To the Ends of the Earth

Chapter Three: Who?

**Trigger Warning: This chapter discusses drugging, rape and harassment.

"So, what are you ladies going to do on your first night in New York City?" Our driver asked us with his heavy French accent.

I looked at Athena, who was seated next to me in the backseat of the cab, and snickered.

"Oh, we're just going to have a casual night. Maybe, order some food," Athena replied.

"Good, good, food is always the way to go," he praised. "What are you planning on eating?"

"We don't know yet, but I've been wanting to try that fish and chips restaurant Ramsey opened up. I haven't gotten the chance to check it out," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

"Who? The Englishman?" he questioned, affronted. "No, definitely not. That won't do. The English don't know anything about food. You have to eat at a French restaurant. There is no food like French food."

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh. But, Athena couldn't contain herself and bursted into laughter.

"You're absolutely right," she agreed, as her laughter died down. "How dare we think of eating anything else?"

Our driver nodded and smiled brightly at Athena. "I knew I liked you," he rumbled.

Then, we spent almost an hour listening to him discuss French cuisine and its superiority over any other cuisine. By the time we arrived at my apartment at Central Park West, I had learned all I needed to know about the local French restaurants.

As we exited the elevator and walked to my door, I turned to face Athena. "Could you give me a quick minute? I'll be right back." I left her standing in the hallway as I opened my apartment door. I did a quick sweep of every nook and cranny before I went back to the hallway and let Athena in.

She looked at me with a worried expression. "Is everything alright, Lottie?"

"Yes, of course," I said, smiling reassuringly at her. "Are you still hungry? Should I order some food?"

"Yes, but I'm feeling rebellious," she chuckled. "Let's order fish and chips."

At that, I bursted into fits of laughter. "Sounds good to me. Let me show you the guest room and you can get settled in while I order the food."

I led her to my spare room and made sure she had all the necessities she needed. Then, I walked into the living room, sat on my couch, pulled out my phone, and ordered our dinner.

Forty minutes later, our meal had arrived and I was setting it up. Athena was already dressed in her pajamas and seated at the table.

"Would you like anything to drink, Athena?" I asked. "I have beer and wine."

She looked up at me, surprised. "Wait, hold up a minute. Do you have alcohol?"

I cleared my throat and shuffled my feet, nervously. "Uhh, yeah. But, I only have wine and beer. Would you like some?"

"I'm still trying to process the fact that you have alcohol in your home. I thought you didn't drink."

"I only drink when I'm at home," I mumbled, rubbing my neck.

"Riiight," she replied, prolonging the word and narrowing her eyes at me. "I'll love some beer. It'll go perfectly with the battered fish."

I nodded and grabbed two bottles of beer from the refrigerator. Then, we silently ate our dinner but —after a few bites— I'd lost my appetite.

Athena finished her meal and looked up at me. "Lottie, I'm getting restless with anticipation. What did you want to talk about? Is it something to do with Vivi?" she asked, concerned .