Chapter 2: paralleled schedules
The past few weeks were packed with numerous activities as the deadlines for a perfume launching event approached.
The new roommate and I seemed to have diverging schedules as I have not met her almost a month after moving in.
At 5 a.m., I awoke, feeling rejuvenated and ready to go back to work although I dreaded it.
I prepared for the day with a practiced routine of fixing my bed, taking a warm shower, slipping into my work attire, and arranging the files I needed for several meetings for an upcoming perfume launching event. I took my homecooked lunch and took a train to work an hour before my employees start to fill the workplace.
The day was filled with hour-long meetings, emails, and piles of paperwork and reports that never seemed to end. Not wanting to waste a single second, I approached the storm of papers with tenacity.
Satisfied with today's work, I began packing my belongings. The aroma of a home-cooked meal filled my mind as I commuted to the familiar route going home.
As I opened the door, my phone chimed. My curiosity caused me to reach for my phone, immediately reading the text I was sent.
"Will be gone for a few days, Dee will be taking care of your packed meals. Don't worry, she's a great cook," the text said. I was about to put my phone back in my pocket when I heard another notification.
"She cooked dinner, don't think of immediately going to your room when you get home."
I sighed. Why does Nicole inform me last-minute? I closed the door behind me, looking forward to whatever meal was prepared.
"I'm home," I said aloud for the woman to hear. I walked into the kitchen, spotting a blonde with her back turned away from me.
The woman faced me and smiled, "welcome home. I was told me that you'd be home late so I took the time to cook." When our eyes met, I was hit with a sense of familiarity.
The woman gave me a warm smile, the twin pools of blue spoke with kindness like they did years ago.
"Ms. Thompson?" I stared at her in disbelief.
"It's about time we met, AJ."