Zephyr's Promise

25

The suitcase zips close with an annoyed sigh. Truthfully I can't blame it when there's as many clothes packed inside of it as there is. When Atlas bought me clothes for the remainder of this trip I didn't realize it was going to be enough to fit inside a master closet. All of it is entirely too much, and yet my body warms from the action.

Repeatedly Atlas has told me that he will take care of me. Protect me. Provide what I require. Fulfill all of my needs. Thus far he has shown proof in his actions. From gifting me clothes to making sure I am eating. Actions that take away some of the weight pounding on me.

Atlas pays attention to me with keen eyes always. Before I can anticipate my needs he fulfills them. The care he shows me is unsettling at times. Simply for the fact that no one ever has. My whole life I have done what I could to not be a burden. If that meant walking home in the rain so as to not disturb dad at work then so be it. Becoming invisible was what I did in order to survive. With Atlas I can't hide. He sees me fully, he pulls me into the sunlight allowing me to bask in its warmth. When I find myself sinking he pulls me out of my own abyss with the strength of a monsoon. No, he doesn't give me the option to fight but I want to.

Yesterday I finally acquiesced to what my heart has always known. We belong to him. Heart, body, and soul. At first I tried to ignore the connection we shared. When we finally took the next step I delayed the inevitable by telling myself this is just for now. Trying to force myself to believe that I am only a temporary fixture in his life. After having ravished me yesterday my body finally surrendered. He claimed me, and I loved it. Letting go of all of my doubts, insecurities, and questions allowed me to see clearly what I wanted. Which is him.

I pull the final zipper across the smooth suitcase. Atlas doesn't half do anything so I know this suitcase is the best brand, quality, and insanely expensive. Which has me taking my time to pour the level of care that the buyer shows me.

Yawning, I stretch my limbs in an attempt to soothe my growing angst. By nature I am an over-thinker. A perfectionist of sorts. Hopping on a plane with less than six hours notice isn't my style. I like to plan efficiently, but Atlas has explained that this is how it goes.

What does he plan to do when we get there?

I've asked myself the question more than once. It isn't my place to dictate how he decides to handle the situation. Some habits are simply hard to break. Just because we're an item of sorts doesn't mean there aren't boundaries. Clear lines in the sand must not be crossed. All I can do is continue to trust him in the hope that he will deliver on his word.

Two taps pull my attention to the doorway. Ira stands there. Our fight replays in my mind. When I gesture to her to come in she does without hesitation.

"All packed?" Small talk has never been our thing. It's awkward and uncomfortable to discuss a topic so mundane when there's an elephant in the room.

"Atlas and I are together." Abruptly I admit the thing I have been holding close to my chest. "I thought you should know." A soft expression unfolds on her near perfect face.

"Really? Together as in...a couple?"

"Yes." I hesitate with my response. I can hardly picture Atlas referring to me as his girlfriend. Titling me as such seems juvenile. Atlas is nothing of the sort. He is all man, pure muscle, grit, and dominance.

"He makes you happy?" Sitting beside me on the bed she takes my hand into hers. "Not the fleeting kind of happiness. True contentment. The kind you feel deep in your soul."

"Yes." Thickly I swallow. "He speaks to the parts of me that hide away in the dark. Brings light to every crevice of me without hesitation or remorse."

"Then I am happy for you. Both of you." She squeezes my hand.