Under the V.E.I.L:Book 1

I've been setting into work quite well. Everyone has been surprisingly welcoming here.
"Hey. Are you okay?You weren't there for coffee this morning."I recognised that voice.

"Yeah I'm alright.I was just caught up in all these files and I lost track of time."
"You know you don't have to overwork yourself? You have plenty of time to complete this."I let out a heavy sigh.

"It's sort of a habit.I don't like to stop until I'm done with something."
"Ah. Got it. But seriously you need to stop that habit. Especially if it means you're missing coffee with the team. No one could drink their horrible coffee in peace. Everyone was wondering where you were." I smile.

"I'll be there tomorrow. I promise."He smiles softly.
"Good. And remember if you ever need to escape I know a place that has drinkable coffee. We could go there if you like."
"I would love that." William's kindness reminded me of Ava. How they were both so enthusiastic and so caring. I admired that about William.

*

I decided to join the team for coffee today. William wasn't wrong when he said the coffee was terrible. It was too strong and bitter for my liking.
I walk into the lobby where there is a canteen. Everyone was sat on the velvet sofa and stools.

"Hey. Lena's here." William announces to everyone.
"Hey. Come sit down." Jenna,who's one of the staff, moves down giving me space to sit. Next to me is Jenna and William.

"I'll go get you a coffee."
"No Jenna I don't-"She's gone before I could finish my sentence.

"How are you settling in Lena? Do you like it here?"Adam asks me with a comforting smile.
"I've been fine so far and the job isn't as bad as I expected."

"Well thats good. I personally think we were in need of someone new."Jamie glares at Adam.
"Why Adam? Getting bored of us already? No offence to you Lena. You're a sweetheart."I smile at that comment.

This felt different. So many friends. So many nice words exchanged. I wish this didn't feel so abnormal.
I wish I could have experienced this more when I truly needed to.

"Here's your coffee." Jenna hands a cup of coffee.
"Thanks."I exchange a smile with her.

"Jenna why'd you get her that coffee? We all know it's shit."
"It's a tradition Samuel.You can go if you don't like shit coffee.Lena. You are more than welcome to throw it away if you don't want it."

"No.Of course not. Thank you for the coffee Jenna."She has a proud smile on her face.
"At least Lena has the heart to thank me."She sits back down next to me.

*

"Did you enjoy that?"William asks me. I hadn't laughed and smiled that much for so long.
"Definitely. I'll be joining you guys and thats a fact."He smiles almost as if he's glad.

"Thats great. The team really do love you."I look down and smile.
"Thats good to know."

"You know Lena you're actually doing better than I expected. Usually beginners are always struggling and need assistance. Though there's nothing wrong with that I just think you've been really independent. And thats great."

"Thank you William. It's only been a couple weeks but you've been great help. And I'm grateful for it."
"Anytime. I'm always here if you need anything. In or out or work."Then I get an idea.
William is trustworthy and he might know something about my parents. He might have access to some things.

"Do you think you can do me a favour?"