Coming Home (A Ricky Wilson Fanfic)

Chapter 9.

Over the next few weeks, Dean brought me to my jobs and picked me up every single day. I hated it, but didn't dare to argue with him. The last time I did he took my phone and smashed it against the living room wall. I had no money or freedom to buy me a new one so I had kind of disappeared off the earth. One Sunday evening, I looked out of the front window of Ben's and saw Dean drive up to the parking spaces in front of the bar. He usually stayed inside his car while he waited for me but not this time. He stepped out and walked away from his car to the stores on the other side of the street. I saw him enter a thrift shop and wondered what he was doing in there. "James, I have to tell you something." Ben's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "What is it?" I asked, turning around to face him. "I got a call from the Voice asking me where they could find you. They said they haven't been able to get a hold of you." Ben's eyes showed he was concerned. "Oh, yeah I dropped my phone in the toilet so it hasn't been working lately," I lied. "Ah, well I had to tell you that they'll come over tonight to talk things through with you." "Ehm, tonight? I can't tonight. I... I..." I couldn't think of anything to tell Ben. "Is everything alright Jaime?" He asked worry now laced in his kind voice. "Yes, sure, everything is fine. It's just I have to go visit a friend tonight. She's really sick and I promised I'd do some grocery shopping for her," I told him, hoping he would believe me. "Alright love, I'll ring them up and ask if they would like to come tomorrow. Mondays are not that busy anyway." Ben walked away and I let out a shaking breath. He wasn't letting me get away with this, that was for sure. I looked out the window again and saw Dean sitting in his car again. I said my goodbyes to Ben and walked towards the grey vehicle.

The following day, I made sure I looked my best. I was kind of nervous to meet with the people of the Voice today. What did they have to discuss? Were they going to throw me out of the competition already because they couldn't get a hold of me? Did Boy George change his mind about me? Thoughts were running through my head and I needed something to calm me down, even if it was just for a little bit. I searched my bag for the white substance and smiled when I finally found it. There wasn't much left, so I had to ask Dean to get me some more soon. The man had discovered my soft spot and had been using it against me ever since. After I had sniffed the last of the plastic bag's content, I walked towards Dean waiting in the car to take me to the Hotel. It was Monday today so that meant I had to work as a housekeeper. Making beds in dirty hotel rooms was always a great start to the week.

"I'll be here at one this afternoon as always," Dean said as we arrived at the hotel. "Don't be late." I stepped out of the car and headed towards the staff room. I changed into my outfit and started my shift. After finding some used condoms, empty beer bottles and dirty underwear in several of the rooms, I was more than ready for a break. I walked out the back door and sat on a bench in the sun. It wasn't a particularly warm day, but still it was nice to be outside for a bit. As I closed my eyes and turned my head up at the sun I felt someone sitting beside me. I turned my head and saw my manager looking at me with a grim face. "Miss Williams, I sadly have to inform you that we have to let you go." My stomach dropped, losing this job meant not being able to pay the rent next month. "W-why may I ask Mrs. Stenton?" I could barely speak. "We have noticed your hard work and are very pleased with that. It's just that we financially have to make some tough choices and you were one of the last girls we hired. I'm really sorry." That was it then. Dean most definitely would lose his shit when I had to break this news to him.

At one o'clock,  I stood outside waiting for Dean to take me to Ben's. "Get in," a demanding voice suddenly said. I was lost in thoughts, like I was most of the time nowadays, and didn't even notice him stopping right in front of me. Dean flicked his cigarette butt out of the window as I sat in the passenger's seat. The ride to Ben's didn't take long. As we arrived I saw Ben looking out the window. His eyes landed on me and then curiously glanced over to the driver's seat. I wasn't sure if he could see Dean from where he was standing. I stepped out and Dean drove away.

"Why was Dean driving you?" Ben immediately asked when I stepped through the door. Guess he could see him then. "I didn't feel like walking today," I replied. Ben stared into my eyes as if to see if I was telling the truth. "James, you can tell me if something is going on." "Nothing is going on," I instantly responded. "I don't believe you," Ben wouldn't let me off so easily. "Ben, I'm telling the truth. Nothing is the matter. I was tired and asked Dean to drive me." A feeling of guilt came over me and I wasn't able to meet those caring eyes. "Jaime, please tell me what is going on. I have noticed that you haven't been the same ever since your audition." Ben's worry was killing me. I never wanted to break his heart, but that was exactly what I was doing. "I... I don't know what you're talking about." I just couldn't tell him. Ben opened his mouth but at that point, four people entered the pub. Leading in front was none other than my coach, Boy George.