A Beautiful New Life (Genesee)

by Susan Irene

  Megan was ready for it. She was excited to be starting a life in hopes it would take her back to her old one. With that thought, she wondered if she even wanted to go back to her old life. It was a thought that Betty implanted in her mind back at the hospital. Maybe it was better she did not; like they said no one came looking for her or reported a person fitting her description as missing.

  As the days went on, she saw less and less of Michael. He was busy working and she was busy with school. She finished her three weeks of basic education and was tested and encouraged to sign up for some advance classes including computers, statistics, and finance. Once those were completed, she could apply for any of the jobs available and eventually move out of the dorms.

  As her schooling was winding down, she applied for the statistics job at the city office. Not knowing anything about her background, she did not feel confident in being able to pull off the interview. The application was a chore in itself, as she could not answer most of the questions.

  As she arrived home from her last day of school, there was a note on her door to call Carol at the city office as soon as possible. It was time stamped an hour earlier. She rushed back down to the first floor to the manager’s office. She hoped she was not too late.

  “Hey Mark, can I use the phone?” Megan was breathless from her jog down the stairs. Mark had proven more times than she liked that her first opinion of him was right. He was slightly overweight with thinning hair and all too eager to please the female patrons and he has seemed to take a greater interest in Megan.

  “Sure, are you going to be long? I was getting ready to leave for dinner.” She could see he was holding his car keys.

  “I don’t think so I just got a message I needed to call Carol at the city office as soon as possible.” Her breathing was now slowing as she walked to the desk.

  “Sure here, you better dial quickly; they are about to close.” He turned the phone in her direction.

  She dialed, waiting for someone to answer on the other side. “Hello, yes this is Megan Strauss may I speak to Carol please?” She fidgeted while waiting for Carol to pick up. “Yes, hi Carol, this is Megan Strauss returning your call.”

  “I see. Yes. That would be great. I’ll see you Monday. Thanks again.” Megan hung up the phone and jumped with excitement.

  “Good news I take it.” Mark was waiting impatiently for her to finish her call. Megan now wished she had not showed so much excitement. He seemed turned on by the fact that he was the one who was there when she got good news.

  “Yes, I got the job. I was really worried about the job interview and they did not even have me do one and I got the job.” She tried to contain her excitement but it was hard to do. She wished Michael were there to share the news with rather than Mark. She had not seen him in weeks, the last time being when she ran into him at the grocery store.

  “Sorry,” she realized she had dazed off. “I’ll let you go to dinner.”

  “Hey, why don’t you go with me, it can be a celebration dinner, for your new job.” He just could not contain the excitement of having finally cornered her. How could she say no?

  “Thanks but I really need to get back to my room and plan my outfits for the week. I might have to go shopping.” She started for the door before he could argue the point. “Thanks for the offer though, that was really thoughtful.”

  “No problem,” She could see the rejected look on his face and something more, anger perhaps.

  He followed her out of the office, locked up, and watched her head up the stairs to her room. He mumbled to himself about her being a stuck up bitch and that she will get hers but Megan did not hear him. She made it back to her room, went through her clothes, and figured she could use two new outfits. She grabbed her purse and checked her bankbook. She had been careful with her allowance and actually had started a nice size nest egg for herself. She had enough for two outfits and maybe she would treat herself to a nice dinner. She grabbed her purse, stuffed the book she had been reading into it, and headed to town.

  It was a nice summer evening and the walk gave her some time to think about the clothes she wanted to buy. Her mind wondered as she past the park and saw the many children with their parents enjoying the sunny, warm evening. Had she had kids in her past life? She would have been old enough. Had she been married? Why had no one looked for her? No one reported missing, fitting your description, is what the doctor said. Had the accident alter her description? Maybe that is why she did not match anyone. What kind of accident had she been in after all? If it had been a vehicle, would there have been a license plate to tell them who she was? Did they find an ID, purse, or anything that could identify her? As she thought, she aimlessly stepped into the street, the blaring car horn jolted her aware of her mistake. She jumped back onto the sidewalk as the vehicle continued past her.

  She pushed the questions about her past out of her mind and continued walking. She reached her destination and stepped inside the store. She had been there a few times before looking at the business suits and dresses. She had never bought anything, just looked and tried on an outfit or two. She had gained weight since leaving the hospital and did not want to buy anything until she really needed it. She was not overweight by any means; when released from the hospital she had weighed only eighty-nine pounds. The doctor had told her she would gain weight back once she was eating regularly and getting regular healthy exercise to build up her muscle mass she had lost.

  She seemed to have finally slowed down on the weight gain and the timing was perfect with the new job she could now get the clothes she had been eying. She tried on a few that she had already tried before and a couple new ones the store just got in. She made her selections, paid for them, and headed down the street once again to find somewhere to eat. She heard a car pull up behind her; following her slowly. She continued walking as it continued to follow. She had never been afraid before but the earlier incident, though her fault had rattled her nerves and the car following her made her jumpy. Megan learned self-defense as part of her physical fitness class. She was not going to allow this to scare her. She stopped and turned to the car ready to confront its driver.

