23.
I thrived in chaotic environments. There was something about the shift passing by in the blink of an eye because you're so busy running around that was satisfying. I loved being constantly on my toes, but not like this.
A couple of days had passed since the whole twin stand-in situation blew up in my face.
I tried calling Ophelia multiple times. The phone didn't even ring two times before I was sent to voicemail.
I sent a multitude of texts, yet she never responded to any of them.
I understood she was mad, especially considering she lost her job, but she wasn't even giving me the chance to explain what had happened.
I thought of contacting Mason. Every fiber in my being begged to call him even if it meant I got the same result as Ophelia.
Every time I almost went through with it but then I remembered the look in his eyes the last time I saw him.
Despite his tough exterior, I could see he was hurt and angry by my lies.
Maybe, he thought I was toying with him this entire time.
Feelings were something that needed time to get over.
This wasn't a situation where any of us could pick back up right where we left off.
I had singlehandedly destroyed any potential trust between Mason and me by continuously lying.
If I was in Mason's shoes, I would want nothing to do with me, especially right now.
For that reason, I was staying away. I needed to respect that he didn't want to see or talk to me.
When he did, if he ever would again, I'd be waiting, ready to talk about it all.
In a way, I hoped that all he needed was time.
After all, now I had all the time in the world.
Final grades were in. I had passed everything, surprisingly with flying colors.
I was officially done with school. I had never taken a break from school and now that I was done, it was somewhat off putting as if the future was thig big, scary unknown.
It's funny, really. You attend school for nearly a quarter of your life and throughout the entire duration, you loathe it, waiting for the day where you finally won't have to go to school anymore.
Then that day comes and you somewhat wish you were still in school. It's become your comfort zone.
I thought of working full-time at the bar throughout the summer.
It would give me more than enough time to build my resume and send out applications to law firms. I would have the entire day to relax and research and work throughout the nights.
I thought it would do me some good, yet a week after the fall out with Ophelia and Mason, the abundance of time on my hands started becoming my downfall.
My days were no longer filled by standing in for Ophelia and my evenings were empty without the company of Mason.
It had gotten to the point where I would only leave my house for my shifts at the bar, spending my days on the couch.
Even though the weather was beautiful and bright, I felt as gloomy as a rainy, dark day.
After a week had passed, I realized I needed to push myself.
So, I started applying to a couple law firms and I managed to lock down a few interviews.
I wasn't entirely sure of which field I wanted to specialize in.
So, I applied to different firms. Today, I was interviewing for a legal firm specializing in intellectual property and artificial intelligence.
If I got this job, well any job really, as well as bartending with Kyle then I would barely have any free time on my hands.
If my mind is preoccupied, then I wouldn't have time to think of him and the emptiness I felt.
Trying to fit off the nerves, I slid my headphones onto my ears and made my way out of the apartment before following the directions on my phone.
The closer I got to the firm, the more familiar the buildings became.
My heart sped quicker as I realized I was near Mason's office building.
In fact, it appeared I was heading in its direction.
I looked upwards, scanning the building as Siri's voice notified me that I had reached my destination. With shaky hands, I slid my headphones into my purse and made my way into the modern, yet historic building.
My interview was at 10 am and it was currently 9:30.
I knew I was early, but it was definitely better than being late.
I quickly signed in with the receptionist and was told to sit in the lobby.
My nerves were amped to the highest velocity.
I was having trouble swallowing and my hands were visibly shaking to the point where I was gripping my bag to avoid anyone seeing them.
I stared out the expansive window, feeling the pit into my stomach drop to the bounds of hell. Facing the firm was Mason's building in all it's glory. I knew the area was familiar and I wasn't too far from it, but with all my nervousness, I hadn't noticed just how close it really was.
"Miss. Merile?" I turned my head at the sound of the woman's voice.
Her voice was smooth, like honey which was ironic because her hair was the color of honey.
She was a middle aged, short woman sporting a mega watt smile which instantly soothed most of my nerves.
She stepped closer, reaching her hand out for me to shake.
"Hi, yes, that's me. Hi," I shot up from my seat and reached to shake her hand, firmly. At my flustered state, she let out a small laugh.
"Come along, Dear. No need to be stressed.
I don't bite." With one last smile, she motions for me to follow her.
Side by side, we walk until we reach her door.
Her office is bright, filled with natural sunlight and surprisingly, a lot of flowers.
My eyes bounce from each floral arrangement in astonishment.
She must have seen my gaze because she lets out an embarrassed laugh.
"I'm afraid my husband went a little overboard for our anniversary this year.
One flower for every day spent together.
As you can see, it's been a lot of days. "
She huffs in annoyance, but you can tell it's feigned by the cute pink hue on her cheeks as her happy eyes swipe over a bouquet on her desk.
"That's very romantic. Happy Anniversary," I say, with a wide smile.
"Thank you! Now, I've already gone over your resume and although I would have liked you to have a bit more experience, I just have a feeling you would be such a great fit with the rest of the team. The hours are long..."
Time passed as she described the role and expectations of the position.
I really liked her energy and I was more than shocked at the salary she was offering, especially considering I didn't have any prior experience.
So, without interviewing at other firms, I took it.
It just felt right and that felt good considering it had been a minute since I had felt like I'd made a good decision.
The cherry on top was that I could start tomorrow.
I bid Sarah, my new boss, good bye and made my outside.
For the first time this week, a genuine smile made its way onto my face.
It was a major accomplishment and step in my professional career.
Maybe I jumped the wagon too soon, but I couldn't help but feel like I made a great choice by accepting the position.
I stepped out of the building, stepping to the side to avoid the sidewalk traffic to dig out my headphones.
As I placed them over my ears, I looked up and nearly stumbled.
On the opposite side of the street was Mason.
His tall, muscular body hugged perfectly by his custom made suit.
Although it had been a week, a few things had changed.
He had cut his curls short, the tiny ringlets coiled tightly.
His stubble had thickened into a beard. But his eyes, they didn't change.
His amber eyes glared at me, trying to wipe my existence from their sight.
As though he would have been able to hear me, I opened my mouth before closing it tightly.
I took a small step forward, wanting to close the distance between us but the small, tight shake of his head had me frozen in my spot.
I felt tears the pressure behind my eyes build and blind the sight of him.
I looked away, tightened my jaw and disappeared with the crowd of people walking.
I managed to make it home without crying, waiting until I got in the shower to let the salty liquid mix with the fresh water and soap. I allowed myself that one moment, knowing tomorrow was a new day where I took a new step down a different path.