestured to the same seat I occupied during the interview. Quickly, I moved, waiting patiently while my boss typed swiftly across his keyboard. When he was done, he glanced across from me as I offered a small smile.

"I see you made it on time."

"I was early, actually. I was speaking with your front desk attendants downstairs. They're nice."

"I only hire the best. Now," Glancing at the schedules I provided him yesterday, he hummed, momentarily lost in thought. "I did say we would discuss your schedule today. You can be here today at eight. Is that something you can always do?"

"On Tuesdays through Fridays, but only until summer school ends."

"And when is that?"

"My last day to attend classes would be July 26th. Then I have about three weeks off, and I can work any time you need. Fall Semester then starts on August 19th, when my schedule would change for the next several months."

"When does your Monday class end?"

"Eleven-thirty." I calculated the math in my head. "By the time I reach my car, cut through downtown traffic, I can be at the office by, maybe, twelve-thirty."

Mr. Kaiba seemed to consider my words thoroughly, but he surprised me by answering quicker than I expected. "You'll start at one on Mondays and work until six. That seems more than feasible."

"Are you sure? I can work longer on Mondays if need be."

He waved his hand. "No. I still have to consider that you're a working college student. However," He glanced one more time at my schedules. "On Tuesdays through Fridays, I expect you to be in the office by seven. I'll make an exception on Mondays, but you are to be here early for the rest of the week. And your night classes start…?"

"Six."

"Good." He placed the paper onto the keyboard. "Then you'll be off by five. That should give you more than enough time to get to the university. Also, that'll catch you up on hours."

"That means…you're hiring me on full-time? Ahh," I cupped my chin. " I like it."

"You better," he stated, and I couldn't tell if he was fighting to smirk. "Because you're stuck with it."

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir."

"Even better that you understand." Leaning forward, Mr. Kaiba supported his chin against his linked fingers. "Ms. Kawasaki, you must understand this: my position as CEO is no laughing matter. It is not only an expectation of mine for perfection, but I demand it. I hire only the best of the best, and of the candidates I've interviewed, you were, so far, the best. So…the next three months will be your probationary period. Work hard during that time, and maybe you'll keep this job past that."

I fought hard not to smile. "I understand, sir. I do not falter in my work. You will see nothing but success on my end; I guarantee that."

He seemed to grin at that. "I better. Now, I assume Chi discussed the terms of your salary?" I nodded. "And there are no questions? No wish for a higher pay?"

My head suddenly tilted at that. "Why…would I request a higher pay? You're the one who hired me. I will adhere to the stated salary. Heh, I'm just thrilled to be earning a paycheck again."

"Yes," Mr. Kaiba drawled. "Your background did indicate you were unemployed for several months. Why is that?"

"Oh, it's nothing too serious. My bosses at the law office decided it was time to retire, meaning I was out of a job."

"And did you not look for anything during that time?"

"Oh, trust me, I did," I slightly seethed, thinking of all the late nights I pulled submitting applications one after the other. "But no one was looking to hire a student still in college. At least, not full-time. And I need something like this to pay my bills."

Pushing himself away from the desk, Mr. Kaiba observed me. "And I'm to believe that of all the applications you applied for, no one wanted to hire you? Not even with your educational background?"

"That is unfortunately correct, sir."

"Hmm," Mr. Kaiba hummed again. Turning to his computer, he spent a moment typing, and I merely watched. Eyes focusing on his fingers, I was mesmerized by how his slender fingers gracefully moved across the keys, typing precisely what he needed without making any mistakes. His voice removed me from my reverie as I tilted my head upward. "You'll spend the day working with Chi. If you have questions, I suggest you ask them today. Though she will be available via the phone the day after, she will not be at your beck and call."

"Then it's a good thing I brought my notebook. Because if there's one thing I have learned about being a college student, it's how to take notes." That earned a smirk, one that left my insides fluttering.

