Struggle To Breathe
A/N: This is the first story I have written that hasn't been fan fiction. It has taken me this long to work up my courage to post something since the site was established(After reading such amazing original work on this site, I was inspired to take the plunge and post. All comments are greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1
Sam Miller sat at a table in the small café down the street from his workplace. He poked at the blueberry muffin in front of him.
"Vicky is going to Paris this weekend."
"Uh huh." Engrossed in the report that sat on the table in front of her, the woman sitting across from him didn't even look up. He couldn't help but smile when she concentrated so hard. Her light brown hair fell around her face, creating a curtain of privacy as she closed out the word for her work. He could say anything and she would always nod and murmur agreements.
Feeling bored he decided to bug her. Getting her riled up was his all time favorite pastimes.
"I was thinking of jumping off a bridge later tonight."
"That's good." She murmured.
"Or maybe I would dye my hair purple and get fifteen piercing all over my body." He grinned.
"Mmmm. Okay." Knowing she wasn't going to stray from her work he pulled out the big guns, his plan was about to be initiated.
"So I thought you could come with me to my folks' place for the holidays"
"Great."
A sly grin spread across his face. She had always politely yet firmly declined when he had invited her in the past. His parents and family always asked about her. They had worked together for over two years and she had yet to meet his family. His sister always joked and insisted that he made her up, that she was only a figment of his imagination. Exasperated, he couldn't prove her wrong, he didn't even have a photograph of his partner to show her. This holiday was going to be different though. He wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"So what time should I pick you up on Friday?"
"Uh huh."
Grabbing the report from under her nose he tucked it away in his briefcase. Her head snapping up in surprise, eyes flashing with annoyance and beautiful eyes they were. It was one of her most alluring features. Honey yellow colour with specks of brown that would darken or brighten depending on her mood. He had concluded long ago that they actually were a window to her soul. No matter how had she tried to hide it from everyone.
"Not funny Miller, give it back."
"What time do you want me to pick you up on Friday?"
"What are you talking about? Give me back that report." Her hand was impatiently held out waiting for him to hand her the report.
"You said that you'd come with me to my folks' place this weekend."
"What!? No, I didn't, have you been drinking too much coffee? You're delusional buddy." She leaned across the table reaching for his briefcase, but he quickly moved it out of her reach. "Miller." her tone held a hint of warning, her face turning that shade of pink when she was frustrated.
Grinning like an idiot he loved this part.
"See now, my lovely partner, if you paid attention to me when I was speaking to you, perhaps you wouldn't be that lovely shade of pink right now."
Leaning further across the table she hissed, "Miller! Don't make me come over there."
Laughing he grabbed her hand and brought her closer to him. Her body lying across the table. Their cups dangerously pushed out of the way by her body.
"Miller!" she shrieked. "What are you doing?"
Leaning down he brought his face so close to hers that their noses almost touched. "I'll give it back if you give me a time to pick you up."
While he concentrated on her face, he didn't catch her other hand snaking its way to the side of his head. Grabbing his ear, she gave it a quick, hard twist.
Now it was her turn to grin as he yelped in pain, releasing his hold on her and the briefcase at the same time.
Frowning he rubbed his ear. "That hurt you know."
"I warned you. Is it my fault that you never listen?" Her eyes danced with amusement as she looked at him.
It was at that moment that she glanced around the café. The sudden silence in the cafe causing her grin to disappear. Everyone was staring at them, their faces unsure of how to react to this man and woman who disrupted their lunch break.
Packing her things, she hastily threw her coat and scarf on and grabbed the rest of her muffin, making a quick exit.
Glancing around the room, Sam smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, folks. Women. What can I say?" He received nods from the men in the room. Their mutual understanding apparent, the women only scowled at him. Gathering his own belongings, he scrambled out of the cafe to the street where his partner was making her way down the block.
"Angie!" he called down the sidewalk. "Wait up."
"Did you have to do that? You know I hate making a scene?" the pink had returned to her cheeks. Partly from the cold and partly from her anger he deduced.
"Ang come on, it was funny." He glanced down at her while they made their way up the crowded sidewalk.
After a long silence her voice floated around him. "I got you back good didn't I?" A small smile played on her lips. "By the way, how's the ear big shot?"
Rubbing it, he pouted. "Hurts."
"Serves you right." Looking up at him. "Oh don't be such a baby, I didn't do it that hard. Next time I won't be so nice."
"You. Nice?"
Again he didn't see the hand coming up to punch him in the arm.
