Chapter 3

The next morning felt strange for both. They were mindful it was only the day after they’d been at the lake, but they were also aware several days had been added during their time with the aliens. The two ideas were taking some effort to resolve in their minds. Both were having difficulties trying to get over the past few days. It felt strange to have experienced several days that nobody else had. Ben drove Sheila home so she could change and get ready for work, and he continued to his job.

Arriving at his office, even though he knew he hadn’t missed any days at work, he still felt like he’d been absent for several days. Ben headed for his private office and as he passed by Miss Fremont, his secretary as, he was startled to feel anger coming through her thoughts. He had always thought Miss Fremont was an attractive woman, but he’d never really taken the time to get to know her. Raven hair with ice blue eyes and a stunning figure, every man in the building had tried their best to date her, however she always refused. Her nickname around the water cooler was The Ice Maiden.

With his new ability, Ben was reading her thoughts and was surprised by the amount of resentment and anger they contained. He felt her bitterness having to care for an elderly mother who was suffering from the effects of a stroke and the onset of dementia while her siblings did nothing to help. The older woman had become mean and vindictive, and to add to her difficulties, the caretaker who watched her mother while Miss Fremont was at work had informed her that morning she was leaving at the end of the week. The caretaker couldn’t deal with the older woman any longer. With everything happening, Miss Fremont had to keep reminding herself what a loving and caring person her mother had been.

Adding to the problems with her mother, her live-in boyfriend had become an even larger problem. Ben felt her wrath regarding how she was being used; how she’d again been used that morning. The boyfriend had woken Miss Fremont and immediately forced her to have sex. The boyfriend barely had his cock in her when she felt him cum and then he got up and walked off. The lovely woman knew there was no point in saying anything since it had become a common thing with him.

“Good morning, Miss Fremont.” Ben greeted her. The woman mumbled something and didn’t look up. Ben pressed on, “Is everything ok? You seemed troubled.”

When the woman looked up, Ben saw tears in her eyes. She brushed her eyes angrily and snapped. “I’m fine. Now go away and mind your own business.” Ben apologized and moved on. Before he stepped into his office he stopped and sent several soothing thoughts to the angry woman along with the thought regarding him, “That man was just trying to be nice. You treated him badly. You’re angry with your boyfriend, not with your boss.” Miss Fremont looked up and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m having a really bad day, and I shouldn’t take it out on you.”

Ben smiled, “If or when you’d like to chat, I’m here.” More tears slid over the lovely woman’s face, and she shook her head. Ben continued into his office and shut the door. About an hour later Ben thought he heard a soft knock at his door. Moving his thoughts toward the door, he could tell it was Miss Fremont. He knew she was frightened but needed to chat. Rather than holler for her to enter, he got up and opened the door. She was startled to have him open the door. “Can I help you?” gently he asked.

“Ummm ... you said if I wanted to talk to you, you ... ahhh...”

Ben stepped back, motioning for her to enter. “Please sit.” He pointed at a chair next to his desk. After she was seated, he asked, “Do you want me to leave the door open or would you rather I shut it?”

“Shut it, please.”

Ben sat, leaning back in his chair. “What can I do for you.”

“Gee, now that I’m here, I don’t know where to start.”

“I sense you’re having some kind of difficulties at home perhaps?”

It was like he pulled his finger from the dike and her words flowed. She told him about her mother and the difficulties and then about her frustrations with her boyfriend. Finally, when she took a breath, Ben commented. “In regard to your mother, have you considered a place where they can better deal with her issues. Not to offend you, but it really doesn’t seem like you’re prepared or trained to deal with her problems.”

“I could barely afford the caretaker I had, and I can’t afford to place her in any sort of home. My siblings aren’t offering any help so it’s just me and I’m the one who must deal with it.”

Ben smiled, “Well, I’m not supposed to tell you this, but you’re being considered for a new position here at the firm. It’ll mean a lot more money than you earn now and perhaps with the raise you’ll be able to arrange better conditions for your mother. Also, in addition to the raise, you’ll be eligible for senior health benefits we offer, and that would include your mother since you’re her sole support. Between these two things, I’m sure you could find a good place for her.”