Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Carissa's pov
(Paris, France. 2019)
At one time, the world was vast in awe of us "things" but it belongs to humans now. We, "things", have all but disappeared...wolves, vampires, and witches...hiding in plain sight fearful of discovery, ill at ease, even with each other. But, as my father liked to say in every ending, there is a new beginning.
God, why do I keep saying things like that? I wondered, surely witches don't exist anymore. Did they even ever exist? Those could just be myths or stories used to send kids to bed for all I know.
My identity and self was always confusing. I just remembered waking up in a hospital and that was it. I was pushed into the population, having bills to pay and lots.
On some days when I look at the mirror, I feel like I had done this before, but in a different time, different place. On other days, I experience something and feel like I had experienced it before but I cannot remember when or how.
And for some strange reason, my senses were heightened, above the average human. I turned back, there was this strange sensation I had been of late, that I was being followed and in most cases, I was always right just not on this one.
"Ma'am, you have two weeks to clear this..." and I hung up. I was tired of listening to these voice messages.
I worked as a waitress at a restaurant and still worked part time as a model to help with the bills.
I am trying to work my way through my massive hospital debt, obligations, and the everyday living expenses of Paris.
"They are here" a colleague had said to me, taking me out of my worrisome face. Besides, no need to keep that face except because I wanted to lose my job.
I had taken on modeling for the extra cash as what the hospital paid me was not enough to cover my expenses.
"Yes, right there. Give me that lewk...yes! Turn to the left, turn right, the butt...show it to me. Go, girl, you getting it" The photographer kept on, trying to get the desired shot and angle.
I did not know why or what the photos were for, we never asked questions. Just do what you're asked to do and get paid.
"Your mom, how is she coping?" He asked after we were done shooting.
I had used that for coverup a number of times when I would come late for a shoot, quite believable.
How stupid humans can be, I thought. Again! I used the word again!
"She's okay, insulin levels are normal now"
"Uh, I wanted to speak with you"
"What about?"
"Work"
"Why? Am I being fired?" I asked, afraid of the unknown. I could not lose this too.
"No, not that. You know how the boss adores you" he said chuckling.
Such a relief, my boss adoring me was still no reason to not get fired. I had always wondered why the boss keeps paying me more than agreed. Or keeps insisting on ordering delivery so I go home with food. Or keeps making sure that I get the job even though several other people are trying for it.
I didn't even know his name, as no one ever referred to him by his name. And I never met him, how ironic!
"What is it then?" I asked, wanting to hear it quickly as I had to go prepare dinner for mama.
"We want to evolve. The industry has evolved and it is only right that we change with it"
"I think we are doing perfectly well, no evolution needed"
"You see Carissa, the thing is clients no longer want to work with or for us but tend to go to the others who give them what they want, what the people want"
"What are you suggesting then? Any new ideas?"
"We have to become more explicit, giving more adult photos"
"Are you implying..."
"I am not implying anything, Carissa. The boss asks us to do that and we are left with no choice. You can stay and work or if you're not too comfortable with it, you can leave."
"Can I at least think and sleep on it? Surely, I do not have to answer now"
"Sure, as you wish. But, make it fast. See, this policy will come to play from tomorrow. Do not bother showing up if you haven't made up your mind"
"Margaret, can you believe this?" I asked Margaret over the phone, still in shock. Surely, I could not be exposing my body to all of those strangers.
Margaret was my friend and colleague. She is a beautiful soul and one I knew I could always rely on.
"Believe what?"
"The new policy..."
"Oh, Emily. I thought it was something else"
"How do you mean? You sound like you know about this already"
"Yes, earlier at work today. And I agreed to it, no need to think I'm better than those who sell their body for rent. Girl, I got bills that can't be paid"
"I know, it's just too, too..."
"Don't think about it too much, just go there and do your thing, that's all"
"Good night, Margaret. You're not helping me"
"Whatever. Not like you have a boyfriend or anything that will complain about the policy" She said and scoffed. No need to listen to her anymore, I hung up.
God, too many things happening all at once. And then, I felt the sensation again, I was being watched. I turned and I could not see anyone.
I heard a strange heartbeat, it was faint. I had complained about this to the doctor and he attributed it to my heightened sense of hearing as well.
"Hey!" Someone shouting had jolted me back to reality. I wonder who it was that so wanted to talk to me.
"Yes?" I was waiting
"You're a witch!" She screamed
"Excuse me" I said and turned to leave
"You're a witch! How can you not know?" She inquired
"I don't know what you're talking about" I retorted.