Ninety six

As I dropped off the bus, I could feel the tension rushing through me. I looked at my wristwatch and to my relief, I see I've still got five minutes left. This was it – my big moment. I hastily pulled on my shoes and broke into a run towards the towering building of the company. I knew I couldn't be late; the boss had specifically warned me and gave me a last chance to never be late again.

God, how I'm regretting daddling and putting up with Dakota's nonsense. I should have quickly walked away and I wouldn't have been so late.

As I approached the block where the company was located, I didn't even have time to properly tie my shoelaces. Ignoring the curious looks from people passing by, I could hear a woman nearby saying with a smile, "Looks like she's running late!" Her companion chuckled and shook his head, saying something about the stress of modern life. But I had no time to pay attention to anyone.

Finally reaching the entrance, I quickly fixed my shoes and brushed off my clothes. The guard at the door greeted me with a warm smile, and I managed to return the gesture, though my heart was pounding so hard I could hardly find the words to say hello. I hurried past him and made my way to the elevator.

When I reached the elevator, my heart sank as I saw the doors closing. Panic surged through me, and I knew I couldn't let it leave without me. "Wait!" I called out, my voice filled with urgency.

To my surprise and relief, the elevator stopped and the doors opened once more. There he was – the man who had helped me on my first day when I was late. My eyes widened in astonishment. I had forgotten to ask for his name the other day.

He looked at me with a warm smile, seemingly not recognizing me at first. "You're just in time," he said, his voice soothing and kind. "Hurry in before it closes again."

I rushed into the elevator, feeling a mix of gratitude and surprise. "Thank you," I managed to say, trying to steady my racing heart.

His eyes met mine, and a flicker of recognition passed across his face. "You're welcome," he replied, a knowing glint in his eyes. "It's good to see you again."

I hesitated for a moment, not sure how to respond. He had been such a kind stranger on that first day, and now, here he was, coincidentally appearing again on another day when I was running late.

As the elevator began its ascent, he pulled out his phone and seemed engrossed in his own world. I couldn't help but steal glances at him.

He seemed to sense my gaze and glanced back at me, his smile widening. "Is everything okay?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

I blushed, caught red-handed. "Oh, uh, yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just... you helped me on my first day, and now you're here again when I'm running late. It's quite surprising."

His smile grew even more charming, and he chuckled softly. "Well, maybe I'm your designated elevator guardian," he joked, and I couldn't help but giggle in response.

The elevator continued its ascent, and my heart settled into a more peaceful rhythm. There was something about his presence that put me at ease, even in the midst of my nervousness.

As we reached the top floor, he pointed in the direction of the president's office. "It seems the boss has arrived. You should get going."

"Thank you," I said gratefully, remembering I wanted to ask for his name. "What should I address you as?"

He paused, seemingly surprised but he replied, "My name is Alexander."

I nodded with a smile, responding. "Mine is Selene." And then, I waved at him, quickly rushing to the president's office to clock in.

As I reached the door, I looked at my wristwatch - just in time.