Lyrical

Lyrical

Ah, the sweet haven of my music. I would go completely and utterly nuts if I had to work without my musical security blanket. I mean, it’s not a literal blanket; but when I put my earphones in and the noise of the office disappears, I am soothed.
They tried to make me work like the others, once. Told me that I was being anti-social and I was bad for the team dynamics. They took my earphones away for the day and I barely managed half the work I normally would. I got them back the very next day.
People don’t even talk to me. I get emails if they want me to do something. It all minimises my stress and maximises my work rate, but now and again someone will question what I do. Like just now, at lunch.
“Hey, Pete.” Susan, one of the new girls, smiles as she joins me in the lunch queue.
“It’s Peter, actually.”
“Oh. Sorry.” She blushes and reaches for a bottle of water from the fridge.
“I just thought I’d say hello, as you’ve had your earphones in all morning.”
Now I wish I hadn’t taken them out to queue for lunch. But Maureen gets grumpy if I leave them in, and then I end up with small portions.
“Hello.” I reply less than enthusiastically.
“Why do you listen to your music all the time? Don’t you get lonely?”
This is not a new question. Lots of girls ask it at one time or another. Blokes tend to be far more adept at reading my ‘Don’t bother me.’ signals.
“Nah, I like to work on my own.” I turn to Maureen and ask for my usual. She piles the sausage and chips onto my plate, then dribbles on the gravy. I smile my thanks and Maureen gives me a little wobbly wink.
“Can I sit with you?” She asks as I pay. I roll my eyes.
“If you like,” I reply,putting my earphones back in then shrugging.
I walk off, Five for Fighting soothing me with the haunting sound of Superman. Susan looks puzzled, then sits on a table with the others. I sit in the corner, alone with my music. Sweet Heaven.

***

Another day, another invoice. I sit down and check my email. I’m surprised to see a message from the boss. Well, more apprehensive really; he only mails me if he wants something boring or messy done.

Peter,

We have a new girl starting today, Chloe. She’s taking over from Charlie and will be sat next to you. I expect you to be polite and helpful. Do not ignore the new girl, on pain of redundancy,
Yours,

Trev.