Chapter 31
31
O ctavia
I stuff another handful of popcorn into my mouth, crunching as I eat. I’m propped up on a multitude of pillows in my huge bed, watching TV. Bridgerton was irritating me, so I’ve moved on. I started watching a movie, but that got sappy, so now I’m watching a cooking show. Contestants have to cook something fit for a fine dining restaurant with only five ingredients. It’s riveting.
I’m wearing a pair of silk pajamas and a warm, fluffy robe. I turned up the air conditioning just so that I could wear the thing. It’s comforting. That’s exactly what I need right now…comfort. I take another Reese’s Cup and put it in my mouth. I’ll wait for it to melt. There’s not much that is better.
There is a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I yell. I’m too lazy to move so much as a muscle. I’m going to lie right here until it’s time for my flight home. It’s funny how when I was wrapped in Creed’s arms, a week felt like the blink of an eye. Right now, picturing him and Aspen together, it feels like it’s going to take a freaking lifetime. I wish I could leave already. The sooner I get on with my life, the better. The sooner I get away from here, the sooner I can start forgetting about him…us…the way I felt when I was with Creed.
Star sticks her head around the jamb and smiles. “I’m glad to see you are making use of our room service.”
I put the television on mute and then look down at all the wrappers, as well as the plate with remnants of ketchup smeared across it on the one side. Nothing beats a burger and fries as comfort food. Except for maybe popcorn. I have the half-empty bowl on my lap.
“I didn’t mean to bother you. It’s just that you seemed quite upset earlier.” She scrunches up her nose for a second. “I mean, you didn’t say anything about being distressed, but I could sense it on you.”
“It’s just that my dad is always home. If he goes out, it isn’t for long periods.” I tried calling him a second time when Star came around with clothes and toiletries a couple of hours after I arrived here. We filled in the paperwork, too, which I didn’t even read. I might have signed my whole life away, but there was no way I was reading all of that. It was a thick wad; took me twenty minutes just to sign and initial everything. My hand was cramping by the time we were done.
“It’s just strange that he hasn’t picked up, that’s all.” I shrug. “It’s probably nothing. I’m trying not to think about it too much. Do you want to take a seat?” I pat the side of my bed. I suppose that the polite thing to do would be to get out of bed and have a proper conversation. I veto the idea immediately.
“No, that’s fine.” She smiles. “I’m good. I thought I’d come by and give you another chance to reach your father. I know I’d be sick with worry. You can’t even go over to his house.”
I look at the time on the alarm clock next to my bed. The drapes are drawn, but I know it’s already dark and around dinner time. My dad will be home. He has to be. If he doesn’t pick up, I’ll convince Star to let me call my Aunt June. She’ll know what’s going on.
“That would be wonderful. You’re so kind.” I put the bowl of popcorn to one side and shift over to where the telephone is situated next to the bed.
I look away and Star punches in her code, then she hands the phone to me. “Not too long or I might get into trouble.”
“Of course not.” That’s if he even answers. I dial Dad’s number and wait. I’m shocked when he answers. I wasn’t expecting it.
“Hello,” my dad says, sounding chipper.
I sigh with relief because it’s so good to hear his voice. My eyes instantly fill with tears. “Dad.” I make sure that I sound just as chipper, even though I am on the verge of tears.
“Octavia, love…is that you?” His voice is laced with shock.
“You only have one daughter, Dad.” I laugh, working harder not to cry.
“Oh, love. I can’t believe it. Are you home? Did you get home?”
“No, Dad. I’m still here. I’m still on the island, but I’m fine. I wanted to let you know that I’m safe.”
I hear a cellphone ring and then a woman talking.
“Who’s that?” I ask. “Is someone there?” Surely not.
There’s more talking and laughter in the background. Say what?
“Daaaad.” I’m smiling. “You need to tell me right now.”
“Um…well, yes, poppet. I’m sure you remember Mary from bowls club?”