"Ow, Woman! What are you trying to do? Maim me before we get back to the office?" he roared causing people to glance at them as they passed.
He heard her give a small laugh and he felt a warmness form in his chest. It was these moments, when she would be playful and open, that he loved the most. Their work rarely gave them time to smile or laugh and he knew that Angie took their cases hard. If he looked hard enough today, he would see the dark circles under her tired eyes and the tension that cursed through her body. She wouldn't let herself sleep until she closed a case. Which could take weeks, even months.
Grabbing her arm. He stopped them in the middle of the sidewalk. People pushed past them, annoyed at the interruption to their destination.
"I'm serious Ang, about you coming with me to see my folks this holiday. Vicky is going to be in Paris for another photo shoot and I know for a fact that you aren't doing anything." He looked down at her. Anticipating her answer.
Opening her mouth he cut her off almost immediately.
"Don't! I know what you're going to say. It's the excuse you always use. 'Miller, I have to help at the shelter over the holidays. Miller, the homeless people need to eat too. Miller, Miller, Miller.' Not this time Ang. I am sure they can fill your spot one time!"
"They do need to eat!!!" she said indignantly.
Standing in the middle of the sidewalk in the middle of winter, their breath mingled around them in cold puffs. Angie took a step towards the door but Sam held her arm firm.
"Angie.."
"What?" her exasperated tone mixing with her growing annoyance.
He gave her a stern, no nonsense glare.
"Look Miller. I don't even know your family and it's the holiday season and I don't want to intrude or be a charity case and the shelter is counting on me and I can't help that your fiancée has to model on the other side of the world and what would she say if she knew I was going and I have to work on this case and ."
"Are you done?" he said snorting to himself. Interrupting her mantra of excuses.
The woman could be so freaking stubborn. Usually he found her fierceness amusing but today it was wearing on his patience. He knew from the beginning that it would be difficult to convince her but when Vicky told him about going to Paris he immediately began to strategize on how to make Angie come with him. She loved winter, and there was so much snow at his folks place. She was going to love it, he was sure. He refused to allow her to spend this holiday alone, again.
Angie had no family that he knew of. She was an incredibly private person and he never had the nerve to ask her but he had heard through the grapevine that they were all killed in a car accident before he met her. She was only eighteen when it happened. This newly acquired information came in handy when he couldn't get her to open up with him the first few months they worked together. Often times, he could see so much pain in her eyes, yet she refused to let him in. After two years, he had made significant headway but the battle continued.
Startled out of his thoughts he felt her tare her arm out of his grasp and make a dive for the door.
"Angie! Get back here you little rat." He rattled while taking off after her.
"No! Miller, the answer is no, so don't mention this subject again." Her breath was coming out in pants as they raced up the stairs to the fifth floor of the building that housed the Missing Children Division of Child Services.
He was gaining on her but she was in good shape. They reached the fifth floor at the same time, their boss eyeing them suspiciously while they scrambled into the office.
"Afternoon Sir." Angie said while trying to catch her breath.
Shaking his head with disapproval, Mr. Pogue continued walking past, muttering "Save your play time for later you guys. Get back to work."
"Yes Sir." Angie said again. Quickly smirking at Sam as she maneuvered out of his reach.
"I'm not done with this Angelina!" Sam called after her, knowing she hated the use of her full name.
Their co-workers lifted their eyebrows, wondering what was up with the odd partners. They had a bit of a reputation in the office as being young, unorthodox and unstable, but no one could contest the fact they had the highest rate of found children in the division.
He never understood how he ended up in this line of work. He had graduated from college with a degree in psychology. Landing a job with Child Services as a caseworker he was recruited almost immediately to the new Missing Children division. Not long after, he was partnered with Angie. At first he thought the work would be rewarding, but soon he became disillusioned. The pain and suffering of the families that had lost someone was at times unbearable. Eventually, he had learned to cope, Angie on the other hand, had not. She was affected by every single case, he had to give her credit; she hid it well but he could always tell.
~~~~~~
The day had been long. Her feet ached and her eyes were killing her, but she knew all it would take was a hot bath to rejuvenate her clouded mind. Miller had annoyed the hell out of her today with his incessant nagging, but she had managed to avoid him throughout the rest of the day. He had a bug up his ass and she knew the battle about going to his folks' place wasn't over. Far from it. She had the sneaking suspicion that something was still up his sleeve.
The phone startled her out of her thoughts.
