by T L Gray
I heard my phone buzz and reached out to grab it. Avery had sent me a text with the bible verse for the day. I smiled as I thought of her. Our friendship had grown exponentially the last few days. I didn’t tell her much about my situation, because I felt the less she knew the better, but we talked a lot about the bible. We were both reading so much and didn’t always understand what it meant. Luckily, Parker was usually around to explain it to her, so she would pass it on to me.
She tried once to ask me about Grant, but I skirted the topic by just admitting I cared about him, but the timing was wrong. As always, she respected my privacy and didn’t push for more information.
I stretched out in the soft, luxurious sheets, wondering what I was going to do today. I had convinced my father to withdraw me from Western, making him realize that my new profession was to be the stunning wife of billionaire businessman, Robbie Marsh, and nothing else. Going back to Western and seeing everyone free to live their life would just be a reminder of how much I had lost. As it was, I found myself falling into despair pretty regularly. I attempted to read the bible and pray when it happened, but sometimes still allowed myself to drink until I felt numb again. Old habits are hard to break, and I was realizing how much I had relied on alcohol to bury my problems.
The sun was now penetrating even my dark curtains, and I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. I silently prayed for an escape, just as I had every day since I prayed on the phone with Avery. As always, the answer was silence and I just sighed. This faith thing was way harder than it sounded.
I walked to my balcony and glanced out over the lake. It was perfectly serene, not even a ripple in the water. I noticed movement in the sand and watched as Junior sat building a sandcastle while Rosa lounged next to him.
I ran to my closet and threw on some airy capris and striped long sleeve shirt before heading out to the beach. I approached Junior and saw Rosa sit up with a concerned look on her face. I gestured that it was ok and sat down next to Junior on the sand and started helping him build the sand castle. He turned his little eyes to me skeptically and pushed up his round eyeglasses before handing me my own bucket to use.
When we had completed the grandest sandcastle of all time, we both just sat back and admired our work. Junior had directed me how and where to put all the sand, and I was impressed at the eye for detail that little kid had.
“I think you might be an architect in the making,” I said affectionately, rubbing his brown hair a little. It dawned on me that those were the first words I had ever actually spoken to him.
He just shook his head. “Nope. Daddy says I’ll run his company one day. I want to be just like him,” he answered, looking as resolved as a six year old could.
“Well, that sounds like a good plan. Just remember you can change your mind one day if you want to.”
Junior nodded and then turned to examine me again. “Where did Grant go?”
I felt my heart constrict for just a moment before I answered him. “Grant decided he wanted to do something on his own. He has this great software idea he needed to pursue. Don’t worry, he is going to be just fine.”
“I miss him,” Junior said sadly. “He would play Frisbee with me on days like this.”
I stood up and brushed off my pants. “Well, I’m not much of a substitute, but I’ll play if you’d like.”
Junior hurriedly got to his feet and ran to get the Frisbee. When he got back, he took my hand in his and smiled up at me. I smiled back and felt the tears fill my eyes. I was powerless against them.
“Issy?” he asked, surprising me by using a name I hadn’t heard in days. “You wont be sad forever. Rosa taught me to pray…and I’ve been praying for you and Grant every day.”
The tears were running down my cheeks now as I squeezed his little hand. “Thanks Junior. I hope you’re right.”
We played Frisbee together until Anna stood on the pier and called for Junior to come in the house. He ran up to me and gave me a big hug before running through the back door. I walked towards the house myself, but stopped when Anna stood in front of me. There were tears in her eyes and she just reached out and embraced me whispering, “I’m sorry,” before running off to the house. I didn’t know which one she was apologizing for…what she did to my mother or for what my father had become. It didn’t matter. It was done. You can’t change the past…no matter how hard you try to.
I glanced back one more time at the sandcastle that Junior and I made, and smiled. Grant would be proud of me. I nodded in satisfaction and turned to go into the house. Just when I was about to put my foot on the stairs, I heard the doorbell ring. Normally Rosa would get it, but I was right there, so I turned and opened the door. It was a postal worker complete with a hat and funny looking shorts, and he was holding a thin package.
“I have a certified letter for Mr. Andrew Summers,” he stated, but not before getting that look in his eyes that most men do when they see me.
My stomach flipped as I knew exactly what was in that package. “I can sign for him,” I offered in my most charming voice all while moving my body to display the best angles. “I’m his daughter.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I can only allow Mr. Summers to sign,” he apologized while never taking his eyes off my chest. I smiled internally thinking this was going to be easy. But before I could even begin to move towards him and work my magic, Rosa came storming out of the door.
“You late! Mr. Summers expect letter here two hours ago.” She then grabbed the letter out of his hand and scribbled on his notepad. “Shame on you. She just a girl!”
The man jumped back, horrified. He apologized profusely, never once mentioning the letter Rosa took from his hand. Rosa pushed me in the house and then slammed the door. I starred at her in disbelief as she handed me the envelope.
“You have two hours,” she whispered.
