Difficult Case

September 19th, Wednesday

New week started, I have visited two of my clients in a prison, just normal meetings, to walk through step by step, our next move, with them over again.

One thing, that I really like about my job is, that it's never boring, by every new case you get to experience something different, than the previous one.

Monday and Tuesday went by pretty quickly and nothing really bothered me, when I think about it, I'm actually pretty chill person....when I'm not in mood...

Another morning, another alarm.
I turned it off and rubbed my eyes, I looked at the screen. September 19th, Wednesday.
I opened my diary to check up what I have planned for today, even though I knew too well. Today was supposed to be my only day off, but I still have to get up and get to work, since Louis is coming over there.
I got up from bed, and walked towards my bathroom, I jumped a bit caused by my eyes laying on my own reflection in the mirror. I looked like a mess not gonna lie. I wiped off the rest of my makeup, that stayed on my face from yesterday, then I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and walked downstairs to my kitchen to drink a glass of water to wake up a bit. I don't usually eat breakfast, so I just walked right back up to get my phone.

I remembered, that my friend Diana, asked me to look after her kid for few days, which I agreed to, since I'm a good friend. I texted her to drop off Sophie at my work, since I've got new meeting, which I forgot to tell her about. She just answered „okay, thanks :*"

My eyes travelled to my wardrobe, so did my body. I opened it, while thinking what to wear. I didn't feel like dressing up, since Louis is the only client I have for today, but I also could not show up in sweats.
My hands reached for tight black jeans along with black shirt with long sleeves, which I rolled up a bit.
My hair was still braided and still looked good, surprisingly, so I left it like that. As soon as I finished my makeup- literally just bit of foundation, concealer, blush, light contour, eyeliners, mascara and lipstick. My basic makeup look. I threw on my black high boots, following with creamy fall coat, grabbed my keys and walked out of my house.

I unlocked my office. Taking off my coat, walking out to take some needed stuff for the meeting, Nadia, my assistant, just arrived and greeted me with smile and slight nod as good morning. I returned the nod, not stopping my walk.

Once I appeared in sight again, I saw Nadia bringing coffee to Louis, who was already sitting on the black leathered couch. They talked for few seconds, or like Nadia did, informing him, that I'll be there in any second. She walked out, closing the door behind her, turning to face me.
„Would you like a coffee, Miss Black?" Nadia asked me with those kind eyes, that made me love my job even more, she was always so kind and positive. I thanked her for the offer, but declined.

I put my hand on the handle and opened the door, stepping into my office. Glaring on Louis sitting on the couch, his eyes found their way to look up at me as soon as I spoke.
„A bit early, aren't we, Mister Tomlinson" I said, checking my watch, he was early about 25 minutes.

When I looked back at his siting figure, I could tell the realization hit him. He wasn't breathing and his jaw dropped. I walked up at him, offering my hand for a handshake, „Black" I introduced myself, even though I know too well, that he knows who I am.
He, immediately stood up, accepting my hand and shook with it, introducing himself as well „Tomlinson", at this point, I think he was unsure, if it's me, or I'm just someone, who looks identically like me.

I moved my chair from my desk to the glass little coffee table, noticing he was still standing, staring at me. „Take a seat, please...again" I said, while sitting on my own, crossing my legs, opening my notebook.
He listened on word like a dog, which was weird to see, he was never the one, who would do anything he was told, I was about to ask my first question, but Louis was faster and asked first.
„I'm sorry, but- Sierra, is that you? Sierra Black, like in...Sierra Blackberry?" His voice was shaky, he sounded nervous. I looked up, letting out little sigh before answering him,
„Look, either way I will confirm, that it's me and you'll feel awkward, or I'll say that you've mistaken me for someone else and you'll feel less awkward, the choice is all yours." I studied his face expression. He was actually really thinking about what to choose. After a short period of time he responded by smiling weakly. I nodded, with a look on my face like
"I thought so". Now I could finally start my job.

I was asking couple of questions. Writing down his answers and pointing out important things, that could help us out. I took my time thinking about, which strategy would be best to use.
Suddenly he asked, out of nowhere. „How have you been?" Ugh, I thought, we have agreed on pretending we don't know each other.
„Depends on who you're asking" I groaned, without thinking about it too much, hardly paying attention to what he was saying.
„You, Sierra" he replied with this weird softness in his voice. I assumed he means the Sierra he knew years ago. „Good" emphasizing on the  "d" at the end, not bothering to look at him. He scoffed slightly, ready to say something again, but this time I cut him off by question „How old is your son?" I mean, I knew the answer, but it was the only way how to shut him up.

„You know how old he i-"
„I asked how old is your son, Mister Tomlinson" I interrupted him, my eyes not leaving my notes.
„Five" Louis answered quickly, looking down at his hands, he found all of this extremely awkward.
„well, I hoped he'd be older, I wanted to talk to him in person, unfortunately I'm not sure, if it's a great idea, it might be a lot of pressure on him and his mental health." I let out my thoughts. I know too well, how little kids react, when you tell them
"oh honey, the lawyer is here". They freak out.
I finally looked up at him and saw him slowly nodding, paying close attention, understanding the situation.
„Perhaps, I could talk to him in more friendly way" his eyebrows lifted, questioning me what do I mean, without using any words.
„I meant like, some nice time spent together, like some playground or anything like that, the way that I could gain his trust and he'd see me as a friend." I explained myself. Louis looked like he's thinking it through and after few seconds, maybe even minutes he said that it'd not be a problem. Hallelujah

Suddenly the door flew open, before I could notice what's happening, little hands, were wrapped around my waist. It was Sophie, resting her head on my stomach, hugging the hell out of me, while yelling „I MISSED YOUUUU"
I felt pair of eyes on me, of course they belonged to Louis. I can imagine his blue eyes with those little sparkles in them, the way this dude loved kids was sometimes unbelievable. Anyway, back to Sophie, I placed my hand behind her head, slightly returning the hug, stroking her light hair. Nadia appeared in the door, apologizing for letting her run in. I shook it off, looking down at Sophie and back up on my assistant.
„Nadia, could you please get our little princess some papers and crayons?" She nodded, searching for those supplies. The little girl let go off me with big smile on her face. „Go with Nadia and draw something for me, yea?" I kneeled down, so I'd be the same hight level. If it's even possible, her smile got even bigger and wider. She agreed and kissed my cheek, before she ran out to find Nadia. God, how much I adore this kid...