fundays: Thank you for the support
Dseiladmnd: I know right, I'm excited even though it might be a few more chapters before they reunite.
velosewer:
my-completeness: Aaaaaw! Thank you so much that's so nice and sweet. I'm getting blushy please ignore me and my giddiness.
pepe71: Sorry you had to wait so long, thank you for the review and support.
motherbeatrice: Thank you so much, you have no idea how much better you just made me feel. I'll keep trying in the grammar department, but I'm really grateful that you're just enjoying the story. Wish I could tell you if it is a AC, but Adam is just a friend ;) and I am a die hard fan for AC as well.
Kelly Wilson Washumick: Try to remember this one as the one where Ana is a BADASS IN THE MAKING.
Chele227: Let's just say Ana's stalker tendency tingles(#ASTT) have never been wrong.
snoopylover60: Are you sure he isn't there? Ana's stalker tendency tingle have never been wrong #ASTT. Thanks for the review.
Tammyken: I'll try to keep it that way.
Guest: Yes, Yes, Yes!
Guest: Glad you're liking it.
Guest: I wish you had an account so I could properly thank you and make sure you have updates on the story. Thank you very much for the review, and I will continue to work on my grammar.
Chapter Three: The Strange Case of Mr Hyde and Dr Jekyll
"José, seriously it's fine." I say into the phone for what must be the 7th time, cradling it between my neck and shoulder blade while counterbalancing my handbag with Jack's lunch, a tea and coffee. "The portraits were amazing and yeah, Adam was great- a saint even." I say entering SIP and making my way to my desk.
"Yes, you told me so." I repeat resisting an eye roll. "It's just that I'm a little uncomfortable that some random person bought all the pictures of me- You have no idea who it was? Never mind, just let me know if you find out anything. We'll talk soon I need to get back to work."
I drop my bag and set my tea down. "Yes J. Bye." I pocket the phone before going to knock on Jack's office when there's a murmur of enter I come in placing Jack's lunch order and coffee down. He's on the phone and pauses when he sees me. "Thanks honey." He winks.
I nod retreating. Honey? The vixen's mad and I look at her quizzically as I take my seat. I'll freaking shove some bees up his ass if he wants some honey.
Jack to me is a curiosity, I resolve ignoring her. Sometimes I think what he says to me is inappropriate, then other times I think it's completely fine despite my discomfort. I try to imagine anyone else in his position- as my boss. I imagine Claire, the receptionist; she'd talk nonstop about her problems, her impossibly large family, and whatever else happened to pop in her head. If she called me "honey" I'd laugh and see it as an endearment. I replace her image with a man, any man… Adam.
I think of the night before. Adam had let me drive us home on my query. I needed the distraction and he didn't even hesitate when I asked, simply shrugging and handing me his keys with a casual; "Careful with my baby."
On the drive home he sang along to every song on the radio and never prodded me to join. He winked at me saucily at parts and poked me for others, but it was entertaining, and I never felt uncomfortable. I only felt guilty because all the while I tuned him out, I had too. I couldn't listen to the music to the sound and words, so I'd watch his lips and body as he jumped around in his seat.
My smile was verging on genuine and while Adam made things easy, the exhaustion of the day still dominated. My mind whirled with thoughts and emotions I found myself re- evaluating my expressions, responses and reactions.
I had to try harder.
I arrived home around three am and ended up falling asleep around six.
I know Adam would be just like Jack. He'd want to know about me, and be talkative but, he'd also strive to ensure my comfort. I tried to imagine feeling with Adam what I have been with Jack. The discomfort, doubt and trepidation- but there was just something about Jack that was completely and utterly disconcerting.
I sip my tea eyeing my boss's door suspiciously.
It's a complete curiosity.
What is it about Jack Hyde? Claire's words spring to mind- 'It's like this feeling of impending doom, you know?'
I swivel in my chair decidedly picking up one of the manuscripts Jack gave me to read through, but this nagging feeling only served to remind me that I still needed to investigate that address and name currently burning a hole at the bottom of my bag. It's Friday and the rest of the afternoon drags. At around 18:00 I'm finally pulling my bag on to my shoulder when Jack saunters over to me.