Knowing it was probably Sam, Angie didn't pick up her phone. But the ringing continued and she smacked the heel of her hand against her head. Stupid. You forgot to turn the answering machine back on she scolded herself.
"Hello?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes, is this Angelina Cameski?"
"This is she."
Not recognizing the voice, she was gearing up to tell the telemarketer where to stick whatever they were selling up their ass, but the soft woman's voice stopped her dead in her tracks with the next statement.
"Ah good, this is Samuel's mother."
"Oh, uh, um hi Mrs. Miller." Flustered to no end, Angie took a deep breath, "What can I do for you?"
"Oh honey, please call me Doris." A cheerful laughter filled Angie's ears. "I know you are a bit surprised from my phone call, but Samuel has informed me that you are coming to visit us this holiday and I just wanted to phone and tell you how pleased I am."
"Uh Mrs. Miller, I mean Doris. I'm not sure what Sam told you but.."
"The family is very excited to see you."
Sighing, Angie closed her eyes and brought her head against the wall, softly tapping it against the plaster. Miller, you are a dead man!!!!
"Angelina dear are you still there?" Doris said with concern.
"Yes Mrs. Miller, I'm still here."
"Well, dear, remember its Doris. I suppose I should let you get packed. It was so sweet speaking with you finally. Samuel said he would pick you up at seven in the morning tomorrow. Take care dear."
The line went dead before she could protest or utter a word.
"You too." Angie whispered as she slowly placed the phone on the counter. Taking a deep breath she exploded.
"Miller!!!" She screamed, the frames on the wall rattling at her wail, she hoped he could hear her from across the city. I'm going to really maim the little bastard now!!!
Snatching the phone back up she dialed Sam's home number. Pacing around the kitchen, no one was picking up the phone.
"Hi, this is you know who and I'm not you know where so leave a message after the you know what."
"Miller, pick up the friggin' phone!!!!" she paused. "I know you're there you sneaky bastard. That was really low..getting your mommy to phone me. You ass!"
Taking another breath she couldn't help herself, "Don't make me come over there..Miller? Are you there? Ahhhhhh!"
She punched the off button on the phone and dialed his cell phone.
"The customer you are trying to reach is currently away from their phone or is out of service range, please try again later." A mechanical voice mocked Angie.
Was this day ever going to end?
Next chapter to follow soon.I hope.
A/N: This is the first story I have written that hasn't been fan fiction. It has taken me this long to work up my courage to post something since the site was established(After reading such amazing original work on this site, I was inspired to take the plunge and post. All comments are greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1
Sam Miller sat at a table in the small café down the street from his workplace. He poked at the blueberry muffin in front of him.
"Vicky is going to Paris this weekend."
"Uh huh." Engrossed in the report that sat on the table in front of her, the woman sitting across from him didn't even look up. He couldn't help but smile when she concentrated so hard. Her light brown hair fell around her face, creating a curtain of privacy as she closed out the word for her work. He could say anything and she would always nod and murmur agreements.
Feeling bored he decided to bug her. Getting her riled up was his all time favorite pastimes.
"I was thinking of jumping off a bridge later tonight."
"That's good." She murmured.
"Or maybe I would dye my hair purple and get fifteen piercing all over my body." He grinned.
"Mmmm. Okay." Knowing she wasn't going to stray from her work he pulled out the big guns, his plan was about to be initiated.
"So I thought you could come with me to my folks' place for the holidays"
"Great."
A sly grin spread across his face. She had always politely yet firmly declined when he had invited her in the past. His parents and family always asked about her. They had worked together for over two years and she had yet to meet his family. His sister always joked and insisted that he made her up, that she was only a figment of his imagination. Exasperated, he couldn't prove her wrong, he didn't even have a photograph of his partner to show her. This holiday was going to be different though. He wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"So what time should I pick you up on Friday?"
"Uh huh."
Grabbing the report from under her nose he tucked it away in his briefcase. Her head snapping up in surprise, eyes flashing with annoyance and beautiful eyes they were. It was one of her most alluring features. Honey yellow colour with specks of brown that would darken or brighten depending on her mood. He had concluded long ago that they actually were a window to her soul. No matter how had she tried to hide it from everyone.
"Not funny Miller, give it back."
"What time do you want me to pick you up on Friday?"
"What are you talking about? Give me back that report." Her hand was impatiently held out waiting for him to hand her the report.
"You said that you'd come with me to my folks' place this weekend."
"What!? No, I didn't, have you been drinking too much coffee? You're delusional buddy." She leaned across the table reaching for his briefcase, but he quickly moved it out of her reach. "Miller." her tone held a hint of warning, her face turning that shade of pink when she was frustrated.
