6 5

Strange, it didn't feel like she was in her room. Granted, a few times she'd felt that way on her bed. But for some reason, she knew once she opened her eyes, she'd find herself on a strange bed. Her eyes opened slowly. Damn it, she was right. She sat up abruptly upon realising. Crap, Nick Atkins' bed. She would do anything to go back to those few seconds before she remembered. She looked over to the other side of the bed, it was empty. So was the room. It was her best chance to sneak out. She got up and began dressing up. All the while panicking and hoping he wouldn't walk in at any second. Good thing the sun wasn't out yet.

Nick worked on his computer, adjusting and readjusting things he had most likely gone over before. The rays from his monitor illuminating the small room. Through his slightly open study door, he heard the wooden floor boards creak accompanied by the sound of slow moving footsteps. He turned his head a bit. Not to see her walk away, as his head barely moved past his right shoulder. Within seconds, the front door was opened and then closed, she was gone. He turned back to the monitor, it's light hitting his face as he rubbed his hair. His mind was not fully on his work.

Monday morning, Lucille strolled into her office to find a perfectly wrapped little box on her desk. She looked it over and sighed completely annoyed when she saw the initials A. N. On a card attached to it. Her forehead creased as she placed it on top of two files she was to hand over to the person responsible for this gift. She'd heard he did that a lot. But she couldn't help feeling insulted. What in blazes is she supposed to do with it... whatever was in the damn box? She took a deep calming breath which honestly was no help, before heading out to drop it with his secretary. "Hey. A present." Of course. Suzanne. Perfect timing.

Lucille scratched her temple "Yeah."

"Who's it for." She looked at it, full of curiosity

"Mister A."

Her eyes widened, looking from the box to Lucille. "You're giving him a present? You like him? One too many late nights I presume."

The longer she stayed in Suzanne's presence, the more annoyed she got. It would be a shame if she poured all that annoyance on her. On the bright side; it might get her to shut up. Oh how tempting. She needed to lie. A lie that wouldn't cause too much trouble. Or reach Mister Atkin's ears and have him questioning her. "Apparently someone left it for him at the party on Friday. I'm just going to give it to him. Along with these files." Damn it. Should she smile? She really didn't want to. But how about instead -

"Oh, Ok. But imagine if-"

"I have to hurry Suzy. I need to be back before Mister Atkins gets in." She walked past Suzanne and didn't look back. Not even to find out what she would say next. "Hi." She said to his secretary. "Umm, these are for Mister A." She dumped them on the man's desk and walked away.

Rubbing his right temple, examining the clearly unopened gift that had been returned to him, Nick couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. "You got a present?" Bart asked, walking into his friend's office and noticing the box in his hand.

"I gave a gift." Nick answered, sitting up straight. "She didn't want it." Why? Especially since how he got it still surprised him. He'd surprised himself.

"A she? Really?" Bart looked too excited. "Ha!" He clapped once, moving close to the desk. "How come?"

"I don't know." He trailed off. Staring at the box "She didn't even open it."

"I'm guessing this has never happened before."

"It has. Once or twice. I can't remember. But not like this."

"Not everyone appreciates, likes or wants what you give. That's just how it is."

"I know that B. She didn't open it." He repeated. "It's still-"

"Is that why you're upset?" He took the box from him, an amused smile on his face.

"I'm not upset. I'm shocked."

Bart laughed. "Who is she?"

"What?"

"I need a name Nick. So I can thank her."

"For what?"

"For making you question everything you know. Yeah. That sounds about right."

That's exactly what he'd thought when he thought about getting it. And now look at him. Confused. And yet, getting the message. "I'm not telling you her name."

"Can I keep it? Maybe I'll give it to my next girl. Maybe that Lucille lady." He chuckled. Nick smirked.

