Normal People - Strange Encounters Book Two

Chapter 41

TW: Mention of abuse in the beginning of the third section

The next morning Spencer woke to find the bed empty, rolling over to check his work phone. As he made his way into the living room, he spotted Amelia curled up in an armchair near the window watching the sky shift colors as the sun rose. Spencer slipped his watch on his wrist, noting how early it was. Standing behind her, he lowered himself to plant a kiss on the top of her head, getting a whiff of the peppermint tea she'd made. He grimaced, knowing she only switched to tea when she was anxious. She didn't like the way the caffeine in coffee added to her edginess when she was feeling stressed.

"Made you some coffee, it's on warm," she said softly up to him without looking away from the window.

"Thanks, sweetheart. You're up early."

He watched as she shrugged silently. He poured himself some coffee before pulling a kitchen chair over to sit near her.

"You ready for your first case today?" He asked gently. He wanted to suggest she take the day off, process what he'd told her, but he knew there'd be no talking her out of going to work. He hoped that it would be a good distraction.

"Mhm."

Spencer closed his eyes, wishing he could get more out of her, but unfortunately he had to get ready for work. Between both of them showering and dressing, they didn't have a chance to talk. As they both walked out to their cars Spencer paused, leaning against her door to prevent her from getting in.

"Spence.."

"Just, I'm worried about you Lee," he said. "I know it's hard to talk about, but-"

"I promise, I will. Honestly. Now, can I get in my car?" She asked him shortly. She saw his jaw set, and for the first time since Maine saw annoyance flash across his features. She felt bad, but couldn't bring herself to talk about it just yet. She looked at the pavement, unable to meet his eyes.

"Fine." He moved, unlocking his car and getting in.

Amelia paused, wanting to say something to make him feel better, but came up empty. She gave a small wave as he drove away, feeling like a bitch. She dropped into her car, hands on the steering wheel. She put the keys in the ignition and sat a moment before taking a deep breath and letting out a scream. She slammed the wheel, cursed, and yelled until her face was red. As she caught her breath she glanced around, spotting an old man just starring at her. She offered an awkward wave before speeding away toward her office.

♡

"Amelia! Ready to meet your first client?" Namdi asked, ducking her head into Amelia's cubicle. Amelia had been mentally preparing for this since she let out her frustrations in the car. Blocking out everything else, she'd focused on getting ready to help this first client. She plastered a smile on her face as she faced her boss.

"Yes! Let me just grab my things."

As she gathered her laptop and a notebook, searching her desk for a pen, Namdi leaned against the edge of her desk.

"Hey, you okay? If you're not up to th-"

"No, I'm good. Promise." She gave her her best smile, before she saw the woman nod. The two made their way across the building to the meeting rooms.

"Alright so I'm going to work this, and probably the next few, cases with you just until you fall into the swing of things. I'll take the lead on this one, but I'm gonna set you up to be her point of contact. Sound good?" Amelia nodded as they approached the door. As they walked in, she took in the cozy room. They were designed to feel homey, safe, some place their clients could be comfortable. Inside sat a girl not much younger than Amelia.