"Drinks Ana?" His eyes gleam. "We usually go for a quick one at the bar across the street." I nod attentively, almost forgetting my mission I have a taxi waiting outside. "Thank you but, maybe another day, I have plans."
He scowls and his whole demeanor shifts. "Date again?" I blink at him confused by his sudden change, by the absolute fear that creeps up my neck.
"N- No..."
He brightens immediately then lifts his hand and squeezes my shoulder. I hear sirens in my head and the riot that ensues from my characters is astounding. "Well, no problem maybe next time. Enjoy your weekend."
I nod with what I hope portrays casualty, then hastily move towards the exit, Claire gives me an encouraging nod on the way out.
The building is large, red bricked and spans wide with multiple attachments and windows like a boarding school. It's surrounded by crafted, stone walls and next to the double gate entrance hangs a sign that reads; Olkhold Retirement Center. I double check the address before exiting the taxi. After being buzzed in, I'm greeted by a cozy environment and a short walk to reception. Its occupant is an aloof, middle aged woman flipping through a People's Magazine.
"Welcome to Olkhold Retirement Center. My name's Lucille I'm the receptionist." She doesn't look up her face placid and her routine voice is laced with a false cheeriness that airplane attendants have perfected. "How may I help you this fine evening?"
I almost laugh my mind unexpectedly rousing with an old, familiar tune- Lucille- one of Ray's favorite songs. She, the real one, looks up at me expectantly mid- page turn and brow raised.
"Is there a-" The pad paper crinkles in my hand. "A Sarah Wilson I could talk to?"
"Uh..." She trails off her eyes alight with an article about Prince William and Catherine Middleton's honeymoon. After a few moments of what I can only assume is Lucille imagining herself on that beach with either William or Catherine she puts down her magazine with a wistful sigh. Then clears aside some papers and wrappers from her desk. I spy an intercom, a speaker overhead booms making me jump slightly. "Sarah Wilson please report to the front, Sarah Wilson."
I nod gratefully clearing the songs hum sneaking up my throat with a cough, my mind wandering; to Ray's pickup truck, to his songs playing on tape while he'd drive me to school. Ray showing me how to use his record player and his deep, shy voice singing the very song; '"You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille. With four hungry children and a crop in the field…"'
I wonder in hindsight if that song was for my mother and not for you Lucille.
I don't have enough time to go down that path, because a golden blonde woman intercepts mine.
The record for Lucille screeches to a very abrupt stop, and I hope the feeling of my jaw dropping is purely mental.
I watch as this woman enters Ray's living room dancing across the floor to his records. She flips through them picking a record that surely can't be from my dads collection. She sets it up with practiced ease and after a pause the tune for My Milkshake, sounds in my head. It's as if I walked in to GEH all over again but instead of a beautiful, tailored outfit she wears a standard nurse's one. Her beauty is stunning, shinning and immediately reminds me of Kate- same green eyes and curvy bodies that make men tongue-tied.
The words boom in my head all my characters nodding in agreement with each word. Her milkshake does bring all the boys to the yard, and damn right it is better than mine. I just wish she'd stop walking in slow fucking motion. After what seems an eternity of eternal screaming for the music to stop the woman stops in front of me smiling with perfect, white teeth.
"Hey darlin'." Her thick Texan accent flabbergasts and yes I mean flabbergasts me, and I almost stumble backwards from the triple combo she's laying down. Jeez, my inner goddess murmurs pulling her bed sheets over her head. I honestly don't need this right now.
"How can I help ya? Lookin' for a relative?" My already deteriorating self-esteem staggers. Oh God, I'm freaking tongue- tied.
"Hi Sarah." Focus on the beauty spot on her cheek, Steele. "I was wondering if I could speak to you about Jack Hyde." Ridiculously I whisper the last part.
Her eyes darken and instantly my nerves are gone, replaced with dark tingles shooting down my spine. "Wha' was that?" Her smile widens forcefully, the glare properly chastening me like the Gretchen Wiener to her superior Regina George.
