Road from Ruin

Chapter Twenty Five

DELTA

I'm ready to roll over on top of Red after feeling him kiss up and down my neck when I hear my phone alarm go off. Red groans and throws his head back on the pillow. At first I'm furious because his exploration was just leading somewhere incredible, but then I remember that I set the alarm to get me up on time so I can't start my first day working at the shelter.

With that thought I quickly jump up out of bed.
I struggle to ignore Reds protesting groans and grabby hands. "It's my first day of work!" I shout before rushing around his bedroom, grabbing everything I need to get ready for the day.

"Yeah yeah so excited." I hear from behind a pillow.

Ignoring his sarcasm I head to the shower.

Within 20 minutes I'm fully ready for the day and have 15 minutes left until I have to leave. Walking over to his side of the bed I peel the pillow back off of his face and press and kiss to his cheek.

"I'll be home by 5." I say absentmindedly, grab my keys and walk out the door.

I'm half way to the shelter before I realize what I said. Home. It still freaks me out, and I really hope I didn't freak him out too much. It was just the natural thing to say. By the time I pull into the parking lot at the shelter my excitement has overcome my nerves and I'm ready to start something for myself.

Walking through the doors I'm greeted by the familiar smell of animals. Most would be disgusted by the smell but to me it brings me back to the one thing I did that made me happy.

"Hey you must be Della!" A white haired woman exclaims while exiting the office in the front room.

"Delta, but yes that's me. We talked on the phone. Sorry I'm a little early, I was just so excited."

"Not a problem darling. So happy you're here, we really need you. Got a batch of puppies brought in the other night we need bathed, fed, and photographed before we can post them up for adoption. Sick bastard left them in a garbage bag by the river." She says with a sad shake to her head.

God if I can even help one of these animals I'll be happy.

The day is long and tiring but I updated the previous adoption system and set the shop up with social media — in an attempt to try to reach more people and get all of these pets a forever home. After cleaning the cat cages  and walking the senior dogs, I'm exhausted, dirty and ready to pass out.

"Thanks for today Maria! I'm finished up so I'll just head home." I shout to the back of the shop.

"You're still here?! It's 6:30! Girl you are sent from heaven. More done around here today than my entire time here." She shouts while pulling me in for a massive hug.

"I will not be letting you work so hard tomorrow. And out by 5 at the latest darling. Thank you for everything."

"Please Maria, it's my pleasure." I explain with tears in my eyes before leaving. I hope she understands just how much this means to me. Just how hard I'll work to keep this job. I've never connected with something more in my life.

Returning home I find both the garage and apartment empty so I strip off my clothes, take a long hot shower, and fall face down into bed. Just a quick nap while I wait for Red.