Destined For You

Chapter 12

Jennifer

Shortly after I signed the discharge paperwork I was able to leave the hospital. A strange familiar feeling settled deep in my chest like I was going home for the first time. Despite all the events that occurred the past few days I felt eerily calm and relaxed. I could feel the eyes of Agent Derek on me from across the SUV. Ever since we left the hospital he has been extra courteous, probably just a professional hazard of the job.

I tried to commit every tree, every traffic light, and every road bump to memory. This would probably be the last time I would ever see my home again. I watched with sad relief as the desert terrain flew past my window as we neared the airstrip. I rolled my window down wanting to smell and feel the hot desert air for as long as I could. I could smell the oncoming monsoon storm brewing in the air and I felt a small pang of sadness in my chest. Monsoon season was my favorite time of year. Scenes of dark brooding skies, thunderous and torrential rains with threatening, chaotic lightning flooded my memory. However, every time I felt myself mourn the life I was losing a deeper part of my subconscious was bouncing with excitement at the prospect of our new life.

"Are you ready?" Agent Derek asked politely, probably in a rush to get back to his home. I nodded my head with an apologetic look on my face. I didn't want to keep him any longer, he has done enough for me. I opened my car door and planted my feet firmly on the ground and they began to move toward the small jet like they had a mind of their own.

The flight back to Washington was only a few hours and it seemed to fly by, my thoughts keeping me plenty entertained the whole flight. I fantasized about my new life while at the same time reminiscing about the happy memories I did have in my old life. Worry soon set in as I began to overthink the logistics of my new life, and the worst-case scenarios of every possibility. 

My thoughts were interrupted by the pilot announcing we will be landing in 20 minutes, blinding me with confusion. Landing where? All I see are trees.

"I probably should have explained earlier" Derek explained with a stoic expression on his face, making my feet run cold.

"You will be living in a witness protection compound. It's where others, like you, go when it's too dangerous for them to be in with the general public" Derek explained unable to meet my gaze and I could tell there was more he was keeping from me.

"Okay. Can you tell me what to expect so I am prepared?" I asked trying to match his professionalism. Clearly, I underestimated the seriousness of my situation and I should be thankful these agents have gone out of their way to protect me. I am not going to burden them with my complaints, they are already overworked as it is.

Derek cleared his throat, clearly a little surprised. "Yes, sorry" he replied unsure of how to begin. "You will have a room in one of our community houses. Families are able to have a house to themselves but because you are a single female it will be safer for you in one of the community houses" he explained in a tone I could not quite place.

" I don't need a house all to myself" I replied thankful enough for the room I was given. Some other family probably needs a house more than I do. Admittedly I was a little relieved at being in close proximity to others, I was not ready to be completely alone yet. Again, another look of surprise crossed Derek's face and I made a motion for him to continue.

"I and a few other agents live permanently on the compound to help facilitate life there. Everyone there works and goes about life as normally as possible and many there are very happy" Derek stated cautiously obviously trying to convince me that living there will be good. I was happy Derek and the other agents would be on the compound. I tried to convince myself that it was because I felt safe with FBI agents near me, but I knew it was because one particular person was going to be close by.

I was relieved to feel the wheels land on the airstrip and I felt like I was finally grounded for the first time. Maybe this was all going to work out for the best. I looked out the window and was awestruck by the endless view of the forest in front of me. The clouds hung low in the sky and to most that would feel dreary but to me, it felt like home. Living in Arizona where the sun shines nearly all year long, it was refreshing to be in a cooler climate.

The door swung open and I could feel the cool fresh air fill the cabin. I quickly got up, no longer wanting to be inside this airplane. As the air filled my lungs and my body it felt like I was able to breathe for the first time and any longing I felt for my previous home vanished. This was home. I couldn't help the big smile that crossed my face as I twirled around looking at the forest all around me.

"Do you like it?" Derek asked matching my smile. My breath hitched in my chest and I was stunned by his amazing smile. Did he know the effect he had on me? We both stood staring at one another for what felt like an eternity. Sadly, my eternity ended much too soon with the sound of someone clearing their throat behind me. My blood instantly ran to my cheeks in embarrassment and I followed Derek and Marcus's lead to the compound.

My legs were grateful for the short walk and within a few minutes, I could hear the buzzing of the community in front of me and the buildings peaking between the trees. I could not suppress the gasp that escaped my lips as the buildings came to view. Each one was even more lavish than the last. Flowers of every kind lined all sides of the sheetrock walkways adding to the beauty. Lights hung sporadically in the trees and small spotlights lit the walkway with ample light.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Marcus said almost a little smug.

"Absolutely," I said in amazement. We continued our walk through the beautiful compound. However, the more people we passed the more on display I felt. The residents tried not to be obvious but I still saw the slide glances and stares they threw my way when I was not looking. Uneasiness bubbled in my stomach and uncontrollably I looked to Derek for reassurance. However, this only furthered my unease. No longer was he the polite and caring Agent. He was in full business mode, totally void of emotion. I shook my head at how foolish I was acting earlier. Of course, he was nice. He had to be, it wasn't for any other reason than it being his job. The beauty of the buildings could not dull the small ache in my heart but really what was I expecting? You need some sleep. Once I sleep I will be back to normal

Soon we were in front of the building I presumed was going to be the one I was to stay in. It was secluded from all the rest and the most lavish building on the compound. It was at least four stories tall and each room seemed to have its own balconies, each donned with french doors leading to the refuge inside. The sheetrock walkway turned into marble as we neared the front door and right out front of the building was a giant fountain splitting the walkway in two. We stayed toward the right of the path as the left path lead toward the back of the building.

I truly didn't know what to expect when we walked inside but I was even more awestruck with the inside of the building than the outside. Everything was polished, not a speck of dirt inside. It looked like it was straight out of a designer magazine.

"I will show you to your room," Derek said completely emotionless with no trace of the warmth he had before entering the compound.

I followed him, almost a little reluctantly. This would probably be the last time I saw him for a while. Maybe that's a good thing, I need to regain my senses. We walked up the stairs to the fourth floor, where my room must be.

"This is your room," he said matter of factly. "All your stuff should be in there. I'll be around if you need anything" he mumbled and walked away without another glance.

I slowly turned the knob to my room and was met with missy snoring on my bed. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and closed the door behind me. Not only was I happy to have Missy here with me but I was amazed at the beauty of this room. The ceilings were extremely tall and there was a huge king-sized bed in the middle. The comforter was a beautiful champagne color with maroon pillows and was surrounded by sheer white curtains. Across from the bed was a huge window with a large cushion on the windowsill next to a large bookshelf. This room seemed to have everything I ever dreamed of but why cant I shake the longing feeling I feel in my heart?