But I quenched that flame. That wasn't a road I should be traveling.

"I expected nothing less," he commented. "Now, Mr. Kawasaki, before you begin, do you have any questions for me?"

"Oh, I most likely do. But I cannot ask for anything pressing because I haven't even begun my work. But don't worry about not bothering you because I know you'll be busy; I'll ask via email." I smiled even more, ready to begin my work. To say I was excited didn't cover what I was feeling. The prospect that I was now an employee at KaibaCorp was a dream I still couldn't grasp, but it was now a reality. "However, there is one question…"

"Brother!"

The office doors suddenly opened, and a young boy with bushy black hair ran straight to Mr. Kaiba's desk. The CEO didn't seem phased by this whatsoever. Instead, my boss grasped his nose in exasperation as he stared at the young child through his fingers. I twitched my fingers against my mouth, trying not to smirk. The child seemed so happy as he bounced toward Mr. Kaiba's desk, gripping the edge in sheer excitement.

"Brother!" Brother? Were these two related?

"Mokuba…" Mr. Kaiba peered down at Mokuba. "Where is Roland? He's supposed to be watching you."

Just then, a man in a suit walked through the doors, seemingly stunned at the sight before him. "Mokuba! You know not to run away from me like that!"

The child in question cowered slightly at Roland's tone. "But…I just wanted to see brother one more time before we leave!"

"Mokuba." The child tilted his head to his brother. "I said I wasn't to be disturbed this morning as I had a meeting."

"A meeting? With who?!" The young child steered his direction toward me, whose eyes instantly widened upon glancing at me. My head tilted again. This child seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I had seen him before. "Ah! It's you!"

Two adult pairs of eyes turned toward me as I glanced between them. Pointing a finger at myself, I said, "Me?"

Mokuba was bouncing on his feet as he walked up to me and patted my hand gently. "You're Liz! I remember you!"

I ran through my memories, trying to decide whether I knew this young boy. I saw his bushy black hair, the deep color of his eyes, and that energy. Wait…was he…? It was then my eyes widened to match his. "Are you…? Is that you, Mokuba?"

The boy bounced on his feet. "Yes, yes! You remember me!" He unexpectedly burst toward me and wrapped his arms around my waist. Chuckling at his antics, I patted the boy's head as he pulled back. "Why're you here in brother's office?"

"Well, I - "

"Wait." Everyone stopped as we turned toward Seto, an exasperated look on his face. "Mokuba, you know Ms. Kawasaki?"

Mokuba nodded, his bulky hair flapping up and down. "Yep! I only met her once. Remember when I went to lunch with Kenji and his mom? Remember that his mom forgot her wallet, and a stranger paid for our food?" Stepping closer, Mokuba pointed a finger at me. "This is Liz! She's the one who helped us that day! She even gave Kenji and me some money to play in the arcade!"

My eyes softened at Mokuba. It was endearing that he remembered me from an event that happened a few weeks ago. Glancing upward, I noticed that Mr. Kaiba was staring at me. Something glinted in his eyes, but I couldn't pinpoint it. His face was frowning, but his eyes; maybe they were smiling.

"Ah, you're the infamous 'Liz' he was talking about." He nodded and added, "I must thank you for your generosity that day."

I waved him off. "Please, it was nothing! I wouldn't let a mom and two kids walk away from having lunch. Besides, they looked like they were starving."

"We were starving!" Mokuba pointed out.

I smirked at the child. "And you just had to play some games, didn't you?"

"I did, I did!" Mokuba glanced at his brother. "See? I told you she had white hair!"

Eyes moving between his brother and me, Seto narrowed his vision slightly. "Yes, I remember."

I scoffed. "That's what you remember? My white hair?"

"Well…" Mokuba looked down guiltily. "Not many people have white hair like you do! It's very pretty." My cheeks flushed; I could feel it. Staring at his brother, Mokuba said, "Didn't I tell you she was pretty, Seto?"

