Elizabeth

6: Wasn't There

A beautiful woman comes into the dining room. She holds Elijah's arm. She's wearing a floral dress. Her hair is in a messy bun. "Good morning!" She says. She goes over to kiss Romeo's cheek. He huffs, but she does it anyway. "Good morning," she says to Casso and kisses his cheek. "And good morning!" She says to me. She comes over to hug me. I hug her. Why does this feel so comforting? Why do I feel so safe in her arms?

Mr. Jenks brings breakfast for all of us. I don't sit at the very end anymore. My spot's been moved to the side...closer to everyone. "Wow, Jenks. This looks absolutely amazing," she says. "Thank you." This woman is so beautiful and has such a motherly heart. "Now, Elizabeth, are you ready to go out today?"

"Estoy un poco nerviosa," I say.

"That's ok. I can't imagine how you feel, but I'd love to take you somewhere today if you're up for it," she replies in Spanish. It's then that I realize that she's the root of why her family knows Spanish. She's Latina. "Now, eat up. I'm excited! It's like having my own daughter!"

"Lina," Elijah laughs. "It's a little early for your banter." She scowls at him and hits his shoulder.

I finish the rest of my food.

I'm already dressed, so when I'm ready, Alina stands up and kisses her husband goodbye. "Let's go," she says and guides me to the door.

Romeo grabs my arm before I can leave.

Don't flinch.

"What?" I ask very shyly.

"The men who hurt you have been dealt with. They won't hurt you or another woman again." I look at him with such gratitude.

"Thank you, Romeo," I say. He lowers his hand from my arm.

"You've got your phone?" I nod. "Elizabeth, verbal answers," he warns.

"Yes...yes," I whisper.

"Then use it."

"Ok."

"Stop it, will you? Come. Let's go, Elizabeth."

Romeo

When they leave, I look at Dad and sigh. "You've fallen hard, son."

"No, I haven't."

"Ok," he chuckles. "Don't be oblivious to it and don't take it out on her."

Elizabeth

When we arrive in town, she takes me to the mall. It's overwhelming. I've never been anywhere but my room.

There are three bodyguards who are disguised. They walk with us as we go to different stores.

She buys me so many different things. She doesn't talk. She doesn't even ask me questions. Instead, she stays near me. If I want to talk, she listens.

"I never had a mom," I finally say. She grabs my hand and kisses it.

"Well, Eliza, this is what mothers do. Spoil their children," she chuckles. She swipes her card. She doesn't even blink. I didn't ask for these things, but she bought these things for me. "Now, let's treat yourself," she says. She leads me into Victoria's Secret.