BURNED

4| Small Favors

I awakened to dim lighting, and I felt blissfully comfortable. I yawned as I snuggled back into the blanket that was wrapped around me, and I turned to lay on my back for even more comfort. I pulled the blanket up as far as I could without obstructing my breathing. It smelled of spices, cologne, and had an earthy smell I could not place. I inhaled the scent deeply it being slightly familiar. I was beginning to fall asleep again, wondering what Hailey was doing. Then something occurred to me. I was not in bed, and I definitely did not wear expensive men's cologne.

I shot up, and searing pain went through my shoulder. I clutched it tightly using the pain to clear my thoughts. Trying to recall why I was not at home, and I massaged my temples soothing the already dull throb in my head. Oh goodness no! I think. I've gotten drunk again, and taken some poor sap home to seduce into doing my bidding. I peered around trying to place the familiarity of my surroundings.

"Mrs. London I see that you are awake. That was a pretty nasty fall you had." Orion says. Fall? I think. Suddenly I remember getting dizzy, and falling my head smacking the desk. I touch my head, and wince as I come in contact with a giant knot that has formed under my curls. Hailey would laugh at this...Hailey!

I jump off the sofa quickly putting on my heels in a rushed panic. How could I do this to Hailey! What if she got kidnapped? Or worse! I'm such a terrible mother! "Mr. Mendelev I am sorry, but I need to get home to my daughter." I quickly pull down my skirt because it had bunched around my hips, and I felt slightly embarrassed. What kind of worker faints on their first day and why did I have such bad luck? Along with panic several other emotions began to swirl inside of me.

For the first time I notice I am in his office. He is sitting at his massive desk, and I had been laying on one of his sofas, which to my surprise feels better than any bed I have lain on. As he peers at me from a pile of papers on his desk I see a calculatory and cautious look ease into his expression. "She is fine I had Audrey pick her up, and take her to the movies and the mall I figured-" "You did what!" I yelled, pulling on my jacket frantically.

Suddenly my daughter walks in practically bouncing off the walls. "Mommy you're awake! Audrey took me to the mall, we got pedicures, and manicures, and we ate fried pickles, and we rode the escalator, and-" I cut her off too upset to take in all that she was telling me. "Hailey tell me later let's just get to the bus stop, and what time is it?" I ask, clutching my head as the dull throb turns into a giant elephant sitting on my brain.

"Seven o' nine." Audrey says coming up behind Hailey with shopping bags. I eyed the bags of expensive things I could never afford even with my new job. I groaned audibly without realizing it. "Is something wrong?" Audrey says eyes filling with concern. "Just take the expenses out of my check, I will work overtime or whatever is necessary to cover the expenses." I could feel the tears welling up somewhere deep inside.

"That won't be necessary." Orion says, now standing right behind me. I could swear I see concern in his eyes, but his face was as grim as ever. He glances over my shoulder. "Audrey take Hailey down to my car, I will be there shortly." I turn to tell him that won't be necessary, but the look on his face glues my mouth shut.

I can hear Hailey squeal excitedly as the elevator dings. For a moment we stand in silence, and I wring my hands nervously as he studies my face. He stares at me, studying me and suddenly I burst into tears. His eyes widen, obviously not used to such emotional women. Or maybe he was.

I start blubbering, and rambling in my usual stressed fashion. "I just want to be a good mother." I say repeatedly. "We struggled for so long, and I just..." Finally as the tears slow, I take a deep breath, wipe my face, and look at him. He is looking at me intensely as if he sees something I don't.