Containment Of Secrets

Chapter 24

(Saige's point of view) 

Four days had passed since the airport situation. I was slowly falling into step with my new routine. Before starting my day, I call my mother and Julie every day to check in.

I had just returned from the farmer's market mid-afternoon, when a knock on the door interrupted me from putting away my bought items, "Coming!" I called out. I hastily make my way over to the door. Upon opening the door, I am greeted by a woman dressed in a black dress with poofy sleeves at her wrists. She wore black heels with a black, wide-brimmed sun hat. She had a black purse slung over her shoulder with a pair of sunglasses to complete the look.

"May I come in?" She asks.

Once inside, she removes her sunglasses. I notice she wore black-laced fingerless gloves on her hands. She appeared to be middle aged from what I could guess. Her smile lines and crow's feet were the biggest giveaway. Her hair was wavy, with dark brown being the color. Her skin was porcelain white, and she had big crystal-blue eyes.

"What can I do for you, mam?" I ask her.

"I came here to do something for you. I heard you were in trouble."

"Who are you?"

"Let me introduce myself, I forget you are not from here. My name is Lasslyn Hayworth. My full title is, Queen Lasslyn Hayworth Decker." She leans her hand out for me to shake. I quickly do before responding back to her.

"What do I owe a queen who has showed up on my doorstep?"

"Nothing. Now, Saige, I was told you had no passport, or money, is that correct?"

"Yes, but how do you know that?"

"Honey, I am the queen, If I want information, I get it."

"I have not told anyone, but my mother and my friend Julie."

"I think you forgot someone."

My mind begins tracing back to past events, "Ryan Crayton?"

"Yes. Mr. Crayton's father is my husband's top aide. Which means Ryan spends lots of time at the palace. He is good friends with my son, Abel."

"I'll be okay. I have money to get by for eleven weeks."

"Eleven Weeks? That's a mighty long time to go, but you are an adult woman. You have to make the decision. If you take up my offer, you will be paid and you will have a roof over your head, that is until you make your way back to the States."

"Thank you, but I am going to have to decline your offer."

"Saige, I don't typically offer my hand, or home out to anyone. I knew I had to when it came to you. Since you were there to offer a helping hand first."

"I don't follow."

"You came to my son's aid at a bad time. I will forever be indebted to you. It amazes me how someone can look past someone's situation to just be genuinely kind. You're a rare kind. I do hope you get blessed with the best in life." She says, taking my hands into hers. She studies me for a minute before letting go of my hands. She turns to leave as I call out after her.

"Wait!"

For a moment, I thought I seen a quick smirk pass across her face before disappearing quickly.

"Yes?"

"Now that I think about it, it might be in my best interest to take you up on such an offer. I was told it might be more than eleven weeks before my new passport arrives. If my money runs out before then, I don't know what I will do for money and a hotel room."