Begin Again: Chapter 25

“Thanks for the ride,” Portia says to Francesca once she stops her car in front of Portia’s apartment. “And thanks for having dinner with me despite still having to work after this.”

“You can give me a call anytime, Portia,” Fran says. “You know that.”

Portia smiles. “Well, good night.”

Portia gets off the car and instantly shivers. God, why is it so cold tonight? She quickly makes her way to the front door of the building.

“Portia.”

Portia turns around, stuffing her hands into her pockets. “Yeah?”

Francesca already got out of the car and is walking towards Portia. She stops right in front of the girl and asks, “Can I say goodnight to you the way I used to?”

Portia knows full-well what Francesca means by this and for a while, she can’t really come up with something to say. Perhaps it’s January’s cold wind that froze her brain this night.

But Francesca takes Portia’s silence as a yes since she’s started to slowly close her gap with her. Portia doesn’t move, letting Francesca stand right in front of her, their coats were touching.

She’s going to kiss me and I’m going to let her, Portia says to herself when she lifts up her head to see Francesca, because she kissed Audrey. 

Francesca brings her right hand to Portia’s face and starts to go in for a kiss.

She’s going to kiss me and I’m going to let her.

I’m going to let her. 

But, at the very last second, Portia slightly looks away, making Francesca’s lips land right on the edge of hers. Portia shuts her eyes and sighs internally. What has she done? Why did she do it?  She only moves her face a little, but that’s still a refusal.

She’s sure that Francesca realizes it too, even though that woman doesn’t show it. Fran smiles at Portia, straightens her back and mumbles, “Good night.”

Portia can do nothing but to smile back clumsily. She waits until Francesca gets inside her car and goes away before she shuts her eyes and groans.

Damn Ellen DeGeneres.

“Finally, you’re back in the loop.”

The voice of the woman she just cursed makes Portia jumps. She turns and sees Ellen closing the door of her car, parked in front of her apartment.

“Ellen,” she says automatically as her heart starts to race.

Ellen stays where she is, stuffing her hands into her long coat’s pockets. She takes a deep breath before saying, “Your phone can’t be contacted.”

“I ran out of juice,” Portia says quickly and lightly. She wonders if Ellen saw what just happened.

Ellen stares at Portia for a while, then starts to make her way towards her. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she says.

Portia shrugs. “Oh. I was with—“

“With Francesca, yes, I can see that,” Ellen cuts her off coldly. She looks away from Portia and Portia notices her clenching her jaw. It sort of confirms that Ellen did see what just took place. Well, good.

Portia starts to speak. “I—“

“You’re having fun with Francesca while everybody’s busy looking for you and try to reach you,” Ellen cuts her off again. She exhales and shakes her head. “But it’s not important. You better come with me now.”

Portia frowns. “Come with you? Why?” she asks. “And who did you mean by ‘everybody’?”

“Your brothers have been looking for you as well,” Ellen says curtly while walking back to her car. She opens the passenger’s door, indicating Portia to get in. “I’ll take you to them.”

Suddenly a heavy anxiousness falls upon Portia. “They’re looking for me? Why? What happened?” she says, finally walking towards Ellen.

And Portia swears that she sees Ellen’s face softens right at that moment, as well as her voice when she says, “Your mom’s in the hospital.”


*******************


Ellen takes her eyes off the road for a second to see the girl sitting next to her in the car. Portia’s face is as white as a ghost, her whole body is tensed and stiff, her left hand is gripping her phone tightly while she keeps on biting the nails of the right one. Ellen feels like she should stop Portia before that girl starts to make her own fingers bleed.

“Stop biting your nails,” Ellen mumbles, keeping her eyes on the road.

Portia doesn’t show any sign that she heard Ellen.

Ellen steals another glance, then extends her hand towards Portia’s, pulling it away from her lips. Portia jolts and turns to see Ellen.

“You'll hurt your fingers,” Ellen mumbles again, still holding Portia’s hand. She stares straight to the road ahead of her. “Don’t worry. Your mom is okay. You’ve talked to Andrew and he said that her condition is stable. She’s just tired.”

Portia gulps. “I shouldn’t have turned my phone off,” she whispers.

Ellen squeezes Portia’s hand reassuringly. “Your mom is okay,” she says again.