Scrubbing effortlessly, the pots and pans she'd used to cook, Lucille hummed to the tune of the music playing on the radio placed a few inches away from the sink. Enjoying her company as she worked. Laughing at silly jokes she remembered and planning her next visit to the orphanage, wondering what to take with her. All the while; humming, tapping her feet to the beat and scrubbing. After which, she moved to her room, taking the radio with her to fold her clothes perfectly and placing them into their various places. All neatly piled by sizes when folded. When she was done with the little chores she had to do, she sat on her bed. Legs crossed as she went over files she had allowed herself to take home.

Within seconds of her stepping in, he was consumed by heat. The large office all of a sudden felt stuffy. "You wanted to see me?" She said to his father. Not even looking his way. He adjusted his tie and pulled at his collar a bit. Hoping it wasn't noticeable. That his father didn't notice. It was the first time he was seeing her since that night. And it was in his father's office. The fact that she paid him no mind was a sign that she was clearly giving. Had she used him?

"Yes." Bryan smiled. "How are you? Did you enjoy it?"

Lucille blinked once. "What?" A sign that she was thinking about it too. Nick bent his head as he smiled. Maybe she hadn't.

If she could leave soon she would. She felt like she was being suffocated. Much worse with him sitting there and shifting his gaze between her and his father as subtly as he could. If only she could tell him to stop. One thing was clear, it never should have happened. Yet it did. And seeing... trying not to see him seated there made her think about it. And she didn't want to. "The party Lucille." Bryan chuckled.

"Yes. Yes. It was nice." She smiled back.

"Good. I wish I could have been there." He took in a deep breath. "Nick, I'll see you later." Taking that as his cue, Nick stood up, buttoned his suit buttons. A quick glance her way as he walked past her. Taking in the sweet scent that plagued his bed. Still not a look from her. Too bad. "Prepare your things. We'll be going for a meeting in half an hour." She nodded. "We talked about this Lucille."

"I'm sorry. Yes sir." The last thing Nick heard her say before he closed the door behind him.

He chuckled. "It's okay. Meet me down stairs in twenty minutes."

"Yes sir."

He sighed. "Why won't you just call me Bryan?" She smiled and left the room. He shook his head.

Days later, Bryan knocked playfully on Lucille's office door before opening it without waiting for any form of consent. "Hello." He smiled.

"Good afternoon Mister Atkins." She smiled back.

"Let's go to lunch." He stepped in. "I had a whole floor turned into a break room of some sort. Or is it a cafeteria? Have you been there?"

"No sir."

"Well then it's a marvellous idea." He clapped once. "Let's go." She got to her feet. "I hear there's usually a lot of people down there by this time." He looked at his watch. "We're going to lunch Suzy. I would love to invite you, but perhaps some other time. Lucille can sit in her office and it'll just be the two of us. How does that sound?"

"I'm jealous now Mister Atkins. But I can wait."

"Good." He laughed. "I like that. And we can talk about all the latest things."

"Take me with you now sir."

"Soon enough Suzy. Soon enough." They got into the elevator.

Instead of heading for an empty table, he went for one of the few tables with two seats left. Tray with his selected lunch in hand and Lucille trailing behind him with questions she wanted to ask but had a feeling she wouldn't need to. He joined in a group's conversation. Making the group laugh as they talked about all sorts of things. It was clear that none of them knew who he was. She was liking this plan more and more. He introduced himself as a new employee and Lucille as his tour guide. It didn't take long before the conversation turned to talk of the big boss who hired a girl that no one had a clue what her last name is. Lucille felt a bit uneasy but Bryan didn't mind. The older man listened with a knowing smile as each person took turns talking about the rumours they'd heard... or were making up. "I don't know how, but he used his son and a few assistants to get some people fired."

"Apparently, they were giving out company information."

"He doesn't take crap from anyone. Not even his son. His son's so straight faced cause one small smile and Bryan might kill him."

