Page 79 of Forever My Saint
“My father wasn’t home, and I knew he wouldn’t be back for hours, so I said yes. Her name was Emile. Her mother was Nancy.” She recounts their names with love, and it’s clear she holds them close to her heart.
“We played tag, and she even let me ride her bike. It was one of the best days of my life. But when the sun began to set, I knew it was time to go home. My father would be back soon. I waved goodbye, and I remember how happy I felt. I felt like my cage, just like Pepsi’s, had been opened. But going back home, I couldn’t help but feel like I was going back to my prison.
“I prepared dinner and waited for my father. While waiting, I decided to check on Pepsi.” She swallows while I am on the edge of my seat, lost in her tale. “But he wasn’t there. I checked everywhere, but he was gone. I was sad that he was gone, but I was also happy because he was free.
“Every so often, I heard Pepsi’s sweet song, but it had changed. It was louder and more vibrant, and I now know that’s because he was free. Although it took him a while, he left his cage when he was ready because the unknown is far more terrifying than being held captive. It was what he knew. But in the end, Pepsi left and followed his instincts. He was meant to be free. He was supposed to fly high and not look back.
“Birds aren’t meant to be kept in cages. And neither are you.”
She reaches forward and wipes a tear from my cheek.
“The door is open for you now, and just like Pepsi, you’re afraid, and that’s okay. This is what you’ve come to know. But once you spread your wings, Willow, I know you won’t look back.”
That analogy touches me in a way I can’t explain because I am that bird. I’m afraid because the door to my cage has been closed for so long, and I don’t know what’s on the other side. But I’m not a quitter. Pepsi had far more challenges than I do, yet he found the courage, and so shall I.
Gripping Sara’s hand in mine, I whisper, “Thank you.”
We sit in silence for a moment, needing the time to reflect on everything that’s happened to us.
“Where will you go?” I ask because her future is also uncertain.
When her cheeks soften to a light pink, I know what the answer is. “Max has offered to help me start over. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
I nod slowly, but she misinterprets my silence.
“I hope you’re not angry with me. I know he wasn’t very nice to you. But—”
I soon cut her off. “Hey, no judgment here. Zero.” And it’s true. Falling in love with my kidnapper and feeling something other than hate for the man who orchestrated it all doesn’t really warrant any judgment on my behalf.
“We’re just friends. After Hans…” Her quivering pause speaks volumes. “Maybe one day, but right now, I’m just looking forward to starting a new life.”
“You deserve all the happiness. We both do,” I say, meaning every word.
She smiles, and it’s a sight I will never forget. People like Sara helped me to survive, and I will never forget that.
Sara wipes her red-rimmed eyes. “Okay, let’s get started on dinner. Any ideas on what to cook?”
Brushing away my tears, I smile, the first genuine smile in a long time. “No clue. But burgers are definitely off the menu. Who knew Larisa had cable?”
Sara bursts into magical laughter.
Sara and I have prepared a feast without a burger in sight. Larisa’s kitchen is well stocked, allowing us to entertain our innerMasterChefs.
We are going all out as Sara has decided she will leave tomorrow also. She said with me gone, she doesn’t have any reason to stay, which just cemented the fact that I’ll miss her so much when we part ways.
I promised to keep in touch if I could, but I’m not sure just how low-key my life will have to be. She joked that one day, she would come visit. She doesn’t realize how badly I want for that to be true.
An abundance of food covers the table, and the sight warms a small part of me because this will indeed be the last time I share a meal with the people I’ve come to trust. Once tomorrow comes, there will be no looking back. Even though the thought frightens me, knowing Saint will be by my side soothes my nerves.
Sadly, my nerves are soon provoked once more when Zoey bounces into the kitchen, sniffing the air. “Something smells—” Her sentence dies a quick death when she realizes she was about to compliment my cooking.
She’s been MIA for the most part as she and Saint are still not on good terms. As for she and I, I doubt we ever will be on any term other than wanting to kill one another.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Sara says, filling in the awkward silence. She places the chicken casserole on the table, reminding me the garlic bread is still in the oven. I go about dishing it up as it gives me something to do.
Max enters a moment later, hands filled with freshly cut wood for the fire. He gives Sara a discreet smile, but it’s not subtle enough because Zoey blinks once, stunned that she’s missed this. I never uncovered if anything actually happened between her and Max, but it’s too late. It’s clear he only has eyes for Sara.
Sara’s cheeks turn a sweet pink as she quickly busies herself.