The Hate His Touch

Andrew Brown

There's an important meeting I need to attend today. If I could be honest my heart feels empty, but I can't be like this. I have a burden of responsibility until all the truth is revealed.

***

I looked at the reports I received. I just kept quiet when everyone was busy looking for my attention. I'm honestly bored and tired. I think I just want to get out of here. Suddenly someone entered the meeting room. I stared at the man who was the center of our attention. He seemed nervous about getting the spotlight from us. He began to walk towards his stool and suddenly he fell. Everyone was surprised to see him fall. I laughed to see that person who was still in a prone position.

I don't know why I find that person so funny. I laughed until I let out my tears. I hit the table to vent my stomach tingling. I realized when I saw everyone looking at me laughing. I don't know why they suddenly looked at me strangely and that made me uncomfortable to see the glare of their eyes that seemed sparkling to see me. I frowned and looked down. I slowly got up from my place and left the meeting room in the presence of the maid and master Robert. I walked so fast it was like running.

It felt like suddenly my chest was claustrophobic considering their gazes. I rushed into my room with my pale face. I approached the glass wall while adjusting my breath. The chief maid approached me and gave me some water to calm me down.

"Are you okay?" said chief maid.

I shook weakly. My body felt shivering considering their gazes. The maid chief took me to the sofa and hugged me tightly while stroking my back until I fell asleep.

***

I stared blankly at the sky - the sky of my room. Somehow I got home. I saw the clock on the nightstand showing at 7 p.m. There was a knock on my door. I forced myself to get up and open the door.

"It's time for dinner. You want to eat here or.."

"I'm going down" I said spontaneously.

I don't know why I want to eat in the dining room. The chief maid simply nodded and left me.

I stared at my food in silence. I don't care about the crazy couple in front of me showing their affection. I just kept quiet and ate my food. I imagine here there is only me.

"What's the food good?" ask Albert.

I still stared blankly at my food.

"You sick?" ask again.

"Hey, Idiots! Answer!" said Clara who looked furious.

I was still silent while eating my food. Not long after that I felt my head wet. I still quietly ate my food regardless of the water that washed me.

"Basic, Idiot," said Clara rudely.

He pulled my plate and spilled my food on my head. I woke up from my place. I saw Clara look backwards. I know he's scared of me. I still look at him flat. I slowly left them without speaking or replying to Clara's behavior.

I looked up at the night sky from my room. I glanced at the teddy bear next to me a long time ago I didn't touch this doll. I don't know if there's a foreign feeling when I touch the doll. I slowly removed Albert's necklace from my neck and hung it on the doll's arm. A tear is flowing down my cheek. I don't know when this is all over. I just wish it was just a nightmare.

***

I walked to the graves of my parents with white roses. I walk alone in the night sky. I asked the chief maid not to come with me. I just want to be here with my parents. Slowly I put a bouquet of white roses on mommy and daddy's grave.

"For the time being please allow me to be by your side, sir. Let me call you daddy" I said as I sat between mommy and daddy's headstone. I looked straight ahead with a blank look. I imagine they both embrace me. I smiled as I felt the warmth in my body.

"I love you both. I hope you two calm down there. I hope you can keep my sister there with you. I hope you will wait for me in heaven. I hope you'll welcome me later. I hope we get together soon" I said softly.

I still smiled and held back my sobs.

***

I just silently stared at the financial statements while listening to the chairman maid's explanation. Every now and then I just nod in understanding as he asks.

"Ana .." said Mr. Robert.

I looked up at him who was bringing someone into my room. I looked at the man coldly.

"This is Mr. Andrew Brown, he was the one who arrived late yesterday and fell in your meeting room. You remember?" said Mr. Robert.

"Come," I said briefly as I raised my eyebrows next door.

"He wants to work with you" said Mr. Robert.

I stared coldly at the man in front of me who looked nervous.

"Be ... look .. hmm sorry I actually just ran my family business. I want to propose cooperation with the company miss. hmm. I.."

"What can I get from someone like you, sir?" I said cut the shit out.

He looked restless on the spot and I sighed tiredly looking at him.

"Get out, I have no interest in working with a useless person like you!" my hardik.

I saw a ray of anger in his eyes hearing my words. I don't care if he accepts it or not with my words. The world is cruel so don't expect the miracle that will help you that's what I want to tell him indirectly.

"Have you never felt nervous the first time you did something that wasn't your field? Oh I forgot, even yesterday you felt scared seeing a lot of people staring at you laughing at me. It means you are the same as me. You can also feel nervous. Then how do you feel if you get a bad response from the same person as you who is always nervous when in the crowd," he said furious.

I still look at him flat. He seemed to regulate his wheezing breath - nasal.

"Mr Brown better be tomorrow..."

"All right, let's talk about your proposal. Please sit down" I said firmly.

I could see him sighing in relief. I find it amusing to see her being intimidated by a little girl like me. I'm sure he's about 20. It's weird to see a grown man intimidated by a 17-year-old little girl like me.

I'm trying to teach Andrew everything about the company. He seemed so serious about hearing my orders. I'm more and more convinced there's a will and a will in him that can make him go forward.

"I want to try Josh's company. They will sell half their shares. I seem interested" said Andrew.

"You sure? Indeed the company is advancing, but it will only last 6 months. I see his company is just seasonal. He's unstable" I said.

"really?" ask Andrew.

"You should try to buy shares of a company that seems ordinary, but promising. I bought a 70 percent stake in Leon Cooperation. Many regretted and demeaned my decision, but they did not know that what I bought was a gold mine. See now the success of Leon cooperation. Companies that are said to be bankrupt soon even become a rapidly advancing company. When you're a businessman sometimes you have to be smart about opportunities" I advised Andrew.

Andrew seemed to understand.