Portia looks away, staring out the window but doesn’t pull her hand away from Ellen’s grip. Instead, she squeezes Ellen’s hand back.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Portia wastes no time to scramble for her brothers who take her right away to their mother. Ellen doesn’t go in. She’s not family. So she looks around and decides to sit on one of the cold silver benches in the waiting room. She just picked up a magazine when Jenna, Andrew’s wife, approaches her.

“Thank you for driving Portia here,” Jenna says to Ellen. She moves her head towards the room where Portia’s mom is and asks, “You wanna go in there?”

Ellen shakes her head. “Thanks, but perhaps later. I’m sure it’s time for family now. I’ll just wait here.”

Jenna smiles and shrugs. “Alright. I’ll let Portia know that you’re waiting.”

15 minutes later, Portia gets out of the room. Ellen is relieved to see her not looking so pale anymore.

“How’s your mom doing?” Ellen asks after Portia stops in front of her.

Portia sighs and sits next to Ellen. “Quite well,” she says with a smile. “And very eager to go home.”

“That’s good news.” Ellen stares at Portia for a while. “And how are you doing?”

“Relieved,” she answers, exhaling. “Still feel bad that I didn’t come earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” Ellen mumbles.

Portia looks at her with raised eyebrows. “Not your fault.”

Ellen stays silent.

“Thanks so much for bringing me here,” Portia goes on, smiling again. “I’m gonna go home with my brothers later, so you can go home now if you want to, Ellen.”

“Anyway,” Ellen says, looking for something in her inner coat pocket, “I’ve got something to give to you. She pulls out two different envelopes and hands it to Portia. “From Arthur and Frank.”

Portia furrows her brow. “Who?”

“Read it.”

Portia looks hesitant, but takes both of the envelopes and chooses to tear open the white one first.

“Dear Portia,” Portia starts to read. She glances at Ellen, clears her throat, and continues, “In this given opportunity, I would like to sincerely apologize to you for all the horrible things I have ever done to you in high school, especially when I tripped you over in the hall and embarrassed you in front of everybody. Trust me, I’m extremely not proud of what I’ve done and I am truly sorry.” Portia grimaces. “As a sign of my earnest apology to you, I’m offering you my service as an architect if there ever comes a day where you need it. For free— it’s the least I could do. Warm greetings, Arthur Young.”

Portia looks at Ellen. “You’re the one who told him to write this?” she asks.

Ellen doesn’t answer. “There’s one more,” she says, pointing to the second envelope on Portia’s hand.

Portia squints her eyes, but tears open the yellow envelope anyway.

“Dear Portia,” she reads again. “I actually wanted to call you and say my apology to you directly, but Ellen refuses to give me your number and asks me to write this letter instead. I really hope that you will forgive every shitty thing that I have ever done to you back then. Since Ellen said that I have to offer you something as a sign of sincere apology, I have decided to come up with an offer to accompany you whenever you come to Chicago. Okay, fine. I’m just joking. Ellen doesn’t like this joke.” Portia snorts quietly and smiles. “So, I’m offering you a free lifetime membership for my gym center in Chicago. For free, of course. Frank. PS. I’d still go around with you if you eve.”

Portia raises her eyebrows when she realizes that the letter stops there. “I think he didn’t finish this letter,” she says as she turns the page, looking for a continuation.

Ellen shrugs. “I might have snatched the paper before he’s done,” she admits nonchalantly.

Portia burst out laughing and shakes her head.

Ellen observes the girl who’s sitting next to her, considering if she should say it now or if she should wait. Well, better say it now while she’s with her. So, Ellen takes a deep breath and says, “It’s not like what it looks like in that picture.”

Portia doesn’t say anything, doesn’t look her way either.

“Audrey was drunk and wasn’t aware of what she was doing,” Ellen goes on, hoping with all her heart that Portia believes her. “I didn’t kiss her.”

Portia still remains silent. But, just when Ellen starts to think that perhaps Portia’s lost in her thoughts and probably didn’t hear what she was saying, the girl turns to her and says, “I didn’t kiss Francesca either.”



*****************


I didn’t kiss Francesca either. 

Portia’s words keep on echoing in Ellen’s mind all night long, since she left the hospital, while she’s back working at the Ramses, until the moment she comes back to her apartment.

I didn’t kiss Francesca either.

What does it mean? Ellen thinks to herself while taking off her coat and walks towards the window in her living room. Does it mean that Portia believes that she didn’t kiss Audrey? Or does it mean otherwise?

