Gut always wins! When Kyle and I were pulling out of the parking lot a ranger had just passed us and was making his way into the parking lot. But that was earlier now I sit hear waiting for my room mate to come out of her room to show me if I approve of her outfit for the night. Granted I almost never approve cause generally shows to much of something but it is more of color and look on her she cares. Honestly that is why I say no somethings.

“So what about this? Cheetah lingerie too much?”

“For what exactly? Sleeping or walking down a street?”

“Oh funny little pun in there. I am picking up better on you calling me a prostitute. And neither, trying out this new club and suppose to be trendy and the newest it thing. So cheetah a win?”

“Well cheetah is always in but we are no longer in college so seems slightly desperate-”

“That is something I’m so not-”

“Possibly put on the new dress-”

“I want to be scene for my brains-”

“Or try on that top with those leggings-”

“I have a lot to offer-”

“So maybe cheetah wedges?”

“Yes! I will wear the lacy top, with black tight skirt and heels! They will believ I am trendy, young, innovative, and will talk and I will fill them with my knowledge.”

Before I could even answer she’s hugging me and running and swilling back into her room. Dear Lord what did I just give her and idea for. I put my book down and grab my mug to pour some more tea.

“So how did things go?”

“Go?”

“Umm hello I totally know you were with Kyle earlier!”

“Oh, umm they went.”

“Come on, I need some details. I live for this. Sweet innocent roommate who stays in on her Thursday nigh reading a book and drinking tea, like such a clique of good girl. With the crazy roommate who gets ready and takes shots. Now come on! I will end up meeting a random dude who will be no good for me in about two hours, but I will know you spent time with a good guy today. So when I come home crying later about my mistakes I will remember your story in the taxi at least.”

“Your so twisted.”

“I don’t like to think twisted. More knowing I’m young, I have a right to be stupid so I might as well take advantage. I am turning twenty-six in two weeks so I only have two more weeks of this excuse. After that I am just a reckless person.”

“Oh so twenty-six is time to grow up?”

“Well yes, I would like to be married someday do you find that shocking?”

“Slightly yes. But your reasoning I will just skip over that whole deal.”

“Olivia come on!”

“What?”

“Kyle, story now! It will totally not be as good when I have to go up to Andrew later and ask him what Kyle said. Kyle gives like no detail so it’s a bunch of he said they did this. It was good. Blah, blah, blah! I need to hear about the romance and spark of it all!”

“Haha well cannot see Kyle being the romancer.”

“Don’t laugh! He’s quit the catch-”

“More talker and hoping I hear him while staying silent-”

“You could end up falling for him-”

“Well maybe not silent but more mysterious-”

“He’s a really great guy-”

“No not mysterious, just what is the word-”

“Andrews a great guy too-”

“I can’t put my finger on it-”

“Olivia are you listening?”

“Yes.”

“So you think a double could work?”

“Work for what?”

“You, Kyle, Andrew and I?”

“Do you know what Andrew’s job is?”

“Yeah he works with kids.”

“What kind of kids?”

“I think middle school.”

“Yes and what does he do with these kids?”

“Umm teaches them obviously! Goodness Olivia I’m not an idiot!”

“But what does he teach them.”

“Whatever you learn in middle school.”

“Right, he’s a youth pastor.”

“Okay so he’s-”

“Yep!”

“Whatttt!” And now the freak out begins. “He, he, God, works for, what?! But he goes to the bar. He sees me dressed, God, works for, what?!” Oh maybe shouldn’t have had the big lead in. “He must think I’m satan.” Yep bad idea, no lead in. “I dress, boobs, he has probably, oh man! Oh man!” Looks like my tea shall wait. “I need a drink.” Oy.

Maybe when they go to dump me whatever thats suppose to mean I could like go kung fu style on them and break free. Seriously Charlie. Kung fu? I am so dead.

“Dan you get him in the back I’ll see if they’re ready for him.” Whose ready for me? Maybe dump me with new people is what they meant.

