A Surprise

Turning on music I try to get lost in the music and watch as people are walking down the street as I'm driving. I see families and couples and I see lonely people. Everywhere. I'm right there with them just trying to find myself and where I belong. I pull into my parking spot and have never been more relieved to see the door to my house.

As I open the door and throw my stuff on the floor, my puppy whines at my feet begging for attention. I sit on the floor and just pray that Tobias really wants to hire me and doesn't judge me based on my tattoos. They are a part of me. I rip off my shirt and trace the lines of ink. These have gotten me through some of the worst times of my life and it doesn't matter that no one understands. I trace my memorial tattoo for my mom. The flowers circling my wrist and up to my elbow, Lilies, her favorite flower, have been planted permanently on my arm just like she is planted permanently in my heart. Tears begin to swell into my eyes and pour out of me. Bella licks my face not understanding why her mommy is sad. I feed Bella and check my messages.

"You have one unheard message. To play press one" I breathe deeply then press one.

"Hello Ms. Rose, I am calling from the offices of Michael Tobias, I am calling to see when you would like to come in for formal training" I pause, losing my breath. "Please give me a call back so we can see when it would work for you to come in, thank you for your time. Have a pleasant day" I click the end button. Standing there staring at my machine.

Is this for real? I'm probably just asleep or in a coma or something. No way did that just happen. Trying to calm myself I dial the number and get the secretary. She confirms my dreams and I am set to go in a few days later. I do a little happy dance in my kitchen while eating a very healthy bowl of ice cream with fruity pebbles sprinkled on top, it's my favorite weakness.

I lay in bed unable to sleep because of how pumped I am. To finally have a job. To finally be going somewhere. These past few months have been hell without my mom. I wish she was here. I imagine she would be sitting on my bed rubbing my head while I talked on and on about all my problems. I sigh and hug the teddy bear she gave me as a young child. I nod off into a comfortable sleep....

         I'm running from something, struggling to get away but everything is making me slower. A growling sound from behind me approaches and as it closes in I scream. Jolting up in my bed I try to calm my breathing. The dreams are back.

It had been a couple of days since having that dream. I have been having the same dream since I was 17 which gets tiring after 4 years.

It's still as scary as when it started. I am always caught. I never seem to get away from the monster. I lay there staring at the ceiling. Hoping to nod back off. Bella snuggles closer to me sensing distress, I turn on the tv hoping to find something relaxing to be able to sleep again. I finally found an old movie and watched it. Kissing Bella quickly and covering back up with my blanket. Laying back I get comfortable and slowly drift back to sleep. I awake again to the sound of my alarm screaming and Bella licking my face. "I'm up, I'm up" she jumps off the bed and runs around the house. I check my phone seeing that I have an email. From Michael Tobias. What does he want? I click on the message...

Dear Ms. Rose,

I heard that you are scheduled to come in and start training. I feel you will be an excellent addition to our team. I trust that you know what being a personal secretary means and I hope that you  are ready. What we do here at Tobias Enterprises is of the utmost importance and secrecy. I look forward to seeing you.

--M. Tobias

My heart starts to race... I let Bella outside and drink some water. What is that supposed to mean? I look forward to seeing you. In his big intimidating voice. Stupid man. I stand there baffled trying to figure out how to reply. All I can muster up is . Go screw yourself 1. For making me think that I was less because I have tattoos and then sending that message. I scoff. Okay maybe I'm overreacting. But how am I supposed to reply to that email?