And so, here in Rathleigh, I built a life for myself, a world of my own, one that would keep me away from the past and bring me satisfaction. I fought for control and stability and I got them, I was so grateful that along the way I also found sincere friendship and support. What more could I ask for?

Besides, Greg and I were about to form a strong alliance with each other that would benefit both of us. And maybe in the future we could also create a f-f-fam...

My phone buzzed, interrupting a thought I didn't want to...uh... I mean, I couldn't finish.

I shook my head to clear it before anxiety could raise its head and bite me.

It was Angel. I answered immediately.

"Rose, honey, are you alright?" Angel asked. Sometimes she left me thinking she could read my mind.

"Ye-ah," I stummered, "Why are you asking?"

And sometimes it was far simpler than that.

"Kelly called. She said you didn't look good at all. In fact, you looked like you were about to pass out," Angel said, and I huffed in annoyance.

Kelly! She's a good girl... but this BIG mouth of hers... Pff! Angel must've gone crazy! Hopefully, she didn't call my mother. I didn't need her worried call either!

"I'm fine, just... the stress around the wedding is getting to me that's all. Don't worry!" I replied.

"Is that why you left the office so quickly?" She asked.

"Yeah, there's a problem with the restaurant and Greg and I need to fix it before it turns into a disaster," I explained.

"Aham," The uneasiness in her voice was immediately replaced by irritation.

Angel wasn't a big fan of Greg, and the fact that this wedding was putting such a strain on me made her like him even less, if that was even possible. I knew what was coming, after all, it wasn't the first time I heard it.

"Well, honey, that might be a sign that Greg," she uttered his name with pure disdain, "isn't for you, that you shouldn't marry him, or at least don't rush into it!"

"Angel, please don't," I begged but she continued.

"Rose, just think how much stress this wedding cost you! Stress which is now transferred to Bridget, poor thing!"

Bridget?! What did she have to do with all this?!

"How so? What do you mean?" I asked in bewilderment.

"Bridget was very restless. Her hands were shaking when I found her pacing outside your office like a tiger in a cage - back and forth, back and forth," Angel said.

"But Bridget has never ever been disquieted. Whatever pressure she faces at school or at work, she meets it with enviable tranquility. Always!" I remarked, as if she didn't know that, but I was shocked by what I heard. Well, apparently I couldn't foresee everything after all, could I?!

"Exactly, my dear! But then Kelly called and told me you didn't look well, and I figured that was the problem."

"Aha, Kelly!" I tutted. Honestly, a good girl, but a HUGE mouth.

"And you're sure everything is okay?!" Angel asked when I didn't give her a proper response.

"No. I mean... Yes! Everything is fine. Please don't worry! It's just a little problem, but Greg and I will work it out together and I'm going back to the office. So, please ask Bridget to calm down and please tell Kelly that I thank her for her help, but it's not neccessary to inform everyone that I'm not... I mean... I wasn't well, because I am! Okay, I mean!" God, I hadn't sounded this inadequate since high school! What's wrong with me?! Ire was fighting to take over me but I suppressed it. Then I spoke more firmly, pulling myself together. "Everything is fine! I'm fine and I'll be back at work as soon as possible!"

"You are aware I'm not worried about your work right now! And I know you too well, you have already done all the articles for at least a month ahead." She sighed. "I keep telling you that you don't need to work so hard and prepare everything months before the deadline!" I tried to grumble but she mocked me using a voice that was supposed to sound like mine, "Oh, but that way I can go over them later when they're not fresh in my mind and see mistakes I'd otherwise miss!"

I laughed against my will. She really knew me!

"I know. I'm sorry! And... Thank you for caring about me!" I replied, and felt the tears stinging in my eyes.

"Always, honey!" She responded. "Eh, well, as soon as you say everything's fine..." she didn't sound very convinced though. "I'm going to scold Kelly now. Call me when you and Greg clear things up so I can calm down for real, and Bridget too, okay?"

"Okay. I'm fine. Don't worry," I said and hung up.

I took a deep breath, then let it out and repeated it several times until I finally calmed the mixed emotions inside me. And when control was back in my hands, I could move forward.

I еntered the building with a calm, confident step.