The company's premises was starting to look scanty in the closing hours of the day and like the rest of the employees, Hannah was in hurry to leave. Unfortunately, being everyone's favorite intern meant she was in charge of certain lab equipment, equipment that she had to account for every closing hour.
On a normal day, she would have taken her time and relished the opportunity to explore other divisions but she couldn't contain her excitement about her date later that evening with Tony. A lot had to be done. But she had to get home first.
Half an hour later, she was done and it was time to head home.
"Goodnight, Jimmy," she said waving to the security guard sitting at the far end just as she was about to exit the building.
"Goodnight, Hannah," Jimmy waved back.
She proceeded to the electronic door, pulling out her ID card and swiping it at the surface of the machine. It beeped and flashed a red light, denying her access but Hannah wasn't surprised. It was a mere glitch that started earlier that week. She would be out after two or three more swipes.
Unfortunately, the machine didn't respond positively even after the fourth and fifth swipes. Hannah pouted in frustration.
"Jimmy, I think the door is finally broken," she grumbled.
"What?" Jimmy got up from his seat. "We just had it fixed this afternoon," he walked over to her. "Try it again."
The machine beeped red again.
"Hmm, I think it's your card," Jimmy said, scratching his scruffy beard. "You know what? I'll let you out tonight with mine but when you have to request for a new one when you come on Monday."
"Oh, thank you so much," Hannah beamed.
"You're welcome. Now, where's that card?" Jimmy searched all four of the pockets on his trousers including his breast pocket before he remembered where he had dropped it. "Silly me, it's over there." He pointed to the chair he had just risen from moments ago with a sheepish smile. "I'll be right back--"
"That won't be a problem, Jimmy. I can help her with mine."
They both fell silent as Dr. Cortez walked towards them. Hannah's heart skipped a beat the moment she laid her eyes on him. He had his eyes on her too and wore a big crooked smile that stretched to both sides of his cheek.
"Oh, good evening sir," Jimmy said.
"Good evening, Jimmy. It's alright," Cortez switched the briefcase he was holding on his right hand to the left before slapping Jimmy's shoulders. Jimmy got the hint immediately.
"Bye, Hannah," he said, looking back one more time.
"Bye," Hannah forced a smile then gulped as her eyes returned to Cortez. He still had that smile on his face and it trouble her. She had done her best to avoid him for as long as she could but he had finally caught up to her. As she suspected, he was never going to let her betrayal go.
"Here, let me."
The machine flashed a green light on the first try, unlocking the door.
"Thank you," she simpered hurriedly but just as she was about to step out of the door, Cortez impeded her.
"Come on, Hannah. What's the rush?" He chuckled. But then, his whole countenance changed when he moved closer, so close that she could feel his hot breath on her face. Then he gripped her arm firmly.
"You didn't think I had forgotten, did you?" He began whispering. "You know, back in the day, I wouldn't mind doing what we do to lying sluts like you in the streets. But you're going to get what's coming to you, I promise you- you, your dumb boyfriend, and Lucifer, you will all pay."
"Dr. Cortez, I'm so sorry," she sobbed.
"No, no, we're way past apologies now, darling," he stroked her hair gently.
"Uh, is anything wrong over there?" Jimmy asked, batting a wary eye at the both of them.
Cortez smirked and stepped backward.
"We're fine Jimmy, I was just wishing her a wonderful weekend," he yelled as he watched menacingly as she scampered out of the door and away from the company premises. she jumped into a taxi waiting outside and it zoomed off quickly.
** ** **
The first thing Marilyn took off immediately she entered the trailer were her shoes. After a long shift at the diner, she had hoped for some alone time to take the stress off. Her dad was occupied with the television so she had no worries there. But then she met Hannah on the bed with a pillow on her face.
"Hey, baby, shouldn't you be getting ready for your big fancy date?" She asked as she slumped to the bed. She got back up when Hannah made a groaning sound underneath the pillow.
