Carving Paths
An Endless Maze Called Life
Part Five


Tree branches swayed gently, occasionally disrupting the stillness. The moonlight chased the shadows. A gentle breeze blew quietly into the room, causing the slight movement of the curtain.

The floor creaked. The footsteps neared the bed, as Dana slept soundly and remained oblivious to the world. Then it paused, just watching her then. Dana felt a chill running up her spine, she slowly opened her eyes, seeing nothing but darkness. Feeling troubled as she pulled her covers up. She felt the presence in her bedroom, invading her sense of privacy. Dana pulled her covers off the bed, dragging herself into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Curling up in a ball, she fell into restless sleep.

Bzzzzzzz, wrinkling her nose as she tried to block out the annoying noise. Pushing herself up to sit on hard, cold tiled bathroom. She rolled her head, working out the kinks. Dana craned her neck, wincing as she pulled herself up from the floor. Knowing she has a meeting with her friends over at the Planet, Dana sighed. It will be a long day, Dana turned on the water as her pajamas fell away and entering into the spray of water. Words ran through her brain, trying to find right words to convince everyone to help out. Turning off the spray, Dana stepped out of the shower, seeing the movement at the corner of her eye.

Dana yelped, jumped back in defense as her heart continued to race. Putting her hand over her left breast, trying to calm herself down.

“Tonya. You scared the ***** out of me,” Tonya stood there, staring at her as she held the towel. Feeling disconcerted, Dana pulled the towel out of Tonyas grasp and ran the towel over her body, drying herself off.

Tonya ignored Dana, smiling. “My darling, we need to go out and discuss about our wedding.”

“Im sorry. I cant do it today. I have plans today with my friends. We can do it other time.” Dana covered her hair with the towel as she rubbed it dry. Narrowing her eyes at Dana, wondering why Dana is acting distant.

************************

Yawning, Tina wanted to murder Dana to suggest to meet so early in the morning. She has a long day ahead of her, meeting with the vice president and her assistant, then moving in her new office, and getting ready to jump back into long hours. Tina groaned, having a staff meeting tomorrow morning.

Whistling, Alice cheerfully asked for her usual cup of coffee. As she got what she wanted, seeing Tina all grumpy and sleepy. Alice sat down, smiling broadly, causing Tina to stare at her suspiciously.

“What is going on, Alice?” Tina nursed her coffee, waiting for caffeine to give her a boot up.

“What? Its beautiful fall season. I cant enjoy this gorgeous day?” Alice said innocently, arching her eyebrow upwards. Tina sighed, she didnt want to badger Alice or play the guessing game with her. Until then, she will wait when Alice is ready to tell her what is going on with her.

“Forget it.” Shaking her head, Tina turned her attention back to her coffee.

Door opened, entered Bette and Dana talking quietly. Dana brightened instantly as she saw Tina and Alice sitting here. Bette nodded at Dana, getting her drinks as Dana hurried to join them.

“Hey guys,” Dana said brightly, as Tina grumbled and Alice pulled the chair out for her, knowing Dana needs something from them.

“Hey. Tell us what do you need from us,” Alice asked bluntly. Tina looked at Dana inquiringly, waiting for her answer as Bette approached the table, setting the drinks down and pulled up a seat next to Tina.

“Good morning, Tina. Ready for your first day at work?” Bette smiled, seeing Tinas nervous shrug.

“Wait a minute. Tina, you never told me you got the job,” Alice said with a frown.

“Me either. It is a big deal,” Dana chimed in.

“I just found out yesterday that I got the job,” Tina smiled apologetically.

“Im happy for you,” Alice hugged Tina.

“So, Dana. Why did you call us here?” Bette asked, seeing Danas eyes kept moving to the door.

“But where is Shane?” Dana wondered aloud, speculating where she is.

“I doubt she will show up. Come on. Spill,” Alice gave Dana impatient stare.

“Okay. The thing is Lara needs the help to cater the party because she doesnt have enough waiters to manage the large crowd. So she asked me to ask you if you guys are willing to help out,” Dana said hesitantly, everyone murmured in agreement. Dana continued, “Its tonight.” Everyone gaped at her, Tina groaned.

“Please guys, just do this favor for me,” Dana begged. Bette nodded, willing to help out. Tina waved her hand saying why not, not having the heart to let down her friend. Alice looked down in her coffee, thinking.

“You wanna to be in good graces of Lara,” Alice smiled slyly. “Okay, I will do it for your love cause.” Dana blushed at the same time when Bette rolled her eyes. Tina chuckled quietly into her coffee cup.

***************

“It doesnt look good, honey.” Marina sighed, rubbed her face wearily. Kit sat back, as the seriousness of a certain situation weighed heavily on them.

“We need to find the money to buy Francesca out or we will lose the business.” Marina leaned on her elbows on her desk, as the worry lines etched into her eyes and mouth.

Kit paused, thinking some ways to get them out of this situation. Kit knew she didnt have that much money on her, she will find a way to get that money. Planet is too important to everyone, a great way of bringing mixture of everyone and connecting. At the last resort, she might ask someone who she hate the most to help her. Kit sat back, as they contemplate the future of Planet.

Marina knew how to get the money, meaning she will lose the thing she calls it a home and willing to sacrifice it to save Planet. Marina sighed, she will figure out where she can sleep or find a roommate. Better than nothing.

************

Tina stepped into the elevator; her gaze fell on the companion next to her. She discreetly turned her body away, hoping that woman wont notice her presence.

