The Hidden Truth

Chapter 5

    The rest of the day had gone by pleasantly, which was something that had surprised Anastasia. She felt rested and energetic, having gotten three articles written and sent out to the local paper by dinner time. She had usually only gotten one article done within two days, but this time it seemed as though there was no ending to her abounding mind that had been awakened within the past few days. And it wasn't surprising that this was the outcome either.

    Her father had always brought out the life in her, especially after the disappearance of her sister. Even though he was suffering underneath, probably the most out of the whole family, he still was able to keep the family together and encourage her. He was selfless in that way. He would brighten her days of gloom and bring a smile to her face as she grew from a child to a young adult. He was what kept her together. When he died, she had gone to waste. She was emotionless and solitary, living in isolation. She still visited her mother to comfort her and take care of her after she had attempted suicide. That was her only motivating factor. She made a promise to her father that she would care for her mother. She never backed down from that promise. She made sure her mother was supervised and that she was a presence in her life. Thankfully, her mother felt her love and grew better, mentally and physically.

    Anastasia turned off her computer and moved to the kitchen. It was around 8 o'clock in the evening and it was already dark out. However, she hadn't had dinner yet. She looked through her cabinets and fridge, searching for anything she could make up. She ended up finding a small recipe in one of her cookbooks with the chicken breast she had thawing. She cut it up and threw it on a skillet, then mixed in several spices and seasonings. When the meat had cooked through, she prepared it on a plate and sat on the couch to watch some TV. She switched on a Hawaii 5-0 and ate with a breath, relaxing for the first time in a long while. However, she had an inkling of a feeling that it would be short-lived. She shook off the feeling quickly and grabbed a throw blanket to wrap herself in as the room grew cold from the night. The lighting was dim as she focused on her show with much intrigue and laughing here and there at Steve and Danno's banter. However, her mood was shattered by the ringing of her wall phone. She got up and answered it.

    "Hello?" She asked timidly.

    "Ah! Miss Journalist!" A smirking voice came over the phone. Anastasia cringed slightly.

    "Mr Raglan. What do I pay the fortune of this call?"

    "I just got word from the other guy that I had lined up for the security gig. He says he'll take it." He told her, half expecting her to be rejoicing with him.

    Anastasia stayed silent and then spoke. "Um, that's great."

    "Yeah..." He died off then came in full volume again. Anastasia had to pull the phone away from her ear. "Anyways, I'm going to need you both to start at tonight's shift. Is that alright?"

    Anastasia breathed out, not expecting to start this early. Her heart began to race as she contemplated what to do. She wasn't prepared mentally or physically. Her mind began to run faster than she could keep up, scrambling her calm thoughts. She held her breath, then breathed out, settling her racing thoughts to a slow stop. This shouldn't be getting to her as much as it is. She brought herself into this. She got the job and she should be going for this. It was for her father's and her sister's sake anyway. It shouldn't matter how terrified she was or how much she trembled at the idea of going back to that foreboding place. It needed to be done. She had to do it. She had to go.

    "Hello? You still there?" Mr Raglan knocked her out of her troubled thoughts.

    She returned to him with a confident decision, knowing exactly what her priorities were. She couldn't hesitate any longer. "Yes, sorry. Yes, I'll be there for tonight." She paused, thinking over all the specifics she'd need to know. "What time do I have to be there exactly?" She asked.