50 Shades Of Amy Lee

Chapter 21: Solar

       I walked down the hallway, hands in my pockets, and took the elevator down to the first floor. Silently, I walked out of the building, barely paying attention to anything going on around me. I didn't even acknowledge the doorman, Fritz, as I would normally do. It was like I was in a trance - stuck inside my own head while my body moved on its own. I felt disconnected.

       Outside there was a small crowd of reporters, the usual ones who harassed me and every other celebrity in the area. They rushed towards me and got uncomfortably close, asking things like: Will you be showcasing any new designs during fashion week this year? Will consider taking on extra help with your business as you recover? Is it true that you and Amy Lee are a couple?

       I stayed silent and emotionless as I waved down a taxi and got into the backseat. "Take me to this address," I said as I handed the cabby a small piece of paper.

       He nodded and began driving. 

       "And don't be afraid to speed and lose these clowns," I said as I pointed behind me. "I'll cover any speeding fines and make your risk worthwhile in monetary terms." 

       Before I knew it, we were at my destination; a beat down old building a couple towns north of the City. It was made out of brown brick and the windows were tinted black to keep the sun out. The words "FARNUM" were written above the double glass doors. 

       "This should cover the cost of getting here plus your cooperation. Forget that I was here while you're at it," I said as I handed four one hundred dollar bills to him in addition to the money for the initial transportation fee. 

       "Th-Thank you!" he replied, his voice quivering from happiness. 

       "You're welcome, but if I ever find out you say anything to the Paps, I'll make sure you never find work in this town again, got it?" I smiled and slammed the door shut. I then made my way into the building without looking back at the cab. 

       "Hello there, how can we help you today?" said a woman from behind a desk.

       I cleared my throat before answering, "Ah, yes, I'm here for my 11:30 appointment with Meredith Abramson."

       The receptionist opened a drawer and looked through a few files before finally pulling one out and taking some papers out from it and handing them to me. "Please fill this form out and return it to me before seeing your therapist."

       T h e r a p i s t, the word sent shivers down my spine.

       I filled out the form as quickly as I could, not even bothering to sit down in the waiting room where other people could see me. When I was finished, I handed the form back to the receptionist and sat down close to the door I came in from; far away from the rest of those waiting.

       As I sat there quietly, shades still on, I folded my arms and tried to forget where I was for a moment. However, with my heart pounding faster and faster with each passing moment, it was hard not to panic slightly. I could almost feel the adrenaline from my fight or flight response flowing through my veins. 

       "Ana?" someone asked from across the room. I looked up and saw a woman standing in a doorway with a clipboard. She was short, about the same height as Amy, however, she had blonde shoulder length hair and hazel eyes. She was thin but appeared to be in shape with some visible muscle on her arms. 

       I stood up and looked at her, almost frozen with fear. "Yes?" I asked, my voice quivering as my hands began to visibly shake.

       "It's your turn, come on," she said as she motioned with her hand. "I don't bite."