As I carry my box of belongings up the stairs of my apartment building I feel a shudder of overwhelming excitement run through my chest, it's not often I get to finish work early; although, I suppose I shouldn't really be excited considering I'm walking back to my apartment carrying a box of belongings due to being relieved from work only a few hours ago, but if you leave out some minor details you can still see some positives. I juggle to manage the overflowing box in my hands as I scramble to find my apartment key, it's in my pocket somewhere, I'm pretty sure it's my back pocket; the cardboard box rests against the solid door as I push the key into the keyhole twisting it to successfully open my door, it unlocks easily and I use my shoulder to counter the weight against the doors purely wooden frame.

A sigh escapes my lips. Never would I have guessed that I would be leaving work early due to being fired, I suppose I'll have to start looking for other jobs; I'm almost positive that William will give me a glowing recommendation, as well as Margaret. Harry don't think that far ahead yet, William said you haven't lost your job, stop worrying! My mind counters my degrading thoughts but I can't help but be negative about the entire situation, I've never been fired from a job before in my life, I've never felt as ridiculed as Mr Miller made me feel, but he's a business man, and that's just how he runs things. How infuriating.

The box releases from my grasp with a small thud onto my oak dining table, my eyes sift around inside for anything I can conveniently unpack with as little effort as possible - I smile at my photo frames and my tiny bonsai tree, I should go and see Odette, she will most likely cheer me up. Welcomingly, two fine arms entwine around my chest and their warmth envelope me in a well needed embrace, her scent flows over me and I smile at her timing - it's almost like she can read my mind.

'Why are you home so early?' Odette's fingers tickle as she speaks her mind, the confusion evident on her face as she moves around and her wondering eyes land on my lonely cardboard box. 'Why is all of your stuff here?' I can tell she's figured the answers out for herself but most likely wants some sort of confirmation from me, and that's exactly what I give her.

"I've been fired." Her breath exhales and her expression is defeated, one of absolute worry. Her brow falls forcefully and her eyes scan over my box in confusion, thinking intently of all the possibilities of the mornings events, my heart swells at her overwhelming love for me; she genuinely cares more than anyone has before in my life - except my mother of course. "But don't worry about it okay?" I continue, trying to calm her now frantic thoughts, "it'll all be fine." She nods and seems to calm herself after hearing my further explanation of the whole day, mentioning William's comment about not actually losing my job, Odette's worry slips away completely after hearing that one sentence, maybe I should have started with that...

"I think I'll still look for jobs though, it can't hurt to try." I start, and within moments her eyebrows furrow once again.

'I thought you loved your job, why would you search for another?' Her confused exhale refreshes me and it's warmth grazes my neck, she sits cuddled into my side as the branded laptop rests on my thighs.

"I do love my job, it's my dream and I'm good at it, but I can't work with confidence when my boss hates everything I do. It's almost like I've offended him in some way, but I have no idea what I could have done to make him hate me so much." My fingers tap the mousepad and I scroll down the endless lists of boring jobs that I'm qualified for, not one of the appealing to me whatsoever.

'What kind of jobs are you looking for?' Odette asks.

"Just anything branch manager related. See here's one, travelling branch manager. That would be fun, we could go travelling." The possibility strikes me and I adore the idea of seeing the world alongside Odette. France flashes through my mind once again, as well as: Australia, Spain, America, German, Africa, all of these incredible places and cultures to explore and get paid for as I live a fulfilled life with my partner.

'Harry,' she smiles playfully, I know what she's about to say but I can't help but smile at her happiness; she is thinking the exact same thing as I am, the idea of seeing the world together. 'As much as I'd love to do that, I wouldn't be able to come with you, you know that.'

"Yeah I know, stupid jobs and responsibilities." I huff jokingly, rolling my eyes and she chuckles at my childishness. Our eyes both travel back to the illuminated screen until Odette prompts me to halt, her newly painted nails pointing to the screen, the red glitter illuminating from the laptops dim glow, "Lettings branch manager? You honestly think I'd be able to do that?"

'Of course I do! Harry this is perfect for you, a higher salary, company car, you're able to travel, you're in charge of your own team with the ability to nurture and team build. Harry this is great, you should apply for it.' Her enthusiasm is palpable and I begin to get excited myself, she has such faith in me, it never ceases to amaze me how passionate she is about certain things - I love that spark she gets in those beautiful blues when she's undoubtedly happy, and I have the pleasure to witness it everyday. A lettings branch manager? I glance over the description that she has just signed out and try to imagine myself in the role, my shoulders shrug and inevitably I know that she's right.

"William said I may not have lost my job. Maybe I shouldn't do it yet, I'll wait and see what happens." My heart begins to race at the thought of leaving my job, to lose that level of security I have right now is almost terrifying when you have no backup. I mean, I know that I've been fired, but I'm clinging on to the hope that I'm not actually leaving just yet - I feel like I have so much more to do there than I have already, if only I had some freedom to make those decisions and do my job to the fullest ability. Maybe Odette is right, perhaps I should apply for it and see what happens.

I look down to those crystal blue eyes staring up at me, she's trying to decipher my thoughts and she's most likely doing a good job at it, she's always been able to read me very well. Her ombré hair falls perfectly around her face as her head falls gracefully to rest on my shoulder, awaiting my decision. Although, I can't quite focus at this current moment, I have something - or should I say, someone - else on my mind. "I love you so much."

She chuckles at my admission, 'stop changing the subject mister, are you going to apply for it?'

