Page 3 of Don't Leave Me

Chapter 2

I slept for 10 straight hours. I woke up to my alarm buzzing violently on my nightstand at 8 AM, and to my pleasant surprise, I actually felt refreshed and energized, ready for the day. I quickly got ready for work and was out the door by 9 AM.Well shit, I’m early. I can have one cup of coffee before work!I thought to myself as I eyed a long line for a coffee shop a few blocks from my work. Coffee was never a good idea for me, so I don’t know why I thought it was that morning. I was specifically told to stay away from caffeine, alcohol, staying up too late, stress, drugs, hopping on one leg…because one little thing could trigger an episode. I think maybe I wanted to be hypomanic again; I wasn’t happy with the slight depression that I was currently going through. I guess I also forgot that coffee triggered even more anxiety than I already experienced, more racing thoughts, more agitation – only 10 minutes after slowly sipping on my black coffee, I felt myself shaking, biting my lip and walking faster, trying to keep up with the energy that I suddenly had. I walked into work, threw away my cup of coffee, and began to type furiously on my Macbook.

“Feeling better, I take it?” I heard Michael from behind me, startling me.

I smiled as I looked back to him, turning my chair towards him a little. “Yes, a lot better, thank you. You’re right…I did need to rest,” I nodded.

Ughhhhh. He’s wearing his light blue collared shirt that I love. He looked especially gorgeous that morning.

“Good,” he flashed a smile at me. “Now get back to work,” he ordered, a little playfully.

Michael sure has been in a good mood these past couple days, I thought as I watched him walk away, which was probably a little inappropriate.

I turned back around and got back to work as ordered, writing all of the articles I promised Michael and then some. Lunch had approached quickly and I was startled yet again, but this time by my good work friend, Suzie.

“Hey, we’re all going to Lou’s for lunch. You in?” she asked, poking her head around my cubicle.

“Oh sure –“ I started, but jumped when Michael popped up in the other direction.

“Hana, I need to see you in my office,” he said sternly, interrupting the conversation.

“Okay,” I responded quickly, then looked back at Suzie when Michael walked away. “I’ll meet you guys there?” I suggested.

She nodded and smiled, then walked away quickly.

I sighed and straightened out my outfit before I walked down the hall and knocked on Michael’s door.

“Come in,” he called out, and I walked in to see him sitting at his desk, looking down at his laptop screen.

“You wanted to see me?” I asked curiously, closing the door behind me.

He looked up at me. “Yes. Have a seat,” he said, looking back down at his screen.

I nodded and took the same seat as yesterday, clutching my hands together and biting my lip anxiously. I don’t know if my nervousness was from the coffee or from Michael.Why does he want to see me again?

“Hana,” he said, closing his laptop and focusing his attention on me.

I waited for him to continue as my heart thumped in my chest. I was sure he could hear it.

“What are your plans for this evening?” he asked, his hands clasped together.

I was confused again.Is he asking about work or my personal life?

“Um…I have no plans,” I shook my head, probably looking like a deer in headlights.

“Good. I need you to stay late tonight. I want you to get a head start on the year-end reviews on film and literature,” he replied, then waited for my reaction.

Great. I rolled my eyes to myself – figuratively, of course.

“Okay,” I nodded. “No problem,” I smiled.

Always eager to please,I mentally mocked myself. Michael looked satisfied by my answer and smiled.

“Good. That’s all,” he dismissed me.

I rolled my eyes – literally, this time! – as I walked away.He is gorgeous but…is he taking advantage of me?I skipped lunch and continued to work.

6 PM approached and everyone started to leave. I focused on writing a lengthy review on a Golden Globe nominated film that I loved, my fingers typing quickly and without a struggle at all. I was still little shaky and felt my leg bouncing up and down underneath my desk, my body telling me that it needed to stop sitting and move faster. I could feel myself biting my lip again, irritation quickly consuming me and my anger growing towards Michael –why is he making onlymestay late? Why couldn’t I have done this at home? Does he not think I can do my job? I should go tell him I’m leaving. I want to go for a run. I want to be out with Billie.My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Michael’s door opening and his footsteps coming towards me. I made sure to continue typing, showing him that I was in fact working, my plans and courage to confront him completely vanishing.

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