Vanilla

Her polka dot dressing robe trails across the floor as she wanders into my room. Mum leans on the door frame and tugs on a smile. I shove the remainder of my things in the backpack and zip it.

"Where are you going so early in the morning?"

"I've missed sleeping at home, so I've decided to spend the day there."

"Do you think he'd notice if you didn't turn up? I worry about you."

"He needs me to look after the dog."

"What kind of dog does he have?" She frowns.

"One of those crosses with like, brown fluffy fur."

"Hm! Will you be home for dinner?"

"Yes." I nod. "I've missed eating with you two."

"I suppose that's a bonus."

"Don't worry about me, I love the job and I'm making money."

She pinches my cheek and sighs.

"Be safe and I love you."

I squeeze her into a hug and smile.

"You need to shower more, you still smell a little strange."

"Thanks, I'll shower later." I chuckle.

She crosses her arms as I sling the bag over my shoulder.

The sun is rising when I escape outside. I toss my bag into the backseat and slip into the front. As I put the keys into the ignition, I sniff my shirt and sigh.

"Mm, I really do stink."

It's a good thing my mother is innocent and has no clue. Everyone else probably thinks I have a chronic disorder or something.

With the sharp smell of the lavender from the car freshener filling my nose, I drive to work.

* * * * *

Green leaves on the gate jiggle as the gate opens. I park on the driveway and take a deep breath. My heart races and adrenaline courses through my system.

I never anticipated an illegal job or excitement over watching people strip and package product.

Shaking my head, I collect my bag from the backseat and round the corner. The door to the hole slams shut and I jump. I inhale a deep breath and prop the door open.

'You wanted this, you asked for this' swirls around my head.

As I reach the bottom, Austin storms over and glares.

"Where have you been? You can't wander away, these plants need protecting."

"Hang on, let me—"

Austin raises his hand and shakes his head.

"She's not responsible enough to take on a harvest shift."

"Enough," The Boss booms.

"Tikera is taking the harvest shift because you need some sunlight."

"I can handle it." Austin glares at me.

"You're having the day off."

"I can work the shifts you need me to."

"Great, I need you to work the other shift."

Austin's body tenses and his hands shake.

"Don't come crawling to me when she fucks everything up. This is on you because I tried to warn you." Austin climbs the ladder and slams the door behind him.

My hands shake and I grit my teeth. I knew this was coming, I can't act surprised.

Pebbles puts the planting equipment into the storage cupboard and walks to the bench. His piercing blue eyes scan over my body and I bite my lip. He takes a folder out of the drawer and tips the paper onto the bench. He scatters the pages along the table and waves me over.

"There're sheets to record the weight of the bags and the amount. Nothing too complicated. I'll check on you at the end of the shift."

"Alright." I nod. "This should be easy."

"Your hands are shaking."

"No they—" I look down and sigh. "Shh."

"I can call Austin back."

"No, I can do this." I move my hands behind my back and stand taller.

"Radio if you need assistance."

"Okay."

"They know what to do, so leave them be."

"There goes the menagerie of board games and questions I had lined up," I tease.

He shakes his head and wanders to the ladder. I lean against the bench and inhale a deep breath

"I can do this."

The door closes and I collect the paper and wander to the desk. I toss my backpack onto the ground and smile at the shelf.

There're new sheets on the bed and on the shelving above the bed. On the desk is an arrangement of vanilla bean candles which makes me chuckle.

I sprawl across the bed and pluck the note resting on the pillow.

'As promised.'—The Boss.

He might terrify me, but I like that he listens to me.

I throw the note onto the desk and snuggle into the pillows. I could nap right now but I wanted this shift because napping was boring.

The door opens and I scramble to my feet. I collect the papers and charge to the stool beside the bench. Three men climb down and gather around the table. One is slender while the other two are pale, circular and brooding.

"Hi." I smile.

The slender one looks at me and nods.

"Where's Austin?" the third one with the yellow bandana asks.

"We swapped shifts, but everything should be the same."

The three look at each other and my stomach knots. I grab the sheets and record the information as the men mutter.

* * * * *

The Boss jumps down and wanders over.

"Did they behave themselves?"

"Everything went well." I grin.

He flips through the paperwork and stops on the last page. My hands shake as I peer closer.

"Did you count the bags after they left?"

"No, was I supposed to?"

"Yes." He nods. "You always count after they leave."

"Oh shoot, I'll do that now."

The Boss watches as I shakily count the bags.

"Eight, nine, ten—"

"Is it all there?"

"Hang on."

'Crap! Where was I.' Shaking my head, I start from the beginning.

I get to the end and bite my lip.

"One's missing." My voice cracks.

"I'm sure it'll appear."

"Appear?" I frown.

The glint in his eyes makes my stomach churn and my heart race. I shouldn't worry because this has nothing to do with me but that doesn't soothe my frantic heartbeat.

"It's late, you should leave."

"But—"

"Goodnight, Tikera."

"Night, Boss." I sigh.

With each passing step, my body trembles. I don't understand why he needs an ominous nickname when the way he utters even the simplest of words makes me shiver.

* * * * *