Hidden Trauma

Chapter 1

Kate

One thing I love about living in the city is the bits and pieces of conversations you pick up as you're walking on the street.

"Well tell him that I need the documents TODAY. I don't care if you don't have them yet, you have until 1pm before I start firing."

"John stop chasing the pigeons! I swear, if you let go of my hand I will personally ground you for the next 7 years."

"I'm going to have a triple, venti, nonfat caramel macchiato and hold the foam."

Sometimes I wonder what these people would be like if I was around them for more than 5 seconds in passing. I have a serious problem with people watching, and eavesdropping on conversations. Well, at least I have some entertainment while I walk to work.

It takes me precisely 23 minutes to get the Beckham Law Firm in the heart of Boston. About 27 minutes until you'll find me at my desk. I'm a little OCD about time and time management. That's probably why I'm so good at what I do.

To be honest, I have no idea how I came to get my job. I was just out of university, and struggling to find a job close to home. To make matters worse, my mom died in a car accident three years ago. She took a cab home one night after her long shift at the hospital and a drunk driver slammed into the cab on her side. She died instantly.

Life is hard, and unfair, but I guess that's what people always say. It's been really hard without her. She was my best friend, and I thought she was going to be around forever. Now, it's just me and my little 9-year-old sister, Rose.

There was a time where I was upset at her for leaving me and Rose, even though she obviously didn't mean to. I had to provide for us both now. I had to grow up faster than I ever thought I would have to, and take care of her. I guess I owe everything to my boss, or shall I say former boss, Mr. Beckham.

Mr. Beckham is an older gentleman, pushing 60 years old. He is the best lawyer money could buy here in Boston, and he is the owner of the best law firm in the country. Well, was the best. He announced about a month ago that he was retiring. I mean, it's not even like he's that old, I honestly just think that he wants to take a break from his fast paced life.

My mom raised me and my sister up going to church every week, and I'm not ashamed of my faith or saying that I am a Christian. Mr. Beckham and his wife go to my church. That's where I met them.

I remember sitting on the first pew after everyone had left and I was alone, sobbing my eyes out. A thousand thoughts were racing through my mind, trying to come to terms that my mother was really gone. That's when Mr. and Mrs. Beckham slowly approached me and sat down, one on each side of me. They didn't speak a word, not even the "sorry for your loss" line that I had heard a million times today. They simply put their arms around me and held me while I cried. We all sat there for a long time before I spoke.

"Thank you."

Mrs. Beckham smiled softly and nodded while she rubbed my shoulder.

"Anything you need, we are here for you."

"Thanks. Did you know her?"

"Yeah, she was a friend and a wonderful nurse."

"I don't know what I'm going to do without her. How am I going to take care of Rose all on my own? I don't even have a job!"

Mrs. Beckham took me into her arms again as more tears started to stream down my face. Her embrace was not the same as my own mother's, but the familiarity and comfort was still there.

When I had calmed down again for the second time, Mr. Beckham pulled out a small white rectangle, that I soon realized was a business card, out of his suit pocket and handed it to me.

"Don't worry about that right now. Go be with your sister.. She needs you. Call me when you are ready, and we'll work something out."

I looked at both of them and almost started crying again from how sincere and kind these strangers were being towards me.

I called him two weeks later and he offered me a job as his personal secretary. I couldn't quite believe it that he would let someone as young and inexperienced as me have such an important job. I mainly answer important phone calls, hand him his daily itinerary every day, and keep track of his schedule and appointments. He pays me very well, I'm not rich or anything, but I'm able to pay rent, do groceries, and buy anything that Rose may need.

I've had this job for 3 years now, and when Mr. Beckham said he was retiring, I thought I was going to have to start looking for another job, but he assured me there was no need.

"My son is taking my place. He's a lawyer, but he is also a great businessman and he knows how to run this place. I'm also pretty sure he won't object to you staying here as his secretary." He chuckled as I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

"Ha Ha Ha. Very funny."

" Yeah, yeah. We'll see if I'm right or not."

I finally reach the gigantic double doors with large white letters that spell out " Beckham Law Firm."

Today is the day I meet my new boss.

"Here goes nothing" I say under my breath as I push the heavy door open and step inside from the brisk September air.