Page 3 of Havoc
Pulling out my phone at the light I see that it was just a text from my boss. She’ll be out of the office today which is fine because I am doing home visits today anyway.
My phone buzzes again.
Rock: You really gotta stop this sneaking out shit. Next time I’m handcuffing you to the goddamn bed.
As I read the text I can almost hear his deep voice grumbling the text. I’m not going to lie and say that it doesn’t turn me on when he tries to boss me around. At the same time, it also pisses me off.
I’ve been getting too comfortable with Rock and I need to cut it off. We have been hooking up for about two months. At first it was only once or twice a week, the last two weeks it’s been every night. He’s getting attached, and as much as I don’t want to admit it, I might be too.
Me: As enticing as that offer is, I don’t think there will be a next time. Thanks for the ride, it’s been fun.
I laugh escapes my mouth as I picture his face when he reads my text.
I pull into the underground office and climb into my backseat. Thank God my windows are tinted because I’ve been having to change in my car way too much. Rock has been occupying all of my free time, so I basically have half my closet and all of my makeup in my car 24/7.
I pull on a black pencil skirt with a light blue blouse. I look at the couple pair of shoes I have back here and decide on the flats because I’ll be out all day. Maybe now that I’m not going to be seeing Rock I can move my closet back into the apartment. A part of me hates that I’m breaking things off with him but it’s really for the best.
Making my way up to the office, I try and mentally run through everything I have to do today and I’m exhausted even thinking about it.
The folders are piled high on my desk but I head for Miranda’s office. She asked me to set the calendar and make sure that the schedule is good for the day. I’ve been working here for three years, and most days I can honestly say I love it.
I reply to the few interoffice messages that came through, then make sure any cases coming in today are assigned to a free caseworker. A glance at the clock lets me know I only have a few minutes before I need to head to my first appointment.
I have been in the field for about a year and a half and while it’s hard, it can also be really rewarding. Today I’m seeing three families, one I’ve never met with before, one who are sort of new, and then a family I’ve been with for almost a year now. Families are assigned case workers and home visits based on need and recommendations from different professionals. It’s my job to make sure that the home, and all the inhabitants, are suitable to be around the kids and promote a healthy living environment.
Having to take kids from a home is never easy, the only comfort I get is knowing that they’re better off when I place them in a good home. Then there are the stories of families surviving and thriving, that’s why I still do this job.
I grab the files off my desk and head to the Hudson House. They’re my new case, the neighbor found the little boy outside at 6 a.m. eating trash out of their garbage can and called the cops. He was freezing cold and wearing only a diaper. There was no immediate threat detected so they didn’t take him from the home then. Now it’s my job to make random and frequent visits and make sure the home is safe.
The drive is quick, and although I hear my phone buzzing, I don’t check it. I have a feeling it will be Rock and I do not feel like dealing with him right now. Pulling up to the house I see it looks put together and nothing seems to be too out of place.
Here’s hoping to a smooth first visit.
***
By the time I pull up to the Dean’s house I’m completely drained. I saved them for last because they will be the easiest today. I’ve been visiting Mr. Dean and his two kids for almost a year. His wife died in a bad car accident and the psychiatrist had concerns about his capabilities as far as taking care of the kids.
I walk up the steps, knock on the door, and smile when I hear the sounds of little feet running toward the door.
“Miss Chrissy!” Amy throws her arms around me squeezing tight. She’s three and the cutest little girl I’ve ever met.
“Hey, mama, your dad home?”
She nods. “He’s in the kitchen with Johnny.” She grabs my hand pulling me through the house. “Daddy! Miss Chrissy is here!”
Joe turns around a smile already on his face. “Chrissy, you know if you’d call first I’d make extra food for you.”
“Well that would be against the rules.” I give him a wink and laugh. A part of me doesn’t understand why the recommendation for visitation was given. He and the kids were grieving, but for as long as I’ve been seeing them, I haven’t ever thought anything was suspicious. “So, Johnny, how is school?”
“It sucks except for gym and recess.” He rolls his eyes.
“Yea, I always dreaded school too. Soon though, you’ll be out and working, then you’ll wish all you had to do was go to school.” I ruffle his hair and then grab the file, taking my normal walk around the house.
The kids each have their own room with their dad’s room down the hall. There is a fourth bedroom that was made into a toy room. They always seem to have everything that they need. I stay for a little while talking with the kids and Joe. Asking questions whose answers could raise red flags but they don’t, as usual.
“You know you guys always make my job so easy.” I grab the papers. “I’m thinking after a couple more visits you’ll be free of me.” I say quick goodbyes before hopping into my car.
Pulling out my phone I see I have two missed calls and seven texts from Rock. I also have a text from Megan.