  The evening sun reflected off the head of the driver and Megan knew immediately who it was. “Well it’s about time. I was getting ready to honk the horn. You shouldn’t let someone follow you like that.”

  “Hey, how are you doing?” She looked into the rolled down passenger window of the truck he was driving.

  “I’m good. I heard you got that job you applied for at the city offices. Congrats.” He did not take his eyes off her.

  “Thanks, I just came out and got a couple new outfits.” She wanted to ask him to dinner but was afraid of him rejecting her.

  As if reading her mind, “Hey we should grab some dinner to celebrate. My treat.” If the summer sun was not warm enough, his smile made it feel like high noon in the desert.

  “That would be great. Are you sure about paying? I can pay for my own. I’m the one with the new job.”

  “I’m sure but if you’re worried then we won’t call it a celebration dinner instead how would you like to go on a date with me?” He was out of the car by now reaching for her bags. His hand touched hers and she felt a flurry of emotions deep inside her.

  “That would be nice.” She managed to get out.

  They sat in the truck for a long time. Even though they were both adults, she could not have him up to her room at this time of the night. Had she had ever felt this way about anyone before? She tried to erase the thoughts that crept into her mind about her previous life. She did not want to think about that now. The evening had turned out to be so perfect. Now she was just inches from him. Without thinking, she leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. It was a slow unsure kiss. He responded, leaning into her putting his hand through her hair and pulling her closer. Feeling every part of his mouth with her tongue and not wanting to let go. Her body burned with desire. He slowly pulled away looking at her with the same pas
sion she was feeling.

  “Can I sneak you in my room?” She was almost pleading him. Her body was on fire and he was the one to make it burn hotter.

  “I want to say yes but there are rules.” His eyes glistened.

  “I don’t care. I got this job so I’ll be moving out soon anyway.” She reached for him again and they joined lips.

  “I’m sorry babe maybe some other night.” Her shoulders sunk but she knew he was right. She was too new here and with her memory loss, it did not occur to her that something just did not seem right with all these rules. She got out of the car, grabbed her bags and walked toward the building. Michael pulled away as she reached the entrance.

  “Well Megan I see you found someone to accompany you this evening. Did you get your outfits?” The anger she spotted earlier was back and more pronounced.

  “Good evening Mark. Yes I did actually.” She lifted the bags. She was not pleased on how the evening was ending and was in no mood to deal with Mark’s obsession with her.

  “Was that Michael Dawson dropping you off?” He held open the door for her to enter the building.

  “Yes, he saw me walking and offered to drop me off. He is my counselor.” She did not like this line of questioning. It was really none of his business.

  “Here let me help you with your bags.” He grabbed her bags before she could respond. Earlier he had made her uncomfortable, now he was scaring her. She walked up the stairs to her room and unlocked the door. The key she held now between her fingers of her fisted hand.

  “Thank you for carrying my bags. It’s late, have a good night.” He stood there waiting. Possibly hoping she would invite him in. When it was apparent she would not, he turned without any further words and head downstairs to his office she was sure.

  She walked into her room and shut the door. She threw her bags on the floor, jumped on her bed, grabbed her pillow and screamed into it. After she was done with her little fit, she got up, pulled out her new clothes, and hung them in the closet. She smiled thinking of Michael and realized how hot it suddenly became in the room. She walked over to the window to open it when she spotted movement in the tree. She pushed open the window.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I had to see you. I didn’t want to leave it the way I did.” He whispered while struggling to get his footing on the windowsill. She grabbed his hand, guiding him in.

  “Well,” as he set his feet safely on her floor, “where were we?”

  The sun shone in the window falling like a halo on Michael. Megan reflected on the previous evening. She was sure she was not a virgin but last night was the first time for her again. He was so soft and gentle. It was not just the physical part that was new but also the emotional side. She cried when they had finished and he held her tenderly in his arms until she had fallen asleep. She laid now watching Michael sleep, peaceful in his dreams until he grabbed her and rolled over on top of her.

  “I thought you were sleeping.” She was breathless from his surprise attack.

  “Not possible with you by my side.” He kissed her passionately. After they made love, he slipped out of bed and got dressed.

  “You aren’t leaving me are you?” She watched him, her body aching for him to come back to bed.

  “It’s early, it would be best if I leave now before too many people are up.” He buckled his belt and sat next to her on the bed so he could put his shoes on.

  “Why do they have this stupid rule anyway? It doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe next time we could go to your place. Then you won’t have to sneak in and out and I could make you breakfast in bed.”

  “Well that won’t work out to well. I have a roommate.” He finished tying his shoes and got up from the bed.

  “Why is that a problem?”

  “It’s complicated. We really shouldn’t be seeing each other. I wish I could explain it better than that but for now that’s all I can say.”

