Jessie went into work with a big smile on her face. It had been one year since she had left Patrick and everything that surrounded him. But today, getting into this building, feeling like she was doing something useful actually was like the beginning of her new life.
She just hoped she wasn't going to meet Theo today. She had gone home and realized just how stupid she was being. She couldn't let things continue affecting her. That was not how to live.
From now on, she promised herself that she was going to try as much as possible to live the life she knew she deserved. She was going to make friends and nothing was going to stop her.
After asking directions to the office of the Human Resources head, Jessie took in a deep breath and got into the elevator. She really hoped that she wasn't going to just burst into tears or something, considering how nervous she was.
That was it. The office. Jessie knocked timidly and got in when she heard a come in. The voice was soft and feminine and Jessie didn't know why, but even from behind the door, it soothed her.
She got in and saw one of the most beautiful people she had ever seen in her life. This woman's skin was brown and smooth. Her eyes were the most startling clear brown and her mouth looked expressive.
As soon as she saw Jessie, she burst into a huge smile. "Hi! You must be Jessica Rabbit!" she exclaimed and Jessie didn't even know how to explain it, but she felt instantly at ease with this woman.
"Hi. Yes that's me," Jessie said with a smile on her face, though hers was not as big.
"I'm Karina. Nice to meet you. Please sit down." Jessie obeyed dutifully and waited for the woman to start.
"First of all Jessie– I can call you Jessie right?" At Jessie's nod, Karina continued. "So Jessie, I'm glad you're punctual. So, I am going to show you to your office and show you what exactly you're going to be doing. Is that okay with you?"
Jessie nodded then said, "Yes Karina."
Karina smiled at that. Then stood up. "Okay let's go. I'll show you to your office and we can start the day!"
Jessie smiled and mimicked Karina's action, following the woman as they got out of her office. The whole time till they reached Jessie's floor, Karina was talking.
If you had asked Jessie half the things this woman was saying, honestly, Jessie wouldn't have told you. But she kind of liked the chatter. It was better than just staying in some kind of awkward silence.
"So here we are. You are going to notice that there are already emails on your computer. We've created a work email for you and the password and email is on that tablet. We hope you will find you place here."
Karina said all this with a warm smile and sounded so concerned that Jessie couldn't help but return the smile. The woman was honestly so sweet for doing all this.
"Thank you Karina," Jessie replied. She felt like hugging this woman but maybe it was too early for this. She didn't know how these things worked. So she stood there awkwardly.
"Okay, just– Theo!" Karina interrupted herself and Jessie's eyes got wide.
The man in question stopped. Then he walked towards Karina and gave her a hug. It lasted more than Jessie would have wanted so she looked away. Technically, she had no right to feeling jealous, especially since she was refusing to talk to Theo.
"Theo, meet Jess–" Karina started and it made Jessie turn to her. But Theo had already interrupted.
"No need for introductions Kar. Jessie and I… know each other," he said, looking straight at Jessie.
"Oh," Karina said, then looked between the two. It looked like she was about to ask something then she kept quiet. She did place a possessive (or it looked possessive to Jessie) on Theo's forearm.
"I'm heading to the lounge. Care to accompany me?" she asked with a smooth smile.
Jessie watched Theo who was still looking at her. It was like he was waiting for her to do or say something. She swallowed then turned away. She hated that feeling that came when she looked at both of them.
Yes she wasn't even sure they were a thing. And they were probably not because they worked together. But still. Jessie hated feeling jealous over someone that wasn't even hers. It made her feel like it was Gracie all over again.
"See you later Jessie. If you have any problem or any question, remember to pass by my office, okay? Have a great first day here!" Karina chirped.
Before Jessie even had time to respond, they had left the office. She took in a deep breath then slumped into the chair facing the desk. It was weird how feelings sprung up on you when they were the last thing you even wanted to think about.
Her mind… she was so confused. She didn't know whether to talk to Theo or not. She didn't want to just fall over him and give him a chance when she knew she wasn't ready.
Jessie knew Theo wasn't going to force her to do anything and he wasn't going to pressure her into anything. But she didn't think she would need to be pressured
Seeing Theo again just reminded her of the depth of feeling she had for him. Even after all this while (a whole year!), she still loved Theo. She had never truly moved on. Just managed to convince herself to forget him and forget those feelings. But they had come back with an intensity that she couldn't quite explain.
Jessie sighed and powered the computer on. Wallowing her was going to change nothing. Especially since today was her first day at work. She needed to concentrate, and no matter how appealing he was, Theo was an unwelcome distraction.
***
It had been quite a long day. Jessie had gone through two manuscripts today. She was a fast reader, yes. But her job didn't just require swiftness. It also needed concentration and discernment.
In as much as she had enjoyed the day, she wanted to curl up and sleep after she took a long bath. As she was leaving, she spotted Karina and Theo.
Of course they weren't doing anything wrong. No untoward touches or glances. But Jessie's insecure heart made her pause for a bit. As soon as Theo spotted her, she turned away and quickened her steps. It seemed like all she was doing of late was running away from him.
"Jessie…" Theo said when he reached her.
"Yes," she answered, molding her expression into something neutral. Theo noticed.
"Why do you keep closing yourself up? I just want us to talk." he said.
"Theo… I'm scared. I don't want to risk anything. I'm scared," she repeated.
Theo looked at her for a moment, then he said, "What don't you want to risk? We're both suffering from being apart from each other. Don't you want us to talk things out once and for all?" He took her right hand into both his hands, and Jessie actually shuddered at the warmth.
"I'm scared I'll get hurt again Theo. That's the last thing I want. If I get hurt, I'm not sure I'll recover Theo. I don't want to risk it," she explained.
Theo watched her for a moment then he nodded. "Jessie, I'm not going to force you into anything you don't want. I'm going to give you time and space. And you'll think about us meeting and talking," he started, then he leaned in. Jessie's heartbeat quickened.
"Remember that I'm not patient Jessie. Remember that," he whispered, then he leaned in and brushed a kiss on her lips. Then he walked away.
Jessie stood there for a while. She touched her lips in awe. Then for some weird reason, she smiled.