Saturday, August 7, 2010

Me & My Gay Boss - Episode 10

Episode 10 – I Think So



Danson entered the elevator. As he was about to press the close button, he heard someone rushing up to the elevator. He then pressed on the open button, and waited for that person to get inside. “Thank you.” he heard a familiar voice say. He looked beside him, and he saw Ella. He swallowed hard as he eyed her, for he could feel his heart beating fast. Ella looked up at him with the same surprised look. He smiled at her, trying to compose himself. “Good morning, Ella.” he said. “G-good morning.” she stuttered. She looked away from him, avoiding his gaze.

It was difficult to be in one closed space with Ella. He knew he should have forgotten what happened that night. It still had an effect on him. And the truth is, he found it hard to forget just what happened. The silence is killing him. He felt like after that one night stand with Ella, things have already changed between them, and he hates that. “How's your weekend?” he asked. “Fine.” she answered monotonously. He was getting nervous because of the way she's answering. He hates this new awkwardness between them. “Are you OK?” he asked worriedly. She looked up at him, and nodded her head. “Yeah... I guess...” she said. “Good for you.” he said with a sigh. He thought that Ella have already forgotten about what happened, and he knew he have to. But somehow, he can't He spent two days of sleepless nights trying to figure out how to take off that memory from his mind. She glanced up to him, and noticed the seriousness in his face. “About last Friday night...” she asked. Danson shot a glare at her. “What about it?” he asked. “You and Jiro... broke up... right?” she asked. “Yeah... how could you forget? You were there, remember?” he said in an annoyed tone. “We're supposed to forget everything, right?”
“The part that happened while we were drunk, yes. The part before that, no.”
“All right... just checking... so... you forgot?”

Danson let out a groan. “Ella... we talked about it!” he said. “I know! Just checking. I forgot, all right? What happened?” she asked. He folded his arms, and looked away from her. “Let's not talk about it.” he said. The seconds seems to be much longer while he is standing next to her. His thoughts suddenly became wild, as memories of her and him that night flowed though his mind. He swallowed hard as he glanced at her. Looking at her neck, he had the urge to kiss it. He closed his eyes, and bit his lips. He have to stop thinking dirty thoughts about Ella. And besides, he's gay, right?

Ding!

He couldn't stand another second of being with her, because he knew he might forget that he is her boss, and that he is gay. As soon as the elevator door opened, he immediately got out, and walked straight to his office. As he closed the door behind him, he let out a sigh of relief. “What is happening to me? Get a hold of yourself, Danson! You can't think of Ella in a lustful way... she's your subordinate, your friend, and you are gay, damn it!” he thought. He brushed his hair with his fingers as he took a deep breath.

--

“Ella... can you give the layout to the boss for approval?” Sam asked as he placed the layout on her table. Ella gave him a mortified look. “Why me?!” she exclaimed. Her colleague gave her a puzzled look. “Why not you? You're the girlfriend, right?” he said. He shook his head, and left Ella with the layout. Ella stared at it for a long time. “Should I go, and see him?” she thought. Guess, it's inevitable. Danson is he boss. Even though she wouldn't want to see him, she will have to face him. She will have to set aside this weird feeling she have in order to have a peaceful working relationship with him.

“You can do this, Ella...” she said to herself. She took a deep breath, and took the layouts. She then marched onto Danson's office. “Ella, is there anything you need?” she heard Danson's secretary asked. She looked at her, and nodded his head. “The boss is not around.” Annie said. “Where is he? Meeting?” she asked. “He said he needed a time off today, so if there's anything you need, you can tell me and I'll inform him as soon as he comes back.” Annie said.

Upon hearing that, Ella sighed with relief. At least she was saved from facing Danson – a.k.a. The-gay-boss-she-had-a-one-night-stand-with. It would be too awkward for her to face him right now, since she lied about forgetting what happened that night. And simply because of what happened, she was beginning to have lustful thoughts about her boss. “Great!” she exclaimed happily, which made Annie confused. She composed herself, and made a serious expression on her face. “I mean, OK. Can you ask the boss to take a look at these layouts for the next issue? Sam needs an answer by tomorrow.” Ella said. “All right, I'll inform the boss.” Annie said.

As Ella went back to her desk, she let out a sigh of relief. At least for the day, she won't have to see him. She just needs to worry about tomorrow.

--

“I can't believe you asked me to go to the gym.” Joe said as he and Danson entered an exclusive gym. Danson clutched onto his bag as they walked inside. “I'm so stressed out lately...” he said with a sigh. Joe looked at him, and smiled. “I know, girl... with the breakup and everything... you must really stressed out.” he said. He paused, and faced him. “Look...” he said, pointing at his forehead. “You've got some wrinkles, dearie. And you've got eyebags. Looks like you didn't have enough sleep!” he exclaimed. Danson just nodded his head. “Ella didn't made me sleep for the past two days...” he answered silently. “Looks like you've been tiring yourself to work just to forget Jiro. Dear, that's not a good way to move on. One way to move on is find a replacement for him.” Joe said. “Where can I find a replacement for the greatest love of my life?” he asked.

