Chapter 47: Chapter Forty-seven

When the days go dark and cold, I long for your embrace. Your strong arms protect me, giving my body heat until it’s in flames. For it is better to be ignited than to be left frozen. But there are also instances where you’re the reason why I’m cold as ice.

“You haven’t seen anyone enter?”

Arianne shook her head in reply. She was quiet the whole time, never answering my questions verbally. This made me suspicious and a bit wary of her. I was sure somebody saw us! I can’t go wrong with that… It could’ve been anybody. It could’ve been a random employee, a bodyguard, or Arianne. Who is it?

“Are you sure you haven’t seen anyone?” I had to ask again, for it was bothering me greatly how she could brush it off that quickly. I was sure someone saw us, me and Chad, together. Why would she lie?

Arianne’s pretty face turned a bit sour as she shook her head once more. “I’m sorry, Miss Maxwell,” she replied, “but I haven’t seen anyone enter your office without permission. I mean, if someone did, I would’ve been quick to shoo them away.”

“I see.” Dismissing her, I shut the door behind her and went towards my desk. Chad had long left after our little piece of heaven, cringing at the thought of having a mountain of paperwork waiting for him. It was almost six in the evening, a few more minutes before I went back home. The usual tasks I did around this time involved just surfing the internet to see what latest movies were out. But this time, as I was flipping through the papers, my phone rang.

Thinking it was either Chad or one of my parents, I picked up. “Hello?”

Silence is what greeted me. A frown blemished my face. “Hello?” I tried once again, wondering if the caller heard me. “Hello? Who is this?”

“Your worst nightmare, darling.”

“What?” Is this even real? “Excuse me, you got the wrong the number–”

“Oh, trust me Miss Maxwell.” I swallowed with a chill running down my spine at how scary the caller sounded. Other than that, I couldn’t even tell whether it was a man or a woman since the voice sounded like a machine. “I am sure I have the correct number.”

“This prank is not funny,” I scolded sternly. “You better give up and bother somebody else.” With that said, I hung up and heaved a sigh. That bastard… Another annoyed huff escaped my lips when my phone rang once again, but soon it stopped and a message popped up. Curious to see what it was—it better not be from that creep—I took the phone. Seeing it, I gasped aloud and dropped the phone on top of my desk in shock.

It was a picture of me and Chad, doing our business on my desk that occurred not too long ago. Ecstasy clear on our faces aside from the sweat. If pictures would emit some sort of smell, sex would’ve filled my nostrils.

Horror painted itself on my face as I stared at the picture, eyes wide as saucers. I knew it! This is the proof! The proof that someone definitely saw us! What the fuck? How dare they do this!?

From: Unknown Hope this picture I sent you will make you feel afraid. ;)

Angered, I furiously began typing a reply.

To: Unknown You better delete this, you moron. You’ll regret it if you try to mess with me.

“Is there something wrong, Miss Maxwell?”

I denied Arianne’s query and went on my way to the elevator, my mood and day ruined. Her farewell reached my ears just as the doors slid shut and the elevator began its descent. I was quick to pass the picture to Chad, seeking a solution to end this problem. We should catch whoever took it and bribe him to keep it a secret.

As we rode back home, I waited for his reply while twiddling my fingers in the backseat. The bodyguards, whether they sensed my unease or not, remained stiff and quiet on their seats. Merely gazing at the bustling city outside the window, my head was already buzzing endlessly and I wondered if I could even get a good sleep tonight.

Could it be Arianne? It’s very suspicious, especially when she claimed that she hadn’t seen anybody. Or was it a janitor? No, it can’t be since I haven’t even scheduled a cleaning… Who could it be?

“Miss Maxwell, we have arrived.”

Not pocketing my phone in case I received another call or text, I greeted my parents and Harvey in the dining room. It was a hearty and satisfying dinner, one that calmed my thoughts as I sliced through a piece of cake. Harvey kept ranting about how boring school had been while Mom listened to him. Dad was in his own little world, obviously thinking of a new strategy to get more investors, or a new project.

Oh Lord… Where do I begin? How can I apprehend this maniac?

“If there was a surveillance camera in our classroom,” Harvey laughed, “you’ll clearly see me yawning a hundred times. I could get an award for ‘Most Yawns’ in that book of world records!”

Surveillance camera…

I rubbed my chin in thought until it struck me like lightning. Oh, how could I forget? There are cameras everywhere! I could get my hands on the recording tomorrow and know who this mystery person is. And delete that photo!

“Rachel?” Mother called. “Are you okay? You seem troubled.”

I waved her worries off and giggled lively. “It’s nothing, Mom. Just another day at work… nothing special.”

“All right, dear, if you say so.”