I don’t have a clue who Mary from bowls club is. “Yes, I think so,” I tell him, wanting to know more about Mary and why she’s in my dad’s house. “Did you go to bowls?” I sound skeptical. He hasn’t been to the club since Mom died. Dad stopped doing a lot of things after Mom passed away.
“No, no, I ran into her at the store a couple of days after you decided you didn’t want to be a Tribute…when you ran. I have to say, Octavia, you gave me quite the scare. Your capture was all over the news. Are you okay? Is it terrible on the island? Have you seen dragons?”
“Not a one,” I tell him, winking at Star. “I’m fine; it’s like one big vacation over here.” I look around my room and smile at Star to let her know I’m sticking to the rules. “Now, back to you, Dad. Tell me about Mary. Don’t think you can change the subject on me.” I’m intrigued.
“She’s a friend. Just a friend.” Famous last words. My smile grows. I don’t believe it for a second. “Like I said, we ran into each other at the store and had coffee. I’ve spent a lot of time with her since. She’s very nice and so supportive. It’s been hard since you left. You’ll like her.”
“I’m sure I will. She sounds sweet.”
“I’m so glad to hear your voice, love. I’ve been worried. So you’re fine?” He sounds unsure.
“Yes, I’m doing well. You can stop worrying.” I’m sure to sound like I mean it.
“Any idea as to when you’ll be coming home? Your apartment is fine. I watered your plant. I might bring it here if you are going to be gone for too much longer.”
“I’m sure I’ll be home soon.” Why didn’t I tell him that he’ll see me next week?
“Dinner is nearly ready, Andy,” a feminine voice shouts from the background.
“Thanks, sweethea— Mary,” he quickly says.
I stifle a giggle and smile wider. Just a friend, my ass. I think it’s great.
“I have to go, Dad. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“It means so much. I’ve been really worried about you. I miss you.”
“Miss you too, Dad. I love you.”
“Love you too, poppet.”
I end the call.
“I’m glad you got hold of him.” Star beams.
“Me, too.” I huff out a breath. “I’ve been so worried about him. I wish I’d known he had Mary keeping him company.” I bob my eyebrows, laughing. “I could have relaxed a little more.”
“Well, my shift ended at seven. I’m going to head home,” Star says. “There’s been a shift change for the guards as well; Ruby is outside your door. She’ll help you with whatever you need. Or you could dial reception. Plus, you have my number.” She points at the notepad on the side table next to my bed. “Don’t hesitate.”
“You’ve been so kind. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“No problem. It’s my job.”
I suspect it’s more than just her job, but I don’t say anything.
“See you tomorrow, Octavia,” Star says.
“Bye.” I wave, watching her leave.
I unmute the television. A new cooking show has started. This time, they have to cook with strange ingredients. Among the ingredients are collard greens, ox heart, and kumquats. I smile when I see cotton candy, too. I’m not sure what they’re going to prepare using those foodstuffs, since every one of the items needs to be used.
I turn up the volume, reaching for another Reese’s Cup, when there is a knock on the door.
I frown. Who could that be? I’m sure that Star wouldn’t be back so soon. I didn’t order anything.
“Who is it?” I ask tentatively.
“Me.” It’s Star.
“Come in.” My frown deepens as the key turns, and she walks in. She looks…flustered. I sit up, spilling the popcorn. “Crap!” I start cleaning up the mess.
“Leave it,” she tells me.
I turn to her. “What’s up?” I ask because something is most definitely up.
“So…I just heard that there’s a flight leaving for the Mainland tonight.”
“I thought that there was only one flight a week?”
“There is the occasional unscheduled flight. There was one this evening. If you hurry, you can still make it. You would need to leave in ten minutes, though. Or you could wait until Monday next week? It’s up to you.”
This is unexpected.
I should jump at the chance of leaving. It’s what I’ve been hoping for.
“I’m afraid that you need to decide right now,” Star says, looking serious.
Creed
“Are you sure I can’t pack you some food for the road?” my mother asks, looking concerned. “You haven’t eaten. I can pack some for your lady friend as well. Remind me of her name?”
