Chapter 2 Fear

She got to the bus station and was lucky to board the last bus of the day. After 45 minutes, she got to her destination. She alighted and walked home.

She met her mother, holding a picture of her grandma. Grandma Belle was her favorite person in the world but death had to take her away.

Her demise was still so fresh to both mother and daughter. They've lived for more than 20 years together.

She hugged her mother tightly and led her into the house.

"Mother, grandma wouldn't want us to continue this way", she said.

"I know, my dear but I miss her so much", she said sobbing.

"I miss her too. I know she wouldn't want us to waste our lives over her. We would never forget her ", Roxy replied.

"Okay ", her mom said.

"So, how did the interview go?" Her mom continued.

"Well, it was fine. I'd tell you all about it later. But first, we need to eat", Roxy said.

"Oh, that's true. I'm sorry I forgot. What would you like to eat? I'd make it for you," she said and got up.

"Don't worry mum. I feel like making dinner. Spaghetti?", Roxy replied.

"Sure. I'd help you", her mum said.

"No mum, Maybe next time but for today, please rest", Roxy replied.

She began preparing their dinner. When she was done, she served her mom and ate.

Laura turned to her daughter and said;

"Roxy, this is delicious".

Roxy mumbled a thanks because of the big chunk in her mouth.

"Well, how was the interview?Hope it went great !"

"Yeah, I did my best. I hope God answers my prayers. I love the building, I really want to work there", she said happily.

Seeing the excitement on her daughter's face, Laura could only hope everything works out, so that Roxy doesn't get hurt.

After a while, they retired to their rooms.

*****

The following day, she checked her email but didn't see anything. She went with her mom to her boutique.

Slowly, the business went. But the Anna Collection was their only hope. Some days, it was extremely slow or nothing. Other days, the business was good .

Throughout the week, Roxy kept spacing out. She was hoping for a reply from Hilton Company.

Laura has been watching her daughter since. After a customer left, she walked up to Roxy.

She gently placed a hand on shoulder and tapped her. Shocked by the sudden interruption in her thoughts, Roxy jerked up.

Turning to see who it was, her heart gradually calmed, after seeing Laura's warm smile.

"My dear, why don't you go back home to rest. You look so stressed", she suggested.

"Don't worry mom, I'm fine. I'm sorry", she replied.

"It's alright. I understand. But I insist you go home to rest"

"Alright mom, I will. But is there anything I can do here?"

"Nothing dear, go and rest. Please don't overthink".

"I'd try. See you later, mom"

*****

On her way home, she felt like she was being followed. On several occasions, she kept looking back but couldn't find anyone.

Once more it happened, she felt like the person was so close. She felt her skin crawling in, in fear. She began running. She ran past her home.

After a while, she ran home.

That feeling suddenly came back. Roxy shuffled her bag, looking for her keys. Every minute that passed, scared her.

Finally, she opened the door, taking one last quick look behind her, she dashed inside. She quickly locked the door. She couldn't move for a while. Breathing heavily, she stood at the door, panting, holding her chest.

She was scared beyond her wits. She quickly dialed her mom's number to inform her she was home.

After about two unanswered calls, Roxy began panicking. She kept calling her mom's number but it wasn't connecting. Pacing around, she began feeling dizzy.

Roxy fainted..

Few minutes later, a young man entered the house and found Roxy on the floor. He quietly picked her up from the floor and took her to a couch. He got a bowl filled with water from the kitchen and a napkin. He walked up to the sleeping figure on the couch and cleaned her face.

He stayed for a while, watching over Roxy. When he saw her stirring in her sleep, he knew that she was about to wake up. He quietly sneaked out.

He disappeared like he had never been there.

Roxy woke up and found herself lying on the couch. She was confused . Slowly she remembered how crazy her day was.

"How did I end up on the couch, when I was on the floor?"

Immediately, she ran to the door. Checking the door, she realized that it was still locked. She walked round the house, there was no break in.

"What's going on? Am I hallucinating? Is it stress?"

She quietly went to her room, called her mom.

"Mom, are you okay?", Roxy said.

"Yes dear, I'm alright. I've been waiting for your call. Hope you're okay!", Laura said worriedly.

"Mom, I called but it wasn't connecting. Hope nothing happened to you?", she asked.

"No, my child. Did something happen to you?", she replied.

"Well, ... no. Nothing happened", Roxy lied.

After a while, the call ended. Roxy heaved a sigh of relief and said "I'd handle this myself. I shouldn't make her worry, she has a lot on her mind".

She couldn't close her eyes to sleep and rest but kept thinking about the afternoon.

Later, her mom returned home, they had their dinner and retired to bed.

"Good night mom", she said and kissed her cheeks.

"Good night, my child. Sleep well", Laura replied.

Roxy couldn't sleep. She walked out of her room to use the old computer in the living room to check her emails. Sitting behind the table, she scrolled through the messages. The recent events made her forget about the interview result.

When she was about to log out, her eyes widened as she saw a new email from Hilton Company .