Chapter 32- Be Aware

If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to the men of our century, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you. - Leo Tolstoy

The four weeks I spent with Dwight were wonderful. We did so many things during that short period together. 

We visited his parents a few times, went bowling, hiking, which I hated. I started my swimming lessons, which I'm excited about, I no longer throwed a fit if I'm splashed by the water too hard. All those moments took the back seat in my mind because now my thoughte were filled with something else. 

My mind was now occupied with the words I heard Dwight whispered two nights ago. I was still in a trance, I couldn't get my body out of.

He whispered, I was glowing and that I had gained weight. He wondered if I was pregnant. 

That would be great news, but I don't think we were at that place in our lives to be parents with so much going on with Matthew right now. 

I sat at my desk, trying to decide if I should get a pregnancy test just to ease my mind from this endless thinking. 

As I got up from my chair, the phone rang. I reached across my desk to pick up the receiver. 

"Hello good morning" I answered 

"Hello, good morning, is this Miss Amelia Banks?" The person on the other end asked. 

"Yes, speaking." I responded. 

"Miss Banks, this is Mr Brainstrom from Crenshaw's Justice Department." 

My brain went into overdrive when I heard the words, Justice Department. My heart was palpitating so fast I almost fainted, I had to sit. 

"How are you Mr Brainstorm?" I asked. 

"I'm am very well, thank you for asking Miss Banks. How are you?" He asked. 

"I'm am fantastic, now that I've heard your voice." So many emotions running through me. I felt like I needed to pee. 

He gave a very throaty laugh. Way too many cigarettes Mr Brainstorm. He needed to take a break from smoking. 

"I'm glad your feeling that way." He said. 

If we continued like this, we would veer off track. He laughed again. 

He continued. "Yes Miss Banks, I called to inform you that you were successful in your interview. You are now one of Crenshaw's Justice department Forensic Chemist." 

I could feel the tingles coming up from my toes, I was estactic. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." I reiterated. "Thank you so much Mr Brainstorm. I'm am very grateful that you have chosen me." 

"You're welcome Miss Banks. Welcome to the team. Is it possible for you to come in on monday at nine am to collect your package and to sign off on a few documents?" He asked.

"Yes, I'll be at there. Thank you again Mr Brainstorm." I responded then hung up. I was now filled with euphoria. 

As I sat at my desk, unable to remove my fingers from the receiver, I no longer wanted to finish the report I started earlier. Excitement buzzing all over my body. 

I quickly dialed Fiona's number. She picked up after the first ring. 

"Hey babe." She answered. 

"Hey Fi."

"What's up?" She asked . 

"Remember the interview I did a few weeks back?" I asked. 

"Um." She was hesitating, she did not remember. She scratched her head. 

"I can hear you scratching your head Fi." I said. 

"Oh yea, I remember. Please tell me you got it." She said. 

"I GOT IT!" I shouted into the phone. 

"Yes bitch! Whoooo we need to celebrate. Wait let me call the girls." She said. 

My phone began to ding, Fi was requesting a video call. 

"Hey." I said waiting for Halley, Erica and Nya to answer. 

"Hey guys." they said simultaneously as the joined in. 

"Guess what just happened?" I asked. 

Nya answered. "Promotion?" She said with a lot of enthusiasm. 

"She got the job at the Justice Department!" Fiona screamed at the screen. 

"Really?" Halley asked. 

"YES!" I shouted. I was overjoyed. I was grinning like the cat in the Alice in Wonderland movies. 

"I'm happy for you pumpkin. Congratulations." Erica said 

The praises followed after by Nya, Halley and Fiona. 

"Thank you everyone. I'm so thankful for you four. I love you guys so much." I said as I started tearing up. 

"We need to meet up for dinner to celebrate." Fiona stated. 

"When?" The rest us of us asked simultaneously. 

"Which Friday are we all free?" She asked. 

"This Friday is good for me." I said. 

"Friday can work, but I'll be a little late though." Erica responded. 

Both Halley and Nya answered at the same time. "Friday is fine."

"Great, Friday it is, we meet at eight. Let's try another place this time. Let's all come up with a suggestion by tomorrow and hear what everyone says. Ok? " Fiona said. She was the one to always check on us and schedule meetings, dinners and drinks. Thank God for Fi. 

"Sure." Erica, Nya and Halley responded. 

I nodded at the screen. "Please use your words Melia." 

I laughed and answered by saying yes. 

"Gotta go guys, I have a report I need to finish. I'll see you all on Friday." I stated. 

"Take care boo and congrats again." Erica said. 

We ended the video call and I got to work. I was no longer in the mood to finish it but I had to, the deadline was quickly approaching. 

At seven thirty, I walked out of the building. My body was sore and I was starving, but I ate lunch at four o'clock, well dinner. I placed my hand on my tummy, wondering if what Dwight said had any truth to it. 

I removed my hand and decided that tomorrow I'll get a pregnancy test. I got my keys from my bag and walked in the direction to where my car was located. 

As I was about to unlock my car door, I felt something cover my nose and a strong odour filled my nostrils. I struggled to free myself, my bag falling from my hands hitting the concrete. 

The heel on my right shoe breaking as I tried to free myself from the restraint. Nothing work, my efforts proved futile.

As I went limp, my body was thrown into a vehicle. My body falling deeper into a state of oblivion. I became helpless. 

"Grab her purse and let's go." The unknown person said. 

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