Like Nobody's Business

On the Horns of Dilemma

Nayeli Binns

"Hello." I said as soon as the phone is pressed against my ear, I wait for someone to answer but the line remains quiet. I began to wonder if the call may have ended but when I took a quick peak at the screen the call was for sure still going.

I put the phone up to my ear again. "Did you hear me? Hello?" I asked slightly louder than before, maybe my voice is too soft.

"My name is Cheryl Reyes," my inner discussion is cut short by this frail voice. If I had any recollection of a woman name Cheryl Reyes I would say I recognize the voice but I don't know her, she only sounds familiar. I'm sure I've heard someone who sounds like her before.

"I'm sorry, you must have called the wrong number." I was about to end the call but the next thing she says grabs my attention.

"No no, Nayeli Binns?" 

But then she says my name, forcing me to listen.

"That's who I want to talk to right? Aren't you Nayeli?" She spoke quickly and now I'm curious as to how she knows who I am. I don't remember my mother having any friends with the name Cheryl Reyes. No family member either. Can't be my father. Maybe.

No.

"How do you know me? Who are you?" Those are the first words I could choke out.

"I have been watching you-" all at once the pace of my heartbeat increases and I suddenly feel unsafe.

"Watching me?" My voice came out sounding more afraid than I wanted. "What do you mean you're watching me?"

"Not like you think please don't hang up let me explain, I just need your help-"

"Leave me alone and don't bother me again or I will call the police."

"Don't please, ask Alexander me, let him tell you the case, ask him about-" I ended the call before she even finished the sentence and I'll almost regret it because she mentioned Alexander's name. He must be able to tell me who she is.

However, it doesn't help that I felt violated and I wanted nothing than to leave this place, I don't feel comfortable knowing I was being watched all this time. I couldn't focus on my work for all I could think about is Cheryl and who she could be, why does she need my help? Was she watching me today? Why does every time something bad come along it's always associated with Alexander? What is it that I can do to help her? A complete stranger who seem to have gone mad. Not exactly mad, she just sounded very afraid.

I didn't move a muscle from my seat, I was too confused to do anything. All these questions floating around in my head need answers and I need them now so when Alexander walks into my office I don't plan on waiting to ask him.

After hours of overthinking, something I can admit I do too often, my office door was swung open and in strolled Alexander and Adivia. She rushed passed Alexander and pulled me into a hug that I was somewhat happy about, I'm not a fan of people touching me these days. I am glad to see her but due to earlier events I can't shift my face from the upset yet confused look I'm sure it has.

Of course Alexander realizes something is wrong, he always does. I feel Adivia being forcefully pulled from me and right away she too realizes something is wrong with me.

"Alexander who is Cheryl Reyes?" Their reactions did nothing but increase my curiosity as I watch them try to hide the surprise look on their faces. Black people can hold their mouths but the facial expressions can not be controlled.

"Who is she? Do you know her?" I unlock my phone and lift it to his face allowing him to see her phone number, he still doesn't answer and I look at Adivia who is staring at him with her hands folded clearly waiting like I am. It's been days since I seen her.