That comment made him arch his brow. Lucille settled in. Fully understanding his intentions and seeing it for the amusement that it was. "Yeah I heard about that." Lucille chimed in. Bryan turned to face her fully. "I don't even think he can smile. Probably too much trauma. And, a lot of people haven't seen his face cause he stays up in his office like a mystery man king or something." He laughed silently.

"Wait. Who are you?"

He cleared his throat. "I'm Bryan Atkins. This is my assistant Lucille." Shock all around as he stood up. Lucille chuckled. "I would have loved to stay quiet a little longer. But I have work to do. He turned to leave. "Get back to your jobs and stop trading gossip. Or I'll have you fired. Vincent, Amy. The rest of you." A subtle threat that he now knows who they are." Lucille forced herself to keep from smiling or laughing as they left. "I knew this would be fun and it truly was. And the food was good too. Well done Lucille. Man king." He laughed.

"Do you always do this?"

"No." He shook his head. "This is the first time."

On a Friday night out, Lucille sat between Geegee and some guy who's name she'd forgotten. With Wes and his girlfriend across from her and Geegee's boyfriend and Nancy at the left and right corners respectively. "We thought it'll be cool to introduce you two." Geegee managed to say over the loud music. Talking about the guy by Lucille who was talking to Nancy. "I didn't think he would ignore you."

Lucille smiled. "I don't even remember his name. And she should get a nice guy. If he turns out to be like her ex. I'll do more than blame you." She warned with furrowed eyebrows.

"He's okay. I promise. So you don't mind?"

"No. I feel like watching tonight. You know? I don't feel like making conversation with new people or forcing myself to do so." She looked at Wes. He sharply shifted his gaze from her. "This is fun."

"Hey, want to dance?" He just turned around and asked her.

Geegee looked up in shock. "Uhh... No. But I'm sure Nancy would love to." Lucille replied. Wes stood up, pulling his girlfriend towards the dance floor.

"Or maybe, you weren't giving him the attention he was hoping you would." Geegee pointed out.

"By what? Talking to my friend and expecting me to join in?" Lucille scoffed and rolled her eyes. "He's not serious. And now I feel awful for Nancy."

"Don't be. She's smiling. And dancing and isn't being slapped around. I say that's far from awful."

"I apologise for my feelings then." Lucille smiled. "Oh! Did I tell you what Mister Atkins did?"

"Sir, Lucille is here." His secretary informed him over the intercom.

Inhaling the last of the white lines, he raised his head. "Send her in." and went back to it. The powder disappearing into his nostril just as Lucille opened the door. "Where have you been?" He ran his hand over his nose. "You're late." He glanced at his computer screen to make sure there was nothing on his face. "You shouldn't keep me waiting. We have work to do damn it!" He yelled. A drug induced burst directed at her.

"Excuse me?"

Crap. There goes all the power. Racing over to her side. Just two words and he lost control of a situation the was sure he was handling well. She did come in late didn't she? "W-we have work to do." His confidence was struck as well.

"I've been here twice today already. And I'm late? If you're going to be late, Please inform me somehow. I don't work for you. And I have work I need to take care of for Mister Atkins." She took her usual seat and started her job. He couldn't speak, only stare. How did she do that?

An hour passed with intensity before she was called away by a page from Bryan. She was gone for almost fifteen minutes. When she returned and closed the door behind her, Nick had something to say. "You're not a very nice person."

She stopped in her track. "What made you think I was?" She wasn't planning on proving him wrong or right. He is after all entitled to his opinions.

"It's the way my father talks about you. So much praise." He raked his hair with his fingers. "I wonder how he would react if he knew we- that is if you two haven't." He scoffed. Lucille moved closer. A small smile on her face, subtly clenching her jaw while boiling with anger. Waiting to get close enough. "In which case... well, it would just be awkward."

And just when she was. He didn't know what hit him. Only a few seconds later. When he realised it was her hand. He looked at her with furrowed eyebrows and shock.