“Got it.” I hear two car doors shut so at least probably only battling against one guy. But I think they will probably be the quickest way to die. I am not tied up or anything so maybe they want me to live. The door by me open, I guess I’m in a van. “Great I got to carry this kid. If his father wasn’t so good at what he does i would drag him.” My father? He’s a plumber.

“Dan what’s taken so long?”

“Seriously I just got out of the car!”

“Move it.”

“Oh great not I am all sorts of lazy over this supposed to be wonder kid. He better be as good as they think or I will personally kill me.” Wonder kid? What am I suppose to have this wonderful plumbing skills or something? Dad I knew you had shaddy friends but come on! What is this.

After going up a few stair and Dan complaining the whole way and guys yelling at him we get to this room. I’m expected to be put in a chair or cement floor but now, on a tempo-pedic mattress! Okay maybe I should wake up now. I open my eyes to what seems like a suit from the Ritz Carlton.

“Oh look Cinderella's back.”

“Where am I?”

“We can’t really tell you but let’s say anything you want you will get and someone you know will be here soon to answer all your questions.”

“Well all I want is a beer or something but it’s the middle of the day if I have my wits about me. So I will settle for some chinese food.”

“What kind.”

“Fried rice. Oh man and some sushi. Surprise me with the best sushi, none with ell and nothing too fishy. Something like with a lot of rice. Yeah rice around it would be great.”

“You got it Mr. Brooks.”

“Alright.” So this is what it’s like being taken prisoner? When does they horrible surprise come out? Hopefully I get my food first.

After what seemed like hours of driving I am brought into this garage which frankly looks like a place you bring a witness to, simply to kill them. That would be icing on the cake. They kill the wrong dude so have to cover it up with killing the right dude. Guess I don’t need to call my mother. “So guys I know I was suppose to die in my office and that would have been pretty epic, but changing it to a parking garage? Come on I know you can do better than that!” The Lieutenant guides me to this elevator he need to scan to enter. Not going to lie it was pretty sweet. He doesn’t say a word so I am assuming no one appreciates my comment. Still we shoot up seven flights of stairs and get to this floor where people seemed all hopped on coffee and adrenaline. “Now this is where I should have been working. You hiring.”

“Daniel take Mr. Brooks to the holding room. Let him use the phone to call whoever he needs. I am sure he must be hungry or thirsty so bring him that as well.”

“Yes sir. This way Mr. Brooks.”

Charlie is still awestruck by the office, and being offered complementary thinks. What kind of place could this be. “Got it. See ya Lieutenant.”

“Mr. Brooks do you need anything else Daniel will be happy to get it.” The Lieutenant leave them and walk up to his office which is at the top all glass so he can over see all that is happening in the office.

“Damn this place is like 24. Does Jack Bauer work here? Or Jason Bourne? Come on that would be awesome.”

“Follow me Mr. Brooks.”

“Damn no one has a sense of humor around here.”

Daniel stop turns and looks me right in the eye. “I understand your in shock or whatever this is your going through, but a man is dead. He was suppose to be you dead. Sure you feel like your given a second chance but show some respect and stop talking and joking like a prick.”

“Listen I know I say random things but I can’t help it. Filter has been shut down from dead dude, to car ride, coming to this secret place, people all crazy around me, so year I am doing to say some ridiculous things. Deal. I am not a terrorist or anything. Just a guy from Jersey living a life I was told I was. So embrace or just give me some food and a red bull.”

Daniel turns and bring me to this office with bagel, muffins, donuts and coffee. I have to wait on the red bull but hey this lay out is sweet. Daniel then brings in a phone as well. “You may want to tell people your not really dead. We will take care of the news.”

“I was on the news!”

“Mr. Brooks, a shooting happens in New York City inside of an office building where most the employees are white and many people shot, it’s going to make the news. This is the 21st century.”

“Right.” I grab the phone wondering if I am going to be left a long but does not see likely. I start dialing my parents. My mother is probably going to be hysterical.

“Hello.”

“Ma’ it’s Charlie.”

“Who?”

“Charlie, your son.”

“Oh hi. Aren’t you suppose to be at work?”

“Yeah listen mom has anyone called you today?”

“Yeah why?”

