6 The Labyrinth

Too tired to cook dinner, I go back to the fast-food restaurant to pick some up. While sipping on my new milkshake, I start plotting my revenge. Who does he think he is? The actual audacity. The nerve to steal my milkshake! This isn't revenge. Oh no, this is war! Grabbing the food, I head back to my car and start driving home. Wanting to lighten up my mood before my mother sees me, I put on some classic rock and roll the windows down to feel the breeze on my face. It reminds me of happier days.

When I arrive home, it's already dark. I can't see a thing. Living in the woods does nothing to help my anxiety. Feeling my heart race, I grab my things and make a dash for the door. Only after locking the door behind me, do I take a breath and relax. Seeing my mom on the phone, I set dinner on the dining room table and head to my room to change. After throwing on an oversized t-shirt with leggings and washing my face, I feel more like myself. Hearing my mom's phone call end, I come out to eat dinner with her.

"How'd the job interview go?" she asks in a suspicious tone.

"It went well, I got the job, and I made a friend today!"

"And that's why you walked in wearing someone else's clothes?"

"It's a long story. This morning someone spilt coffee all over me, and they loaned me their shirt, but they needed it back so-"

"I don't want to hear it! You were out on a date, weren't you?"

"No, mom, I wasn't. I was really at an interview."

"No, you are blatantly lying to me! I don't want you seeing that boy again! If you do, you can pack your things and leave. I don't need to live with people who are conspiring against me."

"But mom, I really-"

"Do I make myself clear?"

Knowing it's a battle I can't win, I give up and just comply with what she thinks happened. She won't listen to me anyway. Might as well save my breath.

"Yes, mom."

"You know sweetie, I think it's too early for you to go back to work anyways. It's ok for you just to stay home."

Having lost my appetite after our spat, I decide to just go to sleep.

"Mom, I'm actually not feeling well. I think I'm going to go to bed."

"Ok, sweetie. Have a good night. Love you."

"Thanks, love you too."

Exhausted, I flop onto my bed. Today really has felt like a roller coaster. As I feel myself fall asleep, I pray that I have a dreamless sleep tonight ...

I'm running down a dark hallway. The only light is from the moon, and even that is scarce. Something is chasing me. I have to keep running. If it catches me, I'm doomed. This place is a labyrinth. No matter how far I run or how many corners I turn, I can't find the exit. I'm running out of energy, and he's catching up to me. I make another turn and hit a dead end. I turn around to head back to the hallway, but he's already on me. With a wicked gleam in his eye, he grabs me. Screaming, I know exactly what's about to happen.

"No!"

I sit up and look around the room. Sitting in my bed, I cover my face with my hands. It was only a dream. After waiting a few moments, I check my phone. It's four in the morning.

"Ugh, it's too early for this."

Might as well get my day started since I have to leave in a few hours anyway. The house is dark. I flip on all the light switches as I walk to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Slowly sipping my coffee, I think of how to explain to my mother that I really do have a new job I have to go to. Remembering they have to give me a copy of the contract, I decide to sneak out, and I'll just send her a picture of it.

I go back to my room and get dressed quickly. I decide on a black halter top, red blazer, black cowboy boots, and some trouser jeans. Looking out the window, it's still dark. Deciding to do my makeup while I wait, I put on a bold winged liner and nude lipstick with a high ponytail. After yesterday's incident, I decided to grab a t-shirt, a white button-down, and some jeans to put in the car. Better safe than sorry. Seeing that the sun is rising, I head out the door. Driving while the sun rises, I get an amazing view. The scenery changes from a forest of pine trees to a desert filled with saguaro cactus and prickly pears in full bloom. If there's one thing I'm going to love about this job, it's going to be the commute.

After parking in the garage, I send a text to Dillon, letting him know that I'm at the agency. Then, I call Ella before getting out of the car and heading to the agency.

"Hey, Astra."

"Hey chicky, how are you?"

"I feel great! How about you?"

"Mom and I got into it last night, but other than that I'm good."

"What happened now?"

"She thinks that I wasn't at a job interview. I was seeing my secret boyfriend, and she has forbidden me to continue the relationship."

"Damn chickadee. What are you going to do?"

"I snuck out to sign the papers. I'm going to send her a picture of the contract and hope it's enough for her to realize that this is real."

"Here's hoping."

"Hey, I just reached the building. Thank you so much for letting me call."

"Of course! Let me know how it goes at the gala tonight."

"Will do. Talk to you later!"

After hanging up, I head to the receptionist desk. With sleek auburn hair, fair skin, and green eyes, she looks like she belongs on a runway instead of this desk.

"Hi, I have an appointment with Keller Ellis."

After looking me up and down, she scoffs.

"You?"

"Yes me. Do I need to show you my ID or anything like that?"

"That won't be necessary, Ms. Cyrene."

Turning around, I see it was William that spoke for me. How odd. He's wearing a black leather jacket with a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and black boots. His hair is messy in a good way, and he's holding a helmet in his hand. Jumping out of her chair, she's quick to greet him.

"Good morning, Mr. Wang," she says with a seductive grin.

"Hmm. Do be nice to Ms. Cyrene in the future. We'll be working closely together."

"Of course, Mr. Wang."

"Follow me, Ms. Cyrene," he says, leading the way.

I can feel the receptionist's eyes boring holes into my head. Hopefully, we don't have too many problems in the future.

Entering the elevator, we both go to press the same floor. It looks like we're going to see Keller. Hearing my phone going off continuously, I check and see it's my mother. I text her that I'm signing papers and will call her later, then silence my phone.

"Your boyfriend is very talkative. Do make sure he doesn't interrupt me while I'm working."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure my mother doesn't bother us while we're working. Also for your information, I've never had a boyfriend".

He looks like he's in shock when he asks,

"Never?"

"Nope."

"Not even one?"

"Never had time for one."

As I say this, the elevator doors open. His face returns to the reserved mask he shows the world. Gesturing to the door, he turns and looks at me.

"After you, Ms. Cyrene."