Chapter 6 TRIS

CHAPTER SIX- TRIS

~ LUCY'S POV ~

"Is anyone in there?" I asked, realizing the voice was coming from one of the toilet stalls.

"Yes, yes please, can I ask a favor..?" The voice replied. "I'm in a bit of a situation... I didn't notice I was stained earlier and I don't have an extra pad on me."

I responded, "Sure, I'll go to the nearby convenience store and get you one."

"Thank you so much"

I quickly left the bathroom and purchased a pad from the store.

I returned and stood close to the door saying, "Here's the pad. I'll slide it under the door. I also brought a long-sleeved shirt for you to tie around your waist in case of blood spilled on your clothes."

"Thank you so much"

A few seconds later, a young lady emerged from the toilet "Miss Lucy? Omg thank you, you're such a lifesaver.

"I'm glad I could help. I didn't quite get your name" I said

"Oh it's Beatrice, but you can call me Tris," she said smiling.

Tris is a 25 yr old girl, probably the youngest employee. She joined the company two months ago as an intern. She was known for her vibrant personality, always being friendly and cheerful. Tris was extremely beautiful.

"Thank you so much Lucy, I'll definitely repay you for your kindness" she said.

"You don't have to, anyone would have done the same," I said to her.

"No, I don't think so," she replied, shaking her head. "Someone else was here before you came in, and I asked her for the same favor, but she ignored me."

"Are you sure she heard you?" I asked. "Yes, I'm positive," she said. "When she came in, she was grumbling about someone bossing her around. Then I asked her if she's got a pad, and she completely ignored me. I asked her again, and she snapped, 'What the heck, I'm already having a bad day, and you're asking me for more?' then she slammed the door," she said, mimicking Suzy's voice and mannerisms.

From her impression, I had no doubt it was Suzy. Given what I knew about her plan, her behavior didn't surprise me. She was wicked, yet always pretended to be good.

"Anyway, I'm glad you came in when you did," she said. "I didn't know what I would have done."

"It was really nothing," I replied. "Have you eaten?" I asked. "We could grab lunch elsewhere; I don't feel like eating in this cafeteria."

"I'd love to," she said, and we left the bathroom together.

As we entered the cafeteria, I spotted Suzy and Dave eating and chatting together.

As we approached, their conversation became audible.

"Lucy once told me you were very popular in school," Dave said.

"Yes, I was," Suzy replied with a giggle. "And I helped Lucy a lot with my fame. She had a hard time getting along with people in our class."

"You're really a wonderful person," Dave said.

Suzy laughed. "Ha ha ha, you're so sweet. I hope this makes up for my mistake earlier."

"Oh, that's fine," Dave replied. "By the way, where's Lucy?"

"I'm right here," I said, reaching my seat.

"I'll be heading to the café shop to grab some snacks," I added.

Suzy's eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at Tris, unfamiliar with her. "Is everything okay?" she asked.

"This is Tris," I explained. "I ran into her in the restroom."

"Can I join you? I'd like some coffee too," Suzy said, standing up and linking her arm through mine. I quietly removed her arm, which left her looking confused.

"You can tag along; I'll take care of the bill," Tris offered.

"No, you don't have to," I replied.

"Oh, come on, Lucy. At least let me treat you this time," Tris insisted.

Suzy's eyes darted between us, her expression puzzled. "What's going on?"

"Lucy helped me out in the bathroom," Tris explained. "I needed a pad, and she got one for me."

Suzy's confusion deepened, her eyes widening in surprise. I could almost see the thoughts racing through her mind – she was the one who had ignored Tris's request earlier. "Oh, that explains the cardigan tied around your waist," Suzy said, her gaze drifting to my cardigan.

"Yes, can we go now?," Tris said, and we turned to leave.

"Are you guys just going to leave me here?" Dave asked, still trying to finish his lunch.

"Oh, that's true. I just remembered I have an appointment with Mr. Peter. I think I'll skip the coffee," she said, glancing at her wristwatch. "There he is – Mr. Peter," she called out, waving her hand to greet our team director.

As she reached him, she laughed and exchanged greetings, playfully adjusting his tie. I recognized the sly smile on her face – she was up to something. Mr. Peter was a man easily swayed by beautiful women, and I suspected she was using her charm to manipulate him into doing her bidding. But I would uncover her plan soon enough; she was already within my grasp. I watched as they left the cafeteria together, lost in thought. I didn't notice when Tris called out to me.

"Lucy? Are you okay? Let's go," her voice brought me back to reality.

"Yes, sure, let's go," I replied, smiling.

We left together, she kept giggling and enthusiastically listing all the snacks she wanted to try at the café. Her childlike excitement was infectious, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Tris and I spent 30 minutes in the café, and by the time we finished, the lunch break had already come to a close. Tris was a delightful person and I genuinely enjoyed our brief time together.

We headed back to the company, but since she was an intern in a different department, we exchanged pleasantries and parted ways.

Upon returning to my desk, I noticed Mr. Micheal standing in front of his office, engaged in a phone conversation. Even with his back turned towards me, he looked undeniably handsome.

As I took my seat, I reflected on the events that had transpired so far. The future had indeed taken a different turn- my new friendship with Tris, Dave's decision to sell his stocks, Suzy spilling hot soup on Dave instead of me and my newfound dynamic with Mr. Micheal. I couldn't help but smile at the realization that I now possessed a distinct advantage, having gained insight into the events that would unfold over the next three years.

I was determined not to let anyone take control of my life.

I won't let that happen again, not now, not ever.