Floor 10 - Archives

Standing on a step ladder, Finn sifted through files. Losing concentration he growled, and started again.

Why couldn't he stop thinking about it?

He had seen Jason, for just a few seconds, and now he just couldn't get him out of his mind!

Hearing the ding of the elevator, he stepped down. Someone would be waiting at the front counter.

The whole floor was dedicated to Archives. Almost every business in the building used it to store their old files and documents. It was an important job, protecting and preserving these records, and it was Finn's Domain.

Row upon row of shelving, rose high to the ceiling! Laden down with boxes, folders and paper files!

A security pass was needed to enter. Finn had often wondered, what type of sensitive information, was held between these walls to require such measures. He was yet to find out!

He punched in the code, that was changed every few days, and exited through the heavy glass doors.

It was Dan Williams, looking smart in his Grey suit. Dan was a regular visitor to Archives, and a Manager.

At first, Finn had often wondered why he didn't send his secretary to collect documents. But it had gradually become more clear.

Dan flashed him a smile! Passed him the file information, intentionally brushing Finn's hand. Lingered with small talk, then asked Finn to bring the files to his office! Finn's skin crawled but he really didn't have a choice. It was his job after-all.

Things like this happened to him a lot. But it still made him uncomfortable!

It wasn't that he couldn't protect himself if he needed to. It was the fact that it happened in the first place.

His whole life, he had unintentionally been the centre of attention!

All because he had been born with good looks. Or cursed with good looks! Because that was what he felt!

From the time he was 3 years old, his mother had made money from his looks. Modeling for advertisments and fashion magazines, had been fun when he had other children to play with. It hadn't seemed like work then.

But as he got older, the fun had ceased. He had worked more, and more. The other children had ignored him, or been nasty to him. His mother would tell him they were jealous, but it hurt!

Eventually his school work had suffered, with time away! Then his mother had given him a reprieve.

During High School, he had only worked on weekends. While friends were doing sports and dating, he traveled to photographic studios. Spent hours waiting around, fitting into other peoples schedules.

Boredom and the wish to escape in his mind, led him to reading! It was his Saviour!

Reading led to writing. English became his favourite school subject. His passion!

He was popular at school, Girls and Boys hovered around him! But they were false friendships. He was just an ornament, the boy you kept close to bring you more attention.

A pretty face, to admire, then throw away when it suits. No-one saw the real him. The smart brain, beneath the beauty! The heart that ached, every-time a so called friend pushed him away! No-one cared about the countless nights he cried himself to sleep!

Only one person, had noticed him. Talked to him, about books and his writing! Encouraged him! Praised his knowledge, not his looks!

And stolen his Heart!

That one person, that now wouldn't leave his mind!

Why did Jason, have to work here, in this building?

Would he have to see him, regularly?

Could he cope, with the painful feelings that would keep resurfacing?