More Concerns

Rayna's POV.

Exiting the building, to be precise, after taking four steps away from the revolving full glass door, I paused, turned around and stared at the building one last time. The only thought in mind being how to crush to dust every part of it just like I did Zane's pride a while ago. But, that wasn't the only reason why I paused, I just had a feeling that he was watching me through the window of his office. And guess what? I was wrong. 

In the meantime, I turned back to face front, taking a few more steps as I advanced towards my car. I pulled the door open and settled in the back seat.

“We should be on our way already.” I said, dipping a hand into my satchel bag as I reached for my cellphone. 

“Alright ma'am.” — the driver said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

Without further ado, he inserted the keys into the ignition, and with a slight turn, the engine came alive with a soft purr. Tilting the steering to the side, we hit the road Immediately. Meanwhile, while he was at it, I dialed Sera. If anything, I wouldn't sleep on the streets of New York tonight, so I needed to be sure that she'd whatever issue she was having sorted out already.

However, after dialing her a few times, and not being able to reach her, I dropped my cellphone on my pant legs and instead, glanced out through the window.

“Is it so difficult to get a house over here in New York?” I asked, directing my question to the driver. “How come I have to wait this long before I will be able to move into my house.”

“I am not well versed about relocating but, I don't think it used to be as difficult as it is now.” he said, stealing glances at me in between his words through the rearview mirror. “However, I'm certain that it would be sorted out before long.”

“Oh, I wish.” I said, letting out a rather depressing sigh. “All I have been getting so far is that I have to wait a little more. But how long do I have to wait until it's sorted out? Until I choose to pass the night out in the cold streets of New York? Come on, they just have to do better.” 

The words had barely left my lips when my phone rang. Dropping my gaze to the vibrating device on my laps, the screen flashed with Sera's name. However, before answering, I let out a heavy sigh, hoping to get a different and positive result this time around. If anything, I needed to rest. And don't give me that look just yet. I know I just arrived here, but the exhaustion had begun to sink in already.

“Any luck so far?” I answered, pressing the phone to my ear while still glancing out through the window. 

“I am afraid you're going to have to come down here ma'am.” she said, the words seemed to drag themselves from her throat. 

However, aside from her voice which I heard, I was also able to pick out a rather rigid voice from the background. From the way whoever it was sounded, it seemed like they'd gotten into some kind of argument. 

“Do I really have to show up?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “I mean, can't you put me over with them on a video call? Wouldn't that make things easier?” 

“That was exactly the first suggestion I made ma'am, but they refused it.” she said, her voice reflecting the urgency of the situation. “I have also tried every other option that I can think of, but they've insisted on seeing you before proceeding to do anything else.” 

“Can things get any worse than it already is?” I asked, breathing the words.

“Did you just say something now, ma'am?” she asked, unsure of my words. “If so, I'd kindly request that you repeat your words ma'am because I didn't get what you said.” 

“Oh, it's nothing to worry about Sera.” I said, with a flick of my wrist as I glanced at the time. “I should be with you in a bit, just text me the address and I'll meet up with you shortly.” 

I hung up, expecting her to do as I've instructed. Over the course of days graduating into weeks and likewise weeks into months, Sera had proved to be more of an asset to me. And, before long, my phone beeped, indicating the arrival of a new message and at the same time, causing the screen to come alive. 

“Turn around, plan's changed.” I said, instructing the driver as I glanced at the screen of my cellphone, digesting the details of the address which Sera sent to me. “We are going to Oasis street. How soon can we get there?”

“Give or take, we should be there in about thirty minutes time.” he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the road ahead of him as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “That is of course, if we do not experience a traffic jam.” 

“Too bad, I don't have that luxury of time.” I said, stealing a glance at my wristwatch. “Can you make that fifteen minutes? I need to be there quickly. So, find the best route that would shorten the journey.” 

Perhaps, if I'd known that I would go through this much stress upon my return to this city, then I might have picked another day to return. However, I've been pushing this for too long, and I can't do that anymore. Besides, it seemed like I'd been so distracted all the while that I didn't notice the magazine on the other end of the backseat where I was seated. 

Extending a hand, I reached for it. But, as I read through, I couldn't process a single sentence written on it. Instead, I kept checking my cellphone to see if Sera had done something about the situation and perhaps dropped a message, hinting me not to bother with my presence. But there was none. 

“Ma'am, I think we've got a little issue here.” — the driver said, trying to get my attention. 

However, before asking what the problem was, I looked forward, but there was no sign of a traffic jam. So, what exactly could have been the issue?

“What is wrong?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words.

“We are out of gas.” he said, his voice laced with concern.

As he brought my attention to it, I noticed that the speed of the car began to drop slightly.

“You can't be serious.” I said, letting out a laughing scoff. “How am I supposed to deal with all these in a day?”