“My father will fire you when he finds out, Rosa. I can’t let you do this.” As much as I wanted that letter, there was no way I was letting Rosa take the fall for me. She was the only real stable person Junior and I had left in this house.
She made a ticking sound and waved her hand. “God in control. What can man do to me?” She walked off with a smile, and I watched her in amazement. I guess that’s the faith everyone has been talking about.
For the first time in days, hope started to infiltrate my heart again. I ran up the stairs as fast as I could and then sat in my closet with the light on. The envelope was sealed at the top, so I used a razor blade to cut a straight line at the bottom seam to open it. Minutes later, I was able to slide out the notarized letter exonerating Grant. My heart was pounding as I tried to figure out an escape route that would work. Robbie’s driver stayed perched in front of my house 24-7, so there would be no leaving by car. I’d have to go on foot and would never make it out in broad daylight. Just as I started to feel the hope slip away, I noticed another small paper sticking out of the envelope. It was a handwritten note to my father on a yellow legal pad.
Mr. Summers,
As requested, the attached letter has been notarized according to your specifications. I have checked with our legal team and this letter would in no way be admissible in court if Mr. Forrester was to go to trial on charges of theft and embezzlement.
John
My anger burned red hot inside of me. He was going to give me a fake just in case I figured a way to run. With the anger came clarity and soon I had a plan that I knew would be my only chance for escape.
I ran down to Grant’s office and made a quick copy of the letter and note before heading back to my closet with super glue. I slid the original letter back in to the envelop and sealed back the bottom. After inspection, it looked untouched. I hid the copy of the letter and both copies of the forgery proof in my lingerie drawer, knowing my dad would never go in there. Minutes later, the envelop was sitting on my father’s desk as if it had been there the whole time.
I looked down at my watch and realized I still had an hour before
my dad came home. I busied myself with the other arrangements, moving with such confidence and speed that for a moment, I felt like my old self. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I passed, and even saw a little spark in my sad eyes.
The front door slammed, making me jump, and cold shivers rippled down my spine as I quickly hid any evidence of what I was planning. My father was home earlier than expected. I cracked open the door and tiptoed to the stairwell. There was a place Junior would hide where no one could see him, but at the same time gave full access to see the foyer and more importantly, the entrance to my father’s office. I crouched there now, my heart racing in fear and anticipation. If my father realized the letter had been tampered with, my last chance to escape would slip between my fingers.
“Rosa!” I heard my father call out in fury. I couldn’t see his face, just the opening of his office as Rosa quickly approached it. I felt afraid for her, knowing the risk she took helping me.
“Where do you get off signing for my mail?” he continued once she stood in the doorway. His voice hadn’t softened any.
“You no want the letter?” She asked innocently.
I heard my father let out a sigh. Rosa could make anyone go soft. “That’s not the point, Rosa. The letter was certified.”
“Yes sir, but Grant gone now, and no one here to sign for letter. Next time, I let him leave, ok?” Rosa’s voice was remarkable. She actually made my father sound ridiculous.
I heard him sigh again and then he must have waved her off, because she turned around to leave. I watched as she sent a quick wink up to me and then scurried off to the kitchen. I covered my mouth so I wouldn’t giggle and tiptoed back to my room.
Minutes later there was a knock at my door. I had expected him, but still felt my hands start to shake. I said another little prayer and stood, making sure my mask was firmly in place. “Come in.”
My father strode in taking large steps and seemed more confident and self assured than ever. It was the march of a victor, and as I watched him, I had to bite the inside of my lip just so I wouldn’t say anything to give away the information I held.
“I have your last three letters,” he announced, offering them to me.
I glared at him and took them out of his hand with a nod. I had hoped that would be it, and he would stroll right back out of my room. Instead, he lowered himself into one of my chairs and smiled. “So, tomorrow is the big day.”
I turned to stare at him, my lip practically bleeding from biting it so hard. “Why are you still here?” I asked through my teeth.
“Come. Sit. This may be the last time we get to talk for a while,” my father said patting the open chair next to him.
“No thank you,” I answered, walking over to put the new letters with the other ones on my desk.
“Kaitlyn, Sit.”
I closed my eyes and got my beating heartbeat under control before walking over to him and dropping in the chair next to him like a spoiled child. “Is this where you threaten me again, Daddy, because I’m not sure how many more people you have on your list that I actually care about.”
My father leaned up in his chair and placed his large hand on my knee before meeting my eyes. His blue eyes looked hard, but sincere, and mine slanted in response, knowing I had no trust left in this man.
“I know you hate me right now, but I also know this is what is best for you. For all of us. My methods may be unconventional, but deep down you know I’m doing this because I love you. I want the best life possible for you.”
I shook my head and met his eyes again. “No Daddy, you did what’s best for you, and you used me to get it. And I want you to remember something as you enjoy your billion-dollar prize. Every time Robbie touches me, I will hate you, and every time he kisses me, I will pray that one day you will feel as dead as you have forced me to become.”
