Raise Your Heart

Chapter 15

"And then he said he hasn't slept with anyone since he's met me and that he loves me, and what don't I get about that. Do you think he's telling the truth, that he really hasn't slept with anyone since he's met me?"

"Mydonknow," Petra shrugged. "Maybe?"

"Why am I FaceTiming you? This sucks."

Petra pulled the gum out of her mouth and wrapped it around her finger earning a curled lip. "Trin, if you're so bent on being an independent woman and all that jazz, just come home. It really is that simple. He might have you duped into thinking you're some prisoner, but you really aren't. The phone in your hand is proof enough, but I'll double prove it."

"Yeah right," Trinity snorted a laugh.

"Stand up."

"Fine. I'll show you just how wrong you are," Trinity tossed back and stood.

"Okay. Now, walk to the door and turn the knob."

Trinity did as told and peeked her head out of the bedroom door.

"I didn't tell you to check out the hallway, but it's cool. See anyone?"

"No."

"Mhm. He's probs eating breakfast which is something you should be doing too."

"He didn't invite me to eat breakfast with him."

"Whatever. Okay, now leave. Just turn left and keep going until you reach the stairs. You should know this route by now, my little slut."

Trinity's eyes bugged, darting around. "Shh! What if someone hears you?"

"And? Who cares. Keep going, girl. You're half way there!" Petra sang.

"Oh my lord, I'm going to hang up. You're too loud, Pet. I'm serious."

"Oh, he won't hear you. He's deaf."

"Umm, no he's not."

"Sure he is. He's always in his own head. Trust me. I know him very well. Show me where you're at."

Trinity stopped and scanned the phone around so Petra could see she was standing on a wide landing.

"Perfect. The front door's at the bottom of the stairs. Use it. Home free."

"Huh. This was pretty easy." Trinity's heart started to gallop in excitement. This was so daring what she was doing. Never had she the courage to break free from anything on her own. Petra was right. All she had to do this whole time was simply leave. Ha! This was the first time, in a long while, she was okay with being wrong.

Turning the knob, fresh air covered her like a warm blanket. It wasn't California, but warm enough to remind her of home. All she had to do was call for a ride to the airport. This entire thing was so silly.

"Where are you going?" Dante asked folding his newspaper and picking up his briefcase from a hall tree near the door.

Trinity's eyes grew in an I told you so at Petra who was still on the line.

"Hi Ren Ren!" Petra yelled.

Dante ignored his cousin. Trinity swallowed hard and turned to face him fully. He was wearing a gray pinstriped suit that looked too good on him. It wasn't fair. She probably looked a mess.

"H-home."

"Last time I checked, you are home. I suggest you head back to your room or to the kitchen to get some breakfast."

"She's not doin' it, Daaante. She's coming back to me. You can't even stop her anyway. It's a free country," Petra yelled out.

Dante took the phone out of Trinity's hand and held it up. "You need to start minding your own business, Petra."