Just then, a handsome guy passed by them. He looked at Joe, and winked at him. Danson could see his friend gave the guy a flirtatious look. “Aren't you a bit concerned about your image, Joe? What if everyone finds out that you're gay?” he asked. Joe looked at him, and rolled his eyes. “To hell with image and reputation! I want to be happy, and the only way to be happy is to be who you really are. I am gay. I'm proud of that. And even if people hate me for that, I don't give a damn. I'm just being true to myself.” he said. Danson just shook his head. He wished he could be just like Joe, and not care about what people think about him. For all the times that he was with Jiro, he was too scared to let other people know that he is gay. Not only was he protecting Jiro, or was scared of what his mom is going to say, but because he doesn't have the guts to be true to himself.

“And Danson, dear... Now that the Jiro fiasco is over and done, it's time to find a new love. I know that your relationship with Jiro is not that good... I mean... you chave to keep your real self a secret. This time, find someone who can accept you, and be proud of who you are.” Joe suggested. “Do you think I could find such guy?” he asked. Joe smiled at him, and nodded his head. “I know so.” he assured him.

--

After changing to his gym clothes, Danson walked over one of the treadmills. He turned it on, and began to walk onto it. As he was concentrating with his workout, a guy came up to his side, and used the treadmill just beside him. He doesn't know why, but he glanced accidentally at the guy. The guy looked at him, and smiled. He smiled back at him, and nodded his head.

“So, you always here?” the guy asked him. Danson looked at him. “Not really. Only when I'm stressed out. How about you?” he asked. “Twice a week.” he said. Danson just nodded his head. He pushed the button of the treadmill to increase the speed. “Sorry, I got curious... It's the first time that I've seen you around.” the guy said. The guy stopped his machine, and then he extended his hand to him. “By the way, I'm
Ethan. Ethan Ruan. And you're...” Danson stopped his machine, and took his hand. “Danson. Danson Tang.” he said.

As he held Ethan's hand, he felt an electricity bolting through his veins. With the way that Ethan is looking at him, he felt as if he's melting. He doesn't know if it's the cardio exercises he did, but he felt his heart beating fast upon feeling the warmth of his skin. “Nice meeting you.” Danson said. “Ditto.” Ethan said. He felt frustrated when Ethan let go of his hand, and began to run on the treadmill again. He looked away from him, and continued with what he was doing a while ago.

He finds him cute, but he's not sure about him. Is he gay? Or is he straight? Does he like him, or he's just friendly? He wants to laugh at himself. He felt like a school girl having a crush for the first time. He just shook his head, and minded his own business. Maybe this infatuation he's having will pass. At least he proved to himself that he's still gay.

--

The next day.

Ella stared at Danson's office door. She have been staring for 3 hours now. Since she came in this morning, she have not seen him, not even his shadow. “Ella, did the boss approved the layout?” Sam asked. She shook her head. “He was out all day yesterday. And he seems not to be around...” she said. Just then, they both heard Annie call Sam. “Sam, here's your layout. The boss already approved it.” Annie said, giving him the layout. The two gave her a confused look. “I thought he's not here?” Sam asked. “He's on leave for a week. He asked the important documents to be sent to him, especially those that needs to be approved.” Annie said.

Ella's face fell upon hearing what Annie said. “He's... on leave?” she asked. Annie nodded her head. “But he'll be back next week.” she said. Sam looked at Ella, giving her a playful smile. “You didn't know your boyfriend is on leave? Did you guys had a fight or something?” Sam asked. Ella folded her arms, and glared at him. “Shut the fuck up.” she said in an annoyed tone. Then, she stomped her way back to her desk.

She could still hear Sam snickering at her for the way she reacted. She have all the reason why – she was worried as to why Danson went on leave for a week. Was he trying to avoid her? Was he mad at her because of what happened between the two of them that night? She wanted to think that she wasn't at fault for what happened, but she kissed him that night. And that kiss led to something more. Even if Danson's gay, he is still a man. She somehow felt guilty for taking advantage of his drunken state. She doesn't like it when someone's mad at her, especially a friend, and in this case, she hates the fact that Danson is mad at her. Or hates her because of what happened.

She let out a sigh, and slump her head on her desk. She doesn't know what to do now. She didn't want to lose her friend. She have to think of a way to see him.

--

And while Ella is being paranoid thinking what has happened to Danson, he, on the other hand, have been enjoying going to the gym that entire week.

“Oh, you're here again.” Ethan said as he saw her coming out of the locker room. Danson paused, and smiled at him. “Yeah.” he said. “You must be really stressed out.” Ethan commented. Danson just nodded his head. He walked past Danson, and headed to the bench press. The reason why he went to the gym frequently is to have a glance of Ethan. He have to admit to himself that he's having a crush on him. He's cute, nice, and really friendly. Not to mention, he have a nice body.

