Not So Lovely, Love Story.

The Meeting

Dahlia was pretty average at school, mostly keeping to herself. She couldn't afford to draw too much unnecessary attention her way. If people started asking too many questions she isn't sure all her answers would add up. Sitting in her 3rd period of the day she lets her eyes wander off the whiteboard and to the trees in the wind outside the glass window. 

The intercom blares into the classroom, interrupting Ms. Turner, "Send Dahlia Langley to the office, immediately." Weird. I grab my school bag since it is nearing the end of the class period. Ms. Turner walks over to her desk to fill out a hall pass. Walking out of the class she wonders what this could be about. Making it to the front desk giving her hall pass to the receptionist she sits waiting for another school official to call her into their office. Will it be Mrs. Johnson, the guidance counselor, or will it be Mr. Harvey, the principal? The school bell rings out into the air and the hallways fill with the chatter and rushing of students. Luckily, Mrs. Johnson comes out to greet her. "Dahlia, please come into my office." As she follows her guidance counselor she notices a figure sitting in one of the chairs facing the desk. Dahlia sits next to the man, glancing to Mrs. Johnson and back to the stranger. She looks uncomfortable under the man's gaze. "Dahlia, this here is Mr. Taylor, the superintendent for our county schools. He is here to have a word with you, I'll be back when you're finished." Dahlia gawks at her but keeps her mouth shut due to the look on the man's face. Turning to Mr. Taylor she speaks, "Hello Mr. Taylor, nice to meet you, Sir, how can I help you?" He stares before speaking "You will work for me. I know who you are, where you come from, and what you do. I've handpicked you for this assignment and you will complete it unless you would like to be handed over to the authorities." Dahlia's breath hitches and she listens intently to what he has to say. She understands her role here, she does not have the luxury to ask questions in her position. Simply nodding she waits for Mr. Taylor to continue. "You should be used to the nature of your assignment as I have spoken with some of your past... employers. I will provide you with several men you will follow. When you have found what I am looking for you will be free to continue your life in this town as you know it." Shaking her head she sighs and agrees. Mr. Taylor stands up and holds his hand out for her to shake. "You will be hearing from me soon, Dahlia." She shakes his hand and he opens the door, Dahlia still standing in place hears him tell Mrs. Johnson that I should have the rest of today and all of tomorrow off of school. Snatching her bag off the ground she stomps out of the office and heads to her car. She knows who did this to her, again.