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Why is she moving her arms so much, and why is he copying her?
“Hmm, I dunno, man,” Leo mumbled looking around the dim room. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from Naomi and Aaron. What were they talking about so passionately? She did plenty to avoid me these days but seemed to be fine with everyone else.
Did I do something already?
No, I was pretty sure my behavior had been splendid this entire week; sure, I had kept quiet when she’d asked some pretty personal questions about my life, but other than that, I hadn’t insulted her or said anything out of pocket.
Right? At least, I thought so.
“Something about stress and fatigue.” He motioned to the stage as Naomi took her place in front of the podium, staring at her laptop. The film screen had the topic words big and bold displayed, calling desperately for our attention. She tugged her coat and breathed out as she rolled her neck, breathing out slowly.
Oh? A small smile grew on my face as she shook her hands and took a deep breath in. Is Naomi nervous? Whatever this was would be worth me sitting in the front row, right next to Aaron.
I had to make her a tad bit anxious for avoiding me the whole week for no reason at all. She seemed like a woman who loved challenges, so I only wanted to give her one to sate her hunger.
“Okay. I’m gonna go sit in the front.” I gently slapped Leo’s back as I walked away from him. He muttered something about me being weird lately. Nothing of the sort. I used to see Naomi as the bane of my existence right when I was about to retire, but really, she had just been the excitement I needed right before I left the game.
And exciting she was; seeing her eyes grow into the size of saucers as I sat in the front row right in front of her was absolutely worth it. Smiling, I raised my hand and gave her a small wave.
Yes, Naomi. I am so excited to listen and learn about stress and fatigue. Looking at Aaron, I gave him a smile, which did not feel authentic at all, and judging by his reaction, I’m sure he noticed.
Why did it annoy me so much that he was close to Naomi and they seemed to get along just great?
Am I pining away for her attention? Well, I did enjoy it whenever she would get aggravated with me and just wanted to get away from me, but I didn’t appreciate her avoiding me. I think I hated that the most when it came to our… relationship?
Naomi cleared her throat as she adjusted the mic closer to her lips. “Excuse me, will you all please settle down so that we can commence with the presentation?” Since when did I think her voice was sweet?
It always sounded so rough and monstrous before. Or had I just pretended it did because I hated it whenever she opened her mouth? Her eyes met mine nervously ,and I smiled at her. She clenched her teeth and looked away to the staff as they found their seats.
I didn’t miss the mean glance Noah gave me as he sat down two seats away from me. I'd been getting those the whole week, and it made me wonder… Did Naomi tattletale about me to her Daddy?
Naomi commenced with her presentation as soon as everyone was settled down. I wasn’t paying attention because it was in the least interesting for me, yet Aaron seemed to be loving it. With the exaggerated nods, and writing of notes in his nice blue notebook, he supported her!
And she was eating it all up.
Sighing, I balanced my head with my fist, trying my best to stay awake. Why did I come to the presentation again? Nothing seemed to be making sense to me.
At one point, she was talking about stress factors, and we soon moved to tea. Since when was tea associated with stress? But hey, what did I know? She was the specialist between us two.
She should have just been honest and talked about the real stress reducers. Alcohol, sex, and sleep. The only three you needed in your life.
“That concludes my theoretical presentation. Now for the practical. Who would like to help me?” she asked as she stepped away from the podium. From the corner of my eye, I could see Aaron putting away his fancy blue notebook, getting ready to be chosen by her.
As if I was going to let that happen. She had been boring me this entire presentation. The ending should at least be exciting. As I stood up, her eyes widened, and I raised my hand, showing my willingness to participate in this presentation.
“I would love to help you with anything,” I said confidently. Her eyes looked at Aaron, panicked, but I kept my eyes trained on her. She licked her lips and gave a tiny shrug as she nodded.
“Thank you, Alexander,” she whispered as she stretched her arms. I stood in front of her, and that sweet scent of hers that I used to find so nauseating wafted through my nostrils. She smelled really great, almost like candy. No wonder why Aaron wanted to take a bite out of her, gauging from how he had been sucking up to her this entire time.
“Face the crowd.” She gently touched my back, and my smile grew as I noticed Aaron’s jaw clench, watching us. I was not so sure who it was I enjoyed annoying more—Naomi or Aaron? Whichever, their reactions were priceless.
Not a bad way to spend my last months left in this place. It had been so exhausting, but it now felt like the best time in this place.
“So these are some exercises you can do whenever you feel stressed, if you don’t feel like going on a walk—and let’s be real—who doesn’t like yoga?”
Pretty sure I don’t.
“Okay Alexander, bring your hands to your back, and—” She spoke softly as she took hold of my hands gently in hers. “—thread your fingers together.”