I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, grazing her bottom lip along the way;  it's plumpness entices me and for a split second I am reminded of all the mesmerising times our lips have ever connected, each one better than the last. A warm smile takes over my features, "yes I am." Her smile is a blazing sun of excitement for the possibilities, "You're right, it sounds amazing. And with the training programme and induction available I can't really go wrong." Her expression never falters and I know that she only wants the best for me.

The keys incessantly tap beneath my fingers as I type in all of my details and attach my resume to the application form, after writing a letter of introduction - and asking Odette to look over for any spelling or grammatical errors - I email it to the correct address and receive a confirmation back, informing me that I will get a phone call within a few days. "All done." My voice hesitates finally and for once I'm glad that Odette is not able to hear it.

'Come on, let me take you for some coffee and take your mind off of things.'  My beautiful neighbour offers, her soft hands clasping mine and attempting to pull me up, my weight seemingly too heavy for her. My bonsai tree sits idly on my windowsill, Odette watered it earlier and mentioned how I needed to take care of it - although I thought I'd been doing a good job, the browning leaves may say differently though. That little bonsai reminds me of when I first got my dream job and the overwhelming support I got from so many people, it was everything I'd worked so hard for and now looking back in hindsight, it's seems like I wasn't meant to do that at all. It's funny how you can spend all of your time and effort fighting for something, when in reality, the best things in life are usually free and right in front of you.

I don't know whether that's just me being negative about the whole situation or the fact that the situation is actually negative, but I can't help but wonder maybe this is the right thing to do; perhaps a new change of scenery will do me well, I'll be in charge of my own team without an incessant boss breathing down my neck every two seconds. However, the job was amazing, the staff were perfect too; the sales team, marketing team, graphics, William, Mr James, Margaret, Elliot, everyone was so likeable. It's a shame that the only person I couldn't get along with was one of the only people whose opinion I had to care about. I'd still be there if it weren't for Mr Miller and his abrupt and absurd attitude towards me.

There is a cafe not too far from our apartment building which we choose to go to, mainly for convenience. Its front is hidden beneath a canopy of green vines hidden away from the majority of passers by, the layout designed in an L shape which leaves the outside a rather spacious area; Odette and I only found it due to her curious nature, she wanted to know what was down the narrow alleyway, and of course due to my infatuation with her, I gladly obliged to being the knight in shining armour if need be. When we open the door a typical coffee shop bustle tempts us further inside; a constant clank of ceramic mugs, or cups and saucers being carried together, or the sight of steam from the milk machine. Odette smiles beside me and fidgets in excitement, I know how much she loves our coffee dates, "you go and find us a seat and I'll order." I order her politely, not having to ask what she wants because I already know full well her usual.

'No it's my treat,' her hands argue and without another word she heads straight for the counter, it's wooden exterior is sturdy and ridged with knots in the wood, obviously aged perfectly: the tables are exactly the same, the rich coloured wood creating such a warm and welcoming ambiance, we really do love this place.

I decide the best place for us to sit is right by one of the small wooden framed windows, that look out onto the stunning covered patio, elegantly shaded by the jade canopy. The patio chairs are a stunning white, looking vintage and aged, as if every one has a different story. Moments later I'm greeted by a kiss to my cheek, my curious eyes too engrossed with the stunning view to be aware of where my lovely neighbour was hiding.

Her hands carry the tray of goods that she has clearly ordered for the both of us, and she manages to place it gently onto the tablet without a violent clank from the porcelain, 'Don't overthink it all too much. I know how you worry.' I take my coffee from her possession and sip the rim of the steaming hot mug, the familiar smell warming my interior as well as the literal coffee wandering down my throat, it's perfect. She knows me so well. My eyes flicker as she separates our food and condiments making sure everything is obsessively equal as always, Odette ordered her typical dessert, today's choice being a shortbread biscuit, one for each of us lovingly; my eyebrows raise at her decision and I receive a smirk in return - no words being crossed, they're never needed the majority of the time. As always I scan both pieces and place the larger one in front of her, knowing that she wouldn't pick it otherwise, 'How do you feel?'

Without knowing it, her signing is cut short in a fading manner as my attention is drawn to my phone, hoping primarily that this is William with some kind of update on my job circumstance, and luckily I'm not wrong. "Put the phone down!" I hear distant shouting from an unknown male.

My eyes frown at the background noise and Odette catches on immediately, her dainty hands placing down her hazelnut latte and focusing on reading my expression, I flick between her beautiful blues as I listen to the conversation. "Quiet! You've done enough! Harry," William's attention is turned to me and I perk up immediately, feeling slightly bad for my obvious eavesdropping, my shoulders straighten only slightly and I feel Odette's panicked eyes analyse my every movement.

"Yes sir?" My question becoming more of an answer as I speak it out loud.

"You're back in work tomorrow at 8:30." What do I say to that? A thank you maybe? "Return your belongings to your desk promptly. You have a meeting at 9 o' clock and I need you one hundred percent focused, do you understand?" His voice is brash and professional, the stony exterior I know he once had when he was in charge of his company back in the day.

My gratitude seeps, "yes sir, thank you."

"No need to thank me son, this shouldn't have happened in the first place. Meeting at 9 sharp tomorrow, don't forget." And with that, he's gone.

Odette's hands are cupped around her coffee mug, the hazelnut smell now drifting over to me and forcing me to inhale its sweetness once again. She places it down briefly, 'so...? What's the verdict?' She sips from her mug, her lips moistened by the liquid beverage. Moments like this I tend to take a mental picture of and remember them in times of need, she's my absolute solace and I find myself wanting to forget about everything else and focus on her.

"I'll tell you later, let's enjoy this." Her smile erupts cutely at my notion and her shoulders rise in contentment as she smells her sweet coffee once again. Bliss. Absolute bliss.

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- Pianogirl56