Mr. Kaiba seemed to ignore such a statement from his brother. "You know," Seto said slowly as I glanced at him. "You do realize I'm going to pay you back."

My head shook instantly. "No, please don't feel obligated. I'm not expecting compensation for doing something nice." He tried to speak again, but I shook my head again. "You gave me this position. Consider that your repayment to me."

Again, Seto narrowed his eyes and stared at me while I stared at his mouth. Was he trying to smirk? To frown? What was with his facial expressions? "You're being serious."

"Of course I am."

"Liz…why're you in brother's office?" Smiling down at the boy, I was about to answer when Mr. Kaiba spoke for me.

"She's my new employee, Mokuba, as my assistant."

"Did she take Ms. Rourke's position?" Mr. Kaiba nodded. "Good. I didn't like her."

"Mokuba!" I could hear the gentleman near the door say. Stepping forward, he placed a gentle hand on the child's shoulders. "I think it's time we leave. We need to get you to Kenji's, correct?"

"Oh, yes! I get to go play with Kenji today!" Mokuba burst from his spot at the desk toward the door. Once there, he stopped, ran back to his brother, and hugged him. "Have a good day, brother!" Mr. Kaiba merely patted the boy's head before he and the gentleman left, gently closing the door behind them.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as the event had just taken place. I placed a hand over my mouth to stifle the giggles, but several escaped. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Kaiba. Your brother was just so adorable."

"No, I…must apologize about that. He should've known better than to come into my office after I told him not to." Mr. Kaiba glanced away, but I swore there was a faint redness across his cheeks.

"You shouldn't worry." He peered at me through the corner of his eyes. "I mean, if my desk is right outside your office, won't I have to get used to seeing your brother often?"

He considered my statement, bouncing the idea around. "I suppose." Glancing off to stare at the beautiful bay windows across him, Mr. Kaiba sighed. "In any case, let's get you started." He pressed a button on his phone; someone on the opposite end picked up after the first ring.

"Yes, Mr. Kaiba?" I recognized the voice as Chi.

"Ms. Kawasaki's ready for you."

"Of course, I'll be right there." And the conversation ended with a click.

"She'll get you started with everything you need to know." Smirking, he said, "Remember, Ms. Kawasaki, I expect perfection."

I matched his smirk with my own. "And you'll have nothing less than that, Mr. Kaiba." The door soon opened, and I turned to find Chi as she stepped forward.

"Good morning, Ms. Kawasaki."

"Good morning, Chi. And please, call me Liz."

She was startled. "Oh, are you sure?"

I nodded. "It's weird for people to call me by my last name. I'm not accustomed to it."

"I-If you insist." Nodding to her boss, she asked, "Is there anything specific she needs to be trained on?"

Mr. Kaiba crossed his arms. "Any and everything she'll need to know. She has to survive the first three months, after all."

Something sparkled in Chi's eyes, but I couldn't place what it was. "I see, very good. Alright, Ms. Kawa - I mean, Liz. Let's begin, shall we?" Chi waved her hand to the door, and I grabbed my purse.

When we were at the door, I paused, staring back at my boss. "Thank you again, Mr. Kaiba. You won't be disappointed." He waved me off but said nothing.

At my desk, Chi had me sit, explaining everything I would need for the moment. "You should still have supplies from the last applicant, but if not, I'll show you where the supply closet is. You're always welcome to bring your own, but Mr. Kaiba supplies his employees with everything they need to complete their assignments." Stepping beside me, she turned my computer on. "Let's start with the basics: getting you signed in."

We spent the afternoon this way; Chi worked diligently in my training. She was persistent but kind. She was a lecturer, but she was fair. She was someone I could grow to like. But at the moment, I didn't want to become attached to anyone working here. Mr. Kaiba was adamant that I wouldn't survive the first three months. I…don't think that was anything personal against me. I think he's had bad luck finding the best assistant that meets his needs as the CEO.