Bartholomew Veen closed the door as silently as possible when he saw her slap him. He didn't even get the chance to walk in when that happened. As curious as he was to find out why she hit him, he thought it better to come back when the room wasn't so hot.

That was not part of what she meant by entitled to his opinions. "What?" Wide eyes stared at him. "Did you think I would sit or stand by and watch you insult me? Who do think you are? Be careful what you say to me Mister Atkins. Or it would be the last thing you ever hear come out of your mouth." Seething. Pure seething unexpected... well, maybe he should have expected it. Anger.

"Are you threatening to kill me?" Eyebrows still furrowed.

"No. I'm saying you'll lose your tongue." She stormed out the office. Not caring that Mister Veen was standing by the door, watching her leave with his hands in his pockets.

Nick stared at the door dumbfounded. He still didn't know how to respond to that. The door was pushed open. Bart appeared. "What happened?"

"I insulted her."

"Why they hell would you do that?" This time it was Bart's eyebrows that creased.

"I don't know."

"Why the hell not? Are you high right now?"

"I probably still am." He looked at his friend.

"Umm..." She started, when Mister Atkins let her into his office. "can I plea-" Her breathing hitched, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Trying to calm herself. It wasn't working. Only made worse as she tried to speak. One false move and she could scream. She smiled. A small sign of assurance to keep Mister Atkins clear worry from finding words. She tried again. "Can I please leave for lunch early. I umm..." another deep breath. "Don't feel too good." She hoped he would say yes. But either way, she was planning on finding a safe place to scream. Hitting Nick was fine. But unfortunately, she was still so very angry.

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Thank you." She closed the door and rushed off. Stopping by Suzanne's corner. "Hey. Could you help me get my stuff from Mister A's office?

"Aren't you working on something with him?"

"Yeah. But I need them and Mister Atkins sent me. Please?" Suzanne nodded. "Thanks."

Two hours passed before she stepped back in her office. And in no time, Nick's assistant was knocking on her door with an apology gift from the ass. "Mister A says-"

"Take it back." She hadn't completely calmed down and he was already destroying her mood. Even worse because Suzanne would wonder why Mister A's assistant was bringing a gift to her. Great. Suzanne could call the entire building and inform them.

"Take it back to her." When Suzanne came for the files Lucille had come in with, he felt terrible. Left to think about the things he had said, he knew he had been a complete jerk. He had to apologise.

"But sir, she-"

"Just take it back to her."

And so began the game of tennis. With Nick's assistant as the ball. Going back and forth between "take it back" and "take it back." Nick's frustration at her resistance and Lucille's even more boiling anger at his persistence. And he, the assistant, almost certain he was just as angry as Lucille when she finally snapped. "I said TAKE IT BACK!!!" The words she had said four times already, startled him this time.

Nick washed his hands. Having just taken care of a bloody nose he'd had only moments ago. He stepped out of the restroom with the same words. "Take it back to her."

Tired of the stupid back and forth, "she said she doesn't want it!" The assistant too snapped. Nick stopped. Looking at the man in surprise. He cleared his throat. "I mean um-" He swallowed, regretting his out burst.

"Give it to me." Nick stretched out his hand, the man dropped the box in his open palm. Nick started out the office. His assistant behind him.

The entire floor heard that yell. Even though it was a bit muffled to some. Like Mister Atkins. Suzanne heard it loud and clear. Keeping her eyes on the door to see what would happen next. Bryan made his was to the staring secretary. "What's going on?"

"Mister A's assistant has been to her office five times now." She just couldn't help talking. She was almost done explaining what she'd seen when it registered that it was her boss she was talking to.

"Well don't stop now. Keep going, I'm listening."

Half way through the rest of her tale, Nick emerged from the open elevator. Straight to Lucille's office. Knocking once and opening the door. Not taking note of the two people watching from the corner.

"Please leave." Lucille said abruptly getting to her feet.