“It’s Octavia. And I’m fine…thank you.” I don’t think I could eat right now if I tried.
I look up and see Levi and Aspen in the doorway. I wave at them. Levi waves back before ushering my ex back into the house. He’s talking to her quietly. I’m sure he’s comforting her. I’m glad. Makes me feel a little better because I feel like shit about all of this. I remind myself that it isn’t my fault.
Ultimately, it is what it is. I know Aspen will be fine, given time. I hope she will. It’s not like I planned any of this. Neither did I know that she was waiting for me. I must say, I’m not sure it would have changed anything, even if I had known. I’m not the same male who left the city three years ago.
“Sorry I can’t stay, and I’m sorry about Aspen and me. I know you guys love her like a daughter.” I look at each of my parents in turn. Their eyes are clouded. I have to do what’s right for me. Especially when it comes to choosing a partner to spend the rest of my life with.
My mother takes my hand between both of hers. “It’s your life, son. You need to live it. No one else can do that for you. Whoever you choose will be good with us. We love you.”
“Your mother is right. We will be happy for you, whichever path you take. We are proud of you,” my father says.
“I’m sure this human, Octavia, is lovely. She has to be if my son is in love with her.” My mother smiles broadly, warming me up inside.
“Thanks, Mom…Dad. That means a lot. She is amazing.” I nod a few times. “I only hope she’ll hear me out after I let her go like that. Also, I know she wanted to go home. I’m not sure I can convince her to stay.” My stomach is in knots.
“You’ll be fine,” my dad says. “You’re stubborn as an ox. Always have been. If anyone can convince her to stay, it’s you.”
“If she feels the same about you – and I’m sure she does – you won’t need to do too much convincing,” my mom says. “What’s not to love about you, my boy?” She cups my jaw with one hand before letting go.
“It’s not like you’re biased or anything, Mom.” I laugh. “I’d better get going. The sooner I see Octavia, the better.” Just like that, the churning is back. I’ve never been this nervous in all of my life. I’ve never had so much to lose, either.
“Let us know how it goes,” my dad says.
“Bring her to meet us, please,” my mom says.
“Let me go and see her first.” I smile. It’s so good to be back.
Then I’m jumping in my Jeep and speeding away. I have to tell myself to ease off the accelerator. I keep wanting to put my foot flat.
I keep reminding myself that Octavia will be there when I get there. There is no need to rush. I have this sense of urgency, though. It hit the moment I made the decision to go to see her. It’s been building and building ever since.
Thankfully, it isn’t long before I’m pulling into the parking lot and sprinting inside.
There’s a new set of males at reception.
“Good evening, sir. How can I be of assistance?” the closest male asks as I reach the reception desk. I have to force myself to calm down. Why is my heart racing like this?
“Yes…I’m here to see the human, Octavia. She’s staying at the castle. I dropped her off earlier. I’m her…friend,” I settle on, even though I’m nowhere close to being her friend.
He makes a noise like he isn’t quite buying it. “What did you say your name was?”
“I didn’t. It’s Creed. Rockwell and Knox were on the last shift. They know me. Maybe you can speak with one of them. Or better yet, you can give Octavia a call. I know she’ll want to see me.”
“I would call Octavia, but she isn’t in her room,” he says, typing into the computer.
“Where is she?” I ask. “Is there a dining hall or…?” Where else could she be? “I don’t mind waiting.” There are comfortable-looking sofas in the lobby. I know I won’t be able to sit still. I’ll probably pace until she’s done.
“No…” He types something on the computer. “There it is. She left,” he says. “She’s gone to the airstrip. We had an unexpected flight departing for the Mainland, and she chose to take it. They are due to take off in…” he looks down at the screen and then at his watch, “fifteen minutes, so if you hurry, you might catch her before she leaves.”
I almost don’t hear the rest of what he says. I sprint to my Jeep. Fuck! I will never forgive myself if she leaves before I can speak to her.