Chi and I worked through the morning and early afternoon. At one point, I questioned her position and whether she was putting her assignments on the back burner to assist me. She chuckled and explained that she had planned this, so there was no need to worry. Regardless, I was thankful I wasn't spearheading this alone.

Before lunch, Mr. Kaiba called me into his office requesting a refill of his coffee. Chi was the one to answer, questioning if he wanted something from the kitchen or the cafe across the street; he requested one from across the street. And so, as surprised as I was, we meandered our way out of the giant corporate building to my coffee shop. Chi explained that Mr. Kaiba was addicted to his morning and afternoon cup of coffee. He preferred his assistant - me - to make it in the kitchen, but there would be times I would need to step out of the office and purchase his order. So, when we placed his order at the counter, I created a note on my phone to remember what he preferred.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but pleasantly so. Chi was an excellent teacher and seemed impressed with my progress. Maybe it was because I was a college student, but I always remembered what needed to be done once I did it myself at least once.

When I was about to clock out, Chi questioned if Mr. Kaiba and I had discussed the terms of my scheduling, considering I was in summer school. I explained our conversation that morning to her, and she took notes, stating it would need to be placed in my HR file. When that was all said and done, I prepared myself to leave, but something nagged at me on the inside. Stepping to my boss' door, I hesitantly knocked, expecting the CEO not to answer. To my surprise, he allowed me entry.

"Mr. Kaiba?" I called his name softly.

He didn't glance up from his computer. "What is it, Ms. Kawasaki?"

"I'm off for the day. Is there anything last minute you'd like me to take care of?"

"No, that'll be all." His answer was short and curt. I don't know what I expected, but that seemed like something he would say.

I nodded, though he couldn't see. About to step out of the office, I pulled back once last time. "Have you had anything to eat, Mr. Kaiba? Would you like me to grab something for you?"

Somehow, that caught his attention, halting his movements; he crossed his arms as we stared at each other from across the room. "What're you trying to get at?"

I paused, my head tilting. "Hm? I'm not…trying to get at anything?" I took a deep breath and said, "I noticed that you didn't break for lunch, and you've been working nonstop all day."

"That's none of your concern."

I cringed. "No, it probably isn't. I just wanted to ask. Have a good night, Mr. Kaiba." I closed the doors, expecting to hear silence, when my boss' voice echoed in my ears.

"Have a good night, Ms. Kawasaki."

Closing the door behind me, I smiled.

Walking to my car in the underground parking lot, I considered the idea that I could go home. Or, I could splurge on some Duel Monsters cards. Taking a seat in my car, I decided to do just that.

Not before I deeply inhaled.

I stalled, merely sitting and doing nothing else. My hands firmly gripped the steering wheel, and I kept my eyes forward, not wanting to glance into the backseat. My heart thumped against my ribcage, and I could feel a line of sweat along the edge of my hairline.

No…please, not today.

I hastily turned the car on and fired the AC to the max, suddenly needing to cool off. The memories were sudden, and I fought against the pressure in my head. There were screams and screeching, sirens and darkness. Red stained my hands as I glanced around, hoping to see my family but seeing nothing.

Dropping my head against the wheel, I breathed in and then released, repeating this several times. Several minutes passed before I could lift my head and glance around. Thankfully, I was the only individual in the garage as I decided to leave. As I was about to reverse the car, my eyes blinked rapidly, suddenly thrown back several years when any parents were still alive. Slapping my cheeks to shake the memory, I fought against the pain.

Leaving the garage, I decided to let this moment go.

Maneuvering through the city, I made my way toward the Kame Game Shop, a local game store I found after I permanently moved to Domino City just a few years prior. I knew larger stores around the city also sold Duel Monster cards, but this was my favorite place to go. It was small, but it was locally owned, something I appreciated. The drive took approximately ten minutes, and when I parked, I realized there was only about half an hour left before the store closed. Entering through the front, the tiny chime on the door rang as Mr. Motou, the owner, glanced up from sweeping the floor.

