Page 53 of Playing the Neutral Zone

My mind spun as I stood there looking at that smug smile that sat on her face.A smile I wanted to smack right into next week.

“Now, about your next assignment…”

Carol continued talking but I heard nothing as I stood there, trying to get a grasp on myself and how I felt.

“Well, what are your thoughts?”She questioned me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Honestly, I really don’t think this is the place for me anymore.”

“What do you mean?”Carol asked, looking at me as if I’d just announced something she hadn’t been expecting.

“Consider this my last week.”

“You’re giving me one week’s notice?”Carol asked, straightening up in her seat.

“No, today is my last day.I’m done.”

Carol looked at me and chuckled.“Ah, so quit when things get tough.Exactly what I thought.You really don’t have the guts to be a reporter with us.”

“I guess I don’t,” I said, turning and walking over to her door, ripping it open.“Actually, Carol, I have the guts, but what I don’t have the guts for is working for a person or company who is okay with potentially harming people’s careers and personal lives intentionally for their own personal gain.”

“We’d never,” Carol said, looking shocked at my accusation.

“Funny, because you did just that.Now I am going to clean out my desk.”

I could feelthe box I was carrying slip out of my arm as I struggled to get my keys from my purse.I lifted a knee to stop the box from falling as my keys got stuck in the handle of my bag.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.

“Here, let me help,” I heard someone say and turned to see Mrs.Fletcher coming over to me.

She took the box from my hands while I untangled my keys from my bag and slid the key into the lock.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking the box from her as I stepped into the apartment.

“Will you be coming up to see Mia tonight?”she questioned, poking her head into my unit.

Levi was supposed to travel this weekend, and it had become a common practice that I’d pop up and Mrs.Fletcher and I would take Mia over to the park for a couple of hours.

“No, I’m afraid not.Levi and I are no longer together,” I answered.

“Oh dear, that would explain his mood as of late.I’m sorry to hear that.You two made a good couple.I was hoping we’d have heard wedding bells soon.”

I nodded.That was what I’d thought to, but the universe had other plans.

“Thanks.I take it you’re staying with Mia tonight while Levi travels.”

“Yes, are you going to the game?”

I shook my head.“No, I’m afraid not.I quit my job today, hence the box of things.”

Mrs.Fletcher stepped inside and looked at me.“Dear, is everything alright?”

“I’m moving back home with my parents for a while until I can get back on my feet.Once I’m away from here, away from Levi, everything will be okay.”

“Oh, well, I’ll be sad to see you go.”She said, opening her arms for a hug.

I stepped into her arms and hugged her back.“Thanks, I’ll miss you as well.I don’t want you to be late.”I said, glancing at the clock.

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