He stretched out his arms, then he lifted one of the dumb bells with his one hand. Suddenly, he felt a pain in his arm as he lifted it. “Ouch!” he said aloud. Ethan turned to look at him. He smiled and shook his head. Then, he walked up to him. “You're lifting it the wrong way.” Ethan said. Danson gave him a puzzled look. “Huh?” he asked. “Do it like this.” he said. He held his shoulder, and then he held his hand. He gripped onto Danson's hand, as he showed him the right way to lift the dumb bells. He looked up at him, and Ethan's gaze locked with his. Then, he let out a smile at him.

He felt his heart racing against his chest with that look, with that smile, and with his touch. He looked awa, and swallowed hard. He felt aloof with him around. Maybe he's straight, and he doesn't know how to deal with him, knowing that he have a crush on him. What if he found out that he have a crush on him, and didn't take it in a good way?

“Got it?” Ethan asked. That snapped him out of his thoughts. “Y-yeah... thanks.” he said. He watched as Ethan take his leave and went back to his place. He looked at Danson again, and gave him a wink. “I take it as he's interested in me. For now.” he thought. He smiled to himself as he continued to work out that day.

--

“Where are you? Call me. I need to talk to you.”

Ella pressed on the send button of her phone, and put it on the coffee table. She stared at for a long time, which George found weird. “If you're waiting for his reply, FYI, it takes a minute to tyoe a long text message.” he commented. Ella looked at him as she took the pillow and hug it. “Do you think he'll reply?” she asked. “Depends if he is busy or not. Anyway, who is this 'he' you're talking about?” George asked. Ella looked away from him, and let out a sigh. “It's Danson, isn't it? What? Trouble in paradise?” he asked again. Ella answered with a sigh.

George walked up to her, and sat beside her. “Come on, tell me.” he said. “I think he's mad at me...”
“Why would he be mad at you?”
“Because I did something I'm not supposed to do.”
“And that is?”
“Can I not tell you this time, Georgie?”
“Is it worse?”
“I think so.”
“Have you apologized to him?”
“He said that I should just forget about what happened.”

George let out a smile. He put his arms around her, and pulled her for a hug. “I think he's not mad at you. But because you did something bad, he have to be away and forget about it. Give the guy some time, all right?” he said. “I just don't like it when he's like this... Why does he have to stay away from me? It made me think that he hates me!” Ella said. “I don't think Danson could hate you, Ella.” George said. Ella gave him a puzzled look. “How could he hate the girl he loves?” he said. This made Ella even more puzzled. “Danson? Loves me?” she asked.

George let out a laugh at her. “It's either you're too densed or what. I think the guy's in love with you.” he said. “But the guy is gay...” she muttered under her breath. George gave her a confused look. “What?” he asked. Ella's eyes widened upon realizing what she just said. “I... I said I don't think so.” she said. George just shook his head. “Look, I think the reason why you're being this paranoid is because you feel the same way for him. You love him, Ella, or else, it wouldn't matter to you if he's mad at you or not.” George said. “But i'm always like this with you guys...” she defended. He smiled, and shook his head. “I see worry in your eyes. I see that you fear losing him in your life. You have to admit, Danson suddenly became that important person in your life now, Ella. You love him. There's no denying it.” he said. Ella could only look away from him, trying to figure out if he's right or not. Sure, something changed that night they slept together. But does that mean that she's starting to see Danson in a more different light?

--

The elevator door opened. As Danson walked out, and towards his pad, he saw Ella waiting for him outside his door. It's only been four days since he took his leave at the office, because he wasn't to sure how to face Ella. He had to be sure of himself, that nothing changed in him after that night they spent together. He wanted to be sure that he is still gay, and that he still sees Ella as a friend.

“Ella?” he said. Ella looked at him. He walked up to her. “What are you doing here?” he asked her. “I heard you took a leave...” she began. He let out a smile at her. “I felt too stressed out at work... at everything. It was too much to handle for me. And then there's my breakup with Jiro... and the fact that he is enjoying himself with another guy. I need the time to think things through, and slow down...” he said. Ella had this look on her face that she was about to cry. “Am I adding up to your stress?” she asked. “I never thought of you that way, Ella.” he said. “Then, are you mad at me?” she asked again. He paused, then he shook his head. “I'm not mad at you, or even hate you. You are special to me, Ella. You know that.” he said. Ella lowered her head as she speaks. “But what happened to us...” she said in a low voice. “It will be something special for me... but you know what I really am. I know it was something we both didn't want to happen... but just happened. You are my friend, ans the last thing I want to do is have this beautiful friendship between us be ruined because of that night.” he said.

Ella looked up at him, and she saw him smiling at her. “What we have... it's something special. We have this bond that no one could ever have. The friendship we have is very important to me... that's why I wanted us to forget that night, because I know it will ruin everything. That's why I stayed away from you... because I know that you have not forgotten about it yet. I don't want you to think that I used you to forget him... it's not like that.” he said. Then, she turned into a smile. “I understand now. I won't ever talk about that night anymore. Just don't do this again... you worried me. I thought... I thought I'm going to lose you.” she said. He held her hand, and then pulled her into a hug.

They stood there by the hallway for a long time, just hugging each other. “You'll always have me...” he whispered to her.






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Labels: fan fic, Me And My Gay Boss