My father’s armor cracked for just a second. If I hadn’t been staring so intently into his eyes, I would have missed it.
He leaned back in the chair and then pulled out another piece of paper that had been tucked in his pocket. “I noticed you and Avery have been doing a lot of talking these last few days.”
I couldn’t read him and had no idea what he was about to do. “So what? We’re friends.”
“Grant’s been staying at Jake’s. Are you aware of that?”
“I knew he went there, but I didn’t know he stayed. I lied to Jake if that’s what you are asking.” My mask was getting harder and harder to secure as I felt an unspoken threat with each one of my father’s words.
“Seems odd, is all, that Grant is at Winsor, and suddenly you and Avery are chummy again. If you are using her to funnel information back to Grant, let me assure you, it’s a stupid move.”
My mouth flew open as a gaped at my father. “I would never put Avery in the middle of this. She has no idea what is going on.”
My father watched me closely, trying to determine if I was lying or not. Finally he sat back a little, but still stared intently at me. “Kaitlyn, I want you to realize something. If you run, I will find you. I have unlimited resources and technology.”
I felt my armor start to crumble as I said the words, God is in control over and over in my head. “I haven’t had any contact with Grant since you dragged him out of here,” I assured him, trying to appear unaffected by his comment.
“Good,” he said patting his legs with is hands. He stood abruptly and strode back to the door, his demeanor as confident as it was when he walked in. “Avery’s on an alumni scholarship, isn’t she? Huh. Nice to know my money is going to a good cause. Anyway, dinner is at seven sharp. Your fiancé will be joining us, so you might want to dress a little nicer than that.” Then the door shut, and I fell to my knees in tears. If God really was more powerful than my father, I needed His help desperately.
6:45 came quicker than I wanted it to, but I descended the stairs anyway, trying to keep my hands from shaking and my eyes as empty as they had been since the day I watched Grant getting dragged out of my room. Robbie had been the picture of control since our engagement and watched me mercilessly. Part of me wished for the return of the love struck guy he had been before. This version of him was chilling.
Robbie was already in the living room with my father when I approached. I had changed as my father requested into a casual gray and black baby doll dress that came just to my knees. Robbie’s eyes lit up when he saw me and kissed me hello before whispering that I looked beautiful. It was the same greeting I had received every night this week. The only difference was this time he lingered a little longer, staring into my eyes until I finally turned away.
The dinner went just as all the others had. My father and Robbie talked business while Anna and I silently listened. Every once and a while, I would wink over at Junior, making him snicker silently as he ate. It made me smile, another thing that didn’t go unnoticed by Robbie.
Dinner ended, and Robbie put his hand on my leg, indicating he wanted me to stay seated as my father and Anna excused themselves, Junior following in tow.
I watched as they left the room and felt butterflies fill my stomach again. The continuous fear I had around Robbie just felt magnified tonight knowing I was so close to escaping.
“Let’s take a walk,” he offered as he stood.
I nodded and put my napkin on my plate, trying to keep my eyes away from his as I scrambled to get my mask firmly back in place. He led me out the back door and down the porch to the pier. I stopped walking, not wanting to go any further. The sand and pier were mine…and Grant’s. I didn’t want Robbie anywhere near it.
“Can we just sit out here?” I asked, noting the seating area around us.
Robbie positioned himself to where he stood right in front of me, his body so close, I could feel his warm breath on my skin. He leaned in and ran his lips gently over my cheeks and then onto my neck. I felt his hand as it moved up my arm and settled on my neck as well. He wrapped it around me, his fingers caressing the bones in the back of my n
eck as he ran his thumb over my throat. I felt his lips move across my face again as he made his way to the opposite side of my neck and then to my ear.
“That spark in your eyes, Isadora, is irresistible. If I thought for one moment it was for me, I’d be putty in your hands.” He quit talking just for a second so he could kiss down the side of my neck, his hand never leaving its threatening position around my neck. “But since neither one of us are stupid, maybe you’d like to tell me what’s going on.” Robbie pulled his head back, his eyes dangerously dark as his hand tightened around my neck.
Fear surged through me as I met his demanding stare. “I spent the day with my brother. It was the first time we’ve ever really spoken, and I guess I enjoyed it,” I answered, hoping the partial truth would appease him.
His eyes searched mine. “And what drove this sudden shift in relationship?”
“I’m moving to your estate tomorrow, Robbie. I guess in my own way, I was saying goodbye.”
Robbie’s eyes brightened with the mention of tomorrow, and I noticed how his grip loosened, but I could still feel my body shaking. He slid his hand from my throat and took off his jacket to wrap it around me before pulling me close to him. It was the closest our bodies had been since the day he proposed.
“One day, Isadora, those eyes will light up for me. In time, you will learn to love me,” he whispered, his voice showing its first hint of vulnerability.
I allowed my arms to respond, but just enough to rest them at his sides. Any more would be a warning sign to him. “I hope so,” I replied, letting tears fill my eyes for affect.