But does Ellen herself believe that Portia didn’t kiss Francesca?

I didn’t kiss Francesca either. 

That’s what Portia said. But, Ellen saw it with her own eyes when Francesca lowered her head to kiss Portia.

Ellen grits her teeth when the unpleasant memory provokes a pang of pain in her chest.

In that damned picture, Ellen was seen to be kissing Audrey. Very clearly. But it doesn’t mean that she did. “I didn’t kiss Audrey,” she mumbles to herself.

I didn’t kiss Francesca either.

Does it mean that what she saw earlier isn’t what was actually taking place?

Ellen takes a deep breath. If she wants Portia to believe her, she also has to believe Portia. Maybe that’s what Portia tried to say.

She pulls out her phone from her pocket and sends a text to Portia. Asleep?

32 seconds pass by, then Portia’s reply comes in. Not yet. What’s up? 

Ellen dials Portia’s number.

The girl picks up directly on the first ring. “Yes?”

“I believe you,” Ellen says with utmost sincerity.

A moment of silence, then, “I believe you, too.”

Ellen breathes out in full relief. “Thank you. So does it mean I get to receive the answer to my question?”

“What question?”

“Is there a chance for you to like me back and want to know me better?”

Ellen holds her breath for 8 seconds. A solid eight-second moment of anticipation before Portia’s voice is finally heard again.
“Yes,” Portia says, slowly but lightly. “I’d be very glad to get to know you better, Ellen DeGeneres.”

Ellen really can’t describe how she’s feeling right at that moment. She only knows that she can’t fight the idiotic grin that grows wider and wider, and that her heart is soaring so high. “You mean it, right?” she asks. “You know what this means?”

“Yes, I know.”

Ellen’s pretty sure that she can hear the smile in Portia’s voice as well. “I really hope I could crush you with a hug right now,” she mutters.

Portia giggles in response. “Well, I am hugging you right now. Can’t you feel it?”

Ellen raises her eyebrows and smiles. “You are? Well, then, I’m hugging you, too.”

Portia laughs. “Gosh, that’s so pathetically cheesy.”

The ensuing silence is a comfortable one, then Portia finally says, “It’s late and you must be exhausted. Go get some sleep.”

“You, too.”

“I’ll see you… tomorrow?”

Ellen smirks. “You better be damn sure I’m going to see you tomorrow, woman.”

Begin Again: Chapter 24

Portia’s tracing the thin line of cracks on the table with her finger when Francesca finally shows up. 

“Turned out the interview took longer than I expected,” Francesca says after taking off her coat and sitting down across Portia. “I’m sorry, you must’ve been here for a while.” 

Portia smiles and shakes her head. “That’s alright.” 

She said she didn’t plan on spending New Year’s Eve with Audrey. 

“Have you ordered yet?” Francesca asks, reaching for the menu card. 

She said she wasn't going to kiss Audrey. Or anybody. 

“No. I was waiting for you,” Portia says lightly. 

But look what happened. 

Francesca stares at Portia and smiles. “I’m glad you called, Portia,” she says sincerely. 

Portia stares back at Fran, then says, “Me too.” 

If she can kiss Audrey, then I can kiss anyone I like. Including Francesca. 

****************

While Portia’s having her dinner at the Nolita’s, Audrey is in her apartment in East Village, accompanied by Karen who’s crouching on the couch with a glass of wine. 

“By the way, has she called you yet?” Karen asks Audrey who’s sitting crossed-legged on the armchair. 

“Nope,” Audrey says briefly. She reaches for the TV remote, turns it on and looks for a news channel. 

“Oh, please don’t,” Karen groans. “It’s boring.” 

Audrey ignores her friend. “If you want people to think of you as an unintelligent model, be my guest,” she says nonchalantly. 

Karen rolls her eyes and grumbles quietly. Recalling their previous topic, she goes on, “I don’t think Ellen is the type of person who reads gossips articles, babe. I’m pretty sure she has no idea whatsoever about those articles and those pictures on the internet. So I think it’d be more efficient if you show it to her.” She sips her red wine. “Giving her a little push to…. You know, make your relationship official.” 

Audrey bites her lip. 

