Alice

“Alice,” her name was called, by Alen’s urgent voice. He was muffled by the closed door, but it was loud enough for her to understand. He wanted her. She took a breath and turned to face the door. She had been standing against the wall of the doorframe, waiting; for this moment perhaps. She did not know. She opened the door. Alen’s back was to her, he was sitting opposite from his desk, staring out the window. She could only see the top of his dark hair from behind the chair.

She walked inside, her shoes clicking on the tile floor. “Yes?” She asked. She froze. Her breathing stopped for a moment — she had forgotten to add ‘sir’. Alen didn’t seem to notice. She exhaled. He spun his chair around so she could see his face. His blue eyes were striking, as always. They saw right through her.

He tilted his head, raising a brow. “Alice, dear, won’t you come closer?” She was still standing in the middle of the room. She nodded, and stepped closer. Chills pricked at her, as she got closer. It had been days since he had called for her. The last time he had…her cheeks flushed. No. She can’t think of that now. She calmed herself. The pink faded.

“That’s better,” Alen remarked as she stood in front of his desk. He was smirking. He put a hand to his chin, and rested his head on it. He studied her for a moment. Alice’s eyes flickered across the room. “Do you know why I called you?”

Alice shook her head. Her ponytail hit her cheek as she moved her head. “No, sir.”

He beckoned her closer, “Come here. Closer.”

She was now standing in front of him. His eyes were sparkling. He uncrossed his legs and stood up. His eyes were only inches above from her’s. She had always liked his height; not too tall, not too short. His eyes went to her shirt collar, which she noticed was folded wrong. His fingers went to it and started to adjust it. “Alice,” she could feel his warm breath down her neck. “Silly girl, your collar was messed up. You ought to be more careful.” He patted at it, once he finished fixing it.

His eyes went back to hers. She flinched. They were a deep blue that was the color of the ocean. “I’m sorry…sir?” Her voice trailed off. He was leaning closer to her, his lips were pursed. She could almost feel their heat on her skin.

Then he stopped.

His lips started to move but nothing came out. His closed his mouth. He pulled away from her. “I would rather you drop the honorific.” He said quietly. He won’t meet her gaze. She looked at his confused. Was he going to–? “That is all, Alice. Thank you.”

She slowly nodded and went to walk away. As she turned her back, Alen added, “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

“My time is never wasted with you, Sir–” She caught herself, “Alen.” Alice replied back. She could almost feel his smiling burning into her back. She closed the door.