Chapter 6

Meadow

RING RING

The sound tore through my dreams. I was still on the couch in the living room, my bowl was on the coffee table next to me, and the TV had probably turned off on its own. I reach for my phone next to the bowl and check who could be calling at this hour. It was 3 AM.

"Hello," I say in a cranky voice.

"Hi baby, I'm sorry to wake you. I just really needed to hear your voice, my love."

"Mum? Why are you calling so late? Is everything okay? Was the nurse rude to you again? Should I come over in the morning?" I stop trying to catch my breath

"Slow down, baby, I'm fine. I just really missed you and wanted to hear your voice. I also wanted to know if that boss of yours was still being so mean to you," She said with her frail voice.

"Are you sure, Mum? Why can't you sleep?" I asked worried

"The doctors placed me on a new medication, and it comes with side effects such as insomnia. They asked if I wanted sleeping pills as well, but I refused; I have enough drugs going through me. And I like the peace the night brings."

The sound of her voice made me remember when I was little. I used to be afraid of the dark, and after my father died, it only got worse. She would sleep with me in my tiny bed even when I knew it was uncomfortable for her. She slept with me every night. I also remember the nights we spent at the hospital. I would cuddle in her bed next to her while the nurses took her vitals, and she would tell me how she couldn't feel a thing. Deep down, I knew she was lying.

"I miss you, mum," My voice cracked. The sudden knot in my throat made it hard to speak. My vision is blurry with tears.

"Oh, baby, don't cry for me. I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about. I know you hate that job, but keep lying to everyone and yourself that it's your dream job. Whose dream job is to be a secretary," a laugh escapes her.

I missed her laugh. I loved it when she laughed.

"I'm okay, Mum. He isn't that bad. The money is good, and when I save up enough, I'll quit. But for now, I'm grateful for where I am." I say louder than needed. Maybe I was trying to convince myself as well.

"Baby, I hate that I'm not there to help support you. You're 20 for goodness sake, you should be exploring life, going for parties, falling in love…"

"Mum, can we please not talk about love? I really don't have time for it. Plus, Tony and I recently broke up. I'm  not ready to put myself back out there."I say with my head down

"It's been 6 months, and I never liked Tony. He was too controlling and behaved funny. A part of me still feels he was into shady businesses," She said in a confident voice.

"Mum, he was a construction worker, nothing shady about him, but you're right, I didn't like him much either, but that chapter has closed. When I'm ready for love, I'll let you know. I have to go, Mum, I have work in a few hours. I'll come see you this weekend. I love you."

"Okay, baby, take care of yourself. I love you more."

I look around my tiny apartment and let out a sigh. I drop the bowl and cup in the kitchen sink and walk to my bedroom. I practically throw myself on the bed and try to get comfortable. A million thoughts ran through my mind: my mum, Jamey, my bills, what I was going to wear to work, Jamey, my doctor's appointment, Jamey.

Jamey…The fact that I had to see him every day was infuriating. But I couldn't help but wonder what he was doing right at this moment. Sleeping, obviously, with that, I start to slowly drift to sleep again…

I wake up at the crack of dawn because I have to be at work before my boss. It really doesn't sit well with me that he gets to stroll in whenever he wants, but I'm here waking up at 5 AM for a man who wouldn't care if I were wiped off the face of the earth. But at the end of the day, he pays me enough not to ask questions.

I get out of bed, pick my outfit for the day, Sexy but cute, and get in the shower. When I'm done, I wear my favourite set of black lace underwear. It always gave me silent confidence I loved, but sometimes it made me feel sad that I was spending money on lingerie no one got to see or tear off. What a shame!  I chug down my coffee, catch the bus, and get to work just before 8 am.

When I get to my door, it's already unlocked. I hesitate to go in. What if it was a thief and he has a gun? Should I run? Call security? Shout for help? What if it were someone trying to steal office data, and I get blamed and Jamey fires me?

The last thought is all I need for me to run into the office screaming with my pepper spray in my hand and my eyes closed.

"STOPPPPP!!!. Security is on its way. If you think you can steal office data and get me fired, you have another thing coming."

The intruder grabs my arm, and I sense he is directly in front of me. Without thinking or opening my eyes, I spray the pepper spray directly towards where I hoped was his face.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! AHHHH IT BURNS. IT BURNS!" The intruder says, screaming

In that moment, I was filled with so much adrenaline that I wasn't thinking straight. I jump onto the intruder, pushing us both to the ground while straddling him. I begin hitting his head with my bag and slapping him across his face, but he dodges.

"I've got you now. That's what you get for messing with Meadow. It's over, asshole."

Mr Salvador will definitely double my pay for catching an intruder. I think to myself.

"What the fuck! Meadow, it's me. Open your fucking eyes". I recognize that deep sensual voice, but now the voice is in pain. Everything stops. It's as if time freezes.

I open my eyes to realize I was not only straddling my boss, but I had also pepper-sprayed him as well.

Fuck. What had I just done?