It was the weekend and many customers came to get their pets treated. I was at the clinic all day and didn't even notice that the sky had already turned dark.
I removed the mask from my face and squeezed the senses in my head. I sat in the swivel chair and just closed my eyes in exhaustion.
There were sudden footsteps in the background. I didn't bother to open my eyes thinking it was my secretary.
After an hour, I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep and just woke up with drool in my mouth.
There was the sound of a chair squeaking and I saw a man. "Awake already?"
I jolted in surprise. Clearing my throat, I fixed myself and wiped the drool in my mouth, "Sir?"
Goodness. It’s embarrassing for my boss to see me with drool in my mouth.
"Good Evening, Sereia." He smiled. "You seemed tired so I didn't bother waking you up."
I nodded. "It's okay Sir Theon. When did you return sir?" I remember that Ruth said he was on a business trip….Why is he here?
He pressed his lips into a tight line and said, "What happened to you, Sereia? Have you forgotten that I told you not to call me sir?"
I nodded. "Okay then, sorry about that, Theon."
Now satisfied, his eyes brightened up. "Good. Well, I just returned an hour ago." He replied. He was holding a coffee, reading this month's budget. "And I heard that you were back so I hurried over."
I released a chuckle, "Yes, Theon. Sorry for my long absence. I'll make it up to you."
He glanced up at me and stared at me, piercing me with his gray eyes. He ran his hands through his black hair, dropping the papers in his hands.
I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious at his penetrating gaze. I looked at the ground, feeling the sudden tension revolving in the air.
Theon is my boss and the owner of the clinic. He had been very kind to me, but we had a little bit of history…
"Sereia..." he called out.
"Y-yes, Theon?" I stuttered.
He sighed, sensing me tense whenever he called me. "You know that we have a long history right? We've been friends but I won't tolerate it next time. I think you're taking advantage of my kindness because I courted you."
I bit my lip. "That's not true sir.."
That's the reason why he granted me two weeks' leave instantly. I mean, what kind of boss would let their worker go on a trip and on leave without any reason?
He had sadness on his face. "How are you doing? I heard about your grandfather's passing. I'm sorry about that."
"I'm fine, Theon…it does not hurt me that much anymore,” I answered.
Silence fell.
"If that's the case, what's your answer to my question? I have courted you, and I won't stop until you say yes."
Before going to regain that land from Phoenix, my own boss, Theon, had been going after me. And all this while, I had delayed my answer. I think it’s time to say my clear answer to him instead of giving him hope.
"You've been a great boss. But in terms of dating, I'm not ready yet." I answered.
"Not ready yet? Sereia, we’re both in the right age…” he trailed off. “Or you don’t want me at all…Am I ugly for you? Or do I not fit your standards? Tell me, what’s your type, Sereia?”
I bit my lip. Honestly, I had been thinking about it lately. Who am I to refuse someone who’s so handsome, financially capable, caring, and all the other good traits I look for in a man…
But deep down, I feel like he’s lacking something I want….
“You have the good qualities that I look for a man, Theon. But…”
“But what?” He looked at me hopefully. “Tell me what I lack so I could be perfect for you.”
I shook my head, “No one is perfect, Theon. You don’t have to force yourself just for me to like you. I just feel like I’m not the one for you. I’m sure you will find your girl soon.”
He leaned into me and said, “But I already told you, Sereia. My answer from last time still stands. I like you.”
I offered a small smile to him, “Thank you.”
Hearing my answer, he released a sad sigh. “I see. I guess your answer is really final…”
Silence fell. I look at the clock and it’s already 7 in the evening. I suddenly thought of Phoenix. Since I have stood him up, I hope it's clear for him that I don’t want him right now.
"I think I have to go now," I asked, feeling a bit awkward now that we are alone. I grabbed my bag.
He nodded.
"Won't you go home, Theon?" I asked and he shook his head.
"I have to manage something here. You can go home now. Take care." He said. "And oh, there was a guy waiting outside. He’s been there since earlier. Do you know him?"
I stopped at that. No way, there’s only one man I know who would do that. "No...I have to go, bye."
I fasten my pace outside.
Wasn’t it an hour ago since the supposed date should happen? He should have taken a hint…
Finally arriving outside, I was right. I saw Phoenix sitting by the floor, his eyes closed.
Oh…did he wait for me?
He woke up at the sound of the door opening and he saw me.
"Sereia." He called out, standing up.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
He pointed at me. “I have been waiting since 6 pm. It’s been an hour, Sereia.”
I averted my gaze to the ground, feeling a bit guilty. "I’m busy, Phoenix."
"Busy? Then who was that guy who just entered earlier?" He asked.
I rolled my eyes at him, "Why? That’s none of your business.”
He gave me a pointed look like he has been betrayed. “I want to know, I have been a part of your life, Sereia.."
I sighed, not wanting to argue more, "He's my boss. Now what?”
He halted at that. “You changed.”
I laughed at that before gritting my teeth, "Yes, I changed. Because of you."