Life's Lessons on Stress

by Nona Mae King

  ~*~

  "Here's the report, sir." I set it on his desk. He looked to be in a slightly better mood, but I noticed his coffee mug was still missing. "I found the master at Trabia Garden and just pulled it from there to reprint it here. That way you could have it faster."

  Seifer took the report with a lopsided smirk. "Finally. Someone who sees the easy road."

  I wasn't sure whether to smile or feel insulted, so I just saluted and left with a mumbled "Yes, sir."

  Then I picked up the transcripts and headed to Fujin's office. The door was shut, and I could hear voices. I gnawed my lower lip, debating whether to knock and interrupt or wait until whoever she talked to left--or hung up--so that I could give her this project she wanted as soon as possible. I groaned and did a series of body hops without leaving the ground. What do I do? It wasn't fair. I rolled my eyes and knocked.

  "Enter."

  And I heard her say "Bye, Marshal. See you tonight, and thank you for the necklace" in a low tone as I opened the door. They must have been talking via secure web-cam, because I heard Marshal respond "You're welcome, chicklit. See you later." I felt giddy all over, but I did my best to act like I hadn't heard anything as I stepped fully in and approached her desk.

  Fujin faced forward, pushing her monitor to the side as she reached a hand out for the transcripts. "Done?"

  I nodded. "I would have been done sooner, but I had to--" No excuses! "Well, I'm sorry it took so long."

  Fujin's eyebrow twitched, but I didn't want to risk staying and saying something that would irritate her. So I saluted and left her office. Chicklet? How cute is that? I smiled and pulled her door closed, giving a slight shake of my head as I turned and headed back for my desk. I have to remember to invite Marshal to dinner again. And this time I would make him bring her.