Morning Commute [Susan's Work Thread]

It was a very contradictory and flustered morning Susan spent before work. She had woken up late which rarely ever happens to her, but of course the echoes of the night before clung to her mind in a turbulent embrace. Her head ached a little from having a few drinks, she did admit she may have gone overboard but in her defense she had been nervous and the liquor worked to soothe her frayed state of being. The businesswoman had spent the start of the day frantically ironing her pants and blazing through her morning routine as best as her distracted mind would allow. She had been worried that she would be late to work. Rather, later than as early as she wished to be. Susan could ill afford to tarnish her reputation again after the morning training incident and one must make sacrifices to rebuild one's reputation.

Throughout her frantic rush and especially during her morning commute her mind would wander to the night before at the Lucky Clover. She believed that everything happened for a reason and her spur of the moment want for socializing was important indeed. She had met him. Gabriel. It was a beautiful name, very fitting for a proper gentleman such as he. The feeling of butterflies was fresh in her chest as she thought back to how he approached her, the shock she felt when she was lost and self-defeating until he graced her with his presence. The conversation, the drinks, the flirting... they way he whispered to her... it was truly a magical evening, like something from a fairy tail. He made her feel as if she were a princess when most others made her feel as if she was never good enough or were clearly after something, like her money. The businesswoman allowed a dreamy smile to spread across her face, turning inward as she reminisced over what happened less than a day ago. She had a feeling this would always be a fond memory, no matter-

HOOOOOOOOONK!!!

"Aaaah...!" Susan shrieked as she jerked the wheel of her Audi. She hadn't been paying attention and was drifting into the left lane. The businesswoman could feel her heart try to burst out of her chest as she eased back on the gas to allow herself a little bit more control of the vehicle, though she didn't dare take her hands from the wheel to catch her breath. The silver Ford sped in front of her, cutting her off as she could see a middle finger extend outside of the driver's side window though she didn't pay much mind to that. Instead of heading straight to work Susan had to pull off to the next exit and sit in a gas station parking lot for a bit to center herself.


She had nearly caused an accident with her neglect to pay attention and that alone was enough to cause her anxiety to flare up, along with the actual near miss. She spent a few minutes there just resting her head on the wheel, trying to clear her mind of the frightening event so she wouldn't be scared to get back on the road. With as often as this happened it shouldn't be as shocking this time yet she never got used to it, despite her best efforts to pay more attention. Something would always come along for her to think about and she would find herself shutting the world out to focus on it which was very dangerous behind the wheel of a ton of moving steel. Taking a deep shuddering breath, she shifted her gear from Park to Reverse and began to pull out of her spot. Regardless of her apprehension she still needed to make it to work


Susan strode into the office, briefcase in hand with the morning sun glinting through the windows, shining with a keen glare. It was far before anyone else was slated to arrive aside from the key personnel at Salem Ltd., though the receptionist Karol was present to open up the building proper and allow the morning shift workers in.
"Oh, good morning Susan," she chirped. Karol was always a perky girl, about her own age though the attitudes between them contrasted starkly being that Susan acted as if she were well within her 30's. It came with the territory and those she had to present herself with.
"Hmmm? Yes, good morning Karol," she spoke back in her usual quiet and distracted manner. There were many things on her mind at the moment and basic human interaction wasn't one of them.
"I haven't seen you this early in quite some time, what's the occasion?" she asked. Susan was nearly to the elevator yet she wouldn't be rude, though she didn't wish to speak to anyone this early in her morning while her brain was still processing the day. Still, it wasn't unusual to see her come in early or depart late from the office depending on the project, she hadn't done so in weeks.

"O-oh, u-umm," she stuttered, halting herself as she took a few steps toward Karol to show her that she would not be rudely ignoring her.
"I-I am in sore need of hours this week given my government assignment taking precedence over my other work. It is unfortunate to be certain." Her tone was apologetic, not that Karol seemed to notice as she continued the conversation.
"I see, that sounds like it would be difficult. So you're officially our government rep now?" Susan would smile sheepishly. She was aware that Salem Ltd. was looking for an official government representative and she briefly considered the position until she did a little digging and found that she would be taking a 22% pay cut, even with factored benefits.
"W-Well not really, no. I have chosen to join the Cadet program." This prompted a look from Karol. Of anyone that could join the Cadet program Susan definitely did not fit the profile being the wallflower that she was.
"Oh. O-okay, that sounds interesting! What's it like being a Cadet?" Susan could hear the ding of the elevator approaching. It may as well have been a bell of freedom from this awkward conversation. She'd really like to get straight to work.
"It is... it is very interesting! Hehehe..." the businesswoman laughed nervously, trying to be polite, "It is very rewarding, albeit taxing and stressful at times." The ding of the elevator would cause Susan to jump a little and start in its direction. "It has been very nice speaking with you Karol but I'm afraid I must be going, I would very much like to make up the hours I have missed before I need to stay late this evening."
"I understand, Susan. Talk to you later!"
"You-.... you have a good day now...!" Once inside the elevator Susan rubbed her temples, almost flubbing her farewell. It was such a turbulent situation to be in, though this is what she asked for. Her mind would wander through the elevator ride, returning again to her status as a Cadet, as a businesswoman, and ultimately what she had planned this evening with Gabriel. She was looking forward to it yet apprehensive. It would take planning on how to approach their date tonight. Perhaps... perhaps it would be somewhere quiet, she could use a little less excitement after the morning and the promise of an equally busy day.

Approved. 3600 VC.