Excusing myself earlier than usual, I stood and rushed to my room to call the security personnel back at the office. I’m sure they caught that person on tape, whoever it is who came knocking on our door. But after three calls, nobody picked up. Trying for what seemed like the hundredth time, I gave up and decided to call Chad instead.

They’re probably busy working…or asleep.

But even Chad didn’t pick up. Three more rings and I put my phone down. Don’t tell me he’s still in a meeting… Biting my lip in worry, I sent him another text asking his whereabouts.

To: Chad Where are you? Once you see this reply, call me immediately. We have to discuss what to do with the picture and who sent it. Please, take care.

A knock resonated from the door and I instantly hid my phone under my pillow. “Who is it?” Just as the door swung open, I reached out and snatched the nearest paper. Dad walked right in, Mom following behind him.

“Hello dear, I hope we didn’t interrupt you…”

I smiled at them and held up the papers. “Nah, I was reading the latest report that my secretary gave me. Is there something wrong?”

Mom shook her head and sat at the edge of the bed. “Nothing, dear. We came here to ask you what you want to do this coming week…it’s almost your birthday.” Oh. I sat up straight as Mom continued to explain their schedule for the upcoming days until she reached the date of my celebration. “Do you want us to throw the usual party? Or do you want us to go on a trip to Japan? We could celebrate your birthday there.”

As much as I wanted to visit the cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji once more, Chad’s proposal of us going to this party echoed in my head. Not only that, memories of us back in New York came flooding back. I had to do everything, such as scratch my cheeks, just to hide the obvious red tint on them.

“What do you want to do, Rachel?” Dad questioned, staring at me in anticipation.

“Uh…” I shrugged and laughed. “I don’t know, to be honest. Maybe we could just stay here?” Because I want to attend that party Chad told me about. Something different… “Is it all right if I decide later?”

“Sure, dear.” Mom grinned and stood up. “Don’t stay up too late, okay? It would ruin your skin.” I had to plaster that sweet, bright smile until they both left the room. After making sure that they were not around anymore, I sighed and took my phone. This time, Chad replied to my message.

From: Chad I’m calling you now…

I’d just finished reading it when the gadget vibrated, Chad’s name on the screen. Standing up, I locked the door before accepting his call.

“Hey Chad…” I whispered. “Boy, I’m so glad you finally called. Have you seen it?”

“Yes, the picture you sent me…” He heaved a deep sigh. “This is bad. Who do you think it is?”

I rubbed my chin a few times in thought, mind running. There is only one person, or a group, that could do this. They have done it before, the harassment and that box with a dead rat in it. “Well, it could be the mastermind, the one behind the kidnapping of Harvey. What about you? Who do you think it is?”

“It may or may not be the same person, Rachel,” Chad responded. “I’m suspecting it could be one of your employees. How could they enter and go out of the building if they’re not recognized? Surely your assistant would know what an intruder is. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Your assistant could be the one who took the photo,” he mumbled. “Her name… Arianne, was it?”

“No.” I laughed at how ridiculous he sounded. “It can’t be her, Chad. I mean, we’re accusing her of such a thing that she couldn’t possibly be capable of. It’s like putting blame on someone just for the sake of it!”

“Rachel, do you hear yourself? Why are you defending this girl who is capable of committing a crime? I’m not blaming her, but think of it, she was the only one you had to pass through to get to your office. If there was really an intruder, the guards could’ve taken care of it.”

“We don’t even have evidence against her, Chad.” I frowned when I heard him groan on the other line. “I’m taking a look at the camera’s footage tomorrow morning to see who entered my office besides Arianne. Until then, we won’t tell a soul and start a hunt. We will wait for further development.”

“Fine,” he mumbled. “We better take care of this soon before he or she uploads it online. I don’t want this to leak out and get featured in magazines.” There was a long pause in his side, probably thinking his words over. “And… I don’t want this to be the reason why we’ll get separated from one another. Your parents would literally kill me if they see that I took their little darling’s virginity.”

I laughed. “They’ll probably cut your balls off and feed them to the wolves.” Chad went silent and I had to giggle when he took it too seriously. “I was just joking, Chad. I’m sure they won’t do that, trust me.”

“All right. For a second there, I thought you were dead serious.”

Our conversation lasted another hour, merely talking about how our day was, up to the topic of politics and where we would be now if we didn’t meet at that party once upon a time.

“You could be talking to a different guy right now…”

“Oh really?” I teased. “I’m pretty sure I would be talking to some hot model right now. We would be discussing the latest trends over the phone.”

“Or a guy who claims to be a good guy but has his body infected by herpes.”

I cringed at that. “Ew! What do you think of me, Chad? That I don’t know the difference between a real man and a fuckboy?” This had him laughing, the beautiful sound gracing my ears in the night. The whole house was almost too quiet, the other occupants fast asleep or busy finishing up some things.

