Forget Me Not

Chapter 1: Beginning

Chapter 1: Beginning

The café was the only thing keeping me going, besides Echo's walks of course but still, I had felt like I was walking on eggshells. As if I was being watched and with one small wrong move, boom. I don't know what boom actually meant to me, would I get kidnapped, or killed, or anything cruel at all?

I sighed wrapping my coat around me and tying the belt before I picked up Echo's lead. Bad things happen to people. But I had my fair share, did I not? I was kidnapped, held hostage, shot...I think I took more than my fair share. But I guess I was repaid. Elijah had left me a number of things to make sure I was...comfortable. More than comfortable. He left me a bag of money, loads, along with a fancy flat, and a dog that wasn't only just a dog but company and an emotional clutch. Echo had been trained as an anxiety and depression dog and it came in handy.

It had been almost a year since I had seen Elijah last and still, whenever I would walk out, I would often look for his face in the crowd. Damon, I actually saw a few months back, he came (almost crawling) back to me, asking for an apology and for things to go back the way they were. But...things couldn't go back the way they were. I wasn't in love with him. He wasn't the man I had met years ago. I clicked Echo's lead to her collar as she looked up at me. It was stupid, talking to dogs. I still admit that. However, the late night conversations with Echo were the only thing keeping me stable.

I tried a few therapists in the past. Some didn't believe me, some thought I was borderline insane and for those who did believe me...just wanted to hand me some pills and send me on my way. I was never one to like the idea of taking medication for mental health. Sure, it might help some but you should always try talking first.

"Let's go." I said, barely above a whisper. Echo walked to the door, the lead stretched out as far as it could, giving me a little tug. This was what I needed. A tug in the right direction. I wasn't living life, I was merely...existing. Is this what it's like for veterans returning? I could only wonder.

I took a deep breath, turning the door knob. I had to clear my mind from these thoughts, even if it was just a little while, I had to find a way.

(❍ᴥ❍ʋ)

"Good morning, what can I get you?" I plainly asked, smiling politely at the customer who banged off their order. No matter how hard they tried, I only replied to their attempt of making conversation with one worded, half assed answers. I didn't want to get into any conversations with anyone. I met Damon this way, through coffee and I had no idea of the type of man he was. Not until I had dived in too deep.

"Here you go, five fifty." I mumbled, taking the cash and handing his change as he grumpily moved on. "You know, some people live purely for the conversations with us." Nat leaned against the door of the office through the back as I turned to her. "Well...they hired the wrong person...hiya what can I get you?"

"Hmm...I'll maybe tell her that." She teased before walking forward. "Who's next? Hi! How are you? What can I get ya?"

I glanced to the side to see Nat already chatting to a young lady about her scarf before she turned around and waved me off with her hands. "I got this. Take your break and maybe when you come back, you'll be brighter!" She gasped, teasing me yet again as I rolled my eyes. Wouldn't that be a miracle? I wondered through back, steering clear of the staff room in order to avoid conversations as I stepped outside the back, wedging the fire door open.

Yes, the back of an ally way, where anything could happen. Surprisingly, I didn't seem to mind that. But then again, what's worse that being kidnapped and shot? Not a lot. I hate to admit it...but if someone killed me right here on the spot...it wouldn't necessary be a bad thing.

"Fuck...I'm fucked up." I sighed to myself before turning back inside.