It was Karen’s and her plan to do all this, with the help of Karen’s friend who’s a photographer and a freelancer on a gossip site. Their aim is to see Ellen’s reaction to the article. If Ellen’s cool about it, then it’s a good sign. It means that she doesn’t mind being associated with Audrey. However, if she’s not fine about it…. well, that’d not be a good sign. 

“What’s on your mind, Audrey?” Karen asks. 

“Nothing.”

“You seem gloomy.” 

“Oh, shut up, Karen. I’m trying to watch the news,” Audrey retorts. 

“Since when did you follow sports news?” Karen says back. 

Audrey snorts and scowls, staring at the TV with a frown even though she doesn’t actually catch a single word of what the anchorman is saying. 

If there’s one thing that does worry her, it’s Ellen’s reaction when she kissed that woman on New Year’s Eve. Even though the result of Karen’s friend’s work really did make it look like it’s a romantic kiss, in reality their lips were only touching for a split second. Half a split second, if that’s possible. As soon as Audrey puts her lips on Ellen’s, Ellen quickly steps back and holds both of Audrey’s shoulders to keep the distance. The way Ellen looked at her that night made Audrey felt overwhelmingly embarrassed to the extent where she had to pretend to be drunk. 

They never talked about it afterwards. Ellen never brought it up and Audrey herself pretended not to remember having kissed her. But, Ellen’s refusal is surely one of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to Audrey. 

****************

Meanwhile, in another part of New York, Ellen DeGeneres is sitting inside her car that she parked not too far from Ramses with a phone on her left ear. 

She exhales impatiently when, again, the operator was the one who answers the call. Portia still can’t be reached. That girl is not at her shop, is not in her apartment, is not at Sunny Day, and is not with Nic. Perhaps Portia’s with her mom or her brothers. Ellen can’t know for sure since she doesn’t know the phone number of any of Portia’s family. It seems like she really has to give up for now and tries to contact her again tomorrow. Either that or waiting for Portia in front of her apartment until that girl comes home. 

Ellen taps her phone on the steering while, trying to come up with a decision. She’s not worried about the article that states about her being with Audrey. That gossip is never going to shock the world. She’s not a celebrity and Audrey, despite being a supermodel, is not actually that famous either. Such trivial gossip would easily be swallowed by something more interesting in no time at all. Had Portia only read that stupid article, Ellen knows that she wouldn’t have bought it either. 

But, the problem is that one cursed picture. That picture shows something that’s not true at all. It doesn’t correspond to what actually happened. If she can be honest, that picture doesn’t disturb her either. She knows what happened. She did not kiss Audrey. Audrey kissed her, and that’s only because she was drunk anyway. 

What bugs Ellen is the fact that Portia saw that picture and she knows what must be on that girl’s mind. 

Portia is probably really mad at her right now. Would she not want to see her ever again? 

Ellen frowns when she thinks of that possibility and feels a slight pain on her chest. Damn it. 

What if Portia doesn’t believe her? 

Ellen shakes her head. No, she has to. She’s going to make Portia believe her. Oh, god, but what if she doesn’t?

 Suddenly feeling out of breath, Ellen quickly opens her door and jumps out of the car. She takes a long deep breath, filling her lungs with cold air. 

Alright. She’s going to go to Portia’s apartment once more after she’s done with her work. 

Ellen makes her way to her restaurant and gets in through the side door that leads directly to the kitchen. She nods briefly to the staffs who bump into her. Andy, who’s talking on the telephone in the hall, sees her and waves. “Ellen, it’s for you,” he says, pointing at the receiver. 

Ellen sighs.

“It sounds important,” Andy adds. 

“I’ll get it from my room,” Ellen mumbles. 

She steps into her working room, setting away some pieces of papers sitting on the telephone, and picks up the receiver. “Ellen DeGeneres’ speaking,” she says. 

“Ellen,” the man on the other end greets back, “this is Andrew Rogers.” 

Ellen straightens her back. Andrew Rogers? Portia’s brother? 

“Oh, yes. Can I help you?” 

“I’m sorry to disturb you…”

“No, you d—“ 

“…but is Portia with you?” 

Ellen stops for a moment. Andrew’s voice sounds a little weird. There's a tone of urgency. “No, she’s not,” Ellen answers carefully. 

“Oh.” Andrew sounds disappointed. “I was hoping that she is. I can’t reach her.” 

Most probably because she’s avoiding my phone calls, Ellen thinks grimly. “I’ve been trying to call her all day as well.” 

