“How can I not worry? First, you tell me I can’t leave here because it’s not safe. Now you’re telling me to pack a bag. I don’t understand. Is it now, all of a sudden, safe?”
“You’ll be with me. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
I shake my head. “This makes no sense.”
“You said you were bored. You said you wanted a change of scenery. Are you really going to complain? Because if you are, I’m perfectly fine staying here.”
Knowing Gideon, if I say one more word, he’ll do just that, just to spite me.
Stop. That’s not true, and you know it.
No matter how many times I try to argue with myself that he’s treating me unfairly, he’s not.
Sure, he’s controlling, but I know deep down he’s coming from a good place.
He promised my brother he’d protect me, and he’s making good on his word. No matter how much I don’t want to admit it, I am safe with him.
I’m one hundred percent safer than I would be out there on my own, and it’s time I stop pretending otherwise.
Knowing there is nothing more to say, I turn to leave.
“Pack for a few days.”
“Could you tell me where we’re going so I know what to pack?” I ask, realizing I have very few outfits to pick from.
“Take what you’d typically wear through the day. Bring one nice dress.”
I take a deep breath. “I don’t have anything like that, Gideon.”
He doesn’t look up from his desk when he says, “You do. I’ve had options stocked in my closet for you. You’ll find something there.”
“What? You…bought me more clothes?”
He looks up at me, stone-faced. “I did, but we don’t have time to discuss that now. You need to go get packed.” He puts his hands together in a prayer motion. “Please.”
I offer a small smile and do as he’s asked, making my way out of his office with a skip in my step.
He bought me more clothes.
Why?
How long does he anticipate me staying here?
It only takes me a few seconds to climb the stairs up to his room, and when I make it to his closet, I see I’m not alone.
“Mr. Gideon asked me to help you.”
“Um, okay. Do you know where I’m going?”
“I don’t. But if you show me what you want to bring, I’ll fold and pack it.”
“You don’t—” I start to say, but I know she does have to do this. It’s her job, after all, and I wouldn’t want to get her in trouble. So I bite my tongue.
After pointing at a few pieces, items that can transition easily from day to night, I find myself waiting alone.
My hands are fidgety as I wait, and I’m not even sure what I’m waiting for.
Where are you taking me, Gideon?