Rhenna

FIVE

               The boiling water could not wash away the aches in my body. I was a wreck. 

I stared at myself in the mirror positioned over the sink. The hiccies were bright purple under the dull lighting. The nail marks on my spine were inflamed. 

I switched off the water and stepped out of the shower. 

I wrapped up my waste and left to the master bedroom. 

I managed to find myself a turtleneck and some shorts before the doorbell echoed. 

I sighed inwardly. After last night I wasnt too keen on talking with anyone. 

"What do you want?" I questioned, while opening the door. 

It was Denvis. 

"Mr. Ventis wanted me to give you this". He explained, handing me a coffee mug. 

I took a sip ignoring the way it burned on the way down. 

"Thanks Denvis". 

"No paper man?" 

I was too tired for this, "Not today". 

He opened his mouth to respond, but I was already shutting the door. 

I just wanted to be alone. 

I moved to the lounge room and slowly sat down. My favorite blanket was draped over the head of the couch. I pulled it over me and curled up. 

The world seemed to slip away in that moment. I couldnt hear the constant chaos of horns or shouting from below. I could hardly even detect my own shallow breathing. 

I stayed like that until my phone buzzed. 

I answered, "Hello". 

"Is this Elin?" A women asked. I didnt recognize her voice. 

"I suppose so". 

"Mr. Vantis gave me clear instructions to contact you". 

I sat up,startled by her words, "What happened? Is he alright?" 

"He's fine". 

I let myself take in a deep breath. 

The women went on, "He needs you to run an errand". 

"Why didnt he call me himself?" I hinted my skepticism. 

Jae would never have someone else contact me if he needed something done. 

"He's in a very important meeting right now". 

I wasnt sure if I believed her or not. 

"What does he want?" 

"Mr. Vantis left a memory chip in his computer. It was supposed to be delivered to A.G.E today. He wants you to run it over". 

A. G. E. 

Jae's rival company. What the hell was he doing? I got up from the couch and went to the crib. A apple laptop was flashing on Jae's desk, a memory chip still in the slot. 

"I found it". I told the women, but the line was dead. 

I pulled the chip out and pocketed it. 

Now what? 

I had no way to contact Denvis. 

And Jae refused to let me ride in a taxi. 

Well, fuck that. 

I pulled on a pair of Jean's and my jacket. 

Usually my style revolved around Jae's opinion, but I had managed to keep a few things from my past. My combat boots for one.