the bathroom for the umpteenth time. The bathroom had become my worst enemy. Every time I thought

ts against my feverish skin did little to soothe the pain that was ra

questioned myself against the bed

led, immediately sitting up with a sh

was sent by my rivals? What if-" I stopped mi

happening. This wasn't how it was supposed to go d

rupted my spiraling thoughts. Great, jus

k as I turned, struggling to foc

ce sounding unsure, like he didn't quit

fast and make things worse. "How can... can I help you?" I managed, fee

okay?" Fredric asked, fidgeting on his spot. What was wrong with hi

ble to focus, my stomach contracting pai

explain, but I could barely process what he was saying. The pain in my abdomen was al

t me suddenly, and I had to bolt for the bathroom again. A hot, nauseating sensation spre

out from behind me as I slammed

I was certain he hadn't been near the bathroom when I first slammed the door,

tomach as if that would stop the agony. "What do you want? What

in, his voice still coming throug

lled at the door, feeling a surge of frustration and helplessness.

et now, except for the low, dull, continuous noise coming from deep insi

under my breath, sinking lower into

ave of discomfort would pass. "Hey, Fredric! Come here!" I groaned into the intercom, the action feeling like an

thought sinking in slowly. I hadn't accomplished anything. The business, the meetings, all the things I

ssed. Was I really crying over this? Over something so stupid? I hadn't even ma

e the energy to deal with another interruption. I stared at the door, m

ith the sharpness of my voice. I wasn't read

n, his disheveled black hair a mess on his head. Thi

rom the yelling earlier. I probably sounded worse th

s, "I just came to remind you about your eight o'clock meeting with the executi

t... do you mean 'again'?" I asked, my voice droppin

d to miss it again, sir," Jordan explained, his tone light b

gue. What did I care about the meeting

iosity getting the better of me. My mind was racing

ng an eyebrow in surprise. "I d

nfusion making my voice sharper than I intended. "Aren't yo

. "I was in the kitchen, making sure your food was prepared and not tampered with.

like I'm your girlfriend or something!" I waved him

ering Fredric. It had been way too long since I'd called

acted as he walked to my desk, dro

as the door opened again, and Fredric

ed, his eyes

ice much calmer than I expected, desp

Fredric explained, scratching his he

d incredulously

end to stay longer," he added, his c

glance, and Jordan, of

"I think I need to pick up your habit," I added, though t

pped. "Hey, Jordan, leave this minute! No! Th

vibrations returned-my stomach was startin

Fredric, but then I reconsidered. "Actually, tell her to make me soup. Chicken soup. Make sure

t again, but I couldn't shake the feelin

past seven. My meeting was in half an hour, and

muttered, the words escaping