3- Nothing More Than Civil

My neck ached with tiredness as I finally got off work. The work had become much more demanding since last week and I had to work for hours on my laptop. I already had mild migraine, which became worse when I overworked. I didn't want to experience those neck-breaking pains again- they were a nightmare to be dealt with.

As I walked down the corridor leading to the elevator, I felt extremely grateful that neither had I encountered Adrian after that incident nor had Evie come to look for me. That left me in a pleasant mood despite my aching neck.

But when I reached the lobby of the office on the ground floor, my pleasant mood came crashing down and a scowl involuntarily made its way to my face, for standing not far from were the devils incarnate.

"Did you wait for me this entire time?" I asked walking up to Evie, trying to ignore how sinfully handsome Adrian looked in a casual green t-shirt and tight black jeans. Instead, I focused on how Evie had also changed into a baby pink frock and how warning bells were ringing in my head.

My instincts were proved right when Evie linked her hands with mine and declared happily, "Its only half past five! We have got ample time to go shopping!"

My worst fears had come true. How was I going to survive shopping in my tired condition?

"Evie, I'm tired. Can we take a rain check?" I pleaded, then glancing at Adrian, I asked, "What is he doing here anyways?"

Adrian did not looked very pleased about the whole ordeal either and was just about to say something when Evie interrupted," No rain check allowed. Adrian is our chauffeur for today as well as our man for carrying shopping bags!" she exclaimed proudly, then dropping her voice dramatically to a whisper, she said, "I blackmailed him into coming with us."

I rolled my eyes. I think I had been too soft on her. She was trying to boss me around and I was not liking it. I was already tired and irritated, so I said quite harshly, wrenching my hand away from hers," I'm not going. Do whatever you want. You're not the boss of me. Don't get ahead of yourself just because I behaved civilly with you."

Her eyes immediately filled with tears- what a crybaby! But they had the desired effect. I felt guilty. But I was not going to apologise because it was her was forcing me.

"Can you stop being a bitch? My sister is trying to help your anti-social self," hissed Adrian.

I felt myself get angry at his words. Who was he to judge me? He knew nothing about me! So, I spit out through gritted teeth, "You are no one to judge me. Just because you act all high and mighty doesn't mean that I will bow down to you. Haven't you heard the phrase- 'Don't judge a book by its cover'? And even if you do judge me, your opinion does not matter to me. You are no one to me!"

I mentally applauded myself for my scathing words. Then glaring at him angrily, I stormed out of the office and took a cab back to the apartment.

I had earlier thought that he was a pleasant enough person, though detrimental to my low profile. Now, I knew that it was only an act he put in front of his father but he was actually an inconsiderate asshole! This would it easier for me to despise him. 'Anti-social' had hit a nerve with me.

As soon as I came home, I flopped down on the bed and was about to go to sleep when I heard Evie enter my room.

"I'm sorry for forcing you. I was only trying to be your friend," she said quietly," You can be angry at me if you want but I will keep trying. As for my brother, I don't know why he behaved like that. He's usually a nice guy."

Nice guy, my ***. I was not going to fall for that. But still, I felt bad after hearing her apologise, so I did something I was quite surprised with myself. "I'm sorry too," I mumbled out, my voice even more muffled because of my face being buried in the pillow.

Evie stood there quietly for a few moments, making me wonder whether she had heard me or not. Then suddenly, she spoke softly, almost as if testing the waters," Someone has hurt you badly. Am I not right?"

I tensed up but did not respond. This did not deter her.

"I will be there for you, Lina. You can always find a friend in me." Then she left my room, shutting the door behind her.

As soon as she went out, I rolled over on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I pondered over her words and as my eyes started to droop, I realised that the girl had already lowered my guard, not completely but partially.

Maybe I wouldn't be so harsh to her from next time, and try to be civil. But that doesn't mean that I will let her get too close to me or break down my walls. When people come too close to you, you only get hurt.

I'll just be civil..... nothing more than civil.

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