“No, I didn’t say that. I’m just looking out for a friend, that’s all.”

“A friend, huh?” I bit my lip to keep it from sprouting out a hideous set of giggles. “Last time I checked, I am your girlfriend.”

“Of course you are, why would I forget that?”

“Because you’re a jerk.”

We didn’t notice that it was getting late until I started yawning for the past few minutes. Even Chad had a few shares.

“We should head to bed,” I suggested. “It’s like…one in the morning. Mom and Dad will drill me for answers as to why I look like a zombie over breakfast tomorrow.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” Chad said. “I’ll come over to your office around lunch time. We’ll go eat at this restaurant I discovered this evening and we’ll discuss this little problem of ours there.”

At the mention of the ‘little problem’ that was the scandalous picture, the cheery mood I had earlier vanished into thin air. “Yeah, we will. Goodnight, Chad.”

“Goodnight beautiful. Love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Morning came faster than Harvey could finish a bowl of delicious mashed potatoes. When sunlight began pouring in my room, I was already awake and had to squint at the light. I expected to look like I belonged to the undead but was surprised to see that I didn’t. Well, at least it truly masks the undead within me.

Groaning, I stretched a few times before heading for the shower. Once I was dressed, I grabbed all the important documents and my bag. Heading downstairs, I could hear classical music playing from the dining room. Knowing it was Dad, I continued to venture down the hall while “Clair de Lune” became louder. Eventually, I put my things aside and sat across from Harvey.

Everything was as bright as the sun, so playful and colorful, yet I wasn’t feeling the same. Not anymore. Even the pancake on my plate smiled at me, the syrup covering its face so shiny under my eye that it was almost blinding. A myriad of problems surrounded us yet we still appeared like there was nothing wrong with the world.

How could they do this every day?

“What, Rachel?”

I snapped my gaze up and faced my Dad, concern evident on his face. Mom was the same, but Harvey was too comfortable in the bubble he was in that he didn’t hear us. The sun kept shining down on us, but it missed me every time. Instead of telling them how I truly felt—that the world was never an angel cake—I shook my head, no.

“I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong, Dad.” I then gestured at the feast before us. “Just continue eating, I don’t want you guys to be late.”

My parents didn’t know what was running through my mind as they ate, clearly oblivious to my world. But it was all right. I didn’t want them to feel this way either… Then again, who wants to?

“I’m tired…” Harvey groaned on our way to his school. Mom decided while having her usual morning cup of coffee that I should drive Harvey to school since we weren’t able to bond together yesterday. Harvey and I totally disagreed, we were both all right and we had our own lives to take care of. But since it was our mother who requested it, we went with it anyways. After all, Mom and Dad’s words were the law.

“How come?” I inquired, avoiding a scooter that sped past us. Hope that reckless driver gets a ticket. “What are you guys doing at school anyways? Got a new project to do?”

“No, actually, school’s fine.” Harvey sighed and made a face. “It’s just that…why can’t summer arrive earlier?” I smiled at how nostalgic his words were. They were the same words I kept wailing back when I was in high school. In elementary, I practically sang it every day.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about summer right now, Harv,” I giggled. “It will soon come. I mean, break’s almost here too.” Comforted, Harvey grinned all the way to school until I kissed his cheeks in farewell when he made another face.

“Hey! My classmates will see us!”

I laughed aloud at him and ruffled his hair before getting back in the car. “Take care, little brother.” Harvey waved goodbye and I sped away. I didn’t have to look through the rearview mirror to see that the bodyguards were following me.

Bustling Cleveland was the same as I drove down the road and arrived on time. The employees greeted me, including the receptionist, Gertrude. As the elevator began its ascent, I read another batch of papers that I’d brought with me as I tried to ignore the eyes of the watchdogs beside me. Relax, Rachel… Get your head in the game! You’re at work now. Now’s not the time to get distracted!

“Good morning, Miss Maxwell.”

I gave Arianne a nod in return, but as I was about to enter my office, I stopped in my tracks. Oh, how could I forget…? I must see that security footage first.

“Miss Maxwell, would you like a cup of coffee?”

I shook my head and was about to go when the bag I carried felt heavier. I guess I’ll leave this first…

“Howard, is there any new paperwork?”

“Mr. Furner left a batch a few minutes ago and Mrs. Warner too. I left them on top of your desk.”

“All right.” I nodded and headed for my office. Swinging the door open, I walked inside and what greeted me made me stand back. My bag and the papers I brought with me hit the floor as I gaped in horror at it all.

My office was covered from wall to wall in pictures, the sinful picture that the stalker took. My face and Chad’s clear as day, the shot capturing our happy and sweaty faces.

“What the fuck is this?!”