ANNIE

5 ☼ Something To Remember

A N N E T T E

Half an hour later, I was escorted into Ms. Kenslee's business office dressed in a grey sweatshirt and tartan pants, feeling underdressed as I walked around in my pajamas. My cheeks were still glowing, hair was untouched and ruffled with sleep. As we reached the office door Dimi asked if I needed anything.

My first instinct was to answer 'yes.' I needed something to eat and a drink. I was just about to answer when the door to the office swung open to reveal the comely woman, wearing a tan colored sweater with slitted arm openings that were paired with leggings and heeled boots. Her curly, dark toned hair was let loose in bouncy, wild curls.

"Come on in, Annie," the woman nearly whispered in my direction, no doubt noticing my extended staring before turning to Dimi.  "Can you get her some water?  Maybe a snack or something? Coffee for me, flat white.  I don't have nearly enough coffee in me right now for this."

"On it's way," Dimi nodded.

"Thanks, Dimi," Ms. Kenslee said earnestly as the man turned to retrieve the requested items. 

Dimi turned to look over his shoulder and gave me a warm smile before exiting.

Turning back into the office, Ms. Kenslee looked at me as I made no effort to seat myself anywhere in the room.  "Have a seat, Annie. We aren't leaving anytime soon."

I nodded, taking a seat in the chair in front of her desk. Before long, Dimi walked in holding a beverage carrier and a small take-out carton. Then set down the items on the table. I was already clamoring to get my hands on the large water bottle that I knew was for me.

Once it was empty, I set it down and glanced between Dimi who was walking out the door and Ms. Kenslee who was now seated, looking at some paperwork stocked on top of her desk. I grabbed the food container and a bottle of juice and began to gradually sip at the drink before I settled myself onto the chair, watching the lady busy herself with her work. 

Once finished, I sighed in content and leaned back down into my chair. I started to take a bite of the turkey and cheese sandwich. We just sat there quietly enjoying each other's company until there came a light knock at the door. A woman's formal voice ranged through the desk intercom, who I assumed to be Ms. Kenslee's secretary, announcing that Dimi was requesting entrance. 

With a confirmation from Ms. Kenslee, the woman unlocked the door remotely, allowing Dimi to step inside. "Hey, I hate to disturb you, but it's after seven."

"Oh..." was all Ms. Kenslee managed to get out of her mouth.

"Are we leaving, like, right this second?"

Standing up, Ms. Kenslee turned her eyes towards me.

"Yes... Yes, we should go ahead and get out of here."

"Mr. Bradley's waiting out front," Dimi added before turning to walk back out the door, allowing us to step out first.

Seated in the back of the limousine together and not knowing what to say, I just went back to the game I'd been playing on the woman's tablet. The remainder of the ride was quiet and as soon as we got back to the mansion, I made my way inside the dining room.

Mrs. McGee had prepared me enough food to be considered a somewhat dinner buffet as I took a seat beside Ms. Kenslee, who had her face covered by her documents in hands at the table. It was just before ten when Ms. Kenslee announced she was going down to the office. I nodded my head and gave a small verbal acknowledgment as the male servant took my plate. My plan was to read for a little while and then go to bed, so I went ahead and told the her good-night.