A Pinch of Kerry

Blurry Vision

I had taken today off. Considering I wasn't spending Thanksgiving with my boyfriend's family anymore, I didn't need a lot of time off. I was still at work, but I'm not working. I was sitting on the wooden floor of one of the studios. I had paint laid across the floor, waiting to be used. It was so quiet. I didn't hear noise of shuffling paper, drills, paint brushes falling unto the floor, water, nothing. I felt all alone. Then, I heard loud clicks of a woman's heels on the wooden floor. It was Ms. Rashad, the lady that hired me.

"Hi Ms. Rashad." I smiled warmly.

"Don't give me that fake smile. What are you doing here?" She sounded like one of my aunts.

"Uh, nothing. Just, uh, about to paint." I scratched my head looking for an answer.

"You should be home. I see you all the time here. Don't you have friends or family?"

I smirked at her question. "Of course I do, but I just really like my job."

She folded her arms. "You don't like your job; you like the escape. You like leaving everything behind and coming here to fresh paint and blank paper."

I sighed.

"Yes. I know I'm right. Go home. Face it, all of it." She took my paint and left. I sat there really thinking about how I would face it. I feel like I worked hard to get to the top of the mountain and my vision is blurry. I can't see the beautiful sight everyone describes and is in awe over. I got up slowly from my spot on the ground and threw my bag over my shoulder. Its time to go home. I was walking down the hallway when I heard my phone ring. I answered it without looking at the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Kerry, listen. What you saw was nothing-.." James tried to rush out.

"Oh no." I have never hung up the phone quicker. I don't have the time for explanations. I pushed through the double doors and went for my car. I was about to leave the building when I heard a scream. My body immediately went into alert. I went back in and I heard glass shatter. At this point, I wondered if I should run and help or go find my car. I listened carefully for voices. Then, I heard hard stomps and a woman screaming. I ran towards the screams and they were coming from Ms. Rashad's office. She was up against the wall with her hands over her face. Some man was angrily eyeing her. Her office looked like a world wind hit it. I was in utter confusion.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?" He stared holes into my skin.

"Oh I, uh, just, uh, um. Just....its loud." Really Kerry? Its loud is all you managed to say?

"Go home, sweetie." Ms. Rashad tried to reassure me she was okay. I wasn't buying it.

"I'm only leaving if you come with me." I looked directly at her.

"She not goin' no where!" He slammed his hands on her table.

My eyes stayed on Ms. Rashad's.

"I'm fine. Okay? I'll see you later." She tried to smile.

"BITCH ARE YOU DEAF?! I said she not goin' anywhere!" He spat.

Who was he calling a bitch?

"Sir, why are you yellin'? Relax yourself. Simmer." I had half a mind to take her hand and walk out.

"Please, just go." She pleaded with me.

"Fine. I'll go. But as soon as I reach my car, I'm calling the police. Break another piece of glass. Watch how quick you get put in hand cuffs." I walked out with pride. Every single word I said, I meant. I will not be a witness to violence. I practically ran to my car. By the time I had got to my car, he was on his way out. It looks like he didn't want to get strike 3. I'll talk to Ms. Rashad about this tomorrow. I feel like I intervened too much today. I hopped in my car and it started it up. I was cruising down the street when I heard my phone ring. I had my headphones in, so I just slid the little bar.