The Podcast

Chapter One

I can hear it the sound like nails scratching a black board, when a balloon pops and for a second you need a reminder that it's not a gunshot the feeling when bad news is shared, and you can see the exact moment where their heart shatters, the sound? is just my phone alarm feeling me with dread.

I pull myself up only to realise I never made it to my bed, lying on my couch in yesterdays jeans and just a bra on. The TV is blaring the sound filling the room '' Third victim found early this morning.'' I hear the news presenter announce as I open my eyes, footage of the crime scene with the CSI's carefully collecting data begins to form from a blurry haze into figurines dancing on the screen.

''unbelievable'' I think to myself the Mountain Killer strikes again.

It's Monday morning and I am already off to a rough start. Last night I wasn't even meant to go out ''just one'' they said but of course just one isn't just one. I managed to get myself emotionally blackmailed by Rhina my best friend and saviour all in one, a beautiful mix of half Irish half Indian perfection. At first glance at Rhina you notice her hazel eyes sun kissed with autumn tones, her skin resembles warm milk chocolate and check bones that can make any supermodel afraid for their career, yet she has an aura about her that gives you the effect of divulging your deepest darkest secret with her.

As a junior editor Rhina works for DubAffairs the magazine this is where we met about 7 years ago she saved me from loneliness, whereas I work in the marketing department at a job I detest but pays the bills.

I quickly run to the bathroom only to see there's no hot water left, I hastily jump into the shower and lather myself with soap while trying to disregard the fact that my body is shivering, finishing up I throw on something and run out in time to see the train at the stop I sprint and make it in time.

This is me, this is my life dishevelled and wrinkled just like my clothes and hair. I gland at my phone and notice that I am 20 minutes late already ''Stacy is going to kill me'' I think to myself.

''You're late Tessa'' I hear Stacy screech

''I know, I'm sorry problem with the train'' I respond trying to cover myself.

Passing the desk, I notice Rhina looking as gorgeous as ever talking to Esther or Ella I can't quite remember her name and I don't quite like her for the matter, she glances at me as she waves. I envy her she drank just as much as me, yet she looks like she got a full nights rest and bathed in honey and milk, I wave back and slide into my chair trying to get a grip of my breathing and mentally making a note on re-joining the gym.

''So?! Did you get his number?'' I hear her say looking up I notice Rhina has made her way to my desk

''Who's?'' I enquire faking ignorant

''Oh, don't be like that! You know who!'' referring to the emotional blackmail/ambush she set me up with last night

''Sean and I thought you guys got on perfectly''

''Well, until you became a drunken mess''

''Rhina? Seriously?! If you thought that then you might as well have been at a different table then I was'' I snorted

'' Okay, OK I'll admit he wasn't perfect, but he was sweet''

''Yes, sweet if being he's chocolate experience is considered sweet, I mean what was the whole I'm catching jungle fever thing about?''

''I think he was just shy Tessa! You're a bit intimidating you know and plus he has never been with an African girl before he was nervous!

''yeah well this African girl doesn't want to be a social experience thank you very much''