Ascension

Chapter Twenty

A week had passed since I saw Lucia last. I think this had to do with me avoiding her, and her avoiding me. Just to keep the peace, I didn't mind this. Walking on eggshells for a while was the least of my problems. My problem was that my body was completely shot. Gavin's training had taken me to a whole different level. Today was a rest day, knowing my body wasn't going to heal if I just went at it all day and every day.

I was helping Angela clean up the kitchen after breakfast by wiping down all the counters, the dining table, and emptying out the sink. This is what she loved, cooking the meals for the entire household, all three times a day. That was enough for me to put in my share and help. I started to get used to the routine that the household held. Gavin would wake me up at the buttcrack of dawn, train me ruthlessly, and then would disappear till dinner.

Angela cleared her throat after tossing her rag into the sink, she turned towards me. "Dani, sweetheart. You really don't have to help me." She says while tucking a blonde curl behind her ear.

"I really don't mind. I would love to help you cook sometime, too."

"I can see if we can make that happen soon." She leaned against the counter with her chin in the palm of her hand. I admired Angela. A strong woman figure is someone I needed in my life, especially now.

I hear someone coming in the kitchen behind us. We both turn and see Mr. Navarro. He had always had this stoic attitude about him, but never around his wife. "Wow, you are breathtaking." He whispers and leans down and kisses her red lips. "I've got to go out and steal your help."

She crosses her arms over her chest. "The one minute I have her, you come and take her from me? Where are you going?"

"We are all heading to the other house."

Angela lifted her brow. She didn't bother hiding his expression. She knew what the other house was, and by the look of it - she didn't like it. "I don't think she's ready to go there." Angela finally says.

Mr. Navarro raises his gaze to me. "Daniella, today is going to make you extremely uncomfortable, but I need you to stay very open minded." My eyebrows furrowed with concern at her words. He looks back down at her. "This is an integral part and reason why we do everything that we do, she needs to recognize that." He leans down and kisses her forehead. "I just wanted to come and tell you goodbye before I left. Daniella please go get ready. Casual is just fine."

I nodded my head hesitantly, folding my dishcloth next to the sink. Angela catches my hand as I pass by the two of them and gives it a gentle squeeze. "It'll be okay. It just makes me nervous. He's right, though. This is why we do everything that we do. Just try to keep your emotions to yourself."

I let her words sink in, acknowledging them both as I slipped out of the room. I enjoyed spending time with her, I wish I didn't have to leave. However, I've been in this house for a few days and it would be nice to get out. I've noticed that occasionally the men would leave and us women would hold the fort down. Emma typically trailed after them, leaving me alone. Sofia had always hung out with Lucia, so that was asking for conflict.

I went and got ready, not taking much time and effort. I settled on a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater. I walked back out of my room after throwing my hair into a bun on the top of my head, and everyone was waiting in the foyer at the bottom of the staircases. I noticed that everyone was wearing anything but casual.

The men wore slacks and button ups and the women wore business casual. I briefly thought about changing but it didn't matter, I would be standing in the back anyways, and not handling anything super important. I stood next to Abel, who looked very handsome colored in navy and white.