Grinning like an idiot he loved this part.
"See now, my lovely partner, if you paid attention to me when I was speaking to you, perhaps you wouldn't be that lovely shade of pink right now."
Leaning further across the table she hissed, "Miller! Don't make me come over there."
Laughing he grabbed her hand and brought her closer to him. Her body lying across the table. Their cups dangerously pushed out of the way by her body.
"Miller!" she shrieked. "What are you doing?"
Leaning down he brought his face so close to hers that their noses almost touched. "I'll give it back if you give me a time to pick you up."
While he concentrated on her face, he didn't catch her other hand snaking its way to the side of his head. Grabbing his ear, she gave it a quick, hard twist.
Now it was her turn to grin as he yelped in pain, releasing his hold on her and the briefcase at the same time.
Frowning he rubbed his ear. "That hurt you know."
"I warned you. Is it my fault that you never listen?" Her eyes danced with amusement as she looked at him.
It was at that moment that she glanced around the café. The sudden silence in the cafe causing her grin to disappear. Everyone was staring at them, their faces unsure of how to react to this man and woman who disrupted their lunch break.
Packing her things, she hastily threw her coat and scarf on and grabbed the rest of her muffin, making a quick exit.
Glancing around the room, Sam smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, folks. Women. What can I say?" He received nods from the men in the room. Their mutual understanding apparent, the women only scowled at him. Gathering his own belongings, he scrambled out of the cafe to the street where his partner was making her way down the block.
"Angie!" he called down the sidewalk. "Wait up."
"Did you have to do that? You know I hate making a scene?" the pink had returned to her cheeks. Partly from the cold and partly from her anger he deduced.
"Ang come on, it was funny." He glanced down at her while they made their way up the crowded sidewalk.
After a long silence her voice floated around him. "I got you back good didn't I?" A small smile played on her lips. "By the way, how's the ear big shot?"
Rubbing it, he pouted. "Hurts."
"Serves you right." Looking up at him. "Oh don't be such a baby, I didn't do it that hard. Next time I won't be so nice."
"You. Nice?"
Again he didn't see the hand coming up to punch him in the arm.
"Ow, Woman! What are you trying to do? Maim me before we get back to the office?" he roared causing people to glance at them as they passed.
He heard her give a small laugh and he felt a warmness form in his chest. It was these moments, when she would be playful and open, that he loved the most. Their work rarely gave them time to smile or laugh and he knew that Angie took their cases hard. If he looked hard enough today, he would see the dark circles under her tired eyes and the tension that cursed through her body. She wouldn't let herself sleep until she closed a case. Which could take weeks, even months.
Grabbing her arm. He stopped them in the middle of the sidewalk. People pushed past them, annoyed at the interruption to their destination.
"I'm serious Ang, about you coming with me to see my folks this holiday. Vicky is going to be in Paris for another photo shoot and I know for a fact that you aren't doing anything." He looked down at her. Anticipating her answer.
Opening her mouth he cut her off almost immediately.
"Don't! I know what you're going to say. It's the excuse you always use. 'Miller, I have to help at the shelter over the holidays. Miller, the homeless people need to eat too. Miller, Miller, Miller.' Not this time Ang. I am sure they can fill your spot one time!"
"They do need to eat!!!" she said indignantly.
Standing in the middle of the sidewalk in the middle of winter, their breath mingled around them in cold puffs. Angie took a step towards the door but Sam held her arm firm.
"Angie.."
"What?" her exasperated tone mixing with her growing annoyance.
He gave her a stern, no nonsense glare.
"Look Miller. I don't even know your family and it's the holiday season and I don't want to intrude or be a charity case and the shelter is counting on me and I can't help that your fiancée has to model on the other side of the world and what would she say if she knew I was going and I have to work on this case and ."
"Are you done?" he said snorting to himself. Interrupting her mantra of excuses.
The woman could be so freaking stubborn. Usually he found her fierceness amusing but today it was wearing on his patience. He knew from the beginning that it would be difficult to convince her but when Vicky told him about going to Paris he immediately began to strategize on how to make Angie come with him. She loved winter, and there was so much snow at his folks place. She was going to love it, he was sure. He refused to allow her to spend this holiday alone, again.