"You want me to apologise in person. Is that it?"

"You've already insulted me. I have no use for your apology. It's only a way for you to feel less guilty."

"No. It's because I know now that I shouldn't have said what I said. Judging by how you reacted to my accusations, I know I was wrong. I'm sorry. I should never have said that. I don't know why I did. I did deserve that slap. So please accept my gift."

"No. Please leave."

"At the risk of losing my tongue-"

"I said leave." She was glaring at him. Red with rage.

"Lucille, I'm sorry."

"I've heard you. And I don't care. Your presence enrages me." Through gritting teeth. "please leave." A knock on the door. As it opened, she dropped to her chair.

Nick folded his arms and turned. Facing his father. Bryan looked between the two of them. Feeling the tension that made his forehead crease as he asked. "What's going on." His tone serious. Then softened with worry as he a looked over at her.

"Nothing." Nick answered with a sigh, rubbing his chin.

"It's not nothing. It so clearly isn't nothing. Your assistant has been here five times." Lucille looked away. Glaring at nothing and scratching her loose hair. "Lucille?" He looked at her for an answer.

Something has to be said. "I wanted her to give this." He raised the box. "To someone on her way out. But she refuses to."

"She doesn't work for you Nick." His calm professional tone somehow started to calm her.

"Yes, I know that. But-"

"You have an assistant. Instead of sending him up and down the elevator, send him to give it to who ever."

Nick sighed, closed his eyes, pressing the bridge of his nose. "You're right. I'll d- I'll go do that." He walked past his father. No choice but to give up.

"Lucille?" He looked at her when Nick left. His eyes as calm as his voice.

"Yes sir?"

"That shouldn't upset you so much that you should yell."

She nodded. "I mean, yes sir. I'm sorry." He nodded with a smile and left. Lucille sighed and bent her head over the desk. Her forehead resting on the surface.

Wes stood before her. His hands in his pockets as he gazed at what looked to be a tired and upset Lucille. "You're upset." He pointed out. She nodded. He pulled his hand from his pocket, bending his index finger and nudging her nose a bit with it. She smiled. A half small sweet smile he liked to think was just for him. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. She chuckled at the act. "Come on. Are you sure that car's being fixed?" He stood beside her till she got in the car before going to the driver's side.

"They say it's being fixed. But it just keeps having problems."

He'd done it again. Granted, it was only the second time, but he'd watched her getting into another car from his window. His head fell back over the back his couch, body slanting and arms spread out. What possessed him to speak as he had? Regret and guilt made him weak. And to think he'd left those feelings at the office. Her fury blazing eyes haunted him.

Two days passed. They had work to do but he let her absence slide. Maybe if he left her alone to calm down, apologising would be much easier. "How far have you gone?" His father asked.

"Far enough." He scratched his cheek.

"Be more specific Nick. Suzanne says Lucille hasn't left this floor."

"You listen to everything Suzanne says?" He sat back.

"You upset the girl."

"And I'll apologise. Don't get involved."

"Why would I?"

"Why are you asking me questions?"

Neither of them intended to answer the other's questions. Bryan blinked once. "Don't you have a meeting soon?"

"Don't you?" Nick asked smirking, before leaving. "Inform Lucille that she is to attend a meeting with me in forty five." He said to Suzanne, dropping the address of the restaurant. "She should not be late."

The men laughed as Lucille spoke. She spoke the language all too well. Nick appeared. Standing behind her and watching her work. "Good afternoon gentlemen." He noticed she stiffened but all too quickly relaxed. He had to do it now. "Excuse us for a moment. Lucille?" She stood up with a smile and followed him to a corner. Sharp eyes looked at him. "I know this isn't the right place. But, I'm sorry. I'm apologising with no gifts or stupid remarks."

"You mean like how you made it look like I wanted you to leave your office and come to mine?" She tilted her head. A sarcastic look on her face. They had to meet again sooner or later. It might as well be now.

