Chapter 21 The Nightmare
The time slowly passed, and Angela wrapped up for the day. She put her reports together, and after sending the email, he carried the hard copy to Bryce's office. She knocked and entered the office after she heard Bryce's voice inviting her in.
"I brought the report," Angela announced and headed for the place where she was supposed to drop the documents.
"Angela," Bryce called out to Angela, his voice very soft.
"Yes, President," Angela responded and moved towards Bryce's desk.
"How are you?" Bryce asked and relaxed in his seat staring at Angela.
"I am fine," Angela replied, staring at him with no expression at all registered on her face.
"Have you eaten?" Bryce asked.
"No, please," Angela replied and lowered her head.
"Why?" Bryce asked.
"I was scared of what this day would bring. I felt a bit relaxed after the verdict was given," Angela said. "And thank you for the phone," she appreciated changing the subject.
"That is fine. I believe you have learnt your lesson. This is the corporate world. Scheming against one another to be at the top happens all the time. If you put your emotions first, you will fall into every trap set for you. Let your good works speak for you. Always keep your emotions out and deal with situations by applying wisdom. This is how you will win every time," Bryce said.
"Yes, Mr President," Angela acknowledged.
"Are you done for the day?" Bryce asked.
"Yes, please," Angela replied.
"Okay, get your stuff and let's go home," Bryce said, and Angela raised her head.
"You want me to sit in the car with you?" Angela asked, sounding like it was a crime.
"You are my secretary and my wife. Is there anything wrong with that?" Bryce said, and Angela was a bit surprised, wondering what informed this action, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
"No, sir. I will get my stuff," Angela replied, exiting the office when Bryce dismissed her.
Angela packed her stuff into the bag and picked up her new phone, which she had put her chip into. She dropped it in her bag and exited her office. She locked her door, and Bryce also exited his office. He locked his office and the two headed for the elevator. The elevator went down to the garage, and the two walked towards the car. Bryce opened the door for Angela, and she was surprised, but she sat down, and Bryce joined her.
"Close the divide," Bryce ordered, and the driver closed the divide, giving Bryce and Angela some privacy.
"Okay, you want to talk about last night?" Bryce asked, and Angela lowered her head, recalling the incident when she was just thirteen years old. She opened her mouth to talk but her pain choked her voice.
"I..." Angela said and went silent.
Bryce pulled her into his arms, and she rested her head on his shoulders and allowed her tears to flow. It has been eight years since she had that nightmare. With the attack and fear of losing her job, it appears the nightmare is back. Bryce rubbed her shoulders gently, wondering what her nightmare was about. She appeared very shaken. He knew it could be very scary when you are faced with the possible termination of contract due to something wrong you did especially when it is your first job, but for some reason, he feels Angela's current state was linked to the nightmare she had. This made him very curious.
They were soon home, and Bryce walked Angela into the house. They had a silent supper, and they both went upstairs to retire for the night.
"Would you stay with me tonight?" Angela asked.
Angela had made this request because she knew she would have another episode of the nightmare if she were alone. When Mr and Mrs Anderson adopted her at the age of thirteen years from the orphanage, she was already having this nightmare every night. Mrs Anderson moved into her room and started spending the night with her. She would rest her hand on her, tapping her gently till she fell asleep, and when she started to move in her sleep, Mrs Anderson would call out her name and start singing for her. Gradually, the nightmare stopped. Somehow the fight between her and Eva and Bryce getting furious with her coupled with the possibility of getting terminated scared her so much that the nightmare came back.
Bryce, after hearing her request, stared at her. He could read from her aura that she was scared. He retrieved his steps and headed for the bathroom without saying another word. Angela made the bed and sat on the edge of it. Bryce returned to the room and climbed into bed. Angela turned around and lay on the bed facing upwards. Bryce was lying down next to her, facing upwards. He shifted his gaze towards Angela.
"Come here," he said, and Angela shifted closer to him.
Bryce wrapped his arms around her, and Angela found her head resting on his chest. The two remained like that with their eyes open for a long time. Angela finally drifted off to sleep.
When she fell into a deep sleep, the nightmare began again. Angela started moving in her sleep, waking Bryce up. Bryce opened his eyes and turned on his side of the bed. Angela was covered in sweat and trembling.
"Angela, Angela, wake up," Bryce shook her, and she opened her eyes.
"Mummy," Angela screamed and sat up on the bed.
She wanted to run, but Bryce held her and pulled her into his embrace.
"Hey, hey, calm down. It's me, Bryce. Open your eyes," Bryce said realizing she wanted to run away from whatever was scaring her.
"Bryce," Angela called out his name and grabbed his shirt with both hands as they both sat on the bed.
"Yes," Bryce confirmed, and Angela rested her head on his shoulder, but pulled away from him. "Sorry," she apologised.
"It's okay," Bryce said and pulled her into his arms. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, and Angela shook her head in a no.
"I want to forget about it," Angela said and remained in Bryce's arms.
Bryce wanted to know what was wrong with her, but he didn't want to push her since she was not ready to tell him herself.
"I am here. It's just 1 am. Let's go back to sleep," Bryce said and turned off the bedside lamp before lying back down and pulling Angela with him.
Angela was hugging him so tight, like a koala hugging a tree. He could tell she was so terrified. He rubbed her back gently to calm her down.