Chapter 5: Don’t Count Your Blessings
Kellen wanted to bury his head into the ground at all the stares he was getting as he Father pulled up in front of Guiding Center B. His Dad had insisted on driving him to work. Kellen had thought he was going to grab one of his normal cars. Nope. He went with a bright red sports car that Kellen actively chose not to know the name of, or who made it. He found it embarrassing that his Dad liked fast cars, and had the money to buy them.
Kellen got out of the car in his uniform, his cheeks slightly flushed in embarrassment as he took in the view in front of him.
Most of the Guiding Centers had very similar construction. They all had all glass fronts, letting in lots of light into the rooms and lobby. The differences were the internal structures and how the grounds were laid out. Guiding Center B was focused on calming the mind, so the front of the building was covered in well taken care of gardens, a couple of burbling fountains, with lots of cute benches tucked around. With both sunny and shady spots, the sound of birdsong filled the air with life.
Lots of people, civilians, Espers and Guides were around, coming in and out of the building with ease. It was a welcoming place by design, and Kellen exhaled as he took in the sight of the place he'd been working at for the last six months. It still didn't feel real he went from a literal war zone to this.
"Have a safe day Honey! Mom and I love you very much!" He hunched his shoulders before turning to look at his picture perfect Father who was blowing kisses at him before driving away. He had a feeling that if anyone who knew him saw him, he wasn't living that down. But there also weren't many people who knew him who could get away with making fun of his Father. He was just a sweet A Class Guide.
Kellen made his way towards the entrance, the sliding glass doors opening as he stepped into the lobby. Most of the Center was painted in bright, soft colours. Lots of yellows and cream tones, while plants decorated every space. The lobby was no exception. Aside from a couple of soft couches dotted around, several larger than life plants decorated the space, making it feel like you were walking into a small jungle or forest.
Despite that feeling, it was still a welcoming space. The front desk was near the back of the space, and sitting at the desk was one of the several receptionists like usual. Unlike usual, they didn't have a large line in front of them. She smiled warmly when she caught sight of the Guide.
"Guide Woods! Thank goodness you are feeling better." Her easy welcome made it easy to forget the slight embarrassment of his Father, and Kellen gave her a smile in return.
"Thank you for your kind words. I take it since I passed out yesterday, the manager wants to see me before I start my day?" Her cheeks flushed and she nodded. It was a normal procedure after any incident that those involved would report and give their side of the situation. Usually it was done on the same day, but because he had passed out yesterday, he had to go give his report now. "What's my schedule after I meet with the manager? Do I have any reservations?" He asked and oddly, she wouldn't meet his gaze.
"Uh, I think you should speak with the manager first, Guide Woods." Huh. Odd. Kellen wondered what that meant.
"So, just head up right away?" He confirmed and she gave a firm nod.