A simple instruction

Rayna's POV.

I wouldn't say I'm the most organized or intentional, but I know when to do the right things at the right time. If anything, the driver should have checked the gas level before deciding to take the car out for a ride. Now, it's me who's has to suffer for his ignorance. Pardon my words, but I just can't help it. Thinking that I was trying to beat time to its game and instead, I'm being delayed by the fact that there isn't enough gas in the car: a situation which could have been avoided in the first place. 

In the meantime, without anything to do, but just to keep myself company, I picked up the magazine again and glanced through, while my driver filled up the car with gas. 

Before long, he was done and immediately, he settled on his seat, fixed his seatbelt and then reawakened the engine of the car.

“I am so sorry ma'am for the delay.” he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror with an apologetic look in his eyes. “I should have checked the gas level before bringing the car out.” 

“I don't think that would make up for the time we've lost. Or would it?” I asked, with an edge to my voice as I tossed the magazine to the other side of the seat where I picked it from. “Rather than apologizing, just get going already.” 

Without saying another word, he adjusted the gear and then hit the road. However, we'd barely left the gas station when my cellphone began to ring. Glancing at the screen, it flashed with Sera's name. I knew exactly why she was calling, but it wasn't my fault that she had to wait longer than expected.

“Hello, how is the situation over there.” I asked, pressing the cellphone to my ear. “Is it getting any better?” 

“I have only managed to keep them calm for now ma'am.” — her voice came from the other end of the line. “However, I don't know how much long before they would start making troubles again. How long until you get here ma'am?” 

“I appreciate what you've done so far, but it's not my intention to keep you waiting over there for so long.” I said, heaving a rather depressing sigh. “We ran out of gas on our way, so we had to stop by the gas station to refill the car. However, we are on our way now and I should be with you shortly.” 

“Thank you ma'am, I'll do everything I can to ensure that they stay calm until you arrive.” — her voice was assuring.

“Thank you, Sera.” I said, disconnecting the line.

As I did that, I lifted my gaze to the rearview mirror. Basically, that was the only way I could communicate with the driver and vice versa.

“How much more until we arrive there?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “I need to be there soon.” 

“We should be there in five minutes time.” he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. “Once again, I'm sorry for what happened earlier.” 

“I know, because you've said so earlier.” I said, glancing out through the window. “You just have to be more careful so that something like this doesn't repeat itself again.” 

“I will be more careful ma'am.” he said, with an assuring nod as he returned his attention to the road ahead of him.

All things being equal, my house ought to be have been in a good shape even before coming back to New York. Upon my arrival, I should have a place to sleep but for some reason, that is yet to be sorted out. Before long, he made a right turn and then pulled over. 

“Are we there yet?” I asked, looking all around, especially behind me. “Are you sure this is the place?” 

Well, you wouldn't blame me; it's been six years since I last visited, and I don't expect that things would be the same as I left them. Nonetheless, I alighted from the car, still sweeping my gaze all over the place as I tried to match the environment with a memory in my head. In the middle of that, I dialed Sera to know where she was exactly and to be certain that I hadn't missed my way yet.

“Hello,” I said, as the line connected. “I have just arrived at Oasis street, however I can't find you. Where are you?” 

“Just a moment ma'am.” she requested, putting the call on hold. 

After a minute or so, she continued with the call.

“I am right behind you ma'am.” she said, her voice expectant.

I guess I'd been looking the wrong way the entire time. As she said that, I turned back to face front, and then it turned out that she was closer than I thought. From a good distance, I saw her waving a hand to get my attention.

“You can drop your hand now, I've seen you.” I said, getting back into the car. 

Once I settled in, I turned to face the driver.

“Do you see that young woman standing over there, next to that black gate?” I asked, pointing a finger. “Just drive over to where she is.” 

As he got the instruction, he drove a little further and then stuck the car by the roadside. Once he killed the engine, I wore my sunshades, and then alighted from the car.

“So, what's the issue that required my presence?” I asked, turning to face Sera. “And who are those giving you headache?” 

“They are waiting for you inside ma'am. This way.” she said, leading the way. 

As I stepped into the premises of my house, a smile pushed my lips to the side. But then, I found two young men to my side. The one in front had a tattooed pendant at the side of his neck while the other who stood behind him, appeared to be less of a troublemaker, if I'm permitted to use that word. 

“So, what is the issue here?” I asked, with a raised brow. 

“The furniture we moved in was more than we expected, so all we wanted was to be given something extra, that's all.” he said, with a shrug of his shoulder.

“Sera?” I called, with a raised brow.

The matter wasn't something that needed my attention. If anything, she could have handled it herself. 

“You requested that I paid them a few dollars, and I was only trying to do as I was told.” she said. 

“You know what? Just give them whatever they want so that they can leave.” I said, returning my attention to the building in front of me.

“But ma'am, we would be overpaying them if I do so.” she protested.

“And when did you start questioning my orders?”