2

Walking outside, taking a deep breath of fresh country air. I do love my life, just not the past that plagues my dreams. Allie and I saved up to buy this house, a little cabin nestled back into the woods where you can't see from the road. I installed a gate at the entrance of the driveway so no one can enter unless the correct pin is entered. Climbing into my truck, my dream truck at that. I worked really hard for what I have and decided that I needed to start enjoying life when Allie and I became roomates. She gets me, she rarely asks questions about what happens but doesn't question why I do certain things. After moving in, I bought a p****l and received my cpl, I need to feel safe in my own home. I fear that one day, my mother will come back to torture me more and she won't leave me alive this time.

Cranking my favorite rock song, I skid out of the driveway as I may be late. One thing about living in the country, not too many cops out this way so stepping on the pedal, I head into town. Clocking in one minute before my shift, oh the sweet taste. I love my job, growing up, I wanted to help people. I didn't care what I did just as long as I could help others. Working on the oncology floor, most would view that as a sad and depressing job but I don't. I get to be with people in their last moments of life, it's an honor but yes, it is also sad. 

"Good morning Nicole!" Looking over the computer screen, Dr. Anderson walks up, looking like he had a rough night. "Good morning Dr, how was the night shift?". "Pretty eventful but not too bad, have a good day".  His shift is over and Dr. Phelps will be taking over. Not too keen on that doctor as he's asked me out a few times and I've politely said no but apparantly he thinks this is a cat and mouse game, I truly do not want to date him. Most of my coworkers I like, not too much drama on this floor as we are all here for the same reason. To help others with their end of life care and keep those alive that we can. 

Speaking of co-workers "Morning Eliza", Lord knows I cannot stand this girl. She is younger and a newer nurse but thinks her shit don't stink. She looks at me, rolls her eyes "Why do you have those tattoos, they are kinda ugly?". Not too many get along with her, she's rude and makes inappropiate comments. She constantly talks about this guy she's with, as if I give a flying fuck to be honest. I'm not bitter, I just don't care about someone who is an asshole to other people. "Well, if I thought you actually cared I'd tell you" I mumble. "You're right, I don't care but they are ugly?" She walks away. I flip her the bird to her back. One thing I can't stand, people who are mean. How do you work in the medical field and treat people that way, I'll never understand. 

I make my way, room to room taking care of the patients. Sometimes I sit with them and just listen to them talk, I know they need it and it brings me peace. The shift goes by pretty quickly as I tell the patients I'm leaving and another nurse will take over. Heading home and remembering Allie and I are going out tonight. Allie talks about Megan being there but I really don't know her, I've seen her a few times but we don't work on the same floor. She seems nice enough but as I do what I always do, I keep people at a distance. 

Pulling into the driveway and walking up to the house, Allie meets me at the door "Wait until you see what I picked out for you! You are going to love it!". I really need to show more appreciation and not so much of the resting bitch face. Allie did go out of her way to buy us outfits and plan this event. Although, I'm still a little on edge, I've heard of this place, the infamous "wolves den" but it's out in the middle of no where. "I can't wait to see it, I'm sure you did great!" I smile at her. "I will make dinner before we go out, what about lasagna and garlic bread?" I offer. "sound great!" Allie shows me a set of pearly whites. She heads to the bathroom to start getting ready. I love lasagna and garlic bread, my favorite meal! I start prepping for dinner and in 30 minutes, everything is in the oven. Washing the remainder of the dishes, I look out the kitchen window out into the woods. 

What is that....I can see a shadow of a figure but I can't really tell what it is. Perhaps a large dog, or a wolf although we live in the woods, it's not uncommon but for them to be this close to the house. We've been here for 4 years now and I have seen bears but most of the time, they don't like people so they high tail it the other way. This animal I can tell is remaining still as can be and looking this way. "Hey Allie! Can you come here for a second please!" She stumbles out of her bed room, half dress "What is it?! You okay?" she runs to me.  Looking back out the window, whatever it is, it's gone. "I seen something out in the woods, looked like a large animal, maybe a wolf or some kind of dog, do they come this close up to the house by chance?" I ask her. She doesn't respond at first, I look behind me, "Earth to Allie, hellloooooo" waving my hands in her face and that gets her attention. "I mean, I guess they can but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about" Allie says and walks back to her bedroom. Why was that a strange conversation....maybe she was frustrated I interrupted her beauty time. Although I sense something else, whatever that was....it wasn't a dog. However, I am an overthinker so there's that. 

"Dinners ready!" I yell to Allie. She comes out of her bedroom and looks fantastic! "Wow, you look amazing girl!", "Oh thanks! I figured this would be an eye catcher, if you know what I mean" while jabbing me in my side with her elbow. "I really don't want to hear you going at it again" I chuckle. She glares at me "What is wrong in having a little fun?" Crossing her arms. "That fun could end up with an STD" Laughing out loud. "I see you are full of humor tonight, how was work?" she asks. " It was fine, went by pretty fast and Eliza was a bitch, she was asking about my tattoos which whatever but why does she care, ya know?". "She's always been a bitch for as long as I've known her" she sets her lips in a sneer. She met her when I did, Elizas only worked there a few months. Has allie known her for longer but isn't saying? I drop the subject as I grab some plates and we silently eat dinner.