Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Robin
The first few days and nights in my new place feel kind of strange. I spend hours cleaning things that don’t need cleaned, just for something to do. I also rearrange the furniture a few times, only to put everything back in its original spot.
This suite is literally perfect. Everything is exactly where it should be.
The space feels bright and open despite the lack of windows.
The couch is pure luxury, and the bed is like laying on a cloud.
I have my tiny TV set up on the nightstand, and I’ve put all my clothes in the dresser across from the end of the bed. The closet is a walk-in, and it feels way too flashy for my old worn-out things.
Just seeing my reflection in the floor length mirror was enough to make me close the door and not want to open it ever again.
The baggy pajamas have become my clothing of choice.
I’m beyond glad I’m getting a uniform for work.
My old clothes are uncomfortably tight, and I feel awkward walking around with my chest and ass stretching out the already threadbare fabric.
It makes me feel guilty, but honestly, the food here is too good not to eat.
Things were much different at … home.
Colleen was forever scolding me for being greedy when I was young.
It taught me to eat less and to never ask for anything I wanted.
I went hungry a lot, and the ache it gave me time after time was hard to ignore.
Having the chance to eat what I want is a strange kind of heaven.
Everything tastes so good.
I don’t have to be hungry.
I have food, so I eat.
This is where I’m supposed to be.
I’m starting to feel that now, to acknowledge that I believe it’s true.
The fates led me here so I could heal.
I make myself a big breakfast, and I take my time enjoying every last piece of bacon, every slice of fried tomato and every bite of toast.
When my plate is clean, and my glass of juice is empty, I get up and roll up the sleeves of the pajamas. Taking the plates to the sink, I’m stopped as I pass the fridge by the sound of a knock on the suite’s door.
It’s a little after nine a.m., and I’m not expecting anyone.
I go to the sink and put the plates down before I move back to the door.
The peephole shows me it’s Lana out there.
I let out a relieved sigh as I turn the key.
She gives me an apologetic smile when I open the door.
“Sorry for disturbing you this early.”
“Is everything okay?” I ask, certain that something must be wrong.
“I have some news. It might be a little disconcerting.”
“Oh? Is it Colleen?”
“No. It’s your father. He wants to meet you.”