“Did they call about me?”

“Yeah they said you were dead. But on the phone with you so they are clearly wrong.” Typically mother response.

“Alright ma’ I’ll get back to work.”

“Okay, that’s why you called?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, don’t slack at work that wont pay off your bills.”

“Got it ma’ bye.” I hang up shock that my mother didn’t care I was dead. Who was that I was just talking to?

Everyone is frozen unable to move. I thought the worse thing of the day would be being late and dealing with everyone telling me how I’m late. Instead I come to find everything destroyed and a crime scene. Chills are running down my back. My feet feel plated to the floor. My bad is wet. Not a sweat wet. I find blood is dripping down the wall my body has found itself pushed against. Whose the one killed? Who could have done this?

“Sir I need you to come with me.” Oh he’s talking to me. All I can do is stair in confusion. He puts his arm on my arm. “Sir you cannot stay here. How did you even manage to get in. We’ve had the building sealed off for the last fifteen minutes.”

“How long?” I’m focused on the time. That is key to me for some reason.

“Fifteen minutes sir.”

“I was in the parking garage. I was sitting in my car.” I hope this is making sense. The scene going on around me is a blur. I see my desk. There is a man there, a bullet in his head. Was that meant for me?

“How long were you in there?”

“Maybe a half hour, maybe longer.”

“Did you see anyone coming in or out you did not recognize?”

“No. Same people as always.” The officer with me pulls a man by in a suit, I don’t recognize him.

“This man may have seen the killer.”

“Okay. I’m lieutenant Bryant. I sure the next few minutes are to be a blur and your wondering what you just came into. As far as we know. People walked in, they did not open fire, simply had one target. The man who is over at the desk belonging to Charlie, Charlie Brooks. Then people who went to use their phone or on their phone began to be targets. They cam up the elevator but went through the window on zip lines.”

“Did you say Charlie Brooks?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Charlie Brooks.” The lieutenant and officer then look at each other. No sure I am standing and talking to them as I have been the man identified as the one killed at my desk.

“Excuse me but you are saying your Charlie Brooks? Works the logistic department here and does data analysis?” The lieutenant is looking at his clipboard for my life records, Hopefully he hasn’t notified my kin that I am dead. Would be a serious sick joke especially since my mother recently called and she said the only time she’ll get a call from me is hearing I’m dead. I should probably call her. I have at least a day or two to call her back.

“Yeah I do other stuff but I guess that is my official title. Your saying they went on a killing spry after killing me?”

“Yes. Though with telephones.”

“Wow, I knew people wanted to kill me but not that badly.”

“You think you know whose done this?”

“Oh I just meant I tend to piss people off. Not exactly a people person per say. Where are we going?”

“We need to get you out of this office so we are taking you back to the station for now to figure out if this was simply a shooting or a bigger plan.” Who knew.

“Lieutenant I’m going back up to get evidence and to correctly identify the victim. Umm, Mr. Brooks you may want to call your mother and wife.”

“Wife?”

“Yes we called your place and a women picked up identifying herself as your wife.”

“I don’t have a wife. I’m only twenty-three, did she at least sound hot.”

“Mr. Brooks then I suggest you call your mother.”

“Ahh she’s fine I can give her a call tomorrow.” The officer looks so shocked by my manor he simply stars while the lieutenant has to pull my arm and guide me out of the building. I guess this was the life I was thinking of this morning. Now if women did not want to get with me before they totally do now, come on I am suppose to be dead but wrong guys killed. I am wanted dead. Just reached totally bad ass points.

Oh goodness listen to myself. Someone is dead. Not just someone many people because of me. Who would want to get with me? I better call my mother.

Sorry for the wait

You’d think I would learn my lesson the first time. I grew up being a simple kid from the suburbs, went to college, and now have a job in the city. Basically what your told in high school the life you should have and many people try to reach that bar. Now I’m here sitting in my car dreading those minutes ticking down for me to walk into my office and ask how the eff did I get here. Look at my other coworkers walking in. They car pool. All like they’re friends and truly love their lives. It makes me sick. Guess I should get out of my car and head in. Look at my car it’s even a freakin’ BMW. I am the clique of what life I was told to live. I could be all suave and walk in with shades, lock the car behind me and own this building. But I know this building would be an easy hot shot and I could sleep with any girl I choose. Now I’m not a cocky guy but for this office I am one of the people who have a life out of the office, I work out, and I do a lot of volunteer work so I am a freakin’ catch.