“Nice try. Im sorry about yesterday. I was rude and accidents do happen,” A woman murmured. Tina turned, meeting her gaze. Moss green eyes, playful grin, and shoulder length light brown-blond hair. Feeling relieved, Tina smiled back.

“Tina Kennard,” she introduced herself.

“Emma Singer. Im your assistant,” she tossed a mischievous grin as she looked back to her, stepped off the elevator. “Arent you coming?” Tina snapped out of her reverie, following her.

People in the office greeted Emma with affection. Tina noticed that Emma seems to be well liked in the office, she is glad to have Emma as her assistant, she could help her out to get good start in a new workplace. Emma basked in the glow of attention, chuckling quietly to herself as Tina continued down the hallway. Emma stopped on the right side, showing the door. Liking the sight of her name on the plate on the door, feeling thrilled as Emma gestured her to go in first. Excitement pounded into her blood as she slowly opened her office door.

Seeing white walls being bare, but huge windows dominated the room giving a great view over the city, she walked over to the middle of the room. Liking the fact its spacious, thinking about bringing in the couch to relax. She walked over to her desk; her hand ran along the desk. Emma leaned against the doorframe, watching Tina as her lips curving upwards in a smile. Her moss green eyes followed Tinas actions, her curiosity increased about her.

“Ms. Kennard, my office is right next to you,” Emma walked behind Tinas desk, opening the door adjoining to her office. Tina poked her head into other office, burst out laughing at silly gadgets scattered across Emmas office. Propping against the wall, the easel and painting supplies, seeing Tinas questioning glance.

“My hobby,” Emma responded. Not giving any more explanation, Tina knew the sign of not asking anymore. Tina moved back into her office. She sat down in her black leather chair, swirled around.

“Mr. Finn, the vice president, cant meet with you today. But he will expect you to meet him at his office after the staff meeting,” Emma said briskly as she brought boxes of files and letters.

“Okay. No problem,” Tina watched Emma setting those down on her desk, and then sat partially on Tinas desk, her eyes stared outside. Tina paused, watching her then she turned her glance into the beautiful view of bustling city as they fell into comfortable silence.

******************

Drinking her coffee, needing her fix. Glad that Marina is not here today. Oh *****, she thought it too soon.

Seeing Marina making her way out of her office. Oh *****, not wanting Marina to come over and talk to her.

Jenny pulled someone random passing her by her, to sit next to her.

” Sorry. I kinda need you to cover me,” Jenny smiled apologetically at her. She took double take; shes beautiful with long dark brown hair and brown eyes. Jenny would call her an exotic beauty goddess with bedroom eyes and a teasing grin.

” No problem. Avoiding someone?” She grinned knowingly as Jenny lifted her shoulder.

“Sorry, I didnt introduce myself. Im Jenny.”

“Im Carmen.” They grinned, already liking each other.

“I never see you around here. But its not surprising, I spend so much of my time being cooped up writing my story,” Jenny said, rolling her eyes.

“Really. What do you write about?” Carman asked curiously.

“Hmm. Its hard to explain but you need to read it. So you would have to wait until it comes out published. That is my dream,” Jenny said, feeling upbeat and at least she made a friend around here.

Carmen laughed, “Of course. You need to make a living, not letting anyone sneak a peek into the story. So I have to buy your book.” She waggled her eyebrows then Jenny nodded solemnly. They burst out laughing, enjoying easygoing conversation.

Marina turned back to them, as she wiped the counter. Feeling upset, Marina admitted to herself that Jenny never laughed easily around her and Jenny never felt at ease. Cocking her head, surprised to see Robin there. Robin scanned the room; searching for certain someone then frowned as she approached the table, laying her hand on Jennys shoulder.

Pure surprise crossed Jennys expression; Carmen noticed some tension in the air. She leaned over and whispered in Jennys ear, “I will see you around.” Carmen stood up and nodded to Robin, leaving Planet. Jenny cleared her throat, tried to push away the panic rising into her throat as she met Robins eyes.

Seeing Robins unhappy expression, “What is going on, Jenny? You walked out on us.” Robin crossed her arms, waiting for an explanation. Jenny closed her eyes, knowing she will end up hurting Robin.

Jenny stood up, asking, “Robin, can we take a walk? Its not a good place to talk here,” gesturing the curious audience as they quickly turned their heads, pretending they werent interested. Robin took Jennys hand as they walked out of Planet; Jenny pulled her hand away from her, not wanting to be touched. Hurt, Robin put her hands in front pockets of her jean. They strolled in tense silence.

Robin turned to Jenny, stopping their walk. Seeing Jennys eyes filled with uncertainty. Robin took a deep breath, knowing they will walk away from each other.

“Its over, is it?” Robin asked straight out, Jenny blinked in surprise.

“Yeah. Im sorry. Right now, Im confused about everything. I need the time to figure out what I want,” Jenny said sadly. Robin bit her bottom lip, trying not to betray her emotions; she turned her head out to the park.

“I understand but you know that there is no guarantee that I will wait for you.” Robin pulled out the envelope labeled to Jenny. Confused, Jenny stared at it then searched into Robins eyes. “I found it that morning, when I was looking for you at the Planet,” Robin continued quietly.

Jenny grasped the envelope as Robin leaned over, kissing her cheek, “Good bye, Jenny.” Robin turned away. Robin hunched her shoulders as she continued to walk away, falling into the crowd, disappearing.

Jenny wondered whats inside, fingering it slightly.