  “Are you married?” She would have no part in this if he were.

  “No, it’s not that. It’s hard to explain but I promise I will soon.” He took her face in his hands. “I feel a real attraction to you that I haven’t to anyone else here, but it’s complicated. You just have to trust me.” Trust was something she did not have much experience with but it was hard to give in to the mixed feelings she was now having.

  “Is this why I don’t see you much anymore?”

  “Yes, that is why. When the time is right I promise I’ll tell you everything.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I’ve got to get going. I won’t be seeing you today but I’ll try tomorrow. If not, for sure on Monday. I want to hear everything about your first day at work.”

  She walked him to the window. After he had climbed out and made it safely down the tree, she closed the window and climbed into bed dreaming of the wonderful evening and night she had. She also thought of the reason why their relationship had to be so complicated.

  Chapter Ten

  She was so nervous about her first day, but excited because she would get to see Michael after work. She had not seen him all weekend. She decided to wear one of the new outfits since they fit her better. It really showed off her slim figure.

  She arrived early to complete the hiring packet. When that was completed, she went to the area she would be working. They walked through a door marked Office of Vital Statistics and to a cubicle with files piled high on the desk and surrounding floor.

  “This is where you’ll be working. Edith will be your supervisor and will be in soon. She’ll do your training. You came at the perfect time. Of course, it’s only temporary but you’ll be here for a while; there’s a lot to be done. If you prove to be a hard worker the job could turn into a permanent position.”

  “Thank you I’ll do my best.” She stood at the desk fidgeting with her hands when Edith came in and introduced herself to Megan. “We’re going paperless and need our paper copies scanned into the new computer system.”

  “Sounds exciting.” She said, her voice showing her true feelings.

  “Oh it won’t be that bad. You won’t be just scanning but also categorizing and sorting. You’ll find out soon that nothing’s ever as easy as it seems. Poor planning is my thought on that.”

  Edith turned and walked down the hall with Megan following, she led her to the file room. “These are all done alphabetically but you’ll need to enter them so we can cross reference by year of birth, marriage, death, etc. Do you understand so far?”

  “Yes, I think so.” Megan was unsure if she was capable of doing this simple sounding task.

  “Let’s grab a file and do the first one together.” They walked back to her desk and Edith showed her how to use the scanner and what data to put where in the computer.

  “So when did you start using this system? It doesn’t look like there is much data in it.” She said. Her voice now calm, as she was getting more comfortable with the task.

  “Well we fiddled with it for the last month or so but no one really had an idea on how to do it. That is why you’re here. You scored well on your aptitude test in database management so here you go. This is your baby now, do what you want.”

  Megan was excited. She was so tired of learning what everyone else already knew, it did her ego good to know she could do something no one else wanted or knew how to do. She set to work scanning and entering the data. Most files she had to redo several times as she was getting familiar with the fields that required data and where that data was located in the files. Nevertheless, before she knew it Edith told her to pack it up that it was time to go home. Megan had not even taken a break for lunch. She had kept busy perfecting how she was going to complete this job. She logged out of the computer and shut it down as Edith had instructed and walked out the front door to find Michael waiting for her by his truck.

  She grinned from ear to ear and had to restrain herself from running to him. She walked the short distance from the door to the truck parked along the curb. He greeted her with a gentle hug then helpe
d her get in the truck. She got in and watched as he glided around the front of the truck and got in beside her.

  “So how was your first day?”

  “It was really good. Complicated at first but after entering a few files and making some changes I think I got it.” She would rather be doing other things than talking right now but knew it would happen in time.

  “So what is it that they have you doing?” He pulled away from the curb and as the old truck chugged along toward the center of town, Megan explained what they were having her do.

  “Interesting.” It was all he said as they pulled up to Patsy’s Diner for dinner. Megan was enjoying watching him and did not put much thought into why he thought it was interesting. They entered the restaurant and Patsy immediately greeted Michael. She walked with grace through the crowded tables. Some of the gray hair she had pulled back found their escape and she pulled them back again pinning them down with a silver bobby pin. She grabbed Michael into a big bear hug and then stepped back so he could make the introductions. She shook Megan’s hand and showed them to the best table in the house. Always reserved for him she had said. They ordered and while waiting for their food chatted about their day.

  “So I’m glad you’re enjoying your new job. Do you think you’ll be there a while?” He chewed on some of the cheese biscuits Patsy brought them.

  “I’m hoping so. I don’t like it at the dorm and would really like to find a place of my own. So a permanent job would help with that.” She took a sip of her water.

  “Why don’t you like the dorm?” As soon as the question came out, he realized what the problem could be. However, the answer he got was not one he had expected.

  “Well Mark gives me the creeps.” She shuddered at the memory from just this morning.

  “What do you mean? What does he do?” He set the biscuit down and focused his attention on her.

  “Well.” Patsy came now with their dinner and she paused until she had walked away. “He is always around my room. I come out of my room in the morning and he is there. I come home at night he is there.”