Chase Me

4

6 months later
Krystal

After working 6 days a week non-stop for the last six months, I was in desperate need of a vacation. Every time I filled out a request I was denied because they were "understaffed". I was surprised when Judy told me I got approved for an entire month of paid vacation, I was only expecting two weeks but hey I'm not complaining.

Even though I got approved for vacation, I didn't have any plans. My life was that boring. It would just be four uninterrupted weeks of me in bed sleeping. Well, that's what I thought until I made the mistake of telling Imani. She basically forced me to come with her and Mark to Albania since he had an event there and she didn't want to be alone.

So here I was on a private jet, on my way to a foreign country, with my best friend and her man.

_______

The white leather seats under my skin felt soft, smooth, almost as if there was a layer of wax on top. They were accented with gold beams on both sides. The interior of the jet had polished mahogany wood and it contrasted well with the white seats. I released a deep breath not noticing that I was holding it in. This was real. I was really sitting in a private jet going to another country. I was excited, nervous, anxious about what it would be like there. I almost wanted to say no because I didn't want to be left alone. Imani told me over and over again that I definitely won't be but she has to be there for Mark too, he won't be busy 24/7.

I looked over at Imani and Mark sitting together, they looked happy. She was leaned into him, head on his shoulder while he had his hands caressing her thigh. I couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. I was happy for her, extremely; she had a rough start to life and this was her happy ending but I wanted that too. To have a man so into you and falling for you more and more each day. I can only hope I'll have that one day too. With that thought, I drifted into slumber.

12 hours later

We finally arrived in Tirana. That was the longest flight I've ever been on and I already dreaded the trip back home. If I was this miserable being on an 13 hour flight on a private jet, just imagine if I was flying commercial.

The cabin crew opened the door and outside there was a black Range Rover parked waiting for us. As we left the jet I felt a cool breeze on my skin. I cursed at myself internally for not wearing a sweater or at least checking the weather before we left Seattle. We strode towards the car and a tall blonde hair man emerged wearing all black. Security? He greeted us in Albanian and opened the door for us to get in. Mark sat in the front with him while Imani and I sat in the back. Her smile was ear to ear, she was happy to be here, me on the other hand, felt so out of place. I believe she noticed as she nudged my arm.

"Are you okay?" she asked whispering.

"Yea, just tired" I answered with a faint smile. It seemed to work as she didn't investigate more. I wasn't lying, I was tired even though I slept through most of the flight. I just wanted to get into a bed and lay down and enjoy my vacation the way how I originally planned it. I stared out the window taking in the scenery. It was dark out but I could see just enough to know that this was a beautiful city.

I didn't know exactly where we were going, Imani just told me that it would be at one of Mark's friend place and we would spend most of the time there. I had no idea who this friend was but I admired them for accommodating us, especially me on such short notice.

20 mins into the ride we pulled off the main road and onto a dirt road surrounded by trees. My heart started to race, oh my God, I'm going to die today. I came to Albania to be killed. I started to say a prayer in my head but was interrupted when we stopped at large steel black gates.

There were a lot of armed men in black standing guard. The driver rolled down his window and spoke with one of the men and the gates opened. Hmm, okay, odd.... it felt like we were entering a dictator's residence, why so many armed men?

We drove up onto a paved driveway and stopped in front of a fountain. I was speechless, this house, no this mansion was breathtaking. I would kill to be able to live in a place like this. Whoever this friend was must have a lot going for them, to have a house like this and have this many people guarding it. Two men appeared out of nowhere and greeted us in Albanian. Do they know that we speak English? I was the only one who seemed phased by all of this. Mark seemed to blend right in and Imani was still smiling ear to ear hitched to him. I wanted to leave right away. Why did I let her convince me to come with her?

One of the men approached me and I managed to crack a smile. He stood still seeming shocked when he saw my face and stared at me for a couple of seconds as his smile got larger. He did look familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it and the dim lights didn't help.

"I'll show you where you'll be staying. It will be right down the hall here" The man spoke. So they do speak English! Thank God. He sounded familiar but I still couldn't figure it out. I nodded and he grabbed my suitcase and bags.

I followed him silently as he led the way to the room. He stopped in front, opened the door with a key and then handed it to me.

I thanked him as he left. I found it weird that his smile never left his face. Maybe Albainans are just very friendly?

I turned on the light switch by the door and I was blown away once again. This room was breathtaking. I was astonished by the large bay windows that faced a lake. There were a pair of french doors enclosed by a juliet balcony. I walked over, opening them and watched as the waves crashed into the rocks. I took a deep breath in and smiled. This wouldn't be so bad after all. I then walked over to the large King-sized bed and ran my fingers over the velvet sheets. They were so soft and smelt like lavender. I wanted to jump in right away but I needed to take a shower and slip into something more comfortable.

_________

I laid in bed unable to sleep. I twisted and turned but could never find a comfortable position even though this was the most comfortable bed I've ever laid on. It was as if I was laying on clouds. My stomach grumbled and I laughed to myself. That's why I can't sleep, I'm hungry. When was the last time I ate? I think it was on my way here, when I was on the jet. That was OVER 12 HOURS AGO. How was I going to get something to eat? Should I wake Imani and ask her to get me food? She probably doesn't know how to either and I don't want her bothering Mark. This is a house so there must be a kitchen somewhere. And if Mark's friend lives here too there must be food somewhere, right?

I jumped out of bed and threw on my fuzzy sandals. I should probably find a robe to cover up but it's 2:15 am and I don't hear any movement so I should be fine. I was in a short black silk nightie. It was a bit suggestive but I was covered so I wasn't too worried.

I left the room and pulled the door behind me, making sure not to close it all the way. One, I didn't want anyone to hear it close and secondly it is a huge house, if it's open it will be easier to find it on my way back. I tip-toed downstairs and walked around in the dark still praying that no one magically pops up. After what feels like walking a mile, I finally found a kitchen.

The lights were on but dimmed over the island and stove. Whoever was here last must have forgotten to turn them off because it was the only area that had lights on. It seemed to be in a completely different section of the house. I wondered how I would find my way back. I decided to find something to eat and then worry about that after. I walked over to the refrigerator and opened the door. Fully stocked! But everything was fresh produce. Shit. If I wanted to eat I would have to cook and that wasn't going to happen.

I saw a jug of orange juice and pulled it out placing it on the kitchen island. Now just to find something to pour it into. I searched all the cabinets that were in reach but they were all empty. What's the point of having all this space if its not being used? There were some more cabinets closer to the ceiling but I couldn't reach them. I sighed in defeat until I felt warmth behind me. I jumped and turned around shocked.

"E Bukur" the voice trailed huskily. "I believe you were looking for this" he continued holding a glass in his hand.