Girlfriend

Atlas looked at his watch with his brows furrowed. It was almost 9:00am and Meredith hadn't reported to work yet. Yesterday after their little episode they had pretended like that nothing had happened and went on with their work

Atlas knew she was hiding something, the way her face had turned pale and her breathing had changed while he was talking made him suspicious. What had caused her to have a panic attack?

He couldn't wait to find out, to know all of her secrets. He wanted to investigate her so bad but he felt he was invading on her privacy. When the time was right, he hoped she would trust him enough to tell him.

Sighing he took his phone from his pocket and dialed her number. It rang several times but there was no answer.

Atlas knitted his brows and decided to call her with the new number he got just to communicate with her as Atlas. It rang three times and just as he was about to hung up, she answered, her voice barely audible.

"Good morning, Meredith." He greeted

"A-atlas…" she uttered in a muffled groan.

Hearing her voice, a worried expression marred his face.

"Angel, what is wrong with you?" He whispered softly.

"Just some bad cramps" She muttered.

"What? Are you alright? Did you take medicine? Is it that bad?"

Meredith let out a little laugh, "Relax, I'm alright. I won't die. It's just menstrual cramps, that's all."

Atlas raked his fingers through his hair. He remembered their conversation in the washroom yesterday. She had told him she usually experiences pain from the second day, how could he forget?

"I'm coming over right away."

"There is no need. I am fine and you're probably busy too. Also, I have to call my boss before he fires me."

"Don't worry, I will communicate with your boss for you. See you in 20 minutes." Before she could protest, he hung up the call.

Atlas looked through the employees' profile on his laptop and found her address. He grabbed his blazer and walked out of his office.

While sitting in his car, he took his phone and opened his browser. He typed, 'how to comfort a woman on her period.' He scrolled through various feeds.

Be attentive and sweet.

Bring her a gift basket full of sweets, a heating pad and a good book

Send her flowers

Binge watch her favorite movies

Atlas furrowed his brows. He had no idea why he was even rushing to see her; the moment he knew she was in pain and searching how to comfort her.

What the hell was wrong with him? This wasn't him. When did he start caring about the women he had been fucking? And now he was acting like a puppy in love who couldn't wait to make his girlfriend happy.

He stiffened at the thought. "Girlfriend?" He muttered and let out a mirthless chuckle. He had never considered himself to get into a relationship.

Relationships made you vulnerable and he didn't think he could show anyone the ruined part of himself. Emotional attachments scared the hell out of him. Because one day, they are your everything and the next day they just disappear making you feel hollow.

Rubbing his forehead, he started his car and drove out of his parking lot. Atlas found himself in front of the mall. He removed his tie and rolled his sleeves, after he was done, he got out of his car.

He walked inside the mall and roam around until he reached the feminine hygiene products section. Atlas rubbed the nape of his neck when he saw an older woman standing there. God this was so embarrassing.

Taking a deep breath, he picked a sanitary pad and stared at it lost in thoughts. He had no idea which one he was supposed to choose and there was so many of them.

"Do you need help?" The older woman gave him a soft smile.

"Ah...yes."

The woman chuckle at this reaction, "Are you buying for your girlfriend? You should make a period emergency box for her. Women gets grumpy when they have their period and you should pamper them son."

Atlas blushed, he felt like a teenager all over again, whose mom was educating about women.

"Emergency period box?" he inquired.

"Yes, so that even if you're not around. She would have a little comfort."

Atlas nodded, "Then can you please help me with it?"

The woman's eyes lit up and she clapped in excitement.

"Of course! Aww I'm so jealous. Your girlfriend must be really lucky."

Atlas lips just curled up but he said nothing. He didn't even bother correcting her.

He let the woman guide her as he personally selected the things he wanted to get for Meredith.

20 minutes later, he was done. Even though he was late, he felt it was worth it.

"Thank you! Here is my card. If you need anything, just give me a call."

The woman reached out and took his card.

"You're welcome. I hope you and your girlfriend will be with each other forever."

"Me too." Atlas muscle tensed when he realized what he had blurted out.

The woman busted into laughter when he saw the horrid look on Atlas's face.

"Don't think too much. If it's meant to be, it will be." Then she left."