Leila

Chapter 3: The meet

Pacing the little holding cell, wondering what took so long for the police to clear me. My jaw and shoulders hurt, and I can feel a little bruise at the bottom of my chin. I am trying to keep calm by reminding myself that I did nothing wrong. I hope they realize that it was all a misunderstanding. I glanced at the wall clock, and it was now six o'clock. The pharmacy would be closed, and Mr Gran must have been furious. I can picture his round belly shaking with rage when I did not show up for work. Removing and replacing his tiny spectacles and wiping sweat off his forehead with his sleeves is something he usually does when he is angry. Despite my grim current situation, I wanted to burst out laughing. My shift at the eatery downtown will start in an hour, and I am still hoping that I can make it. Mr Neilson, the owner, would be worried if I did not show up tonight. He is the only other person who looks out for me. Always prepare a pecan pie for my birthday and allow me to eat at the diner when I am on shift. I quickly counted the hours of work I lost today. This month I will not make ends meet. I am sure now that Mr Gran will not take me back.

Two more drunk ladies were thrown into the already small holding cell. I wanted to take a piss, but I could not bring myself to ask the angry-looking guard at the desk. My mind replayed what happened today. One minute I was springing down the street trying to get to my job, then I was thrown against a wall and accused of stealing someone's personal belongings and then here I am in a jail cell. The police officer gave me a pitiful look when she handed me the phone, and I shook my head. I do not have anybody to call.

Slowly make myself comfortable in the corner, trying to keep to myself. Suddenly, the door was thrown open and three more ladies were pushed in. Nice, it will be a long night. In the wee hours, a fight broke out between the five ladies. I was drowsy, so I did not know how it started. There was some shouting and shoving, and the struggle moved in my direction, pinning me against the corner. A sting in my right eye, and then I blacked out.