NIGHTMARE : underneath the surface

CHAPTER TWO

The office buzzed with chatter, but my mind was elsewhere. The embarrassment from the morning's incident lingered like a bitter aftertaste, refusing to dissipate. I could still hear Diva's voice ringing in my ears, and the way Helen had looked at me—her surprised expression mixed with something I dared to hope was interest—sent my thoughts spiraling into chaos.

As I settled at my desk, I attempted to focus on the reports piled high in front of me, but the memories of that fateful day in high school clawed at the edges of my mind. I could still see the bullies, their laughter echoing in the hallways, drowning out my pleas for help. I had vowed to myself that I would never let them control me again, yet here I was, haunted by their shadows.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my reverie. It was a text from Anthony: "You okay? You seemed off this morning." I sighed, wishing I could share my burdens with him, but I knew he wouldn't understand. Instead, I replied, "Yeah, just tired. Work's a drag."

The day dragged on, each hour feeling like an eternity. During lunch, I found a quiet corner of the break room to escape the noise. I unwrapped my sandwich, but the taste was bland, overshadowed by the chaos of my thoughts. Just as I took a bite, Diva plopped down across from me, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Hey, Mr. Handsome," she said, leaning forward, her voice low and conspiratorial. "You can't run from me forever."

I swallowed hard, trying to maintain composure. "What do you want, Diva?" 

She feigned innocence, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Just wanted to see if you were still mad at me. You know I was just trying to get your attention."

"Well, you got it. Congratulations," I replied, my irritation barely masked.

She pouted, but I could see the glimmer of determination in her eyes. "You're not being fair, Alex. I really like you. Why can't you just give me a chance?" 

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could speak, Helen entered the break room. The atmosphere shifted instantly. She glanced at me, and our eyes locked for a brief moment, a silent conversation passing between us. I felt a rush of warmth flood my cheeks. 

"Uh, hey," Helen said, her voice slightly shaky as she approached the counter to pour herself a cup of coffee. "Is this seat taken?" 

Diva shot me a triumphant look. "Actually, I was just leaving," she said, standing up. "Enjoy your coffee, Helen. And good luck, Alex." With that, she strutted out, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

I turned back to Helen, who was now seated across from me, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Are you okay? You seemed a bit... flustered earlier." 

"Yeah, just a lot on my mind," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "How about you? I saw you drop that cup."

Helen chuckled softly, the tension easing. "I guess I was just surprised. I didn't expect to see you in the middle of that... scene."

"Neither did I," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "Diva can be a bit much sometimes."

"She definitely has a flair for drama," Helen said, her smile widening. "But I think she means well." 

"Maybe," I said, but my thoughts drifted to the past. "I just wish things were simpler."

"Yeah, life can be complicated," she replied, her tone shifting to something more serious. "But you're not alone, you know. If you ever want to talk..." 

I looked up, surprised by her offer. There was a sincerity in her eyes that made my heart race. "Thanks, Helen. I appreciate that." 

As we continued to chat, I felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos of my life. Maybe I could find a way to confront my past, to break free from the nightmares that haunted me. Perhaps, with Helen by my side, I could finally begin to heal.