Angie had no family that he knew of. She was an incredibly private person and he never had the nerve to ask her but he had heard through the grapevine that they were all killed in a car accident before he met her. She was only eighteen when it happened. This newly acquired information came in handy when he couldn't get her to open up with him the first few months they worked together. Often times, he could see so much pain in her eyes, yet she refused to let him in. After two years, he had made significant headway but the battle continued.
Startled out of his thoughts he felt her tare her arm out of his grasp and make a dive for the door.
"Angie! Get back here you little rat." He rattled while taking off after her.
"No! Miller, the answer is no, so don't mention this subject again." Her breath was coming out in pants as they raced up the stairs to the fifth floor of the building that housed the Missing Children Division of Child Services.
He was gaining on her but she was in good shape. They reached the fifth floor at the same time, their boss eyeing them suspiciously while they scrambled into the office.
"Afternoon Sir." Angie said while trying to catch her breath.
Shaking his head with disapproval, Mr. Pogue continued walking past, muttering "Save your play time for later you guys. Get back to work."
"Yes Sir." Angie said again. Quickly smirking at Sam as she maneuvered out of his reach.
"I'm not done with this Angelina!" Sam called after her, knowing she hated the use of her full name.
Their co-workers lifted their eyebrows, wondering what was up with the odd partners. They had a bit of a reputation in the office as being young, unorthodox and unstable, but no one could contest the fact they had the highest rate of found children in the division.
He never understood how he ended up in this line of work. He had graduated from college with a degree in psychology. Landing a job with Child Services as a caseworker he was recruited almost immediately to the new Missing Children division. Not long after, he was partnered with Angie. At first he thought the work would be rewarding, but soon he became disillusioned. The pain and suffering of the families that had lost someone was at times unbearable. Eventually, he had learned to cope, Angie on the other hand, had not. She was affected by every single case, he had to give her credit; she hid it well but he could always tell.
~~~~~~
The day had been long. Her feet ached and her eyes were killing her, but she knew all it would take was a hot bath to rejuvenate her clouded mind. Miller had annoyed the hell out of her today with his incessant nagging, but she had managed to avoid him throughout the rest of the day. He had a bug up his ass and she knew the battle about going to his folks' place wasn't over. Far from it. She had the sneaking suspicion that something was still up his sleeve.
The phone startled her out of her thoughts.
Knowing it was probably Sam, Angie didn't pick up her phone. But the ringing continued and she smacked the heel of her hand against her head. Stupid. You forgot to turn the answering machine back on she scolded herself.
"Hello?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes, is this Angelina Cameski?"
"This is she."
Not recognizing the voice, she was gearing up to tell the telemarketer where to stick whatever they were selling up their ass, but the soft woman's voice stopped her dead in her tracks with the next statement.
"Ah good, this is Samuel's mother."
"Oh, uh, um hi Mrs. Miller." Flustered to no end, Angie took a deep breath, "What can I do for you?"
"Oh honey, please call me Doris." A cheerful laughter filled Angie's ears. "I know you are a bit surprised from my phone call, but Samuel has informed me that you are coming to visit us this holiday and I just wanted to phone and tell you how pleased I am."
"Uh Mrs. Miller, I mean Doris. I'm not sure what Sam told you but.."
"The family is very excited to see you."
Sighing, Angie closed her eyes and brought her head against the wall, softly tapping it against the plaster. Miller, you are a dead man!!!!
"Angelina dear are you still there?" Doris said with concern.
"Yes Mrs. Miller, I'm still here."
"Well, dear, remember its Doris. I suppose I should let you get packed. It was so sweet speaking with you finally. Samuel said he would pick you up at seven in the morning tomorrow. Take care dear."
The line went dead before she could protest or utter a word.
"You too." Angie whispered as she slowly placed the phone on the counter. Taking a deep breath she exploded.
"Miller!!!" She screamed, the frames on the wall rattling at her wail, she hoped he could hear her from across the city. I'm going to really maim the little bastard now!!!
Snatching the phone back up she dialed Sam's home number. Pacing around the kitchen, no one was picking up the phone.
"Hi, this is you know who and I'm not you know where so leave a message after the you know what."
"Miller, pick up the friggin' phone!!!!" she paused. "I know you're there you sneaky bastard. That was really low..getting your mommy to phone me. You ass!"
Taking another breath she couldn't help herself, "Don't make me come over there..Miller? Are you there? Ahhhhhh!"
She punched the off button on the phone and dialed his cell phone.
"The customer you are trying to reach is currently away from their phone or is out of service range, please try again later." A mechanical voice mocked Angie.
Was this day ever going to end?
Next chapter to follow soon.I hope.