Chapter 6 Taken At Dusk
Aria.
I walked into the pharmacy, my legs still shaking from the ordeal at Alex Corp. My body struggled to stay still as the small bell jingled above me.
I reached the counter, asking the price of the drugs I already know very well. The lady smiled at me, recognition obvious.
“The price hasn't changed, madam.”
The scorn was more than obvious. Like I was scum, some riffraff, showing up consistently to seek her pity.
I forced a smile, unwilling to show weakness.
I slipped her a wad of cash, notes the evidence of the cheque freshly cashed from the bank.
Nana drugs ran out today.
I couldn't risk it.
I had cashed the first one, not the blank one. If he wanted to throw money away, then I would gladly be his guest.
My mind flashed back to the events of the morning.
Virgin.
The lady at the counter pushed the bottles towards me, shame written over her expression.
Unsuitable.
Our eyes met. I saw the apology in her eyes. I looked away. I didn't need it.
Beneath him.
I left the pharmacy and went straight for the apartment. Nana was waiting.
The door looked the same but felt different with the eviction notice still plastered ontop. I pushed the knob, knowing it would be open.
Nana sat on the small sofa in the living room, nursing a small cup of tea. I managed a small smile.
"Morning, Nana." I nodded to her, dropping her pills by the table.
"Oh, hi dear. How're you?" Her voice was frail, almost scared.
I was wrong. Not almost. She was scared. Probably saw the empty pill bottles this morning.
"I'm okay, Nana."
"Well, I don't believe you. Just because I'm old, doesn't mean I can't help out every now and then." She gave me a small, weak smile.
A burst of encouragement and warmth spread through me. I walked towards her sitting beside her on the sofa. I smiled immediately, her warmth inviting.
"Well, Nana, I lost my job the day before yesterday." I looked down, avoiding her eyes.
"Oh honey. What happened?" Her eyes were bright, almost watery. She didn't know her meds had been taken care of.
"I don't know. I woke up to a text yesterday. I was fired by text."
"Oh, my darling. I'm sorry. Come here." Nana opened her arms and I hugged her easily, letting her warmth consume me. I held her lightly, careful not to lean in too much so I didn't suffocate her.
My heart hurt. She didn't deserve this, and neither did I.
"Enjoy your coffee, Nana." I unwrapped myself and left the living room.
She would find the meds later. I needed to reach the landlord.
Once the rent was taken care of, I threw on some official wear and picked up my CV.
I stood in front of the mirror, checking myself. A simple black pencil skirt with a white shirt and suit jacket. It was time for a new job.
I still had some money left with the meds and rent settled. I needed work soon, or I'd be out of cash within the next month.
I walked the streets, the sun rising high in the sky. I turned my phone on, checking the time. 12:10.
Noon. Already. And I hadn't even tried a single establishment yet.
I walked through the doors of Nigel Int'l, walking up to the reception with calm confidence.
"Good morning." I flashed her a bright smile. The best I could manage with my entire world crumbling before me.
"Morning, how can I help you?" Her smile was warm but stern. She meant business, but at least she was nice about it.
"Well I'm here seeking a job. Here's my CV." I pushed the envelope towards her, hopeful.
In that moment, a flash of recognition showed in her eyes. She nodded silently to herself, looking back up at me like she had practiced what she would say.
"There are no vacancies for you here, ma'am." She said simply. The smile dropped off her face, she pushed the envelope back towards me.
"Just hold on to it, in case something opens up." I pushed the envelope.
"That wouldn't be necessary." She pushed it back.
"But-"
"Ma'am, we do not have any vacancies for you at the moment." She placed the envelope before me for the final time, turning away from me and going back to work.
The rest of the day continued in that fashion
The same thing replayed right before my eyes with every single corporation. They all said the same thing.
There are no vacancies for you here.
They wouldn't even take my CV. I was sure Jess had a hand in this, that scheming son of a bitch.
What had he told them? Why wouldn't anybody hire her?
I walked down the pedestrian, the evening's warmth filling me with dread. I needed a job. I couldn't continue like this.
My eyes caught the sign of my favorite bakery. Bits and Sips. Might as well add some sugar to my misery.
The bell jingled above me, the warm smell of butter filling my nostrils. I was right. This was exactly what I needed. I ordered a cake and a coffee and sat down, mulling over the events of the past few days.
I was fired. Jess had trampled on dignity and then proceeded to prove just how worthless it was by offering money a quickie in the bathroom.
The wolf pressed against my ribs, angry.
I breathed, ignoring it. I'd met Grayson, expecting his help but getting money thrown in my face again. I'd nearly transformed to tear a bunch of hooligans apart. He'd come back for me.
Mel's words rang fresh in my mind. Stupid is good, sometimes.
Well, stupid had proven to be just one thing. Stupid.
I thought of the office. The clash with reception. Grayson. His office. His hands. His coldness, sending me back to HR like he didn't care. His eyes, betraying the coldness on him with so much warmth.
The desk. His hands. His lips on mine. Intoxicating.
Virgin.
I got up, done with the self loathing and the coffee. Sugar didn't taste the same with misery.
I walked out, darkness already clothing the night sky and continued on my way.
“Hey!” I turned, then, darkness.
Hands grabbed me, raising me up and moving me in the opposite direction. I screamed.
“Shut up, or I'll help you.” The voice was deep, threatening. I kept quiet.
The movement stopped, and I felt being carried and shoved into a car. My head met the car door with a thump, my hands being tied almost immediately.
“Go! Go! Go!” The voice filled the car, a thud signalling the closing of the car door.
Fuck.
I was being kidnapped.