After all, He Isn't Real Right? (A Jeff The Killer Story)

Chapter 6: Fate

Debbie's POV

"Oh, darn!" I said as I accidentally dropped a bunch of paperwork I was holding. Sighing, I bent down to pick it up. Perfect. As if I wasn't late enough already. The office is going to kill me for this.

"Debbie!" I heard someone shout. I turned to see my colleague, Aris, fast-walking towards me. "The main office has been waiting for you since-"

I sighed, "I know, I know. I'm running a little late, but I'll be there. Let me just finish cleaning this up." I kept picking the papers as Aris stood, watching me. I looked up again, "You go ahead. No need to wait for me."

She smiled, "Need a hand?"

I smiled back at her, relieved she asked. "How about two?" She laughed as she bent down to help me. Aris has been my closest colleague since I first got this job. She was the one who volunteered to help me get the hang of this job and who supervised me whenever I was in a prick. But we aren't that close to invite each other to our houses and have tea. It's all business related and I tend to keep it that way.

She handed me the bunch which she collected, "Here you go. All done."

I placed it with the others and tapped the bunch on the ground to get them neat and organized. We stood up and I nodded, "Bless you, Aris."

Her look turned serious, "No time to thank me. You're already late!"

I gasped, "Right! Catch you later!" I bolted towards the main office and waved her goodbye. I stopped at the main entrance. I panted for a few seconds and cleared my throat. Well now I'm a little nervous. I opened the door and as soon as I stepped in, all eyes were on me. I smiled apologetically, "I'm very sorry I'm late. Had a few distractions on my way here." I closed the door and walked over to take my seat. My boss nodded her head. As I adjusted in my seat, I looked up to see that everyone was still staring at me. I smiled confused, "Is...is there a problem?"

"Mrs. Hans, we would like to show you something, if you don't mind?"

I started to feel uneasy, "Sure, go ahead."

She gestured to the screen while everyone sat back and faced it. The news popped up and I recognized a girl's face. She was stuck in the middle of the paparazzi and trying desperately to get out of the crowd. My eyes widened.

Truth? What's my daughter doing over there?

We kept watching as my daughter tried pushing the camera aside and did her best to squeeze her way out into the open. I finally realized that they were after her to get information about the incident with the serial killer. Which means that they might be after me too. Perfect, so now I've to go out in disguise. My boss turned to me, "This is your daughter, am I right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"'How did you go to school after all of this?' 'FUCKED YOU, THAT'S HOW!'"

I covered my mouth lightly as I laughed and looked at my boss. My laugh faded as I saw that she had no hint of humour on her face. Neither did anyone else.

Perfect. I just embarrassed myself.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Well uh...that's...something alright."

"You think this is funny, Mrs. Hans?"

I stuttered, "W-Well I..you know..she just..!" I sighed. "No, ma'am."

Her expression softened, "Mrs. Hans, we all know about what happened with you and your daughter. And we get that it was quite traumatizing. From this footage, we see that your daughter is very stressed. But try to tell her not to ruin her public image. And you should be careful not to ruin yours too since it won't be bad only for you but for the company as well. Do you understand?"