Chapter Two

My phone was ringing again. It's been a week and Derrick still didn't get the hint. It was over for us. He's been sending me texts, voice messages and flowers to my door step. Kenna threw them out. She's been staying with me for a bit. Apparently she freaked out when she couldn't find me at the bar and then some random guy called her from my phone and told her he brought me home. You can imagine I will never hear the end of that.

"I can't believe you let a random hooded hag or creepy drive you home! What if he kidnapped you?!" She yelled at me.

"I was drunk. Doesn't matter, I'm fine now. I don't remember most of the night anyway." I told her. That was a lie.. kind of. I do remember his face. He was straight up a Greek god and I swear if I wasn't too drunk to remember how to socialise and not mourning my break up I'd be in his dms by now. That... and I had no way to contact him, to thank him even for taking me home.

He didn't even leave his number. I know I probably didn't look the best that night in my drunk state, but I couldn't help and wish he left something.

The phone began ringing again. I lost my patience and I reached it before Kenna had the chance grab it first. But it wasn't Derrick's number ringing, it was my boss. Shit.

"Hello..?" I answer the phone.

"Jesus Serena I've been trying to catch you all week? Do you even remember you still have a job or this thing called a phone?!"

"Quite possibly..but I've had a some...personal issues going on."

I heard him take a long sigh. "I understand that...but this can't keep up, we need you back ASAP." He took a longer pause before continuing. "We can work on the hours but do you think you can hop in this evening before we close to discuss that?"

And risk meeting Derrick who's probably in the car park across from the clinic? I didn't really have a choice either way, I already crossed the line and I couldn't risk being fired. I give Kenna a long look and she gives me a nod. "Sure, I'll be there. Is that all?"

"Yeah.. for now, see you later." With that he ended the call.

"Do you want me to go with you? I need to pick up a few things anyway. Can't stay for long though, I am going for free dinner with a guy I met at the bar last time."

"No, it's alright. I'll go myself plus you wouldn't be ready for your date in time. You take years." I laughed.

"Ok, just give me a call if something is going on then." And off she was to gawk into her dresser for the next few hours.

Yeah, I knew she didn't actually want to come, she's just being polite and happy that she doesn't have to pay rent while sleeping at mine. Touché. I still had an hour before I had to leave. I turned to the couch and flopped down with the remote already in my hand. With a click I turned over to the channels.

The news logo briefly flashed on and two news people came up on the screen, sitting with grim looks on their faces, straight at the camera. "Another girl has been reported missing just a few hours after the remains of Riley Jenkins were found in the same town. She is said to have been murdered and burned-"

I wasn't in the mood to listen to that. Screw it, I'd rather get ice cream on my way to the office instead. So, I took my keys and went to the door. "Kenna I'm going!" I yelled. I didn't wait to hear what she said and just locked the door behind me.

———

I parked my car in front of the work building. I was nearly late. Turns out I wasn't the only one who craved ice cream and waiting in queue took longer than expected, but I made it. I took a look around the lot. My car and my bosses one were the only vehicles left, Derrick wasn't anywhere in sight. I took a deep breath and got out of my car and practically ran to the door. I got in and turned the sign from opened to closed.

And there was my boss waiting for me at the reception desk, which I where I should've been today.

"Hey Brent... I'm not late am I?"

"Depends on how you put, you've been late for a week. You're lucky Kenna called in ahead after your night out that you'll be taking a break but I would've appreciated a notice from you." He smiled, looking me up and down. "Are you ok?"

I shyly rubbed my arm and looked down. "Yeah, I guess I just didn't expect him to cheat, thanks. So, about this whole meeting, what did you want to tell me?"

"Basically I know this ain't the best moment but we need you back in or I'm gonna have write 'Week Long Hangover' instead of 'Illness leave'" He joked. "Do you think you'll be able to come back in starting from tomorrow? Even half shift in the evenin' is good."

"Yeah, I can even do the full shifts. I need to get back to a normal routine."

"Anyways I guess there's one last thing. I was wonderin'.." Brent begins and looks at me with a sly grin. "I know you just got out of the relationship but if you need anythin', let me know." He said getting closer and I slowly walked back until my back hit the reception desk.

"Ummm...y-yeah I'll let you know but I don't think there's uhhh...a need for me to talk to someone, I've got Kenna-?." I stuttered.

"Let me clarify that." Brent said , he was so close I could feel his breath on my face. "I mean...ANYTHING." He finished his sentence and leaned forward onto me, trapping me between the desk and him body.

"No no no no, sorry I can't. I gotta go!!" I yelled and tried to push him off of me.

"Oh come on, don't be shy." He laughed and his hand began undoing his shirt.

I grabbed the nearest thing on the desk, which happened to be the landline phone and smacked him with it. I hit his arm but it was enough to distract him and push him off. I ran out the door and to my car with tears streaming down my face.

"Serena!! I've been waiting all day!! Wait!" Someone yelled behind me and I clearly recognised the voice. It was Derrick, fuck. My hands trembled and I tried to get out my keys before he got to me but it was too late. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me around.

"Serena! You've got to listen to me! Don't be scared, don't cry let me explain." Derrick said.

"No I don't want to listen to you, take a goddamned hint and flip off!" I took a peek to the side and saw Brent standing in the doorway of the clinic, rubbing his now red arm. Suits him right I wish I hit harder.

"But it's not how you think it is! I just-"

"You better stop right now and listen to what she's said." Interrupted a deep voice from behind him. Derrick furrowed his brows and turned to look at the guy.

"Who do you think you are?! Me and my-" He yelled.

"Your what? Ex? Because my girlfriend clearly doesn't want to talk to you." The random guy told him calmly. I moved from behind Derrick to take a look at who this guy was, ready to play along. I had to stifle a gasp when I saw him. It was the same guy from the night last week, Lou! He wasn't wearing the leather jacket and instead was in a white doctor's coat and a blue button up shirt. That didn't make him look any less intimidating, being a few inches taller than Derrick anyway, it just gave a more professional look.

"Yes Derrick, so now if you kindly let me and Lou leave, we'd appreciate it." I gave Lou a small nod and he played his part, walking to the drivers side of the car. I passed him the keys and got in, leaving Derrick and my boss, who was now just spying through the window, confused as we both drove off.