CHAPTER 6… TRAUMATIZED
Drew nodded and started the car engine. When the car exited the school compound, Bella was beyond happy.
She sat in the backseat, strapped in her seatbelt and thought of how to get her father to take her to Miss Selena's place.
Bella was still cooking up lots of different ideas when the call pulled up in the parking lot. She came out of the car and dashed into the company building.
Arriving at the elevator, she decided to wait for Andrew since she couldn't reach the button that would take her up.
Bella didn't have to wait long as a few seconds later, Drew stood besides her, panting and gasping for air.
"H-how did you run that fast I a few seconds?" He asked breathlessly.
Bella assessed him for a second before bursting into a loud laughter. She pointed at him and stuck out her tongue.
"You need exercises, uncle Drew,"
Andrew stood up straight and pulled her into the elevator. He pushed the button before turning to the child by his side.
"Why would I need that when I'm perfectly fit? He asked with a frown.
Bella hissed and shook her head pitifully.
"You are not fit, uncle Drew," she retorted calmly. "You are getting old. I'm sure you don't want to become a second Mrs. Johnson."
Andrew shivered at the smirk on Bella's innocent face. He definitely didn't want to become like Mrs. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson, the housekeeper, was fat and lazy. She couldn't run a few seconds not to talk of miles. She never left the house except when she went to the market. Other days, she would lay down and sleep away.
Andrew shook his head as fear crept into him. "I'll start exercising."
Bella nodded.
Just then, the elevator dinged and they came out. While Bella waited for Andrew to knock on the door, she heard a woman's voice from within the room.
A shiver ran down her spine and she unconsciously took a few steps backwards until she bumped into Andrew who was standing behind her.
"Woah! Careful there, Sugar." Andrew warned with a teasing smile but Bella didn't return it.
Instead, she sided and continued to take steps back but Andrew caught hold of her wrist and pulled her to him.
"Let go, uncle Drew!" Bella yelled, but it was obvious she was trying to keep his shaky voice low.
"Please"
Andrew frowned. "Are you alright?"
"Let's go home." Bella pleaded, tears gathering in her eyes. "Please."
Andrew was concerned but he couldn't take her home directly without informing Timothy. Therefore, he ignored her pleas and pushed the door open.
Pulling her in, he closed the door behind them. Bella kept struggling to break free but Andrew's grip was tight and she couldn't.
"Boss, the little miss wants to go home. Shall I take her?" Andrew asked the instant he entered.
"I'd do that,"
Andrew's eyes widened as the woman who was sitting across Timothy's table spoke up. A kind of chilly feeling crawled up his skin. He could recognize that voice anywhere.
The voice of one who had agonized him for just enough time to leave him traumatized.
He, involuntarily, took a few steps back, pulling Bella who had turned as stiff as ice with him. Now, he understood why the child didn't want to enter into the office. If he'd known, he would have listened and taken her home directly.
"M-miss Raina?" Andrew mumbled, his throat suddenly going dry.
What was his boss doing with this crazy woman?
Raina turned around and smiled at Andrew, a smile that made all the hair on Andrew's body stand, before looking down at Bella.
"Won't you say hi to mommy?" She asked with a pout but Bella only took a step back.
"Y-you're not my mommy!" Bella retorted and hid behind Andrew's shaky legs.
Raina smiled and turned back to face Timothy who was sitting on the chair and fuming.
His eyes had darkened dangerously and he was barely holding it in. One more stupid word from her and he might just choke her to death. But, the thought of his little girl seeing such evil was enough to calm him down. For now.
Raina cocked her head to the side and smiled. Her redhair fell to the side of her face and it made her look creepy.
"What have you been telling my daughter, Timothy dear?" She asked.
Timothy hissed and stood up. He walked to the door and pulled it open.
"See yourself out, Raina." He said dryly.
Raina chuckled and turned her chair to him. "Are you sending me out of your office, Timothy?"
Timothy gritted his teeth and clutched the doorknob even tighter, he could see his knuckles turning white.
"Get out!"
Raina smiled and stood up. She took small and gentle strides as she walked towards the door.
Andrew and Bella rushed to stand behind Timothy when Raina reached where they stood.
"Even your own daughter is scared of you. What a wonderful mother you are!" Andrew yelled sarcastically from where he was hiding.
"She's not my mother!" Bella yelled, loud enough for Raina to hear as a frown etched on her face.
She glared at Andrew before looking at Timothy.
"You'll always love me, Timothy Reese Lancaster. You know that." She said with a smirk.
"You were a mistake, I'm married now." Timothy replied with a small smile. "Now leave my office and don't ever show your face to my daughter!"
Raina frowned, but it was for the fraction of a second. It was replaced by a smile.
"We'll see about that," she said and walked out.
Only when Timothy closed the door did Andrew release the breathe he had been holding in.
Timothy sighed and picked up his daughter in his arms. He laid her on the couch and sat by her head. He could feel her heart racing and she was hyperventilating.
An angry sigh escaped his lips as he smoothened her hair.
"I'm sorry, baby." He whispered softly. "Sorry she had to come and ruin your day."
Bella didn't reply. She simply stared at the table ahead of her in a daze.
Timothy sat beside her and soothed her until she fell asleep. He didn't know what kind of treatment Raina must have given out to the child to be so traumatized anytime she saw her.
When he was sure she had slept far, her carried her out of the office and Andrew followed with his phone and jacket.
He needed to go home. Bella needed sleep to make her feel better.