Chapter 55

• HayleyMy last day at work is bittersweet. I have been coming to this job almost everyday for years, since I’ve finished campus. I did want to leave before... but for a better job, I never dreamed I would be in the position to leave just because I could and still be financially secure. If I weren’t so financially secure, I don’t think I would be as cool about having these babies as I am, even with Xander around. I would probably be stressing about how I would afford medical bills, diapers and formula. The list would probably be endless because I am the type of person that likes to be prepared. Now, thanks to Xander that load is off my back. Even though it is my last day at work, I don’t get to do much relaxing because the lab is so busy. The lab managers had a month’s notice but they still haven’t found my replacement and it makes me feel sad for my co-workers. Walking away from here, I actually count my blessings. About an hour before the end of my shift, my co-workers throw me a farewell party. They decorate the tearoom with balloons and streamers and a farewell sign hangs above a huge cake. I am touched by the effort. Even the upper level managers are here. I wonder if it is because I am appreciated now that I am leaving or because of who I am married to. My Head of department is a master of ceremonies of sorts for this farewell function and he regales us all of tales of when I first started all those years ago. My phone starts ringing in the middle of speeches and I quickly press mute as I am presented with a gift. II am touched that my co-workers took the time to buy me a gift. I unwrap the small, elongated rectangular box to find a beautiful brand name watch inside. “Look at the inscription,” someone yells. I turn the exquisite watch over. It reads, “May you always remember the time spent with us fondly.” “It’s beautiful. Aaaw guys, you are going to make me cry.” I use the time we are having cake and cool drinks to say goodbye to my friends. I can’t believe I won’t be seeing them everyday anymore. Ethan, one of my co workers comes into the tearoom to tell me I have a call on the work phone. I realise I forgot to take my phone of mute, so I quickly unlock my phone and check the screen as I walk into the lab to answer the landline. I notice three miss calls from Xander and about five from Tash. I also have a message from Xander telling me that he’s running late at the hospital with Gran and that Henry will be waiting for me after work. “Hello,” I answer the phone. “Hi Hayley. It’s Tash. Can you come downstairs? I’m at the back entrance.” “Tash? Sure. Are you okay?” “No. Please just come down. I will be in my car.” “Okay. I’m on my way.” Gosh, she sounds so upset. I wonder what could be wrong. Worried, I take the elevator that leads to the back of the building. I don’t know why she would want to meet there. It is nothing more than a dreary alleyway. I use my access disc to open the back door and push it open to the strong stench of urine and dampness. II scan the alley from just outside the door and notice Tash's blue Yaris parked a small distance away on the road. Why would she park so far away from the door? She flashes the car lights at me so I would notice her but its not like I could have missed her. I start walking towards the car and she opens the passenger door for me as I get closer. Her windows are tinted so I can’t really see much. That must be new... her windows weren’t tinted before, at least not that I recall. I jump into the passenger seat, close the door and turn to hug her. “Hey, are you okay?” “I’m so sorry about this Hayley,” she says as we pull apart and start to straighten up. All of a sudden, someone covers my face from behind with a cloth. I didn’t even realise there was anyone else in the car. I stare at Tash blankly as I struggle against whoever is holding me back. She just looks at me with no emotion as I feel myself losing consciousness. All I see is blackness as my eyes close and my body slumps forward. I have a pounding headache as I regain consciousness. I rub my eyes and forehead, feeling confused and miserable. I slowly open my eyes and am momentarily blinded by the brightness of the fluorescent lighting above me. Where am I? What happened? My brain tries to piece together fragments of memories and I remember Tash calling me to her car and then watching as I was drugged unconscious. My hand quickly goes to my stomach. Drugged again! Oh God please let my babies be safe! I allow my eyes to adjust to the brightness. My body feels heavy and my tongue feels like cotton wool. As I slowly orientate myself, I realise I am lying on a huge bed. I slowly sit up, feeling dizzy at the motion. I try to take in as much of my surroundings as I can. I am in a medium size room that appears to be made of logs... is this a cabin? It feels like one. It is neat with a huge rug at the foot of the bed and various chairs scattered around the room. There is a huge window with burglar guards on the outside, but the view is spectacular. I fight the dizziness as I get up to take a closer look. Outside the window is what appears to be a lake or river. I am not sure and all around nothing but miles and miles of mountains and trees. Dear God, where am I? I have to get out of here. Where’s my phone? I frantically search my pockets but there’s nothing there. I go back to the bed I was lying on and search on and around the bed. No phone. I already know the door is locked before I even try it, but I attempt to open it anyway and my suspicions are confirmed. I am locked in. Why would Tash do this to me? I have to figure this out. I bang the door loudly with my fists, “Tash! Open this door now.” It takes a minute, but I hear the rustle of keys as the door is being opened. I quickly scan the room for a weapon. I see a statue of a mountain lion sitting on the bedside dresser and grab it. I hold onto it tightly in my hand as I wait for my kidnapper to open the door.