chapter 5
chapter 5
Tonight’s dinner consists of cheese and Tomato sandwiches. I am starving, having not eaten
anything but some dry crackers. I eat the two sandwiches just in time for Sally to return with a plastic
bag in her 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 foot 6 tall with a slim build. She is an attractive woman and has a kind heart.
She is my favourite nurse here; she is always happy to explain anything I don’t understand and has a
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 has also been to the
vending machine and grabbed a few protein bars, some chips, and I also find 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 are looking so
skinny.” I smile sadly at her. It’s hard keeping my emotions in check around her. Sally has seen me at
my most vulnerable. She pulls on my shirt and track pants, trying to emphasize how much weight I
have lost. I’m not blind. I know I have lost a lot of weight; my clothes don’t fit like they should. I even
have to roll some of my pants just to get them to stay on my hips.
“I know, I have been trying. It is just so hard with how chaotic my life is at the moment.”
Sally rubs my cheek with her thumb. “I have to get back to work but don’t forget to eat. I am 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. Sally walks out to tend to her other patients.
I sit back down and wait for my phone to charge a bit more before unplugging it. It is now 8:30PM.
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 boot and grab my duvet
and my pillow before climbing back into the front seat and reclining the seat all the way back. I snuggle
underneath my blanket and close my eyes, praying that sleep comes easy tonight.
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The next morning, I wake nice and warm wrapped up like a human burrito in my duvet. My alarm
blaring loudly and vibrating on my dash. I reach up and switch the alarm off quickly before the noise
gives me a raging headache. Stretching, I groan, my body aching from being in the same position all
night. I miss my bed, I miss stretching out and being able to roll around in a bed and not worry about
getting car parts like the seat belt clicker jammed in my backside.
Opening the driver’s door, getting out, I stand up and bend over, touching my toes before
stretching my back and shoulders. Once I have finished stretching like a cat, I walk to the rear
passenger side and open the door. I always have a few outfits hanging up in the back. Quickly picking
some dressy dark blue skinny leg jeans, a black zip up blouse, and my blazer, I walk around and start
getting changed. I pull my bra up under my shirt, pulling my arms inside. I manoeuvre the bra 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
realise they are practically falling off me. Damn, these are my favourite jeans. Popping the boot I
rummage around until I find a belt, I then have to use my car keys to punch an extra hole in the belt to
get it to the size I need to hold my pants up. Once I have done that, I take my shirt off and put my
blouse on, pulling the zipper up just in time to hear the roller door to the carpark open.
Checking myself in the car window, I look decent. This is also one of my favourite tops. It was a
little too small before everything, but now fits like a second skin, making my large bust stand out more
and leaving ample cleavage. I don’t usually like showing off my assets but in this top, they look great, if
I do say so myself. Quickly grabbing my black heels, I slip them on and bend over to do up the straps.
Once I’m finished, I start walking 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 is the wife?” Tom walks up and hands me
a cappuccino in a paper cup. I thank him then warm my hands on it before taking a sip.
“She is good, I have a surprise. Mary made meatballs last night and there were plenty of leftovers,
so I brang a Chinese dish in for you.” I leaned into Tom and gave him a side hug. He reminded me of
my grandfather. Tom hugged me back, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
We quickly went to my car. I grabbed my handbag and the few things I needed to finish getting
ready before locking my car up and following him to the entrance.
Getting to my desk, I start flicking everything on and powering up my computer. Once I have done
that, I finish off my cappuccino and go into the bathroom and do my hair and makeup. Just as I finish
making their coffees, they step out of the elevator like clockwork. I have never seen them late; they are
always on time.
When they walk in though, they appear to be arguing. 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 is raising his voice at Tobias, who I could tell was getting angrier by the
second. I could also tell that they were standing in the foyer still. Usually when they did have their
lovers quarrels it was in one of their offices, not where anyone would hear if they stepped onto this
floor.
“You can’t keep ignoring the bond hiding in your office. You will snap and that will scare her even
more.” Theo’s voice seemed to be getting higher as he got angrier. I freeze, listening intently; I wonder
what they are talking about and who this mystery woman is.
“Stay out of it, I have control of my urges. It is yours I’m more worried about,” spat Tobias, the
words rolling off his tongue venomously.
“Well, at least I am not denying them like you,” Theo retorted.
“She is human, she is weak, and she doesn't belong in our world. I am 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
voice is raising, his anger spewing into his words.
My mind is reeling. Humans? Aren’t we all human? I must have heard wrong, and who is in
danger? I could feel my heartrate pick up, pounding loudly in my ears. Goosebumps spread up my
arms, my hand still frozen clutching white knuckled onto the kettle. Why is my mind and body paralysed
with fear right now?
“Boo, you know what they say about eavesdropping,” Theo whispers in my ear, making me jump.
His voice next to my ear. He steps closer, his chest pressing against my back. My hands tremble
slightly as I place the jug back on the counter.
“You okay, Imogen?” He sounded 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 this entire scenario in my head? There is no
way he could have moved that fast and not be heard. I really am going nuts, maybe I’m having a
mental breakdown. Their conversation, replaying in my head but becoming muddle to the point I can’t
even remember what they were arguing about. Tobias steps in behind him, popping his head around
the corner of the door staring at me, an uneasy feeling rolling over me and I can’t get my thoughts
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