She looked impatient and in control. "Yes. I shouldn't have said what I said."

"I have no need for your apology. It benefits me in no way. You just don't like that it makes you feel guilty."

"What makes you think I feel guilty?"

"If you aren't, you wouldn't have had me leave my office to a meeting that I have no idea what it's about to apologise for the second time."

"You knew that's why I called you here?"

"Only after you excused us from the men."

"Ok. I'm sorry."

"I have to accept. If anything, to reduce the tension and keep Suzanne's mouth shut." Nick scoffed. Amused by her behaviour. "Does that make you feel better Mister A? Have a nice day." She left him to his meeting.

For weeks to come, it was the longest conversation they had. At least, there was no tension between them while they worked together.

"If the car is so bad, why don't you get a new one?" Quincy asked while he worked.

"Because I like it daddy." Lucille admired the snow globe on his desk."

"Get a new one."

"I can't just leave it like that." She picked it up and shook it.

"Then don't. Give it to someone."

She gasped. An idea struck her. "It could be a gift to any of the eighteen year old kids who's chosen to be valedictorian this year."

"That's a great idea. Now don't speak. I need to do this."

"Alright daddy. See you at dinner. I'm going to watch mom with the kids." He didn't say a word as she skipped out of his office.

Suzanne burst into Lucille's office, ready to explode with news. "Hi Suz-"

"Mister A's got a girlfriend." She blurted. "Natasha said Bowman said she's the only girl whose calls and Mister A doesn't refuse. Or is it hardly refuses? Apparently she's really gorgeous. I haven't seen her, but apparently she's been to his office a few times. Do you think you might have seen her there?" No answer. But Lucille looked like she was listening, she's even smiling. "Lucille? Lucille answer me."

"What?" She blinked. She didn't even know when she spaced. "What?"

"I just said Mister A has a girlfriend."

"Ok. I suppose that's big news."

"Are you forgetting something? He never sees the same girl more than two times."

"You really know a lot about him."

"He's not hiding it. And they follow him around. But this one. This girl..." Again she blanked out. Thinking about what car to get. Nina's suggestions were proving very annoying. Especially since she kept saying 'I think I want that one for myself.' As long as the car drove and isn't red. That's her own thought on the subject so far. Suzanne was still talking.

"I dunno." Lucille said, wringing her wet hair. The water dripping down to the floor as she went into the living room. Towel round her chest and phone wedged between her ear and shoulder. "I'm in my lazy mood."

"Ohhh... your lazy mood. How long this time, two weeks?" Nina asked, obviously smiling.

"Not that long. Last time it was two weeks, it took me two days to finish cleaning."

"It wasn't just you who cleaned. And look how fun that was. We even rearranged the room. Aunt Rachel was so upset." Lucille giggled, stepping into the sound of music playing and the voices from the television. Nina could hear it in the background. "For heaven's sake Luce. Are you listening to music and watching TV?"

"Maybe." Lucille looked guilty, Nina could hear it in her voice. "I was in the bathroom before you called." She headed for the kitchen. Picking a knife from a cupboard and going for the strawberries, grapes and pineapple in the fridge.

"Uh-huh. That's no excuse. So anyway. I was thinking..." Nina trailed off.

"Mmhmm..." Lucille smiled knowing Nina wanted something. She chopped the pineapple.

"Stop it." Lucille laughed. "Shut up."

"Okay fine. But that's not how to ask for a favour."

"Okay fine." She sighed. "There's a photo shoot for my new perfume. I want you to be the model."

"What?" She stopped reaching for a grapes halfway. "No. No Nina no."

"Oh come on please. I don't want anyone else but you. You're gorgeous and you have the body."

"You do it."

"I want you to do it. Please. The shoots in two days."

"You can come over tomorrow, sign the contract, take the photos and you can leave just in time for work Monday morning."

