HANGING ON A WIRE

Nicolette scurried into the empty elevator, her day dreaming had resulted in her been late for work, she'd gone out for lunch and got caught up in the atmosphere on the streets. She resented work, she'd much rather be at home creating her dream man.

Some people would describe the slender 23 year old as a dreamer, perhaps even immature, but she just enjoyed living in her own world, one that was free from the real drudgery of reality. In her world she was happy, married to a handsome, caring, loving man, they had 2 kids and a 5 bedroom house, with a white picket fence and a walk in closet. Not much of a dream, but it was her dream!

She once again snapped herself out of yet another day dream and flicked her wavy sandy blond hair behind her ear and pushed the 'close door' button. A tiny voice promoted her to quickly push the 'door open' button.

“Thanks” the guys sighs stepping into the elevator.

He was about 5'6, Nicolette guessed, he had longish dark hair pulled back into a tight pony tail, and a sweet smile that beamed a welcoming message. Nicolette figured he was probably about the same age maybe a little older than her.

The elevator doors slowly shut carrying it's two lone passengers to their desired location. The elevator moved up in silence, Nicolette had yet again slipped into another day dream, a loud crack yanked her brutally from it, the elevator shook violently and dropped rapidly at least 3 floors, the emergency brakes creaked into action, but still the elevator shook throwing it's passengers around like plastic dolls. The light above them flickered then shut off completely. After what seemed like eternity the shaking stopped and the light flickered back on.
“You okay?” Howie questions slowly getting to his feet
Nicolette briefly nodded, still a little shocked.
Howie offers his hand to help her up, she gratefully accepts and he pulls her to her feet. He picks up the emergency phone and after a short conversation with whoever was on the other end, he hung up and turned to Nicolette.
“They said it might be a while till they can get up here, he said there's air vents at the top so we wont suffocate, but they can't come right up, something about aftershocks, comforting huh?” he smiles trying to bring humor to the otherwise humorless situation.
Nicolette nervously laughs, the thought of plummeting down to the ground was anything but funny, but the guys dancing brown eyes were quite comforting in themselves.

“My names Howie by the way” he says extending his hand
“Nicolette” she replies shaking his hand
“You work here?”
“Yeah what about you?”
“Na, I was coming to visit my sister, sort of a surprise visit”
They continued talking about minor things - weather, family, etc.

There was a quick jolt and after a loud clinking sound the elevator slowly lowered it's passengers to the ground floor, they both step out thankful for the presence of the solid floor.

They had been in the hour for almost 3 hours, since 1.30 it was now 4.30. Nicolettes boss had left a message with the front desk telling Nicolette to just go home, something about how she deserved it. Howie rung his sister only to be informed she had gone home early.

“So?” he smiles walking out the front entrance with Nicolette
“So?”
“How about a drink?”


Continuation - One
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