Chapter 96 A Quiet Observation
The world outside Annabel's office had faded into a far-off hum as she was absorbed in her work.
A thousand tiny stars against the twilight sky, the city lights started to turn on one by one after the sun had long since set.
Her office was now a cozy bright area against the fading scenery as the final orange ray of light vanished from the horizon.
Her focus had been on the homepage layouts final design.
The dance of colors, fonts and images captivated her mind as her stylus moved with a practiced ease.
A tiny contented smile appeared on her lips as she completed a new section, a crisp contemporary layout that flawlessly reflected the business's new look.
With her mind still racing with ideas, she stretched her arms above her head while leaning back in her chair.
She was unaware of the late hour until she checked the clock on her computer.
It was 10:47 p. m.
She had forgotten the hours. She felt a slight panic. She had assured Fred that she wouldn't be late or at the very least that she would notify him.
After hurriedly saving her work, she shut down her laptop and picked up her bag.
The streets below were less crowded than they had been hours earlier and the city outside her window appeared to be sleeping.
The quiet hallway echoed with her footsteps as she made her way to the elevators.
When she hit the lobby button the numbers gradually started to drop. Every floor seemed to take an eternity and the descent was lengthy.
The lobby was nearly empty when the doors opened. At his desk, the security guard’s eyes were fixed on a tiny screen.
Pulling her coat over her shoulders, she walked quickly to the main entrance. She felt cold against her skin as the night air made her shiver.
With her eyes searching the street for a cab, she stepped out onto the sidewalk. The fact that she saw none made her heart sink a little.
She took out her phone to inform Fred that she was still looking for a ride. But before she could, she noticed a familiar face leaning against a car a short distance away.
Fred!
With his hands in his pockets, he leaned against the hood of his black sedan. Warm light from the streetlight above him highlighted the gentle lines surrounding his eyes.
His eyes met hers as he raised his head and a soft smile appeared on his face.
She asked, a wave of surprise passing over her. “Fred?”
“Annabel,” he said.
“Why are you here?” She asked surprised
“I wanted to take my time with you. You had been working on a project. I anticipated you taking your time. I got back from work an hour ago, so I was in the area” He said
“You were in the area?” she asked “This time of night?”
“Perhaps” he remarked. “I was waiting for you to come down.”
Her chest began to feel warm, pushing the night air chill away. She was overcome with gratitude to the point of tears.
He had not merely waited. He had been keeping watch over her in the shadows in silence .
“You didn't have to do that. You had the option to return home.” She said.
“At this hour I didn't want you to have to take a taxi home alone” he said. “It is not safe.”
“I appreciate it, Fred,” she said. “That’s really nice of you.”
He simply nodded and let her in through the passenger door.
“Come on in,” he said. “You must be tired.”
The warmth of the car was a welcome relief as she settled into the plush leather seat.
Her seatbelt was fastened and she placed her bag on her lap.
Fred climbed in on his side and turned on the engine, pulling away from the curb. The streets were nearly deserted and the city was now silent.
The only sound was the gentle hum of the engine.
“Did you have a good day?” he asked in a soft low voice.
“It was more than good. It was incredible. I completed so many tasks.” She said.
“That’s good to hear,” he said. “Today you were truly in the zone.”
“I was,” she affirmed. “I had the impression that I was right in my element.”
“That’s a good feeling.” She said.
“It's the greatest feeling in the world,” she said.
She watched the city lights turn into a haze of color as she peered out the window.
A lullaby the car’s steady rhythm was a peaceful calming movement. She hadn't even realized she was carrying a heavy blanket of fatigue from the day.
She leaned her head against the cool window as her eyelids became heavy.
“Annabel?” he called quietly.
“I just feel so exhausted,” she said sleepily.“I’m sorry.”
“Don't be,” he said. “Take a nap. We'll be home soon.”
She could feel herself falling asleep as the car’s soft rocking lulled her into a sound sleep. And she was smiling quietly while she slept.
Fred turned to face her with a slight smile of kindness. In order to prevent the air from blowing directly on her he reached over and carefully adjusted the vent.
When he turned off the radio, the car fell into a serene quiet void.
Often he glanced at her while driving. He noticed her hand resting on her bag, her hair falling over her shoulder and the serene lines on her face.
He was aware that she was strong. Finding her own light, she had struggled her way out of a dark place. She wasn't weak. She was a fighter.
A quiet protective and deep affection for her began to grow in his chest.
The desire to be by her side and watch her being happy, to ensure her safety as she established her new life was what he wanted.
A small smile rested on his lips.