Why Don't You STAY

A MOMENT OF CONNECTION

CATHERINE:

Two weeks had passed since Dad, Ace, and I returned from our incredible adventure in Singapore. I was back to my university routine, trying to make up for lost time with my friends, especially Olivia. She was still upset with me for not telling her about my trip, and I couldn't blame her. I had missed her terribly, and I knew she felt the same way.

Life had been a rollercoaster lately, with projects and tests piling up, and studying taking over my every waking moment. But despite all the chaos, I was determined to keep my head above water.

Unfortunately, all the promises Dad made on our trip seemed to have been left behind in Singapore. He was back to his old ways, coming home drunk every second night, and I was left to deal with the aftermath. I was trying my best to cover up the bruises with makeup, but it was getting harder and harder.

Today was Friday, and I didn't have any classes, so I decided to stay home. It was probably for the best, considering what had happened the night before. Dad had come home drunk, and we'd gotten into another fight. He'd ended up using a whip on me, leaving me with a few painful cuts on my lower back.

As usual, he'd apologized profusely the next morning, but his apologies were starting to ring hollow. He'd promised to change, to be a better father, but it seemed like those promises were nothing more than empty words.

Before he left for a week-long business trip, he'd asked Ace to keep an eye on me, to make sure I was safe. He'd even given Ace permission to take me out, to get me out of the house, as long as I was careful.

As I sat in my room, nursing my wounds, I received a text from Olivia. She was going shopping with her mom and asked if I wanted to join them. At first, I was hesitant. I hadn't seen Olivia's mom since the mall incident, and I wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

But after some thought, I decided to take the plunge. I texted Ace, letting him know that I was going out with Olivia and her mom, and he agreed to come along, just in case.

As I got ready to leave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. It was going to be a fun day out with my friend, and I was determined to put my worries behind me, at least for a little while.

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I slipped on my favorite Hermes sandals and grabbed my bag, feeling a surge of excitement for the day ahead. I had decided on a simple yet stylish outfit - a short dress adorned with delicate flowers, perfect for a casual day out at the mall.

Just as I was finishing up, my phone buzzed with a text from Olivia. "Hey, girl! I'm leaving for the mall now!" she exclaimed. I smiled, feeling a rush of anticipation. "See you soon!" I replied, already heading downstairs.

Ace was waiting for me in the foyer, his eyes fixed on his phone as he scrolled through what looked like a never-ending stream of messages. "Ready, Ace?" I asked, trying to stifle a giggle at his absorbed expression.

He looked up, flashing me a quick smile. "Yessiree, ma'am! Let's roll!" He stood up, pocketing his phone, and gestured gallantly towards the door. "Okie dokie, let's go on then, ma'am!"

I chuckled at his silly antics, feeling a warmth in my heart for my loyal and lovable bodyguard. We walked out to the car, where our driver was waiting to whisk us away to the mall.

As we drove, Ace and I chatted about everything and nothing, our conversation flowing easily. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the mall entrance.

I hopped out of the car, feeling a thrill of excitement as I took in the bustling atmosphere of the mall. I quickly texted Olivia to let her know I had arrived. "Hey, I'm here!" I typed, adding a string of excited emojis.