Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not the characters, not the show itself… you get the picture.

A/N: okay, so this story has been in my head for a while, but I haven't been desperate enough until now to start it. Basically, I'm tired of oneshots—although the ones I've been writing lately have been fun—and I've also wanted to try something AU for a while, so this is the effect of that.

I'm pretty much the only one that would notice this and get excited about it: in Dwight's Speech when Jim spins the globe in Michael's office, he puts his finger on West Africa. That, coupled with my recent travels to the region, gave me inspiration for this. Please read, review, and enjoy!

She's stuffing envelopes with Kelly in the conference room, and I'm trying my best to ignore her. It's a hopeless cause to try and stop it, even though I told Toby it wasn't appropriate for her to do wedding stuff on office time. It's not like he has the balls to do anything about it anyway. And Michael and Dwight aren't here—I'm sure Dwight is making a fool of himself by now, reading that speech by Mussolini—so I can't say I blame her for taking advantage of the free time. She just… shouldn't she do that stuff at home? With her fiancée, who supposedly cares about her?

It was bad enough he didn't get her anything on Valentine's Day; even I got her a card. What an idiot. When girls say they don't want big gifts, that doesn't mean to not get them anything. I wonder how he's gotten through so many years not realizing that it's little things like that that'll keep her happy. I guess he's managed this far, but only because she'll deny herself anything to keep herself in this comfortable little bubble she's created. Far be it from me to burst it open; I've definitely made a bubble for myself as well.

I rub my eyes, which feel strained from staring at the computer screen, and decide to get up out of my seat. I don't know where to go though; my coffee cup is still full, and it's not like I can linger at reception, so I stand still at my desk, wondering where I should go.

Where should I go? I announced to the entire office like an idiot that I was going to take a trip somewhere, but I have no idea where to. Really, as long as it's far away from Pam and her wedding, I don't really care where I end up. And that's when I spot the globe in Michael's office. I decide then to leave it up to fate.

I approach the globe and stare at it for a moment, taking in the possibilities of going anywhere on the entire planet. It's exciting, and almost makes me feel as alive as I feel when I'm with her. I smile slightly, and give it a spin, and then I put my finger down on an arbitrary spot. I look closer at the country I just picked out for myself and consider the prospect, "Ghana…"

……………………………………..

"Wow, Africa! That's really exotic," she says to me as I tell her about my plans. After looking into the fated country I chose on the globe, I realize that it wouldn't be such an adjustment. It's stable politically, they speak English there, and it's certainly far enough away. I'll need to get about five different vaccines before I go, but if means getting out of what I'm sure would be the most painful day of my life, it's worth it.

"Yeah, I'm only slightly worried about contracting malaria," I tell her and she smiles at my sarcastic joke, which makes my heart feel full. "But, other than that... um, yeah, I bought the ticket, non-refundable."

Her smile is radiant, and her eyes are full of curiosity. I can tell she's wishing she could just pick up and leave town, but I'd never call her out on it. "That's awesome," she tells me sincerely. "Where are you staying?"

"I don't know," I shrug. "I feel like I have plenty of time to figure out the details but... "

"When are you leaving?" she inquires between giggles, and I know this is the painful part. I know I'll be letting her down, but I just can't be here when she marries that dumbass.

"I'm... leaving on June eighth."

"Oh." She looks as if I've just broken her heart by not being able to go to her wedding. Little does she know she's already broken mine. I suddenly feel the need to apologize profusely.

"Yeah. And I'm really sorry about that, I just..." I realize I don't know how to finish that sentence, not without confessing everything at least, and so my voice trails off into nothingness. I try to smile, but it's no use.

The disappointment in her eyes is killing me, but I have nothing more I can say. Instead, she halfheartedly agrees with me, "Oh yeah. That's… too bad."

"Yeah…" I feel the awkward silence hang in the air before snapping back into my helpful, likeable self. "Do you want me to take these on my way out?" I ask. It's a lame attempt at making things right, but it'll do.

She shakes her head and tells me softly, "It's ok. I got it."

"Alright." I grab my coat off the rack and walk toward the door, feeling only slightly ashamed for doing this to her. I call back, "Later, Beesly." and she gives me a polite wave as I exit. I make it down the elevator and out into the chilly February air, and suddenly I can't help but think of how nice and warm it'll be in Ghana.

Obviously this is only the first chapter. Please review and let me know if you're interested in reading this, because I won't continue unless I get enough feedback. I can promise you that if I do continue, I will have some amazing stuff in store for him on his travels. Trust me. Now click that little box in the left-hand corner and write me a review!