Tonight’s gourmet dinner comprises thick cheese and sliced tomato sandwiches. I’m starving, having not eaten anything but some dry crackers the entire day. I devour the two sandwiches just before Sally returns with a plastic bag in hand. Sally is the same age as me, 23. She has dark hair cut into a pixie cut, dark brown eyes, and she is about 5’6 tall with a slim build. She’s an attractive woman and has a kind heart. Sally is my favorite nurse here; always happy to explain anything I don’t understand and has terrific bedside manner.
Every shift, she makes time to see me. When she walks in, I stand up, and she wraps me in a warm hug, rubbing my back softly. Handing the bag over to me, I find some bottles of water and a small orange juice, which I quickly grab out to wash the sandwiches down. Sally’s also been to the vending machine and grabbed a few protein bars and some chips. I also find, to my delight, a few pieces of fruit.
“I was hoping you were still in the shower. I know you don’t like accepting help, but you really need to start taking care of yourself. When was the last time you ate a proper meal? You look so skinny.” I give her a small smile. It’s hard keeping my emotions in check around her. Sally has seen me at my most vulnerable. She tugs on my shirt and track pants, trying to emphasize how much weight I’ve lost. I’m not blind. I know I have lost a lot of weight. My clothes don’t fit as they should. I even have to roll some of my pants just to get them to stay on my hips.
“I know, I’ve been trying. It is just so hard with how chaotic my life is at the moment.”
Sally sighs and grips my shoulder. “I have to get back to work, but don’t forget to eat. I’m on shift again on Wednesday. So, I will bring a few things for you.” She jams the plastic bag into my handbag and zips it up to make sure I take it when I leave, before she walks out to tend to her other patients.
Sitting back down, I wait for my phone to charge a bit more before unplugging it. It’s now 8:30 PM. I have to be back before nine to make sure I don't get locked out. Leaning down, I place a kiss on my mother’s head before walking out and heading back to my car.
The walk back is quick. Tonight isn't too cold, thank goodness. I open my trunk, grab my duvet and pillow, and quickly climb into the front seat, reclining the seat all the way back. I snuggle underneath my blanket and close my eyes, praying that sleep will come easy.
The next morning, I wake up nice and warm, wrapped up like a human burrito in my duvet. My alarm blares loudly and vibrates on my dash. Groaning, I reach up and switch the damn thing off before the noise gives me a raging headache. Stretching, my body is aching from being in the same position all night. I miss my bed; I miss stretching out and being able to roll around without worrying about getting a seat belt clicker jammed into my backside.
Opening the driver’s door and spilling out, I stand up and bend over, touching my toes, then stretch my back and shoulders. Once I stretch like a cat, I open the door to the rear passenger side. I always have a few outfits hanging up in the back on the days I don't set them up the night before. Snatching up some dressy dark blue skinny-leg jeans, a black zip-up blouse, and my blazer. I pull my bra under my shirt and slip my arms inside to maneuver it until I get it in position.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, I quickly rip off my pants and replace them with my jeans. Standing up, I realize they are practically falling off me. Damn, these are my favorites. Popping the trunk, I rummage around until I find a serviceable belt, but even that isn't enough. With a sigh, I use my car keys to punch an extra hole in the belt to get it to the size I need to hold my damn pants up. Once done, I peel my shirt off and shrug my blouse on, pulling the zipper up just in time to hear the roller doors to the parking garage open.
Bending down, I check myself in the car window. I look decent enough. This is one of my favorite tops. It was a little too small before the change in my living situation, but now it fits like a second skin, making my large bust stand out more and leaving ample cleavage. I rarely like showing off my assets, but this top? They look fucking fantastic, even if I do say so myself. Quickly grabbing my black heels, I slip them on and bend over to do the straps.
Once I’m finished, I walk down the ramp to meet Tom. His face instantly lights up. “There is my girl. How was your night?”
“Good, wasn’t cold last night and was rather quiet. How’s the wife?” Tom walks up and hands me a cappuccino in a paper cup. I thank him, then warm my hands on it while taking a sip.
“She is good. I have a surprise for you. Mary made meatballs last night, and there were plenty of leftovers, so I brought them in a Chinese dish for you.” I lean into Tom and give him a side hug. He reminds me of my grandfather. Tom hugs me back, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
We quickly go back to my car. I grab my handbag and the few things I need to finish getting ready, then lock my car and follow him to the entrance.
Getting to my desk, I flick everything on and power up my computer. While waiting for everything to load, I finish my cappuccino and head into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. Just as I finish making my bosses their coffees, they step out of the elevator like clockwork. They've never been late. They are always on time.
However, I stop what I’m doing when I hear them arguing as soon as they set foot outside the elevator. That’s unusual. I stay in the small kitchen, not wanting to be present for their heated argument, but I can't help but overhear part of their discussion. Theo is rarely angry, and I find it odd that he’s raising his voice at Tobias, who, I can tell from his clipped tones, is getting angrier by the second. Their voices don't change in volume, so I still imagine them to be in the foyer. Usually, when they have their lover's quarrel, it’s in one of their offices, not where anyone can overhear.
“You can’t keep ignoring the bond and hiding in your office. You will snap, and that will scare her even more.” Theo’s voice seems to get higher as he gets angrier. I freeze, listening intently. Who is this mystery woman?
“Stay out of it. I have control of my urges. It is yours I’m more worried about,” spits Tobias, the words rolling off his tongue, are dripping with venom.
“Well, at least I am not denying them like you,” Theo retorts.
“She’s human, weak, and she doesn't belong in our world. I’m sick of having this same argument. This isn’t just about us, this would put her in danger. Is that what you want, Theo?” Tobias's voice rises, anger coloring every word.
My mind reels. Humans? Aren't we all human? I must have heard wrong, and who is in danger? I can feel my heart rate pick up, pounding in my ears. Goosebumps spread up my arms; my hand remains frozen in place, clutching white-knuckled onto the kettle. Why are my mind and body paralyzed with fear?
“Boo!” I jump at the voice next to my ear. “You know what they say about eavesdropping,” Theo whispers, his breath sweeping across my neck. He steps closer, chest pressing against my back. My hands tremble slightly as I place the jug back on the counter.
“You okay, Imogen?” He sounds concerned. Plastering a fake smile on my face, I spin around to face him, but he is standing by the door. Did I just imagine the entire scenario in my head? There’s no way he could have moved that fast and not be heard. I really am going nuts, maybe even having a mental breakdown. Their conversation replays in my head but becomes muddled to the point I can't even remember what they were arguing about. Tobias steps in behind Theo, popping his head around the corner of the door and staring at me. An uneasy feeling rolls over me, and I can't get my thoughts straight. My mind feels foggy, and have Theo's eyes always been so bright? For some reason, I can't pull my gaze from his as unease rolls through me and tension builds. What’s going on here?