"I- I work for him." I pocket the paper. "I just want some answers."
"About?" Her glare shifts from me to Lucille behind me, who seems to be listening attentively now. "Thanks for the call, Lucille." She turns on her heel stalking in the opposite direction from where she came. "I'll handle it from here." I look after her skeptically before my legs finally move to follow. That wasn't exactly a come forth Ana look.
Her long, curly locks bob in an untidy bun as she storms around corners until we enter what seems to be an activities room. The type in movies where elderly people would sit around play board games, watch cable TV and complain about their grandchildren. In this movie the room's empty except two old men arguing while packing up a checkers board.
"Evenin' Connor, Bill." She says as we pass to the opposite side of the room. "Hit the lights on your way out will ya'?" They wave dismissively at her picking up the board and continuing their argument whilst exiting the room.
The lights go out shrouding us in near darkness. The only light seeping in is from the shutters that surround almost a third of the room. The far side wall that we walk towards has attached benches with seat cushions and giant pillows. I manage to spy a large patio and garden before turning to Sarah. She sits, I sit and I feel her hostility cripple; she nibbles on her thumbnail looking almost as agitated as I feel.
"Claire sent you." A humming tune is still playing softly at the back of my head- it won't go away no matter how much I will it too.
"I mean obviously it's always her, but never her. The others are all gone anyway."
Did she just say that the others are gone? Wait, I swear she just- "Um did you just- y- your… accent?"
She leans back against one of the pillows, rubbing her face with her hands. "Don't fret it's not fake just faded," She takes in my confused expression with a tired smile. "I use what I can when it's beneficial to me. Do what you can to get ahead, right?"
Her accent wasn't thick at all. It was barely there, a wisp left from having lived there for a while as a child most probably. The realization unfortunately did little to diminish her beauty.
Sarah nods to herself not waiting for me to answer. "That worked for a while anyway often people get tired of pretending to be someone they aren't." She looks me over. "Like you'd have any idea about that."
"'I will gain a great deal of pleasure, joy, even in your submission. The more you submit, the greater my joy – it's a very simple equation.'" Oh, lady you have no idea. I bite my tongue, "It's a complicated world."
She shakes her head firmly. "It's a cruel world, always been this way. Whether it's woman, children or men the world has its way of bringing everyone down guess you just got to be aware of it before it can get you."
I have no response. "Claire says you can answer my questions."
"Makes sense been a while since she's sent anyone. You're the new one right?" I cringe at being called his if Sarah notices this she ignores it, "What's ya' name again?"
"Anastasia- Ana."
"Well, Miss A, what do you want to know?"
I hesitate, we all do. My fear is gripping, focusing on aspects such as her physique was now a means of trying to ignore coming to terms with the truth about Jack Hyde. "I'm not really sure I want to know anything."
She sneers and for the first time I see tears brimming in her eyes. "Why'd the hell d'ya come here then. You want answers or not? Cause I don't have time for this." A force shoves me forward as she goes to stand, I grip her arm. "I'm sorry! Wait."
"Don't touch me!" She wrenches away from me immediately wrapping her arms around herself. I freeze my heart pounding frantically and I have no idea why she reacts that way... until I see it. The same panic from his eyes in hers, the same fear and pain. My heart claws up my throat, and I feel the pounding in my ears and the hammering against my throat.
This is harder for her than it is for me.
"Please tell me what happened." The words barely come out, she stands there for what feels like hours. The only movement to occur is me clenching my hands tightly in my lap. Eventually, she sits and turns slowly to face me, never meeting my eye, "What's Claire told you?"
I retell, stumbling through my words, in as much detail as I can. "I had a breakdown huh?" She smiles fondly at the memory.
"I wish I was batshit crazy, all of that would've been just been an intense hallucination." The silence stretches. "The part where I used to be the receptionist is true."
"Why'd you quit?"
"I couldn't stay."
The impending doom feeling Claire and I talked about in the café is throbbing throughout my whole body. What I've been feeling since I started working at SIP- since I met Jack. Everything I've been ignoring and shoving down, everything the characters have been warning and protecting me from. As if on cue they all bundle up and sit on the edge of my inner goddesses' bed waiting in baited silence.
