By My Side - Sam/Aomaris Fanfiction

59) Unpleasant Encounter

It wasn't long before I got into town. I left my motorbike in the parking lot outside the Pink Lady café and headed towards the shops. There wasn't a lot that I had to get; I just had to pick up my new bank card as I'd lost my original, and grab a parcel from the post office as neither I nor Sam had been home when they tried to deliver it. Other than that, I'd likely just buy some snacks and sweets to refill the drawer in my office and some little presents for Sam. I knew he could never resist peanut butter M&Ms, so I often bought them for him along with several other things because he never remembered to buy things for himself. I wondered if Sam was in his precinct building, which wasn't far from where I was. It was a lot more likely though, that he was out on a case. Sighing slightly, I decided to head to the bank first, which was on the opposite side of town but I'd have to backtrack anyway, so I figured I'd head to the furthest away place first.

Despite my introverted nature, I quite liked spending time in town. I loved the hustle and bustle, just so long as nobody bothered me. I had always loved cities; I'd been to a fair few in England with my aunt and uncle for concerts. There was something calming about just being able to people-watch while going completely unnoticed. I'd done it in the cafeteria in school, too. I'd sit in the corner and watch the other students go about their days. My phone buzzed suddenly and I pulled it out. Sam was calling me.
"Hey, Sam. Aren't you at work?"
"Hey, Doofus. Yeah, I am. I was just calling to let you know I'm doing overtime today. I'm out on a case with Caulfield and we wanna get the case wrapped up. I'll be home by nine at the latest."
"Alright, good to know. How's work been today?"
"Boring. We've been tracking some guy for hours 'cause we got a tip he was gonna hit some store, but he hasn't made a move yet."
"Interesting. Tell me more when you get home?"
"As long as I get the case closed tonight, yeah. I love you, doofus. See ya."
"I love you too, Sam. Bye." I hung up and sighed slightly. There went my plans of cuddling with him for the whole evening.

"Nix!" I turned around to see Ronnie, Matthew and Aiden headed in my direction.
"Hey, guys. What's up?"
"Eh, not much. We're just here to pick up some school supplies for Aiden. What about you?" Ronnie answered me.
"I came from the toy company building. I'm gonna be working there for the next few months." I gestured in the general direction of the skyscraper I'd come from. "Other than that, I'm just here to pick up my bank card and a parcel."
"Oh, that's awesome! What are you gonna be working on?" Matthew interjected.
"I went to James with the idea for animal plushies that have individual stories," I explained. "The plushies are gonna be voiced, and they'll all come with books so any kids that buy them can read along with the story."
"That sounds cool. What kind of animals?" Ronnie asked.
"Tell you what, you can all come by the mansion tomorrow and I'll tell you. I'd say tonight, but I ran into my dad at the company and now I just wanna go home and let my pent-up anger out."
"Oof. Yeah, that's fair enough. Sure, we can pop over tomorrow? For dinner, or...?" Ronnie trailed off and I nodded.
"Sure, why not. Yeah, you can stay for dinner. I'll let Sam know tonight."
"Cool see you tomorrow then!" The three of them waved to me and departed, Aiden walking between Ronnie and Matthew and holding both of their hands.

I turned around to continue on my way to the bank but was once again distracted, this time by a face that I hadn't seen for several years.
"Holly?" The girl turned to face me, confused, and then realisation dawned on her face. Holly Blackburn had been my main bully throughout my time in the English education system. She was the one that hated me the most after what had happened to Emily.
"Oh my god, Zoey! How've you been?" I cringed, although I was kind of expecting it. Holly noticed my discomfort. "Oh, right... I forgot about that. It was Phoenix, right?" I nodded, slightly confused.
"I'm surprised you remember. No one ever bothered to use the name I chose." Holly messed with her curly brown hair nervously.
"Yeah... Sorry about that. I was kind of an asshole as a kid. I'm sorry I was always so mean to you."
"Eh, it's fine. I got used to it after a while. So, how come you're in Chicago?"
"Oh, I'm on holiday with my family. Are you on holiday too?"
"No, I live here. I was born here, remember?"
"Right, I forgot. You've still got your English accent."
"Yeah, I don't think that's ever going away." I joked. Holly laughed.
"How's your life here then?" I shrugged.