"Well! If it isn't Lizette herself!"

Smiling, I waved at the elder shop owner. "Hi, Solomon. How's the shop doing?"

"Oh! It's a little slow today, but nothing that won't pick up tomorrow." Placing his broom along the back wall, Mr. Motou - or Solomon, as he preferred me using his first name - sat on the stool behind the register. "It's been a while since you stopped by! How's school? You're still looking for a job, right?"

I walked around the store, meandering toward the cards as I peered at him while speaking. "School's fine, but I found a job! I just started today."

"That's so good to hear! I was worried last time you told me you were still looking. I hope it's a good pick?"

"Well…the jury's still out on that one, but I'm hoping. I'm working directly for Mr. Kaiba at KaibaCorp."

Solomon's eyes widened slightly. "Really? Good for you!" He watched as my attention fell to the cards in his glass case. "But I can tell you didn't come to talk about work."

I chuckled. "You know I don't mind talking with you, Solomon. Still, I figured it'd been some time since I dropped by, and I thought maybe I should treat myself to a first day at work."

"Hohoho! Then you came to the right place to shop!" Standing behind the glass counter, he glanced down at the cards. "Anything in particular you see?"

"Mmm, at this point, I'm merely adding to my collection. My deck's pretty solid; I don't think much needs to change. Maybe the occasional card here and there."

"You're a dragon user, right?"

My smile widened. "Yes, sir. I've always used dragon cards. They're my favorite."

Solomon's smile almost turned sinister. "Then you might want to see this new card. Just came in yesterday."

I stayed at the game shop until Solomon needed to close. I thanked him for his help, wished nothing but good fortune to his grandson, then headed home. Not wanting to cook, I stopped by and quickly grabbed something to eat. Once at home, I changed into my jammies, deciding to forgo working on homework because it would still be there the following day. Once I had eaten, I moved into my office, lingering in the middle of the room with my bag of newly purchased cards in my hand. I grabbed a large binder from my bookcase and a locked case beside it. Sitting at my desk, I opened the case to reveal my Duel Monsters deck.

My smile was soft, though I could tell it didn't reach my eyes.

The deck gleamed at me as I glanced through each card. The images smiled as I remembered where I purchased or won each card. Some were gifts, some were trophies, and others were purchased with my own money. All I knew was that this one deck secured my victory in so many duels when I was younger. Heaving a sigh, I glanced out the window.

That was long before I moved from the United States to Japan to live in Domino City before I was forced to grow up.

I loved Duel Monsters. I loved the concept and the competitiveness it brought out from its players. I sincerely appreciated Maximillian Pegasus, the creator of Duel Monsters, and everything he had established.

But none of that would bring back my parents.

Hastily closing the case, I placed it aside, not ready to relive the pleasant memories my deck once brought. Even still, that didn't deter me from splurging on collecting cards. I had binders and binders full of various cards. Monster, magic, or trap cards made no difference. If it was one I didn't have, I purchased it. And yet, even after purchasing more cards tonight, my heart was not set on placing them in the specific category. Leaving the binder and bag on my desk, I moved to the bedroom, suddenly wanting to curl up in my blanket and watch TV.

Once in my bed, I set my alarms for the following morning, knowing I was needed in the office at seven due to my summer schedule. It would only be my second day, and I didn't want to upset my new boss. Instead of worrying, I turned my attention to the TV and watched a movie I'd seen previously. And before I knew it, I was growing drowsy, knowing it was time to sleep. Turning off my light, I curled deeply into my comforter and fell into a deep sleep.

What I was expecting was to dream that night of deep blue eyes and car crashes. And when I woke the following morning, I discovered I was crying.

~ oOo ~

As usual, please let me know what you think. Comments and reviews always help push me to write the next chapter :)

DragonGoddess629