Free Right Girl by Lauren Crossley Page B

down the corridor as she follows.
    “But
I really am grateful.”
    “I
know you are and I’m so proud of you for the progress you’ve been making.”
    “So…
same time next week?” She asks, sounding hesitant.
    “I’ll
be right here.” I assure her, opening the door she can walk through it.
    I
watch her walk down the street for a few seconds before I head back into the
office, greeting my manager as I enter.
    “How
do you think things are going?” She enquires, referring to the woman who just
left.
    “She’s
doing great.” I respond truthfully. “She’s made so much progress already.”
    “That’s
all down to you, Sam. You’ve made such a difference since you’ve been working
here.”
    I
can feel my cheeks turn red, embarrassed by the amount of praise she’s been giving
me since I started working here as a volunteer counsellor.
    “I’d
like to think so but don’t think I can take all the credit for her improving.
She’s made some big changes and is really trying.”
    “You
should still be proud of yourself. You’re a positive influence and I’m so glad
you’re a part of our team.”
    “Thanks,
Liz.”
    I
really hope I have made some sort of difference to the women who come here and
want our help. They’re mainly the victims of sexual abuse and phone our
helpline when they don’t know who else to turn to.
    I’ve
been volunteering here for several months now and hope I’ll get an interview
next month when a position is made available. I did all of my training here and
just hope the fact that I’ve made a real commitment to the organisation will
pay off in the end.
    “What
time did you say you had to be out of here?” My manager asks, causing me to
check the time on my phone.
    “God,
I completely lost track of time! I should have left half an hour ago.”
    I
grab my handbag, checking I have my purse and everything else I need before I
go.
    “Where’s
he taking you tonight then?”
    “He
won’t tell me. He said it’s a surprise.” I say, rolling my eyes in a playful
manner.
    “That’s
so sweet.” She gushes, practically swooning. “You need to hold onto him, Sam.”
    “It’s
our one year anniversary tomorrow so it is a special occasion.” I
explain, placing my handbag on my shoulder.
    “You
don’t think he’s going to propose, do you?”
    She’s
still seated behind her desk, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
    “No!
No, of course not. It’s far too soon for anything like that.” I inform her,
trying to ignore the fear building up inside of me.
    “I
wouldn’t be too sure, Sam. You have been together for a year now, it’s a
long time.”
    “I
guess...”
    “By
the look on your face I’m take it you’re not ready for something like that?”
    “I
best get going.” I blurt out, desperate to bring an end to this conversation.
“See you later.”
    “Sam,
are you ok? I didn’t mean to upset you. I was only joking about Ian.” She
apologises, calling after me on my way out.
    “I’m
fine, Cheryl. I’ll see you on Monday.”
    I
race out of there, calling a taxi as I make my way down the high street. I
can’t stop my thoughts from racing, swirling around inside my head. They’re
threatening to consume me and there’s nothing I can do about it.
    I
make it home in fifteen minutes, stumbling out of the taxi so I can get inside
my house.
    I
need to feel safe.
    I
need to close the door on the outside world and know I’m secure.
    I
need to forget .
    It
takes a hot bubble bath and a steaming cup of coffee to make me feel better.
It’s been an hour since I got home and I need to let Ian know that I’m going to
be late this evening.
    I
text him, asking him to postpone our meal and then switch my phone off. He’s
bound to call me straight back if he thinks something is wrong and I can’t face
a conversation with him right now.
    Not
after today…
    I
know the idea of being engaged is something most women would be ecstatic about.
I also know it’s something you’re