Rachel Riott (Preview)

Chapter 4

Sitting in the back of the car, Rachel watched as the concrete jungle moved around her. The tower she once ruled in for so long disappeared as they entered the sadder side of town. There were no skyscrapers here, no people walking around in business suits. It was the exact opposite of where she ruled the world. However, this was home at the end of the day, and it would always be that as the car pulled into a small cul-de-sac. Then stopped in front of a simple yet generic-looking run-of-the-mill house.

"You have arrived at your destination." The electronic voice of the GPS echoed throughout the vehicle.

The car stopped, and she looked out the window on the other side to admire the house. Two modest vehicles sat in the driveway, the sight putting a smile on her face. Turning to look at her driver, he was already looking back at her. Then he asked the question she figured he was going to ask.

"Will I be picking you up later?" He asked as Rachel subtly laughed to herself.

"No, I don't think that will be necessary, Charles. I think I'll be driving myself for a little while. That being said, go home and be with your family. A sum of money was transferred to your account earlier today for your amazing service, and I hope it's a suitable parting gift." Rachel said. Then, before he could say anything back, she opened the door and climbed out.

Walking around the back of the vehicle, Rachel could only assume that Charles had looked into his bank account based on the words flying out of his mouth in the car. It brought a brighter smile to Rachel's face, knowing she had made his day. Yet she couldn't focus on that as she walked up the concrete steps, and prior to getting to the wooden steps of the porch, she heard Charles for the last time.

"Ms. Riott, I can't accept this; this is way too much money." He tried to argue as she turned around, showing off the bright smile on her face that had been foreign for so long.

"Well, Charles, you can't return it because the company's gone, and I'm not taking it back. So do what you want with it, maybe take your family on a nice trip or something. Permanently." Rachel added, prompting Charles to look back down at his phone. Again, she assumed it still had his bank information on display, then he looked back at her.

"I understand, boss, but again, since this will likely be the last time we see each other, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been a pleasure to work for you." He said.

"Well, thank you, Charles, for being an amazing driver; you deserve the money." She said, returning the compliment, then turned around to continue up the daunting wooden steps in front of her.

Behind Rachel, she heard the town car start up again, and in no time, Charles pulled out of the neighbourhood. At that point, Rachel knew her perfect life was now behind her as she took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. The sound chimed through the building, echoing off the walls as memories of her past flooded back to her.

"C'mon, Rachel, you can do this. You're almost done," She said, trying to psyche herself up.

Then, suddenly, her mother was on the other side of the door. In her hands was a popsicle, or at least it once was. When she saw Rachel, it fell from her hand as she stared at her daughter with her mouth wide open. Rachel didn't know what to say to her and defaulted to keeping it simple.

"Hi, Mom." The words hesitantly left Rachel's mouth as her mother opened the inside door, and without waiting for another second, she swung open the outer screen door and put a hand on her daughter's cheek.

Their eyes locked as her mother scanned hers, and the next thing she knew, her face was moving to the side. Her cheek stung in pain as Rachel saw her mom's hand come into view. She had just hit her, and she couldn't help but feel like she deserved it. Before she could say anything, her mom was already hugging her. Rachel couldn't resist hugging her back. Holding her tightly against her body, Rachel could feel her shaking, and starting to cry.