Deadbeat Mother

Call Me

~Neela~

There’s a beeping surrounding me, and it’s ruining my rest. Every time I try to focus on resting, the beeping becomes louder. My chest feels tight, and my body aches. I have no idea what’s going on with me, but I’m not scared. I actually feel at peace, which is a bit scary.

There’s nothing here but darkness, no scents, no sounds other than the beepins, and no one is here but me. I should be terrified that this is the end. I’m at death’s door, and I’m being invited inside. I’m not, though; I’m not scared at all.

My life has been so tumultuous, so filled with pain. My time of happiness was too brief, and I’ve lost hope that I’d ever get that feeling again. I’ve lost my child as well as the love of my life. Sure, I’ve earned fame and fortune, but the cost was more than anyone would be asked to pay.

I can leave this horrible life behind and find peace. Maybe I can find my parents and spend my eternity with them. I just want all of my suffering to be over. My son is okay without me. He has money with his name on it, so he will be okay. I won’t get the opportunity to apologize to Evan and tell him what really happened, but we don’t always get closure in life.

My thoughts continue to tumble around in my head. I try to focus on my thoughts, to ignore the pain. I send silent prayers that this is the beginning of my end and that peace is waiting for me. I pray that I never open my eyes again. I really just want to die.

~Evan~

“Daddy! Daddy, you didn’t get the cereal I like. Only you like this shredded wheat cereal.” This has been the rant all morning. I’ve been making breakfast but didn’t feel like it this morning. I didn’t get the cereal that Cooper would eat, so he’s fussing. I also need to refill on breakfast foods anyway. I think I will get a bunch of frozen items. I had a deep freezer delivered some time ago, and it may be a good idea to stock it.

“Okay, okay….I know. We need to go into town so I can get some. We can also get a couple more things we need and come back.” I finish putting my boots on and grab my jacket from the wall hook. I pull my keys out of my pocket just as Cooper walks up, ready to leave.

We get in the car and set out for our hour ride to the general store. We’ve been here for a few days, and the peace is already seeping into my bones. There was too much going on back home, and I definitely needed the break. I find my mind drifting to the drama that I’m trying to avoid, and I do everything I can to shake those thoughts loose. I’m trying to get away from the problems, not keep them close. However, I will say that my mind keeps drifting to her, and that hurts me most of all.

We finally make it to the general store, and Cooper runs in. I take my time to get in the store, and the owner calls me over as soon as I step inside. “Hey there, Evan. You and Coop ready to go back to civilization yet?” I chuckle and shake my head.

“Nah, Byron. We will be here for a while. It’s a much-needed getaway.” Byron nods at me, and my phone’s notifications go off. I pull my phone from my pocket, having actual service out this way compared to at the cabin. In this day and age, it’s actually nice to lose contact with the cell phone. It really clears the mind.

I scroll through the missed calls and texts. Most of them are from Natalia, and I’m not interested in talking to her. One of the texts intrigues me. It simply states, ‘Call Me.” I recognize the number, and dread fills me a bit.

*Flashback*

“Hello, is this Mr. Marx…..Mr. Evan Marx?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“I’m someone who needs a favor, but I’m not sure if you’ll grant it to me.”

“What could I possibly do for you? I’m just a single father trying to care for my child.”

“I know all about you, Evan Marx. You’re an orphan with a son named Cooper. The mother of your child disappeared, and you care for your son alone.” Who the hell is this guy on the line? “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I just wanted to reach out and get some help.”

“What is it you want from me?” I’m beyond wary at this point, but something is intriguing me. I should have hung up long ago, but what would be the point? If he knows those things about me, he most likely knows where I live.

“I need a place to lie low for a bit. I plan to do some work in the area, but I need to be able to gather some information without being seen. I want to be anonymous for a while.” I have no idea who this is and why they’re calling me.

“I’m not sure how I can help you. I have an apartment in the city. That’s definitely not lying low.” The man clears his throat.

“I was talking more along the lines of your cabin in the woods.” How in the world does this man know about my cabin in the woods?

“Who are you? Why are you calling me?” My anxiety is starting to kick in. This person knows too much about me, making me beyond nervous.

“I always research the people I will be working with. I like to know everything about them, you never know what can come in handy.” I look around my place, suddenly feeling like I’m being watched. Cooper is finishing his homework at the kitchen table, and nothing is amiss. My blinds are closed, so there can’t be any eyes on me…..I hope.

“Look, I don’t know who you are, but I don’t take kindly to people being in my business. I’m hanging up now.”

“Please don’t!” My finger stops just shy of the red button. “I’m sorry to call you like this. I would have rather met in person, but it’s vital that I get out there before my team. I have work to do and I just need a bit of quiet to do it. You will be greatly compensated and you don’t even have to see me. I swear I’m above board. I just emailed you my dossier so you know who I am.”

Part of me is screaming that I’m being stupid and I’m opening myself up to a serial killer. Another part of me feels as if he can be trusted, and I should hear him out. My curiosity wins out this time. I pull out my laptop and open my new email. I swear my eyes bug out when I read the file. This can’t be right. “Are…..are you serious right now? This isn’t a joke?” My phone beeps, and I see a text message. The picture matches the file. Holy s**t, this is crazy.

“I just want to make use of your cabin for a while and maybe again in the future. You can tell me no, I’d understand. And again, you will be compensated.” I think about it and can’t really see a reason to say no. I’m not at the cabin and have no idea when I will be there again. There isn’t a real downside to this plan. He already knows who I am and probably where to find me. If he wants to kill me, I’m a dead man either way.

“Sure, I guess. There’s a hideaway key in front of the house. Make yourself at home.”

*End of Flashback*