"Nina-"

"Lulu please." Damn it, she's begging. "Lulu. Lulu. Luce. Luuuuce." No answer. "Lucille."

"Ugh! fine." She dumped the knife. "I'll do it. Because I'm gorgeous and I have a body to match." Nina laughed. "But I don't know why you won't do it."

"I hurt my arm during a scene."

"Ouch!"

"Yeah."

"It's a good thing it's a three day weekend. Stephen's getting adopted today. I want to be there. The other kids might be upset."

"Awwwww. Hey. Take a tub of ice cream to them from me."

"Like an actual bathtub?"

"Sure." She could feel Nina rolling her eyes.

Lucille hugged the little girl before passing her to one of the older kids. More tears staining her dress. It broke her heart to see them so upset. To feel even more alone and unwanted when one of them got adopted by a new family. She raked her hand over her hair. She needed to cheer them up. The older ones may hide it, but they feel just as alone as the little ones. She hated all this so much. She gave them their ice cream and popcorn. Which they played with and messed the large common room up. Some of the teenagers stayed out of it. Even when she was running around screaming with the others while shooting water pistols. Then she talked with the teenagers, trying to get them to get out of their gloomy states. They ended up watching a movie for the girls and another for the boys. It was a full busy day. Luckily, she called and Tabby and Doris showed up with Nancy and the girls had a fashion show. It was even more exciting since Tabby the supermodel was doing it with them. The boys kept themselves busy. Whistling when the girls pretended to walk down a runway. The care takers laughed at the display as well. It made her happy that they were all laughing. Even if it was just for a moment.

Again, Nick found himself tugging on his tie when Lucille walked into his father's office. "I don't even know why this is happening now. It's too impromptu. But we have to be there. So be at the airport before eight." Nick nodded at his father's order. "That includes you too Lucille."

"What?" She looked at the old man confused. She hadn't heard a word until he called her name.

"We have business. You'll be coming with us. It's at most a ten day trip. There are also some things that need sorting out. You're coming with us. I'll send over the files you need to go through before eight A.M. tomorrow."

"Yes Mister Atkins."

The private jet was already taking off when she realised, "Nick isn't here." She pointed out.

"He is." Bryan smiled. "He's flying the plane." She nodded. "Don't worry. He's a good pilot. If we die you can kill me." His smile widened.

Lucille smiled back. "I'll try to remember that." It was impressive that he could fly a plane. Bryan chuckled, shaking his head.

Business was over in a week. But their return brought something with it. Lucille found herself feeling dizzy as she started towards the elevator the day after she returned. Her legs almost gave up on her. Just in time, Nick grabbed her by her waist. She blinked in shock. She almost fell. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Be careful."

"I just feel a little dizzy. Thanks." They got into the elevator. She rubbed her face. Two days of feeling woozy and almost being late to work until she couldn't take it. "Mister Atkins?" She stood by his door frame.

"Yes?" He was packing up a few papers and placing them in his briefcase.

"I don't feel too well. I'm sure it's-"

"Go." He didn't let her finish. "I won't be around for the day. Go."

"Thank you."

More days of feeling sick caused geegee to show up. Then Madison too came over with worry. "You can't stay in bed all day Cherrylu." Both women sat beside her. "It's been almost a week since this started. You need a doctor."

"I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Did you hear what I said? It's been almost a week. Get up. We're going." When they got to the hospital, Madison did all the talking. "I'm worried. I hope she didn't catch something when she travelled. I don't like this."

"It's okay Mrs. Lawes. I'll just need a blood sample."

Lucille didn't like it. She felt weird. Not because of the needle. Something didn't feel right. Her heart felt like it was in her stomach. Half an hour passed with Geegee talking to her and Madison. She barely heard what they were saying. And as the doctor walked back into the room, she knew. A lump formed in her throat just as the words were clear in her head. All she heard the doctor say through her pounding heart was; "pregnant."