The thing is women working in this office have no lives outside of work. All day they work and may go out one weekend night and it’s to blow off steam with girls they party with. Partying women, well they shouldn’t even be called women they are actually girls due to their actions, do not have true friends and don’t know how to be a friend. Why waste my time? Goodness. Take the elevator and be trapped with someone in it and either talk or stand in silence, I’ll that the stairs. This way it is passing by people not chit-chat and these people wouldn’t walk the stairs even if the building was on fire. I know sounds like a stretch but kids with trust-funds come from their own little world. I worked my way here, I commute from Jersey. I place these people probably think traveling from they need shots or something.

One floor down now only five to go. Sure I may be late to my desk but coming from the stairs looks better. My boss will simply look at me ask about the weather or something and then give me two task to do. routine is his thing. Three floors down, three to go. I wonder what could be on the menu this morning for breakfast. Maybe a muffin, or a bagel. Oh the options. Sixth floor. Made it, here goes nothing.

“Back away!” A police man is pushing everyone to the side. I see blood on the walls and shattered glass everywhere. Women crying and people puking. What just happened?!

Monica went to work spoke to Tony as she entered. Shared with him what she had read and what chapters had changed her view. Still unsure of what all these things mean to her, Tony simple shares for her to not rush it and to continue reading. He is no expert so tell her to seek a place out that she feels called to. Monica agrees to this and heads to her office. Before looking for a place that calls to her, which she is unsure of what that could possible mean, she does the research she promised to do for Mike.

“What is with this thing?” Monica is clicking all over her computer for the website she uses for simpler researching of fundraisers and it does nothing.

“Bad time?” Monica turns to see Mike standing at her office door.

“Oh no, sorry just trying to actually look up the information I said I would do for you.”

“Ahh, well thank you so much. I did some of my own.”

“Awesome. I honestly meant to do this for you yesterday but life gave me a slap in the face so I had to put it off.”

“Alright. In a good way.”

“You know I think so.”

“Well that’s always good.” Mike unsure of what to continue on saying goes and hands the folder he’s brought with all the research he has done.

“Oh right, getting straight to business. Listen not sure what your expecting to do or anything-”

“I have everything laid out there with my ideas. Read it over and give me a call.” Mike just turns and head to the elevator. Monica is unsure how to think of this. Should she follow him or, she’s up and heading to him.

She catches him at the elevator, “that’s it?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your just going to walk all the way to my office, hand me this, and then be done?”

“Monica I know your business didn’t mean it in a rude way. Honestly.” Mike looks serious at Monica and questions lingering on his face of wondering why she’s so hurt by what just happened.

“I’m sorry. I guess I am just, I, there is just a lot of my mind. I will read this over and give it back to you.”

“Thanks.” The elevator opens and Mike steps on in. Gives an awkward wave and the door shuts.

“And that lady and gentlemen is how you make a complete and total ass of yourself.” Monica phone goes off with a text from Andrew, done for party tonight at Shay’s? Shay is friends with Mike, Monica just made an ass out of herself to him. Probably not. I’ll be there.

Finally got to write again!

“So.” Shay is standing in front of Monica giving her a once over.

“Yeah?” She gives Shay a confused look and turns to Ruth for some help in this situation. Ruth has known Shay for years but has been no help.

“What’s that?” He points down to Monica’s drink.

“Water. Do you have an issue with that?”

“Nope.” He just shrugs back with a smile and walks away. Monica is just staring as he walks away.

“What was that?” Monica turns to Ruth not knowing what just happened.

“He respects girls that don’t drink.” Ruth just turns. The way she turned and walked on did not sit well with Monica though. Monica scans the room for Andrew. Finally seeing him in the corner she goes to talk to him.

