22

"Nikki what are you doing? What do you mean you want to quit?" Chad stood in front of me, accessing me from head to tow. If I hadn't eavesdropped on his conversation with David Park, I would have been distracted by how worried he sounded.

"Because I work here, and I have the right to leave this organisation when I feel the need to." I reminded him, handing the letter over to him, "sorry it's poorly written, I just..." I trailed off, rubbing my arms with my hands, "I need to. I can't keep working here especially when you think so poorly of me, it's just not possible anymore." I sighed, turning around to leave.

"But Nikki," he held my wrist in an attempt to get me to turn around but I yanked my wrist free.

"Let it go okay?" I smiled. I found my eyes were getting tingly and the need to cry was itchy. I turned around and hastened my walking steps to avoid being seen by him as a vulnerable person.

In no time, I was out of the building and officially no longer a part of the firm. I hoped I was making the right decision.

*

Chad

I sat in my office, going through the letter I had received from Nikki.

Dear Chad,

It began

I clearly have no idea how people write resignation letters or anything since I've mostly been kicked out of my previous working place/ places (I've only worked at one place but it feels professional to add the places, you know?)

I couldn't help but smile at that line no matter how many times I read it. It was funny over and over again.

But, I overheard your conversation with David and it made me feel worthless. Like, worthless on a whole new level. Like, if worthless had a twin, I'd be both combined. Okay for real now, I just wanted something to live for. I just can't believe you think so poorly of me. I thought I was supposed to be the one that makes you laugh, I'm frustrating, I get that part but it's not enough to hate me as much as you do.

So, I'm quitting, I know you know that by now since I must have clearly told that to you before leaving.

I like you Chad and I hope you find the secretary of your dreams.

From your ugly secretary/ pretend fiance/ less attractive woman, Nikki.

Also, if you'd like to pay a compensation for making me feel like this, you know my payment details, anything above a thousand is okay.

Love, Nikki Hood.

The door to my office came open when I was done with reading the letter for the hundredth time.

I deepened my frown when I saw that it was none other than Rebecca.

"Hey baby." She made my ears go blind with the sound of her clanking heels. She wrapped her arms around me, getting rid of her sunglasses. She kissed my forehead and I repelled, thanks to the heavy scent of her fragrance. She used too much perfume and no matter what I said, it was her tradition.

"What's that?" She tried to reach for the note in my hand but I repelled just in time.

"Nikki left it, she quit." I rolled my eyes.

"What?!" She sounded excited, cupping her cheeks and squealing for joy, "that's such good news, we should celebrate. Damn, this is one of the best things I've heard in a while!" She took her seat on my lap as if my presence was void.

"What do you think you're doing?" I wondered.

"Celebrating of course." She rolled her eyes, "that girl has been nothing but trouble." She said.

"I don't see why you think so. She doesn't even work for you." I reminded her, holding her waist so she could get off my laps.

"Now that I think about it, I don't see what she has done to me as well." I pointed out, standing to my feet.

"Why did she quit?" Rebecca furrowed her eyebrows, following behind me as I paced around the room like I was lost in thoughts.

"It's all my fault." I admitted, shaking my head at her.

What do you mean by all your fault? You know, you're acting so weird right now. First, you had her all rolled up, embarrassing me in her presence," I tried to look at her and realized she was counting the list off her fingers. "And now you're feeling like you fucked up."

I ignored her and turned towards the door.

"Where on earth are you going now?" she groaned behind me.

"Close the door when you have to leave the office." I called to her. "Take the key to my house, I'll let you there later."

"But Chad this is..." her voice trailed off after I slammed the door in her face.

I hurried out of the office, checking my pocket to see if my car key was in it.

*

Nikki

I sat in front of the television. It felt like a casual weekend. I wasn't used to things not working my way and the mere fact that I was supposed to be looking for a new place to work was tormenting me.

I stood to my feet so I could prepare myself a bowl of soup. I was in one of Tom's shirts that I had stolen from him in a long time and nothing else.

I groaned as I strolled in the direction of the kitchen. The sound of the knocking door brought me back to the present and I turned my heels to attend to it.

"Who is it?" I called at the door, putting one hand on my waist as I groaned, rubbing my eyes while I waited to bring the door open.

"Chad?" I widened my eyes at his presence. "What are you doing he..." I never got to finish the sentence because he yanked me forward, held my waist with one arm until I was pressed against his body, and kissed the life out of my lips.