“Look, if you ever get to her first, please ask her to call me or Michael as soon as possible, alright?.” 

“Of course,” Ellen says. “Sorry, but is there an emergency?” 

Silence on the other end, then Andrew sighs and says, “Our mom is in the ER.” 

Begin Again: Chapter 23

“Seb, where’s Alison?” Portia asks Sebastian who’s giving some instructions to one of the staffs in the kitchen. 

Seb straightens his back and looks around, then he asks one of the interns who’s learning to decorate a cake, “Mitch, wasn’t she with you?” 

“She went to the front a few minutes ago,” Mitch says. “She said there’s something she needed to talk about to Kali.” 

Seb turns to Portia. “I’ll get her, Boss.” 

Portia shakes her head. “No, that’s alright. I’ll go see her.” 

This is Alison’s first day as an intern at A Piece of Cake since this is also the first day that Ben officially works at the Ramses. Portia often hires teenagers she finds at Sunny Day so they can have some more experience before looking for other jobs out there. But, it seems like Alison is the type of person who doesn’t like to work in silence, who’s more excited to work with people, and doesn’t have a very long span of attention. Perhaps Portia should just place her with Kali to deal with customers. 

Portia sees Alison talking to Kali behind the cashier desk in a whispering manner. 

“Alison, why did you leave your work?” Portia asks. 

Alison jolts and turns around, she quickly hides something behind her back. 

Portia raises her eyebrows. “What’s up?” she asks. She stares at Kali who’s looking a little weird, and back to Alison who seems like she doesn’t know what to do. “What were you guys talking about?” 

Alison bites her lip and glances at Kali. After a moment of hesitation, Kali finally says, “Just show her, Alison. I think it’s her right to know.” 

Portia is getting more confused. “What? What is it?” 

Alison sighs, then she hands her phone to Portia. “Here,” she says to her. “Read it.” 

Portia receives the phone from Alison’s hand with a frown. “What is…?” But before she gets to continue her words, her eyes catch the title of an online article that’s shown on the screen. 

AUDREY HILL’S ROMANTIC HOLIDAY WITH (soon-to-be) FIANCÉE

Portia’s eyes quickly move to the 3 pictures under the main title. Those pictures must’ve been taken secretly, but due to the high quality, Portia can easily recognize Ellen in those pictures. 

The first picture shows Audrey and Ellen in a restaurant. Audrey leaning over the table, smiling, while Ellen is sitting back relaxedly. 

The second picture shows both of them walking together. Audrey, as always, almost glues herself to Ellen’s side. Portia can’t clearly see whether Audrey is holding Ellen’s hand, but seems like the writer of the article thinks so. 

The third picture is what makes Portia almost chokes. She squeezes Alison’s phone in her hand. After staring at that picture for a couple of seconds, she reads the following short article quickly. 

…..Supermodel Audrey Hill was caught having a romantic getaway in Chicago with New York’s Ramses’ executive chef, Ellen DeGeneres. Our reliable source (who wants to stay anonymous) told us that the adorable couple has been together for a few months and they’re sure that DeGeneres is going to propose to Hill really soon. The lovebirds spent their New Year’s Eve on DeGeneres’ high school reunion and did the traditional New Year’s Eve kiss right when the clock struck twelve... 

“I’m sure that this is just a huge misunderstanding.” Kali breaks the silence. Her voice wavers. 

“But what about that picture?” Alison insists. “They’re clearly kissing!” 

“Alison.” 

Portia gives another look at that third picture, blinks several times, exhales slowly, then gives the phone back to Alison. “Go back to work, Alison,” she says flatly. 

“Are you okay, Portia?” Alison looks concerned. 

“Sure,” Portia answers briefly. 

Then her own phone rings, making Portia jumps. She shuts her eyes and sighs tiredly before fishing the phone out from her apron’s pocket. She looks at the name on her screen, then presses the red button. She lifts her face and looks at Alison again. “Back to work,” she repeats. 

Alison glances at Kali once more before obediently walks back towards the kitchen. 

When Portia’s phone rings again, she rejects the call in a flash and turns her phone off for good. 

************

Ellen is staring at her phone with a confused frown when Andy appears in the doorway. 

“Happy New Year!” He greets his boss cheerfully and steps inside. “How’s your holiday with your family?” 

