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I’ve been in Memphis, TN for a while now. I accepted a job waiting tables for straight cash. The owner didn’t seem to mind paying me that way, seems he is used to immigrants that need jobs but do not have a social security number. I suspect though that he thinks I am hiding from an abusive relationship.
I have no plans to correct him because I really need this job. I have always wanted to visit and see Graceland. Of course, I have also wanted to see where Elvis was born and raised in Tupelo, which is only a few hours south of here but that is entirely too close to Mina’s brothers. They’d rat me out to Blade in a New York minute if they found where I was at.
I do miss talking to Mina though. I might just buy a burner phone and give her a call, just to let her know I am okay. At least they won’t be able to trace the call.
Three hours later and my shift is finally over. I ran down to the corner store and bought a phone like I had planned. Now my nerves are getting the best of me. I know as soon as she hears that it is me, she is going to bitch me out like she never has before.
The phone rings several times before it connects. “Hello?” she answers in a hesitant voice.
“It’s me.” I say back and hold my breath waiting for the explosion from her.
“Bella? Oh my God!! Where the hell have you been? Are you okay?”
“I promise I am fine girl. I just needed to get away for a while.”
“Where are you? I don’t recognize the number.”
“It’s a burner phone and I am not telling you where I am. Just know that I am fine and safe where I am.”
“Seriously Bella? You ran away like a little child, not telling a soul where you were going and months’ later you call to say you are fine! You have everyone absolutely worried sick about you! Poor Blade can barely concentrate on what he’s doing because of worry over you!”
“I really do not care how poor Blade is doing.” I say back in a very calm voice even though I do not feel calm at all.
“Bella, please just tell me where you are so that I can come get you. Or how about I come out and stay with you? We could hang out, just us girls.”
“You and I both know that wouldn’t work. Timber would never let you go without at least a prospect with you at all times and I currently have no desire to be around the MC Brothers. Not a damn one of them!”
“Well hell Bella, will you at least promise to call me and check in? At least that way we will all know you are still alive!”
“I promise that I will call you. No one else though. I am not ready to deal with anyone else.”
“Okay Bella, I love you sista’! You are not supposed to just go ghost on me like that.”
“I know. I am sorry and I love you too. I missed hearing your voice which is why I called you. I’ve seen some amazing views so far while traveling.”
“So you’ve been going pretty much non-stop? Timber told me that you haven’t used any of your credit cards or withdrawn any money from your account. You are doing okay money wise?”
“Yeah, I’m good. Don’t worry. You know I would call if it got bad.”
“I hope so. I really hope that you know you can call me no matter what you need. And if you really feel like you need to stay away for a while longer, I will keep it secret of where you are if need be.”
“Thanks Mina, you are the greatest friend I could have ever asked for.”
“No problem chica. Just stay safe!”
“I will. I promise! I’ll call you again in about a week. I need to get some sleep.”
“Alright. Good night!”
“Good night.” I say back as I hang up the phone.
My new boss also gave me a place to sleep. It isn’t much, just a cot in the storage room. It’ll work for now.
****
