Ocean

Today is November 17.
Two months and twenty-three days after we signed the agreement.
Any normal day, right?

That's what I thought.

But I was wrong. It started with a phone call from Hayden's mother. Seemed strange as she wanted me to be sure Hayden was not around when I answered. Luckily, he was still getting ready, and I was able to step into my room.

"As you know dear, today is going to be a wonderful day." Freya spoke more to me than with me. "As, of course, it is Hayden's birthday."

The phone nearly slipped from my hand. Hayden's birthday. I almost forgot those were a thing. I had yet to celebrate my birthday. My sixth was my last.

"Yes, yes." Freya sounded teary over the phone. "My son, my little boy is going to be 21."

He was twenty-one. I was nineteen. My head swirled with the meaning behind all the information given to me.

"We always go out for a nice dinner and this year we would like to extend the invite out to you and your father."

I cringed at the word. Father. Hearing it said or even thinking it left a sour taste in my mouth.

"I hope to see you soon, oh and don't worry about the dress code, I have the perfect dress for you to wear, hopefully you love it." Despite the sadness that was present in her voice, she sounded cheery. "See you soon dear."

The call ended and I let my phone fall to my lap.

I had been avoiding Hayden at all costs after Halloween night. Something about it still didn't sit right with me. The way he wasn't cold or distant, it was just not like him. It wasn't a bad change, but it wasn't normal.

"Ocean?" Hayden called out, knocking lightly on my door. "Ready to go?"

I scrambled to my feet, pulling my bad hastily over my shoulder. I had yet to get out of being driven to school.

I quickly excited my room and met Hayden in the hallway.

"Hey," Hayden grinned at me, "I just wanted to let you know that I'm going out with my parents for dinner tonight, so um, don't wait for me."

I nodded slowly, suddenly it dawned on me why his mom called. Hayden had no idea we were going to be there.

I arrived at work late, unfortunately. The bus had gotten stuck in traffic.

By the time I reached my office, Lucas was already waiting for me.

As I closed the door behind me, his voice rang out in the silent room.

"You're late."

The words hung heavy in the air as I anticipated what would come next.

The crack of a ruler against my back echoed through the office.

And again, and again.

The stinging started to go numb and by the time he was finished, I could barely feel anything.

Unless I moved. Then it felt like fire was crawling up and down my back.

Unfortunately for me, he wasn't finished yet. A knee to the stomach had me doubled over in surprise and then a knee to the forehead sent me flying back into the chair.

"Starting to get a little fat again aren't we?" Lucas smirked. "I can deal with that later."

I sat on the floor in pain waiting for the fuzziness in my vision to fade as I heard him call out "the woods will be here in about an hour, be ready."

The door slammed closed behind him and I was left alone in the office with a throbbing headache and a new sense of self hatred.

I slowly rose to my feet, immediately feeling dizzy and sick. I glanced around the room to see what had happened to my bag.

The contents had scattered around the floor. Slowly I got to work picking it up. I packed whatever I could back in, hoping I would have the time later to get my homework finished.

Sitting down at my desk a stronger wave of nausea hit me. This time it was bad.

I found myself heading to the bathroom at s brisk walk, the fastest I could manage. Once I arrived I locked the door, grabbed an empty stall, and threw up. I closed my eyes and listened as the toilet flushed, resting my head against the stall wall. The cool surface felt nice against my pounding head.

I slowly rose to my feet and glanced in the mirror before unlocking the bathroom door and heading back to my office.

My legs shook the entire time, and I was glad to collapse into my chair again.

Sorting through the papers on my desk I did my best to get to work.

Before I even realised, there was a soft knocking on my office door.

"Hello Dear." Freya opened the door slightly. "I hope you don't mind; I'm all set up in one of the conference rooms."

I nodded and slowly got up. Grabbing my bag, I followed her down the hallway to conference room C, our smallest conference room.

Spread out on the table was everything. Hair products, nail products, makeup, everything.

Freya offered me a dress bag. "Why don't you go change while I finish unpacking."

I slipped away into the bathroom to change not bother to check in the mirror what I looked like.

When I returned, Mrs. Woods had a chair set up and I finally got a good look at her. she was already dressed and ready, her hair and makeup done to make her appear as though she were a goddess. Her nails were painted a dark olive green.

She started out with my nails, using UV nail polish to ensure they would be ready. She then moved to my hair. She pulled bits and pieces back and across.

My mind had wondered as I tried to ignore the pain that continued to throb.

When she was finally satisfied, she started on my makeup. It was surprisingly relaxing having somebody do my make up. the strokes and taps were gentle and calming. The brushes glid slowly and delicately over y skin.

The entire time she worked the room was silent. Not the awkward kind of silent, the calm, peaceful silence. The one you would easily fall asleep in.

But I had to stay awake. Especially if I am concussed, which is not unlikely.

"And for the finishing touch." Mrs. Woods spoke as she pulled out a small chain with a mother of pearl set at its center.

She clasped it around my neck and gave a small gasp. "Oh dear, you look absolutely stunning."

I smiled up at her, feeling the joy almost radiating off of her. Even her eyes were smiling.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted the joyous moment. Lucas called out from the other side, "If we don't leave now we will be late."

"Quick help me pack up."

I did as I was told and grabbed my bag as we left and headed towards the parking lot.