Paying Karma Love

24 Dark Phobias

Audrey glanced at her watch, which had shown five o'clock past thirty minutes. It means he only has a little more time to go home. Audrey has been trying to get her work done faster, from checking Karin's work to keeping cash and checks in the safe. He also checked Susan's tax invoice. Now there is only one job left, checking the outstanding accounts receivable report that Tristan is working on. Since it had only been a day of work, the young man seemed to have taken a long time to complete his report.

I'd rather help Tristan work out an outstanding report than I'm late for the return home and get angry with the Great Lord.

I thought Audrey was worried.

Audrey approached Tristan and saw the young man still struggling with the last part of his report.

"Let me help you see why there's no balance" said Audrey, taking the mouse that Tristan was holding. Audrey's hand came into contact with Tristan's.

"Some time he touched me" muttered Tristan softly.

"Why?" audrey asked who saw Tristan muttering while smiling to herself.

Tristan simply shook his head and shifted his focus again on his work.

"Well, this is balance. You just misnumbered in the fifth row. Next time you need to be more thorough. Now please print the report," Audrey said.

"Prepare to do it, Mother, thank you for the help."

After signing the report from Tristan, Audrey immediately cleared her desk and said goodbye to Mr. Rizal. Tristan who saw Audrey in a hurry left the office, tried to chase after her from behind.

"Mother Audrey, why such a rush? Is there someone waiting downstairs?"

"Tristan, I took an online taxi and the driver was waiting for me" Audrey replied, easing Tristan's curiosity.

"Hmm, so just a taxi driver. Then from tomorrow I'll be willing to drive Ms. Audrey and drive you home."

"Sorry, Tristan, I have to go home now. See you tomorrow," said Audrey walking quickly to the lobby.

Audrey is reluctant to serve Tristan any longer because she is running out of time.

"See you tomorrow Beautiful Mother" said Tristan waving her hand.

Miss Audrey maybe now you're rejecting my invitation, but I'll make sure you accept it soon.

inner Tristan was full of confidence.

...****************...

Reiner had just finished his car and entered the apartment lobby door. At the same time he saw Audrey getting off the taxi. From a distance, Reiner could see the girl very hastily entering the apartment building.

Apparently he just got home.

He was afraid I would punish him.

thought Reiner noticed Audrey's movements.

Audrey, who had entered the apartment lobby, was surprised to see Reiner standing at the elevator door.

Why he came home earlier than yesterday. Thankfully I have come. Otherwise he would be furious.

"Mr Reiner is waiting for me" Audrey said, preventing Reiner from entering the already open elevator.

"You're almost late. Fifteen more minutes and you'll lose your job."

"I'm sorry, sir but it's not seven in the evening yet" Audrey replied.

Audrey and Reiner walked together without talking until they reached Reiner's apartment.

"Prepare my bath water and also my clothes, after that you can go."

"Good, Sir."

Audrey left Reiner's room and headed to her own room. It felt like he could lay down his tired body but it was impossible to do it now. Audrey remembered she was now just a maid who had to do a lot of chores in her master's apartment.

"Master, please eat."

Audrey handed her the spaghetti she had tasted in front of Reiner.

"Where did you learn to cook? Your cooking is good too."

Is she having a fever so she praises my cooking.

"From my mama, sir," Audrey answered briefly.

"Do you always answer short questions like that every time I ask? I am so lazy to talk to you. Now get all this sorted out and get to my room."

Why is he upset? Didn't I answer the question. What he expected from my answer.

thought Audrey was astonished by Reiner's attitude.

Not wanting to receive any more anger, Audrey finished her task in the kitchen quickly and went inside Reiner's room. Just a few steps he entered the room, suddenly everything went dark.

Why else this? Is the electricity in this apartment dead?

audrey thought to wonder.

Audrey walked by fumbling around her so as not to fall into that pitch-black darkness.

"Sir, Mr. Reiner," Audrey called for Reiner's help. But Audrey did not hear any answer from the man.

Audrey was still trying to move slowly by relying on her instincts. But the sound of someone's breath whimpering in the darkness made Audrey stop.

"Audreys....Audrey.." call Reiner down with a gasp of breath.

"Master..Mr..why?" ask Audrey to panic.

Reiner's voice sounded frightened, causing Audrey to panic.

Audrey tries to hold on to the edge of the bed to find Reiner. In a state of panic, Audrey managed to touch Reiner's shoulder and felt the man's body tremble on his bed.

"Audrey.help me. get some light" Reiner said in a hoarse voice."

Is he afraid of the dark?

I had to find a cell phone to get a little light.

With her hands still groping, Audrey tried to figure out where Reiner's phone was. Although it took some time, Audrey's efforts were not in vain. He managed to find Reiner's phone on the table next to the bed, and immediately pressed any button to produce light. In the faint light of the cell phone, Audrey could see Reiner's pale face.

"Sir, hold this phone first so that there is light. I'm going to look for candles in the kitchen" Audrey said, trying to calm Reiner down.

However, Reiner's hand held Audrey's hand tightly and did not want the girl to leave.

"Audrey, don't leave me alone. Please hug me.."

Audrey could not believe Reiner's request. But the pleading eyes of Reiner made Audrey sure the man really needed her. He did not expect a man who looked arrogant and perfect like Reiner could turn out like a child who was being struck by fear. Despite her doubts, Audrey made up her heart to help Reiner this time. Slowly Audrey approached and hugged Reiner's body. Reiner who felt the warmth from Audrey's embrace immersed himself tightly in the girl's body. To Reiner, Audrey's warm embrace felt like her own mother's. Reiner still remembered how scared he was to live alone in a dark room without light. At that time he tried to survive not to cry during the punishment from his father in order to meet with Dave. Only her mother's embrace was the only medicine that could dispel little Reiner's fear. The punishment he received a dozen years ago still haunts him today

"Sir, relax, the electricity will soon be on" said Audrey stroking Reiner's hair gently. Audrey could feel Reiner's breathing gradually regaining order in her arms.

"Be quiet, stay like this and don't move."

"Yes, Sir."

Finally Audrey let Reiner stay in her arms without speaking. For some reason hugging Reiner like this made Audrey feel at ease. Audrey herself did not understand where the warm feeling that was now enveloping her came from. Is it possible that this feeling reemerged from his heart that was numbed with the departure of Dave.