The Lifeguard

Chapter 36

"Are you sure about this?" asked Mikael. "I still think it's best if you go back to the hotel. You don't have to include yourself in this mess. We can take care of it."

"Thank you for your concerns, but I am sure. I wanna be with Connor. Maybe, I can protect him this way," I answered with confidence.

"We don't want the two of you to go through the same thing that happened with Alexander and Chloe. Please take care of each other! Call us anytime if you need anything, even when you don't, just check in with us." He exchanges looks between Connor and I. Mikael puts his hand above Connor's shoulder. He gestures him to talk on the side. He then walked few feet away from us. Connor followed him, and began talking.

Anna and I stayed on the porch. "Can we talk?" she asked. I gave a nod, smiling. "I know it's difficult for you to make decisions regarding this complicated situation. It must be hard to be in your position right now. We're also struggling, but I want you to know that we're glad you're in his life. I know it sucks with all of these family history going on, but I know you can work things out with Connor. I hope you can... I believe in the two of you. I know it's tough, exhausting and even challenging but please have more patience." Anna held both of my hands while she returned a smile. "He loves you, and you mean alot to him. I put my trust in both of you." She took a step closer as she opens her arms to embrace me.

"Connor and I will be okay," I tell her while hugging her. I let go. "I'm sorry again for everything that is happening with your family. I know my sorry will not do anything, but I want you to know how sorry I am and my mother. Please know that if it comes to it, we will do the right thing," I assured her.

Anna smiled big. "I know you will."

"Connor is very lucky to have you and Mikael. And I am also grateful to meet the both of you. You and Mikael had welcomed me like I am part of your family, and for that, I am truly honored."

"Zoe, you are a family," she smiles again.

This warmed my heart. I felt relieved and gratified. I suddenly wished that Connor and I don't have to leave.

***

The road feels longer as eternity. It feels forever to get on the end, with the black straight line joining the blue sky. "I still don't know where we're headed," I commented while Connor drives. "Where are we, anyway?" There was no sign that says where we are.

He took a glance at me. "Family's beach house," he answered. "You've been there. It wasn't the best way to bring you there, but maybe you might recall."

I scoffed. "Right. How can I forget?" I do recall the time he kidnapped me. I remember the anxiety I had during those times; how scared I was and most importantly, the pain I felt. I can remember every second of that trip, and even every word that came out from his mouth and mine. I couldn't forget.

He looks at me again for a second. "I'm sorry again for what I did. I know it was very insolent of me to do that. I'm sorry."

I smiled. "It's fine. It's in the past."

"I'm still sorry. I want you to know that I would never hurt you or take you away like that, again. I did it once but only because I had too. I won't do it—"

I turned to him with my eyes focused on him. He glances at me, then back to the road. "Connor... I said it's fine," I sighed.

Hours passed. We arrived at the house. The atmosphere felt different as the last time I was here. Now, I don't feel odd or any negativity. I somehow feel comfortable, not on edge. I never realized the beauty of this house until now. It's still as quiet before, but I managed to appreciate it. Connor opened the door. He allowed me to go inside first. "Are you hungry? I gotta do the grocery first. Just stay here, alright? I'll be back."

He turned around, but I grab his hand. "Don't leave me here alone."