“Andrew was there something going on between-” Monica turns to see Mike. “Oh I’m sorry I just saw Andrew and darted over here. How are you Mike?”

He just gives a little giggle. “I’m good how have you been?”

“Good. Sorry can I just borrow Andrew for a moment, I promise I will let him back. I mean I just have a question then he will be back. He will be right back here. Not even two minutes.”

“That’s fine.” Monica pulls Andrew away for a moment.

“What’s up?” Andrew looks a little confused about why she needed to talk to her so badly.

“Did Shay and Ruth have a thing?”

“Yeah they dated for like ever, they were even engaged, but he called it off two weeks before the wedding.”

“Oh shit.”

Desiree walks up the steps to her house and hears people talking inside. She knows the voices but is so used to hearing them yelling at each other she doesn’t recognize then when they’re just talking with one another. She sees her mother and father hugging. Most people would be happy to see them hugging but she remember what her father has done to her mother. “What an idiot.” She runs down her steps to Zola’s house.

Halfway there she sees someone climbing up the side of her house. “What in the hell?” Instead of saying something she just watches them climb up into her mothers room.

“Girl what are you doing?”

Desiree looks up to see Zola looking at her from her porch. “I just saw someone. I’m not really sure what I am exactly doing. Zola I need your help.”

“Well girl don’t just stand there come on over here and talk. I just made myself some tea, like some?”

“Yes please.” Desiree makes her way to Zola’s house but she can’t help thinking she reconized the guy climbing through her mothers window and what on earth her mother and father are doing together.

Now both in the kitchen sitting at the table Zola looks at Desiree seeing the young lady that she has grown into. “Now what do you need to talk to Zola about?”

“Is it weird for a child to not want her parents back together?”

“Yes I would say it is weird. However this child saw what her parents went through and does not want to see that happening again.”

“I’m being serious. I just saw my parents actually talking together and hugging and it made my stomach hurt. That can’t be normal.”

“Desiree listen.” Zola puts her hands on top of Desiree and looks her in the eyes. “You ma’am and papa have a lot of baggage. Dear Lord do they have a lot. I have known Andre since he was young. I have seen him chase after other women but he’s always loved your mama.”

“Then why chase the other women.”

“Because he thought he wasn’t worth having you mama.” Zola looks at Desiree seeing the pain in her eyes.

BOY YOU BEST BE GOING! Both Desiree and Zola jump hearing a man screaming.

“Now what on earth could that be.” They make their way to Zola’s porch. Desiree sees who she saw climbing into her mothers window now half naked on her front lawn.

“Who do you think you are?! You left her!”

“Boy watch yourself and just get goin’!”

“I love her! Taisha I know you love me too. Your just-”

“I don’t think you want to finish that sentence.” Zola says it calmly but with a lot behind her words. She just stares at him and he gathers up his closes and starts heading down the street. “You know I wont stop fighting for you.” He makes his way down the street and all eyes are now on Taisha who just turn calmly and walks back to the kitchen. Zola goes back inside her house. All that is left outside is Desiree and Andre staring at each other. Andre doesn’t know what to say so just turns and goes to the kitchen.

“I know I’ve seen him from somewhere. But where?” Desiree runs down Zola’s porch to catch up with him. She’s so close when he turns sensing someone is following him.

“What you want?”

“I know you.”

“And?”

“How do I know you? Why do I know you. I know we don’t go to school, but I feel like I know you.” He scuffs and bends to pick up his shirt and then it hits her. Tattoo on his back. Desiree lost her virginity to him at a party. If that’s what it should be called. More like she wanted to see what leading a guy on would be like then got too caught up and could turn back. All she wants to do is hit him but she’s frozen.

“I ain’t gunna answer that. Maybe you seen me going out your mama’s room. We been seeing each other. But guess that’s over. Daddy now decided to come home.” Not sure if it’s the way he said, the facial expression he said, or just everything building up so much in her but she snaps and karate kicks him, then drop kicks him and just starts pounding on this guy.

“Don’t fuck with my family.” Desiree then fix her hair, shirt, turns and just smiles.