Chapter Thirteen - Trying to be normal again

Stacey had made up her mind to apprise her father on her decision to go back to work. Although, she had been working from home, it still didn't equate to the hustle and bustle of the office, neither did it feel as satisfying.

She sought respite from her worries, an escape from the anathema, which she was still not coming to terms with, no matter how horrifying and convincing it appeared.

No more hiding. She was going to face her fears head on.

It took quite a couple of bathroom pep talk, to muster the courage to walk into the golf course, at the far end of their property that sultry afternoon. She came dressed for a game or two with her father; she reasoned it will give her a softer landing.

"Hey dad." She waved at him, hanging her golf club on her shoulder, with a cute smile.

James turned to her, tipping his cap. "Came to join your old man?"

"I was tired of being a grind, so I came out for some air and you know," she swung her club, "some wins."

James bent over in a fit of laughter "Stacey… honey, you seem to have  forgotten that I was once a golf champion." James reminisced. "You can't possibly beat me at my game."

A good percentage of James' wealth, can be attributed to what he earned from playing golf as a young chap. He was an avid member of an elite golf club, so most of the time, he invited some friends over to play, other times, he played alone. He enjoyed his solo game more. 

"Wanna bet?" Stacey came up close, with a corky grin, swinging her club.

James brought forward his hands.

"Challenge accepted. Just know that, I won't spare you."

"Deal." Stacey affirmed, declaring the challenge open.

Stacey was a natural at golfing. Suffice to say, she inherited the genes from her father. She knew she wasn't any match for his skills, but she played on regardless, bidding her time. Anything to help her request.

"You have really improved."

"Lets just say, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." 

James smiled, "very much so. Let's take five, shall we?" James said, wiping off the sweat trickling down his face, as he moved over to the shelter under the Aspen tree.

Susan always made sure, he came to the course with a cooler of cold water and some fruits, for his relaxation time. 

"Dad, I have something I really want to talk to you about." Stacey said, sitting down, after pulling a bottle of water from the cooler. It came in quite helpful given the scorching heat of the sun.

"Mhmm, I'm all ears." James responded, corking back the cap of the bottle water, while rewarding her with his unbridled attention.

Stacey cleared her throat, "So, the things is, I want to go back to work." She waited for the words to sink in before continuing. 

"Are you done?" James asked with a sardonic tone. "Or do you have more trifling things to talk about?" Was she even being serious?

"Dad...!" Stacey pouted. She wasn't expecting him to jump in excitement at her request, but he was calling her bluff and in the most sarcastic manner.

"Stacey, you already know my stance on this whole thing. It's too dangerous to roam free like that. I can't possibly allow that."

Stacey scoffed, "like staying stashed away in my room like some forbidden treasure has been able to stop anything."

"If you are bored, invite Adelaide over, find some new hobbies, do anything, but not going back to your office." 

"I have dreams of Azrael virtually every time I sleep. The tight security measures we have taken around the house, didn't scratch the surface of putting an end to it. So, going to work isn't because  it's safe per se, but then it's to prevent me from going wacko. I need to feel like me again, don't you get it." Stacey got about pacing back and forth as she made her point.

"I'm only looking out for you." James said with concern etched on his face. He got her point but wished she saw things from his perspective as well.

Stacey came back to her seat, as she held his hands across the table, "dad I know, and I appreciate it, but trust me on this, pleaseeee." She enunciated the words.

James gave it a thought and then responded. "Fine, but on one condition."

Stacey was blown away with joy. She scuttled to his side of the table and  hugged him, "name it." 

"Some guards will be assigned to you, forthwith." James passed the edict. It was not negotiable.

"But dad…" 

James put up a finger, "no buts or I will rescind my decision. Are we clear?"

Stacey reluctantly gave in, "yes, dad."

"Better."

Stacey drove into the office complex with a triumphant smile plastered across her slender face. She almost didn't sleep the previous night because she was counting down to dawn. 

Unknown to her, there was a mini welcome party waiting for her inside the office. She inhaled the fresh gust of wind that caressed her skin, as she got out of the   black Mustang, releasing a breath.

"Feels good to be back." She exclaimed, adjusting her navy blue blazers. 

She hadn't bothered telling anyone of her supposed return, except Amelia who kept tabs on her. According to Amelia, it was to help her plan her work schedule for the week, so she didn't suspect anything.

Everywhere was awfully quiet; not that she was expecting a mammoth crowd to be gallivanting round the  premises, but not even a single person was in view. Where was everyone? She took out her phone to dial Amelia's number, when the doors of the elevator came open.

"Welcome back!" Everyone screamed as soon as she stepped out of the elevator.

Stacey almost passed out from the shock, but she was pleasantly surprised, nonetheless. People took turns to either shake or hug her, and hand her gifts. Her guards who were standing dutifully behind her tried to prevent that much contact, but Stacey didn't mind at all. She needed to feel this kind of cheerful and unassuming energy.

After the entire fan fare, she was ready to resume duty for the day. Her office was like she never left it. It was impeccably neat and the files arranged in order, from the most important to the least important, just the way she preferred it. Amelia really took her time to hold down the fort.

"Nice job, Amelia. Honestly, I'm impressed."

Stacey nodded approvingly, as she continued her inspection.

Amelia's heart was full. "Thank you, Ma'am"

"Any meetings for today?" 

"Just one. The client insisted on seeing you in person, so I slated an appointment for 1p.m."

"That's perfect. Where's her file?" Stacey asked eagerly. There was no time to waste.

"The first one on your desk, Ma."

"Oh…" Stacey picked it from the pile, and began flipping through its pages. "I see."

"Is there any other thing you would like?"

"None for now, but I will keep you posted."

"Okay, Ma'am."

The day was going by smoothly and though it was packed, Stacey was having a good time. She had completely lost track of time till one of her guards came into her office.

"Ma, we need to be heading home now. It's already past six. Your father won't take it lightly with us if we stay out past 7pm."

Stacey wanted to protest but on a second thought, she hesitantly packed up her laptop and a few documents into her limited edition custom made leather bag and got ready to leave with him.

Stacey was just in time for dinner. She immediately went to her room to freshen up first before joining her parents at the table.

"You look happy?" Susan commented. "Did anything exciting happen at work today?"

She enquired, scooping some pasta into Stacey's plate.

"I do, right?" Stacey glowed, "that's because, I feel alive." Receiving the plate from Susan, "thanks, Mum."

"How was work?" James asked tersely. He wanted to hear that she had a challenge, just so he could prove to her that going back to the office was a bad idea after all, but much to his she didn't have any compliant whatsoever.

Stacey was more than elated to share. "It was awesome, Dad. I met a few clients, the workers at the firm threw a welcome party in my honor…" 

She went on recounting her day's proceedings gleefully, but James stopped listening long ago.

"Oh." He said, uninterestedly with a grunt.

"I didn't realize how much I had missed being in that work environment till today. I am booked for a court session in three days time. It will definitely be a perfect come back."

"I can imagine how exhilarating that is for you, but just be careful, okay?"

"Definitely, mum."

Stacey thought that the day had gone by without any drama, but how wrong she was. She didn't even think about the dream she most likely would have that night, as she tucked herself gently under the duvet, in readiness to sleep.

Just as she was about to shut her eyes, Adelaide's call came into her phone and she sleepily picked up.

"Hi." She yawned.

"Send me the picture of that mark on your arm right now."

The sleep immediately vanished from Stacey's eyes.