Ellen taps her phone’s screen again and brings it to her ear. “Just like the previous years. Nothing new,” she answers. A moment later she stares at her phone again and mumbles, “Where’s she?” 

“Who’re you trying to call?” Andy asks. 

“Portia,” Ellen says and dials the number of Portia’s shop. 

“A Piece of Cake,” Kali’s friendly voice greets her. “How can I help you?” 

“Hi, Kali,” Ellen greets back. “This is Ellen DeGeneres speaking. Happy New Year.” 

“Oh.” Kali’s voice suddenly changes. “Happy New Year.” 

Ellen decides to ignore the change of the tone. Maybe it’s just her. “Is Portia there? I’ve been trying to call her but she didn’t pick up.” 

“Mm. Perhaps she’s busy.” 

Vague answer. Ellen tries again, “But is Portia there?” 

Silence. Then, “I think she’s not in the mood to receive some phone calls.” 

“What? Why?” 

“You know why,” Kali says curtly. “What about you try again tomorrow? Or in another couple of days.” 

After Kali hangs up, Ellen can only stare at her phone in utter confusion. “What the hell does that even mean?” 

“What’s going on?” Andy asks. 

“Portia refuses to talk to me,” Ellen says slowly. She lifts her face and stares at Andy. “Why?” 

Andy shrugs. “How should I know? Did you do something that might make her angry?” 

“I just got back from Chicago. I’ haven't even had the chance to see or talk to her again,” Ellen says. She stops for a while, pondering things, then mumbles, “I’ll go see her and find out what’s going on.” 

“Wait,” Andy holds his friend. “If she doesn’t want to talk to you on the phone, what makes you think she’d want to see you in person? Why don’t you find out through someone else?” 

“Who?” 

Andy indicates the kitchen with his thumb. “Haven’t we got a new guy who knows your girl quite well?” 

***************

5 minutes later…

Benjamin Font, Portia’s ex-staff who’s now working at the Ramses, stands in the middle of Ellen’s office nervously. He stares at Ellen and Andy alternately. “You… want to see me, M’am?” he asks hesitantly. 

Ellen smiles. “Hello, Ben. How’s work been? Have you been enjoying it?” 

“Uh… Yes, M’am.” He sounds unsure. “I’ve still got much to learn, though.” 

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’re gonna do well here,” Ellen says again warmly. “Anyway, right now I really need your help, Ben.” 

Ben slightly tilts his head. “My help?” 

*************

Another 5 minutes later…. 

Ben is listening to Kali’s story on the phone without much talking. From time to time he steals a glance at Ellen DeGeneres who’s sitting on the edge of her working desk with a crossed hands. If what Kali’s saying is true, no wonder Boss doesn’t want to talk to Ellen. 

“I’ll send you the link,” Kali says at the end of the conversation. 

Ben hangs up and turns to Ellen hesitantly. 

“So?” Ellen asks. “What did she say?” 

Ben clears his throat and says, “Boss has just left. She’s not at the shop at the moment.” 

“Where did she go?” 

“Kali doesn’t know.” 

“What else did she say?” Ellen pushes. “Why won’t Portia answer my calls?” 

As if on cue, Ben’s phone beeps. He clicks the link that Kali just sent to him which leads to an online article. His eyes widen in blatant surprise. Then he lifts his head and stares at Ellen for a second before showing what’s on his phone in front of his new boss’ face. “Kali said it’s because of this, M’am,” he mutters. 

Ellen stares at Ben’s phone, frowning, and in another second she snatches the phone from the owner’s hand.

“What the fuck is this?” she exclaims furiously. 

“What? What is it?” Andy immediately stands up from his seat and peeks from behind Ellen’s shoulder. “Ellen, why did you kiss Audrey?” 

“I did not kiss her,” Ellen snarly sharply. 

Andy stares at his boss. “You mean this picture is photoshopped?” 

Ellen doesn’t answer, her grip on Ben’s phone is getting tighter and tighter as she scowls angrily while reading the short article. 

Afraid that his phone would be crushed on his new boss' hands, Ben tries to think of a way to ask for his phone back. “I’m sorry, M’am,” he mumbles, “my phone…” 

But the look that Ellen throws his way makes Ben stops midway and gulps. For a moment Ben’s almost sure that his boss would throw the phone to his face, but finally Ellen only hands the thing back to him. 

Without another word, Ellen grabs her coat from her chair and bolts out of the room in wide strides.