What The Hell I’m In Hell
"Which games will you take part in?" Rosie, the presidents, the secretary asks me while stretching. The games are about to start and most of the employees stand in groups waiting excitedly.
"None. I'm here to watch and make sure nothing goes wrong." I say politely and nod my head before walking away. Father did not go light on organizing this competition. Just one look and you can tell a lot of money is spent.
I approach Daniel seated next to the judges who seems to take a deep interest in Sophie, the manager. I wonder if he wants to take a break because he wants to get away from me or for someone else.
"Didn't see you there. I need to leave urgently, Carter will be with you for the rest of the day." He blurts as to avoid suspicion.
"Wasn't he supposed to start from next week?" I ask agitated, I must spend the day with someone I don't want to be with.
"He was, but I need to go. Don't be too obvious that you're her, don't pay him any attention." He lectures me and I wave my hand, motioning him to take his leave so I can make my way towards my meeting. Best believe that I'll stay here in this hellhole while people compete for money.
Outside the building, my car pulls up in front of me and I beckon my driver to climb out. Carter runs from behind me and looks down awkwardly.
After we're off the roads and on the highway, I look at my nervous secretary and ask him a question.
"Do you live here?" I inquire while gently placing my foot on the accelerator. He looks shaken by the sudden question and nods.
"I shifted here two months ago after completing my university." He answers uneasily and glances of the window. My sources were right, I thought they were hardly trustworthy but I guess not.
"Do your parents also live here?" I try to look casual asking but I feel that I seemed too conspicuous.
"No, my mother did a few years ago and my father lives on the countryside." He replies, growing more comfortable by the second. I nod and push my hair out of my face. I never expected Blaine Smith to move out of the city, seemed too much in love with his work.
Soon, we reach the hotel near the seaside. The waves look brilliant blue as the sun shines on them. People must have realized the beautiful weather because the beach was crowded. I must have been making a disgusted face because Carter spoke to me.
"Hate beaches?" He rubs his neck and looks at the hotel. We must have arrived late because a worried expression dawns on his face.
"No, only naked people." I pass my keys to the valet and put on my glasses. I stride inside confidently, keeping Carter scurrying to keep up with me.
"How long are you going to be here for?" I smile at the waitress as she passes by.
"All day. Daniel told me to work like my life depended on it. I didn't imagine you'd be so scary on the first day," He must have not known that he said that aloud because his eyes opened up the second the words were out.
I didn't think people used to view me as cold, but I stopped caring about opinions a long time ago. I keep quiet and ignore him. Henry greets me warmly when he sees me and I smile.
The people attending this meeting will not be the friendliest, everyone is only concerned about their own stomachs. The same old women in black dresses with millionaires at their arms trying to gain knowledge on how to grow more massively.
The atmosphere in the room darkened when I stepped in, although I didn't understand then. I stop to have the same mindless chatter. I sit to eat, making sure Carter sits next to me and doesn't get lost. Now that would be embarrassing.
I cut into the steak and chew it slowly. It tastes slightly bitter; I wash it down with some water and continue eating. During the fifth bite and in between Henry's knock-knock joke, I feel my throat clenching. It feels all the air is being kicked out of my lungs and I struggle to breathe.
I grab some water and force it down my throat, but something stops it. The world becomes blurry and red spots appear in front of my eyes. I see Carter reaching over me and shaking me lightly, but his voice seems miles away, and the world collapses around me.
I wake up what feels like an eternity later and open my eyes to find me lying in a hospital bed with an IV tube injecting fluids in my nerves. I drag myself up into a sitting position and grab a glass of water.
I wipe the sweat off my forehead and look around anxiously, wondering how I got there. The last memories I have are of me on the beach and walking inside.
A short robust nurse enters the room and smiles warmly at me.
"Glad you're awake. Someone's here to see you, should I send them in?" She says while checking my vitals and I nod feebly. My long black hair block my view.
Daniel rushes inside the room and instantly I can tell that he hasn't slept for ages. He looks so changed with black eye bags under his eyes and his hair are a mess.
"Are you okay? I was so scared when it happened, I was on my way back from the venue and I freaked out when I found out!" He speaks speedily and I shake my head trying to concentrate on his words.
"What happened?" I croak out and cringe at how strained my voice sounds.
"Someone poisoned your food, I was so scared when I got the call from the hospital and Carter was so worried and I shouldn't have let you alone at all." He mumbles and I nod. I feel guilty for putting my friend in pain, especially after seeing his state. He looks shaken and so worried.
"Your father came a few hours ago and gave you some flowers. I think he's trying to make an effort." I can hear Daniel speaking, but the only thing in my mind is the blurry face I saw.