Their conversation shifted between work-related matters and subtle discussions about Ava's encounter with Bryan, all within the boundaries of their professional setting. They both sensed the limitations of delving too deeply into personal matters while at work, but the lunch provided a momentary escape from the judgmental atmosphere in the office.
As they finished their meal and headed back to work, Ava felt grateful for the support and understanding Bella offered. Despite the lingering stares and unspoken tensions in the workplace, she found solace in having a friend who was willing to listen and provide a safe space for discussion, even amidst the constraints of their professional environment.
******************
As Ava and Bella concluded their lunch and started heading back towards the office, engaged in a light-hearted conversation, Bella's phone suddenly rang, interrupting their discussion. Bella glanced at the caller ID and grimaced apologetically.
" Sorry, Ava. I have to take this call. Duty calls, " Bella said, flashing Ava an apologetic smile as she answered the call.
Ava nodded understandingly, bidding Bella a temporary goodbye. " It's alright, Bella. We'll catch up later. "
With Bella leaving to attend the call, Ava continued on her way back to the office alone, the familiar feeling of unease creeping back in. Despite Bella's reassuring presence earlier, Ava felt like her shield against the judgmental gazes had vanished with her friend's departure.
Returning to her workstation, Ava tried to focus on her tasks, attempting to push aside the discomfort caused by the prying stares directed at her. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being under scrutiny, a sense of isolation settling in without Bella by her side.
With each glance from her colleagues, Ava felt her confidence wane. She couldn't help but feel the weight of their unspoken judgment, second-guessing herself and overanalyzing every action she took.
Trying to maintain composure, Ava worked diligently, but the lingering stares continued to wear her down. She longed for Bella's reassuring presence, missing the support and camaraderie that had provided her with a sense of comfort earlier during their lunch break.
As the workday progressed, Ava found herself yearning for the usual conversations and shared laughter she and Bella often had. The absence of her friend made the office environment feel increasingly suffocating, intensifying the discomfort caused by the lingering stares and the unspoken tension in the air.
Despite her attempts to regain focus, Ava couldn't shake off the feeling of being scrutinized. With Bella occupied elsewhere, she found herself navigating the rest of the day with a sense of isolation, longing for the familiar camaraderie that had offered solace and support amidst the judgmental atmosphere at work.
Ava had been seated at her desk for hours, grappling with the never-ending pile of paperwork. The pressure on her bladder had become undeniable, and she decided it was time to make a quick visit to the restroom. With a sigh of relief, she stood up, trying to maintain her composure while subtly hurrying toward the restroom. Angela sighted her from a few distance away and smirked. Here was the perfect chance she had been waiting for. She would teach the b*tch a lesson and let her know she wasn't pleased with the fact that Bryan was giving her ( Ava ) his attention, she vowed. Angela thought luck had smiled on her when she realized she was carrying a glass of water so she walked towards Ava briskly.
As Ava navigated through the office corridors, her steps quickened. She was so close to the restroom when Angela bumped into her and dumped the contents in her glass on her. The few employees behind them gasped in shock and Ava did too. She was too shocked to speak as she stared at Angela.
" Oh my! I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming! " Angela exclaimed in fake surprise and apology.
"I'm so sorry " She said again but didn't sound sorry the least bit and Ava knew it was fake. She looked around, ashamed as crowd gathered to know what was going on. Ava knew this was Angela's aim, to embarrass her because Bryan had been showering her ( Ava ) with attention lately.
Well, if it was attention she wanted, Ava would gladly give her that. Right that moment, she looked up to find Bryan standing a few distance away, staring at her with rage in his eyes. He made to step in but Ava sent him a look that said she could handle it. Then she turned her attention back to Angela who smirked in satisfaction. The latter didn't notice Bryan's presence though.
Luckily enough for Ava, someone walked past, carrying a cup of juice and grabbed it. She dumped the whole contents on Angela's body with her eyes blazing in raw anger.
Again, the employees gasped at her action, even Angela too. No one expected her to retaliate because she seemed like the quiet type.
Angela's eyes went wide as she stared at Ava, dumbfounded " What... What did you just do? " She breathed out.
Now it was Ava's turn to smirk " What you did " She said simply but loudly enough for everyone present to hear and some employees chuckled, including Bryan who stared at her with newly found respect and admiration.
" She really is something, isn't she? " He said quietly to his secretary who seemed unfazed by the whole thing. Lily had always known Ava to be a drama queen when crossed.
" I really don't wanna leave you here princess, but I have to go clean up the mess you made " Ava said with a sweet smile and walked away.
Angela stared after her, too shocked to do anything as she stared at her dress. Ava's comeback was really something to talk about. She was really ashamed and she felt stupid.
Bryan lingered nervously outside the Ladies' restroom, his eyes occasionally darting around the whole place, anxious for Ava's return. He had followed her there, concern etched on his face, waiting with bated breath.