Chapter 18: Hallucination

Five minutes have past, and I am still standing in front of the Elevator banks of the Olympus floor. I am sweating bullets. I don't know what to expect.

Obviously, this is not a friendly meeting between colleagues. Even a blind man can see that Gideon is furious behind his stoic mask. His eyes are blazing.

I might not get out of here alive.

Why so dramatic Ella? He just wants to talk to you. Yeah right.

My mini panic attack was interrupted by the opening of his office door. His silent command for me to enter his office.

I take a deep breath then shakily walk towards his office. I stand on the doorway contemplating on backing out.

Gideon might have a six sense because he might sense that I am backing out when suddenly his door started closing, from my shock I jump inside his office afraid that the door might squish me to death and that is a terrible method for me to leave this Earth and frankly it is a slow painful death.

I dare to look where Gideon is, and he is sitting on his chair casually like he did not attempt to kill me with his glass door awhile ago. He is currently staring at me.

Maybe he is attempting to read my mind since he is a suspected werewolf. I imitate one of the character in the book that I have read. She cleared her mind, so the werewolf can not read her mind. I attempted to do that but my mind is always chaotic especially when I am cornered just like now.

His staring is making me uncomfortable big time.

"Ms. Hernandez."

"Yes sir!"

"Come here."

I step two times forward.

"Closer"

I step two times forward again.

"Don't make me come and grab you Ms. Hernandez."

At his threat I walk in front of his table. We are now 2 feet apart.

"Would you care to explain why are you in my building?"

"Because I work here?" I dumbly reply.

"Try again." Try again? What does he want me to say?

"Sir. What is the problem?" He seems triggered by my question because he suddenly leans on his desk and looks at me like I killed his cat or dog. Either of those two.

"You are asking me Ms. Hernandez what is the problem? You are the problem. I clearly remember that you got discharge yesterday right?"

I just nod in response.

"And I know the employee booklet from cover to cover that it clearly states that the employee that undergoes medical emergencies or surgeries are entitled to have a 1 month paid leave. So, tell me Ms. Hernandez why are you here again in my building when clearly you fall under the aforementioned category?"

I gulp in response. I cannot rebut because I know that he is correct.

Maybe if I tell him the truth his anger will ease.

"I am sorry sir to disobey your company rules. I decided to go to work because I have nothing to do in my house and I am guilty that my workmates are doing all my work. I think that resting for a week is enough already and my wound is already ok that's why I decided to go to work."

"What did the doctor instructed? Did you understand what your surgeon told you yesterday? Clearly you don't because you are standing in front of me right now. I am so mad Ella I don't know what to do with you. You clearly need a round the clock guidance."

I look down because of shame. I did not predict that this will happen. I thought it is not really a big deal, but apparently it is.

"Since you gave me no choice. Ms. Ella Hernandez you are suspended for 3 weeks effective now."

From shock I look at Gideon. What? Suspension? This situation escalated so quickly.

"Suspension? You can't do that." I said to him in disbelief.

"I can do whatever I want Miss Hernandez most importantly in this case if the said employee is stubborn and doesn't want to follow rules. I can exert my authority as I will. Now If I were you go back to your office and pack your bags. If I learned that you did not leave the premises within thirty minutes suspension is the least of your problem. Understood?"

I nod in return then he turns his chair and faces his Glass window that is overlooking the New York traffic and skyline. He is silently dismissing me as simple as that.

I walk out in his office with head still bowed. I never imagine that Gideon can be this strict. I've never experienced it beforehand that's why I am shock that he talks to me like I am below him which is I am. It is scary. I now believe all the rumors surrounding his coldness. I don't believe it before because he is attentive and sure he expresses little emotion but not the same coldness that he exudes today.

In a daze I didn't notice that I've reached my office and I saw Mark and Eric with worried looks in their eyes.

"What happened baby girl?" Mark ask me.

My eyes are blurry because of the tears that is obstructing my view.

In a panic Eric and Mark encased me with a hug. I know that I have no right to cry because it is really my fault, but I can't help it. It hurts.

I didn't let a single sound escape I just let my tears flow. I remember that I have only a few minutes to leave the building, so I wipe my tears and untangle myself from our group hug.

"Why are you crying baby girl? Are you in pain?"

"No. I am not. I have to leave. I just thought that I am well enough to resume my work. I am sorry for the inconvenience that I create."

"pshh.. No problem. The important thing is you are healthy and safe. Don't worry about your work. It will still be here after you come back."

I hope so. I really hope so.

I gather all my belongings and bid goodbye again to Mark and Eric and made my way down to the ground floor.

As I went out of the building I was surprised when a black SUV stops in front of me. Mr. Shades went out of the vehicle and ask me to enter the car. I tried to refuse but he told me that it is an order from Gideon and he will get in trouble if I don't follow him.

I don't want to inconvenience yet another person, so I followed his request. After 30 minutes I arrive at my apartment building. I thank him and the driver for driving me to my home before getting out of the car.

I entered my unit and just sit on the couch. Just staring into space. It must be 12pm already. It means lunch time. I remember that I have no groceries, but I have a leftover from the food yesterday. I decided to heat it up using the microwave, but the problem is I don't know how to use a freaking microwave. That contraption is evil. I might blow up the apartment with one wrong push of a button.

So, reheating the left-over food is out of the question. Delivery is also out because I don't know our exact address. I have no choice but to go to the grocery store.

I remove my wallet from my bag and went my way out of the unit.

As I went outside, I was surprised to see the car of Mr. shades still in front of the building. Should I ask why they are still here or just ignore that I see them?

I decided to knock on the window of the car. The window slides down and Mr. shades ask me "Ma'am where are you going?"

"I am just going to the grocery store because I don't have any food in our apartment."

He went out of the car and opens the passenger door.

"No.no. I am fine it is not too far of a walk. I can manage." Actually I need to take a cab to reach the store, but I am saving money, so I prefer walking. They don't need to know that.

"I am sorry ma'am it is an order from my boss." Boss? Who? Gideon? Pssh..

"Don't bother. Like I said it is just a few blocks from here. Bye!" A few blocks my ass.

I ignore Mr. Shades yelling and I turn on the corner street starting my 10 minutes walk to the grocery store.

I thought Mr. shades gave up, but I can feel him walking behind me. To confirm my suspicion, I turn around and there he is walking 5 feet behind me maybe.

He didn't even bother concealing himself.

I just pretend that I didn't saw him and continue my journey to the supermarket.

I reach the supermarket and grab the nearest basket. I review my mental list and I went to the canned goods area first. I am the type of shopper that I scan all the shelves because I might miss something on my mental list.

I am not a good cook. Heck even I can't tolerate my own cooking that is why I am always buying canned and frozen foods that is ready to cook. In short, I am not a wife material because I might poison my family unintentionally in the future.

As I was browsing the shelves for luncheon meat. I saw someone went on my side and scanned also the displayed products. Thinking that it is just another costumer I continued browsing.

"I totally remember that I told you to rest at your house but here you are defying my orders AGAIN and buying your grocery as if nothing happened last week"

I froze in place hearing his voice at my side. Am I hallucinating? Clearly they gave me a strong drugs in the hospital if I am hearing his voice.

"No You are not Hallucinating"

The hallucination version of Gideon told me.

I am going crazy right now. He is in the office. I am sure!

I looked on my right side and see that in fact he is not a hallucination. Gideon is standing beside me in all his glory.

He is scowling at me. AGAIN.