BACKUP

Untitled Part 3

The Phone Call and Change

"You do like your sleep, don't you Mercy?" I opened my eyes and groaned when I heard Alfie talk. Alfie seemed like a genuinely good guy, but all he did was remind me what a horrible position I was in. All I wanted to do was shut my eyes, count to three, and then hear my Foster Mother banging on my bedroom door to wake me up for college. God, I missed college. The summer holidays had just began and the school year was over. One more year to go and I was done. I wasn't sure if University was meant for me, but now I think the decision has been made for me.

"How're you feeling?" Demetria asked. I smiled at the thought that although I have to go through this, my best friend was right behind me.

"Better." I said simply. I wanted to add 'because you're here' but then thought against saying it. I didn't know how long Demetria was going to stay with us. Hell, I don't even know how long I'll be staying. It could be a few days, weeks, months... years. I shuddered at the thought of having to live underground for years with people I have no choice over. I had been looking forward to moving out of my Foster Mothers' house but this isn't what I meant. I had never really taken to my Foster Mother but I was forever grateful that she kept me. No one else did.

"Can I call my Mum?" I asked. That was the second time I had ever referred to Gretchen as my Mum. It felt weird but I wanted nothing else but to hear her posh accent.

"Maybe you want to hold off, you know, until you get your story straight. I mean, you can't tell her about all of this." Alfie said awkwardly. I knew what he meant, but I had already decided on what to say, and it was not fair to make her think I was missing or even dead, even though Nadia had told her that I was alive. It probably didn't help that she had ratted out Demetria to the 'cop' and then Demetria essentially fell off of the grid as well.

"Please? I won't tell her anything about this." I pleaded. Alfie thought for a moment before agreeing. I had suddenly realised that I didn't have my phone on me, and I was certain that it wouldn't be in any of my luggage. I think I may have dropped it either during the incident at the offices or just after when I was dragged away. Demetria must have realised this and had produced her own phone and handed it to me.

I dialled quickly and waited. The first time I rang there was no answer but I had tried again, and on the first ring Mum had picked up.

"Demetria, why are you calling me?" She asked sharply.

"Mum," I said. Suddenly my voice broke. "Mum, it's me, Mercy."

"Demetria, help me with breakfast?" Alfie didn't really ask. He was only using it as an excuse to get himself and Demetria out of the room so I could talk privately.

"Mercy? Oh my gosh, Mercy! You're okay. Are you okay?" She was frantic and her accent wasn't at the same quality as it usually was, she may have started crying. But it was enough. It was familiar and it gave me butterflies in my stomach. It's only been a few days since I last saw her but a lot has happened.

"Yeah, Mum, I'm okay. I'm okay, I'm okay." I repeated it several times. I didn't know who I was trying to convince, Mum, or myself.

"Where are you, Mercy? Demetria and that Policewoman picked up your stuff yesterday but didn't tell me what was happening. What's happening?" I thought for a moment, unsure what to say.

"Mum, I can't come home." I sobbed quietly. "I can't- I can't come home, Mum."

"Why? Why not? Mercy are you okay?"

"I haven't got time, Mum," I sniffed. "I'll try visit, okay? It might not be for a while, but I'll try visit."

"Where are you, Mercy?"