"Come on, Tris. You don't want to be late," Kayla said to Tris as she placed his lunchbox on the table.
"In a minute, aunt Kayla. I'm almost done," he chirped and she smiled.
Amy walked out of her room, all dressed for work. She had bags under her eyes that she tried so hard to conceal with make up, but they were still visible.
"Good morning, mom," Tris greeted, noticing her presence and Kayla turned her way.
Amy flashed him a smile. "How are you, honey?" She asked. For him, she was going to mask all her pains and sadness.
"I'm fine, mom,"
"Be quick, so the school bus won't leave without you today," Amy said and he nodded.
"I thought you were going to stay home today," Kayla said, walking over to her.
She shook her head. "I can't. I didn't give Liam any notice that I won't show up at the office today. Besides, I have to take my job more seriously. I'm lucky Liam is a good person, if not, I would have gotten fired,"
Kayla sighed and stared at her friend. "I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to bury yourself in your job to forget about him,"
"No. I'm trying to work a living for you, I and Tris," Amy replied.
Tris stood up. "I'll go wait for the school bus outside," he said and picked up his backpack and lunchbox and with that he walked away. Amy knew he didn't want to listen to their conversation and that was why he left.
Kayla placed her hands on Amy's shoulders. "Amy, I'm your best friend and I know you too well. You're.. "
"Dad?"
Tris voice interrupted Kayla. Both her and Amy had a confused look on their face.
"Hey, son," Cole said with a weary smile as he stood up from the stairs.
"What are you doing sitting outside?" Tris asked inquisitively.
"I was just.." Cole was about to give Tris an answer when the door opened wider, revealing Amy and Kayla behind her.
"What are you doing here? This early?" Amy asked as she scrutinized him. His hair was a mess and his face was pale. He was still wearing the suit of last night. It was at that moment she realized he had slept at her front door.
"Leave," Amy said to him.
"Amy, please. I just need a chance.."
Amy didn't want to raise her voice in front of Tris. "Please, leave," she calmly said.
Tris looked from his mother to his father. "Are you guys fighting?" He asked.
Amy swallowed as Kayla rushed over to Tris. "No, no, sweetie. They're not fighting. They're just trying to sort out something. Oh, look," she said, looking at the road as the school bus pulls up. "The school bus is here. Hurry up and join your friends,"
" Okay, " Tris said and turned to his parents.
Amy lowered on her knees and kissed his cheek. "Have a great day,"
He smiled as he went over to Cole and Cole ruffled his hair. "You both shouldn't fight, okay?" Tris said.
Cole smiled at him. "We won't,"
Just then, the school bus honked. "Hurry up now," Cole said.
"Bye, mom. Bye, dad. Bye, aunt Kayla," Tris waved as he hurried over to the bus.
Amy blew him a kiss and Cole waved back.
"Have a fun day!" Kayla said after him, waving until he got into the bus and it got out of sight.
As soon as the bus was gone, Amy walked away from Cole. He went after her. "I just want to be given a chance to explain everything to you, please,"
She ignored him as she waited for a taxi.
"Amy, listen to me, please. Let's talk about this,"
"There's nothing to talk about," she responded.
A taxi pulled up in front of her and just when she was about to go in, Cole held her by the sleeve.
She shot him a deadly glare and he was forced to let go of her. "Hold me like that again, Mr. Cole and I'll report you for sexual assault," she threatened.
Cole took a step back, mollified by her formality. He watched her get into the taxi and out of his sight.
"What do you think you're doing?" He heard Kayla's voice behind him and he turned to look at her. "For your own good, leave this premises or I'll kill you with my bare hands and won't mind going to jail for it," she warned.
"Kayla, I'm sorry. I messed up big time and.. "
"I warned you, didn't I? I asked you about Shantel and you lied to me,"
"Let me explain myself, I beg of you. You're the only one who can help me talk to Amy,"
"Leave immediately,"
"Kayla.. "
"Now!" Kayla yelled and her wolf's eyes flashed.
Cole swallowed and walked away.
~~~~
Amy walked into Liam's office and placed some documents in front of him. "The manager asked you to sign these,"
"Okay," Liam responded.
"Also, you have a meeting by 1'o'clock with the shareholders,"
"Alright," Liam responded as he went through the files. "I'll sign these and get back to you,"
"Okay. If there's anything you would like me to do, please don't hesitate to call me,"
Liam nodded. "Sure," he replied and Amy turned around to walk away. "Amy?" He called, stopping her in her tracks.
"Yes?" She turned to look at him.
"Are you alright?" He asked. Ever since she got into the office in the morning, he had not help but wonder how she was feeling after finding out about Shantel. He could also see she was trying to bury herself in work in order not to think.
Amy swallowed. "Yes. Why would you ask that?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. You look stressed,"
She nodded. "I am stressed,"
Liam leaned in his seat. "Would you like to unwind later tonight?" He asked. Amy was taken aback. Was he asking her on a date? She wondered.
"It's a friends thing, Amy. You've overworked and you need to be stress free. Don't think too much,"
Oh, hell, she thought. There was nothing wrong with taking a few drinks with Liam. He was her boss and friend after all.
'But, he's also Cole's best friend,' her wolf reminded her.
Fuck it. "What time?" She asked, ignoring her wolf.
"Does Eight sound okay to you?"
"Perfect," she replied and Liam gave a small smile. This was exactly what she needed to get her mind off Cole.