Work Blocked

"What do you mean I'm not going to work?" I demanded angrily. I put both hands on my hips as I blocked Aaron's way out. He was putting on a black tie to match today's outfit. A black suit jacket with a tightly fitting nylon shirt, and his black slacks to match. He gave a small, distressed sigh as he stood before me, watching me throw a tantrum like a child. The dark bags under his eyes where just as dark as last night. No amount of rest was going to get rid of the stress that he was currently feeling.

"Rosaline, I talked to Bastion this morning in regards to your situation and he said it would be best not to put you under any stress today. Please understand that he is looking out for you. At least take today to get recuperated. Call around and see if you can't find a rental car until they can estimate the damages on your car. I'll be back again later to assist you in finding a vehicle, and maybe we can go shopping for that mystery cat of yours." I looked down at the black cat that was weaving in and out of my legs, mewling for attention. In all of just one night, this animal had become incredibly attached.

"Fine, but I want updates on everything. I will still continue to work, and I will keep everyone in the loop. I'll get a hold of the Venue and let them know what is going on, and then I'll-" Aaron held his hand to my mouth, shaking his head.

"No, Bastion has said no work today. Just rest and you can come back in on Monday, okay?" He asked carefully setting me aside and walking through the wooden door. I gawked at him, astounded that both him and Bastion had lost their minds. They seriously can't tell me not to work. I haven't taken a day off in eight years. What was I even supposed to do?

"You can't be serious. I can handle making phone calls you know. I'm not so weak that I can't do a little bit of work." I stamped after him. Aaron chuckled softly as he made his way off my wooden porch, and down the stairs. He stopped at the bottom and turned on his heel. He faced me, a twinkling in his eyes as I stood before him.

"Don't you think you deserve a little vacation? Now I really do have to go. Do as I say and get your affairs in order before I get back." With a warm smile, he walked to his white Lexus and opened the door. He sat down in his seat, closed the door, and threw his car in reverse. I watched him back all the way down the drive way until he got to the main road. Pulling out, he drove away, engine revving loudly as he went. With a disgruntled groan, I walked back into the house and slammed the door.

What was I supposed to do now? Sure, I could call around to dealerships and give them my insurance information to see if they could supply me with a rental until I could get a new car. Or I could just go car shopping myself anyway and find another vehicle. I had more than enough money to get myself a new one. But first, I needed to get to the tow truck company I called last night and see if I can't stop by. The insurance company would need photos of my vehicle so they could total up my damages. I know for a fact it would be a total loss. It was depressing just thinking about it.

With a long and annoyed sigh, I pulled my phone out from my pocket and searched my recent phone calls. I located the tow truck company's number and hit the dial button. I bit my nail nervously, starting to feel anxious with every ring. Unease creeped down my back like a slowly trickling faucet. I didn't know why I was suddenly feeling nervous, and it was starting to bother me. After a few rings, the phone crinkled as someone picked up.

"Thank you for Calling Loui's Tow and Mechanics, this is Loui, how can I help you." I gave a nervous laugh.

"Ah, hello, this Rose. You helped tow my wrecked vehicle last night while I was on my way home. It was a 2018 Kia Rio, black in color." There was pause on the other end. I could hear papers shuffling around in the background.

"Oh, your miss Rosaline Freed, correct? How is your head? That gash looked quite nasty last night." I absently placed my hand to the bandaged wrapped around my head. It stung a little at the pressure, but otherwise it wasn't too bad.

"Ah, yes my head is doing quite fine. Thanks for asking. I was wondering if I could swing by at some point today. I need to get pictures of my vehicle so I can file a claim with my insurance." Again, another brief pause. More papers shuffled around, and a tinkling of keys could be heard.

"That won't be a problem. Do you need a ride? I can offer you my services since you don't have a vehicle." The thought of a stranger giving me a ride was very uncomfortable, but I knew I needed a way to get around. If he is close to the city, I can just hail a cab and run my own errands. Even if he was a gentleman to me last night, it doesn't mean he is one always. I bit my lip for a moment, contemplating my options.

"Ma'am? If you aren't comfortable with the idea I completely understand. Please don't feel pressured by the idea, I just thought I could offer you some help. I suppose your boyfriend is around to help." Boyfriend? Was he referring to Aaron? I couldn't help letting out a soft laugh.

"Aaron? The man who helped me last night? He is not my boyfriend. He is a very close colleague of mine. But he is busy today and won't be available till later. I would like to accept your offer if you don't mind. I do have some important business meetings I need to attend here in a few weeks, so I need to get this claim squared away as soon as possible." There was a slamming on his end of the phone, like a rusty old door that would often get stuck. I listened to loud country music being blasted in the background as metal clanked and voices practically yelled across the room.

"Of course, I would love to help. Here, I'll give you my personal number and you can text me your address." I pulled the phone away from my face, opening the contacts app on my phone. I put the number in under the name Loui. After I told him I got his number we disconnected the call. I quickly texted him my address and a few minutes later my phone lit up. Loui had texted back saying he would be here within the hour. That gave me little time to get ready.

So quickly I rushed into my bathroom, scrubbing my aching and throbbing body. Quickly towel drying, I dawned on a pair of black slacks and a blouse. I threw my jet-black hair up into a messy bun and drew on a little bit of eye liner and mascara. There was no need to go all out, it wasn't like I was going to work. Throwing on a pair of high heels, a black ford pickup truck entered my drive way. The cat meowed persistently. Looking at the clock and seeing how late in the day it was already, the poor thing must be hungry. Unfortunately, I don't really stock food in my house.

Feeling guilty, I searched through my cupboards, hoping to find a can of tuna fish or something edible for it to eat. After a few more moments of slamming cupboards, I found a small can of tuna fish. Thank goodness I buy smart and only stock non-perishables. I pulled the tab of the can, making a loud popping noise. The metal scraped the sides as I opened the can and placed it on the floor. I watched as the cat greedily slank forward, digging its tongue into the fish, and bringing it into its mouth. It purred loudly as it ate. Warmed at the sight of the happy cat, I walked towards the door in time to see Loui grace my porch steps.

His form was distorted in the glass designing, but you could still tell he was young. He seemed lankier than I remembered him last night, but that was also because I couldn't see straight either. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but I opened it before he had the chance. I beamed at him, thankful that he made the effort to even come all this way out to help me.

"Hi Loui. Thanks for coming all this way to help a stranger." I said pulling my black coat off the coat rack hanging on the wall. I dawned on my jacket and then my beanie before exiting the house. I used the spare key I had to lock up the house before following Loui to his truck. A lopsided grin appeared on his face as we both walked off the porch and to his truck.

"I'll say it sure is purdy out here miss Freed. But you dress like a city folk, so what brings you all the way out here?" He asked as he walked over the passenger side door and opened it. He offered an outstretched hand. I curiously took it, not exactly sure what he was trying to achieve.

" My parents use to live out in the country side, and I deal with city people all day. It's to be able to get away from the crazy ideal of the city and find a proper place to relax." I said as I hoisted myself into his truck. There was another grin on his face as he watched me buckle in.

"Now that, is something I can completely understand." He said as he shut the door.