"Pumpkin, what's going on?" She asked with a concerned tone.
Hannah took off the pillow slowly.
"I don't think I can go again, mum."
"What? Why? Did he do something?" Marilyn inquired.
"No, no," Hannah answered. "It's just, a lot has been going on at work and I am not sure if this is the right time to be pursuing such a thing."
A puzzled look grew on Marilyn's face.
"I thought you liked this boy?"
"Yes, I do. But... You won't understand," Hannah said with a sigh.
Marilyn smiled and moved closer to embrace her daughter.
"It's okay darling, you don't have to go if you don't feel like it," Marilyn said finally. "Have you spoken to him about it?"
Hannah's eyes got wide.
"Shit!"
"Hannah," Marilyn frowned. "The least you could have done is make up an excuse. Say you were sick, or maybe tell him it's your time of the month."
"Mum!" Hannah glared.
"What? Men are always a sucker for that particular one," Marilyn sneered.
"You're not helping, mum."
"Well, pardon me for trying to light up the mood in the room," Marilyn hissed. "What are you going to do when he shows up?"
Just then, they heard the blaring horn of a car honk twice.
"Speak of the devil," Marilyn stretched an uneven grin. Hannah quickly rushed from the bed to the window and her mother followed. Together, they watched as Tony got down from the two sitter convertible and walked over to the front door where he stood.
"He's a fine young man, I'll give you that," Marilyn said, admiring Tony's dashing appearance in his brown leather jacket and brown pair of boots. Hannah was impressed as well. Never had she imagined Tony pulling off such an outfit until that moment.
"So, which lie do we go with? The first or second?" Her mother asked. "I could help you talk to him if you think you can't."
Hannah heaved a sigh.
"No mum," she said. "I can do it."
"Attagirl," Marilyn smiled and followed as her daughter dragged her feet to the door.
Hannah only opened the door halfway, then she peered only her head through.
"Hey," she stared at him.
"Hey," Tony said back.
"Isn't that--"
"Dr. Bates' car," Tony gestured to the grey convertible behind him. "Yes, he gave it to me, for us-for tonight," he stammered. Hannah chuckled and so did he.
Hannah was melting at the spot and she knew it. How could she turn him down now? He was too pure and way too handsome for her to lie about her period.
"Uhm, give me five minutes," she said finally, pulling her head back inside and shutting the door.
"Okay," Tony stressed, realizing she wasn't ready after all.
Suddenly, Marilyn peered her head outside too.
"She's going to need twenty. Maybe more," she declared.
"Mom!" Hannah beckoned.
Marilyn and Tony both gave a short laugh.
"Coming dear," she said and closed the door behind her.
Just as Marilyn had predicted, Hannah was out thirty minutes later. Tony, who was resting on the side of the car stood straight immediately as he was utterly stunned by her beauty. She wore a red dress that was split on the left side from lower thigh downward. It highlighted her small waist as well as the curvature of her luscious breasts. His eyes lingered on her body before they swayed up to her face. Her hair was fallen on both sides, the makeup was light and yet perfect, the brown in her eyes sparkled and her lips were so plush. All he could do was stare.
"Well, say something," Hannah urged, almost feeling uneasy with the way he gaped at her.
"You're beautiful," Tony gasped. Hannah looked away in shyness, trying to conceal her already red cheeks.
"Come on," Tony took her hand and led her to the car.
"I want her home by ten," Marilyn, who had been watching silently by the window yelled just as she got in the car.
"He knows, mum," Hannah groaned.
"I want to hear him say it," Marilyn insisted, sneering at the duo.
"She'll be home by ten," Tony said.
"Great. Now, you have fun, okay?"
"Ugh," Hannah, sighed in frustration. "Let's get out of here, Tony."
At her command, Tony closed the door and walked over to the driver's seat.
"Bye," Marilyn waved as he drove off the park.