One Shot

Elly, a brunette girl in a tailored suit, works quietly at her desk while everyone is out for lunch. It was quiet until a blonde girl carrying a clipboard comes running her way.

"This is bad! This is bad!" Kath repeats herself while panting.

"Kath?" Elly turns to her.

Kath is still catching her breath. "This is so bad, Elly!"

"What happened?"

"What happened?! Your fiance, of course!" Kath exclaims. Elly's eyelids droop. "Elly, I assure you he's cheating on you!"

"Don't be silly."

"I'm not kidding!" Kath points in the direction of the lunchroom. "I overheard him talking to that new girl!"

"They're just talking," Elly speaks in a weak, fatigued voice as she turns back to her papers.

"I know the difference, Elly. I can tell you they're totally flirting."

"Kath... I need to finish this today..."

"Are you not worried at all?!"

"There's nothing to be worried about. He can talk to anyone."

Kath grabs a nearby chair to sit beside Elly. "You two are getting married in two months! He shouldn't be flirting around like that!" Her scream is soft enough that only Elly can hear it, but loud enough to express her frustration.

"He's not flirting..." Elly feigns disinterest.

"And what about the ring?"

"The ring?" The question catches Elly's attention.

"The ring! He isn't wearing it!"

Elly stares at Kath stupefied. "He... Really?"

"Yes!" Kath presses.

"He-," After a few seconds of deep thought, Elly looks down at the ground. Visibly defeated, but refuses to admit. "Well, he's not the type to wear jewelry. Maybe he just keeps it in his pocket."

"No way! This is not normal, Elly."

"Kath, I-"

Kath stands up and pushes her chair aside. "Go talk to him. Right now! I'll come with you."

"I'll talk to him when I get home."

"No! You talk to him and that wench right now!"

"Can we just not-"

Kath grabs Elly's right hand and pulls it up to help her stand.

"Ow!" Elly flinches in pain as part of her sleeve slides up, revealing swollen bruises on her wrist. Kath sees a glimpse of it before Elly pulls her hand back and fixes her sleeve.

"That son of a-" Kath fumes and turns around about to dash away but Elly stops her by her clothes.

"Kath! Wait!"

"Don't stop me! This is unacceptable! What kind of a man-"

"Shhh!" Elly spins Kath around and grabs her by the shoulders. "Kath. Come here. Listen. You can't tell anyone."

"Are you out of your mind? I am going to tell everyone!"

"Stop! No!"

"Why are you protecting him?! After what he did to you?!"

"Kath-"

"This is not right! This is-"

"KATH!" Elly shakes Kath's shoulders. "Promise me you won't tell anyone."

"I am trying to help you!"

"If you're really trying to help me..." Elly holds back her tears. "If you're really trying to help me, you will promise me you won't tell anyone."

"Why are you so stubborn?!"

"Because I'm getting married in two months!" Elly raises her voice. "And I am getting married. To him. No matter what." Her eyes start to water but not a droplet makes it down her cheek. "I don't want any more fights. I don't want any more pointless discussions."

Elly's grab loosen and slowly slides down Kath's arms.

"This is none of your business. I am fine. I don't need your help. I don't want to lose him now. I've prepared so much for this."

Elly finally lets go of her.

"Please, Kath... Don't ruin it."