"You're all the same, ya know? Young, attractive, preppy. All eager to impress the handsome man in charge. Its simple you come, you get impossibly close to him then all of a sudden you withdraw, then leave."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that." She snaps her finger. "None of them lasted more than 6 months. They disappeared almost completely though I saw some of them every now and then, not enough that it was weird but always at odd times when the office is almost empty."
"How long did you work there?"
"Two years, I left around a year ago."
"Wha-"
"Now Jack tried me, don't be fooled he tried me in so many ways I wish I documented and filmed it. He flirted, joked and was so clingy and inappropriate it made me sick. I handled mine though, always have, no matter what he tried I was ready- too practiced in douche- baggery. But little did I know he had others..." She pauses. "I always left after or before him, so I had no idea how long those women that came in and out stayed either. I was suspicious any rational human would be if a a person of higher power is sleazy in many ways and all his past assistants have quit."
Sarah puffs out a laugh. "It's the stupidest thing ever really, how I found out. My friends took me out for dinner the night before. Now mind you I hate seafood- the smell, taste and they all love the junk so I relent and we go out for sushi. No surprise I feel like absolute shit the next day and I still go in for work. I'll spare you the gory details- just a lot of vomit all day. I happened to be in the bathroom till late literally not managing to get up from that floor. I was dripping in sweat and my only thought was to pray to God that they don't lock the doors, or worse Jack comes to rescue me." Her eyes flash with memory.
"When I eventually crawl out I hear some noises coming from Jack's office." She stops, rubbing harshly at her eyes. I try not to move or breathe too scared to miss a word. "His door was a crack open, and it was past 10 so no security guards were in that area."
"It's hilarious really!" Her eyes start to water I immediately want to cry too. "I peeped in thinking I'd see the poor bastard jacking off to a picture of himself. But what I saw, Ana. It was vile, I don't even wan…" She collapses into herself, tears spilling, hiccuping through each word.
"She was crying, crying! I didn't know what t- to do she was begging him to stop and he was saying 'I own you- Do you want everyone to know your dirty, little secrets.' I-It just went on and on and I saw her frightened and scared and him laughing Ana! Laughing!" My body shakes with horror, her body shaking with tears only increasing my shock and fear.
"And she saw me! So I ran." In my daze I try coddling her, stroking her on the back slowly but she only cries harder.
"That poor woman looked me dead in the eye. I could see her begging me for help, I didn't even know her and I was such a coward. I d-don't know what I was thinking but I was afraid. That taunting and the things he was doing, oh Jack Hyde's a disgustin', terrible man... That cruelty. It was rape!"
My hand movement falters, then stops.
There it was.
I had to hear it.
"And I helped it happen! I left her there! I left them all there! He's had to have done it again, and again. That's why Claire sends ya'll to me. It's still happening and I'm too scared to do anything even with you right in front of me, I know I'll leave you to him. And I'm so sorry."
I can't find it in me to tell her it's okay, because it's not. I can't find it in me to say anything. Sarah straightens from her hunched over position and grips me by my shoulders. Green pierce blue.
"I know it's evil and sinful what I did. I should've called the police or filmed it and handed it in or something. I was terrified. I put in my two weeks' notice the next day and never looked back, that place is corrupt. I'm ashamed I never did anything for that girl or any of them girls' after but I couldn't stay in a place like that." Her eyes hold mine they look wild and terrified. "Not again."
My heart, the pounding and pain all evaporate as I see her story.
"They know in there! It's impossible that no one's caught on they all just pretend not to notice."
"Wha-?"
"I won't ask you to do what I was never capable of I'd never ask anyone that. You have to leave Ana, you have to run!"
I hold her gaze and one coherent thought makes it to my head.
Lucille help me!
Hey, sorry for the late update. I'm still in shock with all the support and feedback and I really appreciate it.
Entering final exams and I'm trying to balance fanfiction and studying.
Bear with please. Thank you once again for all your lovely reviews and follows!