Love is blind

Julia

A few weeks later, on a Tuesday, early in the morning, I walk through the large office to discuss something with a number of colleagues. I see Kimberly walk in. We see each other almost every day. If we don't see each other, we'll talk on the phone. I've seen her in bad moments, but I've never seen her the way I see her now. My colleagues also react differently. Normally they all make comments, but now everyone is completely silent. "So the bitch has the time of the month". Okay, there is one who dares to say something. He better couldn't have done that. Kimberly turns and walks his way. She slaps her hands on his desk. Her face is only inches away from his. "This bitch is having the day of the year. Remember that this bitch can make sure that you can lose your nice job here and you won't get a job elsewhere anymore". Then she continues on her way. "Robin how can you be so stupid. Her brother ". Is the only thing I hear someone say and I know enough.

When I'm back in my own office, it's not long before Kimberly leaves her father's office. She doesn't seem to see me and walks straight towards the elevator. I can just grab her hand before she enters the elevator. "Kimberly". That's all I need to say. She turns around and hugs me tightly. She buried her face in the crook of my neck. It doesn't take long for her tears to flow. "It's all right. Just throw it all out," I whisper as I hold her even closer to me and gently caress her back. It will take a while for Kimberly to get something out. "Why does it still hurt so damn much". I hear a door open. I look up to see Frederick standing in the doorway of his office. I can tell he's about to say something, but remains still. I put my index finger to my lips. He nods in understanding and goes back into his office. "Because you love him and miss him," I say softly. "Four years. He has been gone for four years. If I had listened to him sooner, he would still be there." I can hear how broken she is. "Oh sweetie. It's not your fault. You can't help that such bad people exist". She sighs. "Would you please take me home? ". I let go of her to look her in the eye. I gently wiped away her tears. "Yes of course. I'll tell your father and then I'll be right back." I kiss her forehead before going to Frederick's office.

"Frederick, is it okay if I take your daughter home? " I ask as soon as I step into his office. "Yes of course. My daughter is the most important thing there is". When he turns around I see some tears rolling down his cheeks. "Sorry, I shouldn't have come in just like that." He gives me a small smile. "It does not matter. By the way, those tears are because of you". I look at him shocked. "Do not worry. They are good tears. It's the first time I've seen Kimberly take comfort from someone. I don't know how you did that, but keep it up. You don't want to know how grateful I am to you for that. Just take her with you now". Frederick has tears in his eyes. I don't know what to say to it. I give him a nod and leave his office.

"Are you coming? ". Kimberly gives me a small smile. "Please. Do you mind going to your house? I'd rather see no one else now". I nod as we step in the elevator together. "Of course that's no problem". Before we get off the elevator I take Kimberly's hand. She looks at me a bit surprised. "Do you dare to show yourself like this with me? I don't want them to talk about you differently because of me". I kiss her on the head. "I don't care what people will say. All that matters now is you. I feel that by holding your hand you are a lot calmer. Or have I got that wrong? ". She shakes her head. We walk out of the office hand in hand.

When we got home I sent Kimberly to the living room. I grabbed something from the bathroom myself. When I come into the living room and show Kimberly what I took, she gets a smile on her face. She was sitting on the couch, but has now sat down on the floor in front of it. "Thank you. This is exactly what I need". I sit behind her on the couch to brush her hair. "Do you want to talk about it? ". She shakes her head. "Okay, but I want to tell you something. You may not want to hear it, but I have to tell you. It's not your fault. You didn't tell anyone to do that. You had no idea they would. If you had, you would have made sure it didn't happen. You thought they were your friends and you could trust them. So Kimberly please stop feeling guilty because you really aren't". Kimberly turns her head. She looks at me with tears in her eyes. "I let them in and didn't listen to Vincent. He had warned me so much about them". I can hear the anger in her voice. I grab her face with both hands and gently wipe away her tears with my thumbs. "You didn't know Kimberly. You wanted to see the good in people, but that was taken advantage of. You can only blame them and not yourself." Kimberly turns her face away from me, shaking her head. That's the cue for me to stop talking about it and brush her hair again. Fortunately, I notice that she soon calms down a bit.