Fear

Chapter 4

It was mindless, but constant work, and the hours drifted away. The siren sounded for lunch break and everyone ceased what they were doing, herding like sheep into the canteen for food, myself included. Again, I had ample space around me. It felt wonderful not to be squeezed and forced out of line. For once, my portion was hot and the more palatable for it. I sat alone as usual, but felt the comfort of Grant's presence at my back. A small smile began to sit on my face as I had worked and had remained there as I ate.

"You seem happy, Eloisa."

I looked up at my section head who had stopped at my table.

"I slept well."

"That's good. No other reason?"

"No. Should there be?"

"I just wondered. You are still single and most of your age are wed and producing children. Will I expect to replace you soon?"

"I'm...not planning on such a change."

"Intriguing. You don't fit into the norm, Eloisa. I'm not certain if this should worry me more than it does already. I dislike change and yet I loathe abnormalities. I would hate to see you removed for abnormality, Eloisa. It's never happened in my section – yet."

Although the conversation appeared pleasant, I sensed the hidden threat in his words. He saw my oddness and he was concerned – not for me, but for himself. I felt Grant's steadying hands on my shoulders, warm and strong. I forced a smile at the man.

"I just haven't met the right person yet. I'm certain he will find me soon." I tried to act hopeful and brightened my smile.

"I hope so, Eloisa, I certainly hope so." He moved away, seemingly satisfied with my reply. I looked back at my meal, but I had lost my appetite. Thinly veiled threats will do that to a girl, even one like me.

One has already found you, sholry. You could declare it and ease his mind.

I felt Grant's kiss on the top of my head. - How could I declare a relationship with someone who couldn't be seen, even by me?

Nobody needs to know that small detail, sholry. Ease his burden and you will ease your own.

Perhaps there was something in that. I was known for not mixing, so it was doubtful that I would need to prove I was in a relationship. I picked up my half eaten meal and followed my section head, lengthening my strides to catch him up.

"Actually, I met someone yesterday who might be suitable." I said. The man whirled around to me with raised eyebrows. "I hope to see him soon."

"That's promising, Eloisa. I wish you luck." You could almost see the relief pour off him.

"Thank you." I watched him walk away, more erect than before. I was still not sure if he was genuinely pleased for me or just for his reputation, but I wasn't going to allow it to bother me unduly. I scraped the food into the slops and placed the dirty plate on a pile of others before leaving the canteen.

That was good, Eloisa.

Grant's words of praise made me glow inside. I had received little praise in my life and those few words lifted my spirit. I returned to my desk and settled down to my work again. There were few people there, as most were still queuing for food or eating, and I managed to clear all the incoming pile before the room filled again, although the surface was covered within a short while. The rest of the day passed without incident until the siren for shift change sounded. I readied my coat, now dry, so I could leave as soon as my replacement arrived. She was not known for her promptness, so I did not put it on. I was still waiting thirty minutes later, the work beginning to pile up again.