Twenty-Seven

Ashanti

The clock struck ten AM, and my heart surged with panic. Adrenaline shot through my system, and I took deep, controlled breaths. It was almost time for the annual office photoshoot, and I knew I couldn't be in it if I wanted to keep my secret safe and stay away from my father.

I loved this job because I was close to my mate, but I hated the attention it brought especially today. Everyone was dressed in matching blue shirts with the company logo and different pants of their choice. I wore a black pencil skirt and heels.

It seemed the universe was mocking me, saying, "You can't hide forever."

My father was looking for me; I was sure of that, and he had connections in the human world. Risking being in the photo shoot was dangerous because I knew it would be shown in mainstream media. My dad watches a lot of TV and monitors the human world closely. He might recognize me, and I would be doomed.

Laughter and chatter from outside the office filled my ears. My colleagues were headin