"Now that the knife is out of the way. How about we get acquainted," I said. "I wouldn't want you thinking we're doing this cos of your threat when we really are doing it cos it's what we always do"
She blinked in surprise. "Are you… are you letting us stay?"
"Of course, you really didn't think I was going to throw you back to him did you?"
She sniffled as tears rolled freely down her face. "I just didn't think you'd be stupid enough to endanger your people."
I liked her. A lot.
"First off, you should learn to address the boss properly, calling her stupid doesn't sit well with me" Michelle said, in annoyance.
"Come on Mitch, it's fine."
She tsked lightly. "You shouldn't allow such disrespect Miss Nowell"
"I'm sorry, I won't disrespect you again," the little girl said bowing deeply.
"It's alright, now… what are your names?" I asked.
"My name is Elana and my sister is Amelia, Winchester is our last name,"
"I see… Elana, now that we've gotten acquainted, how about you let the nurses attend to you both, dinner would be brought right away. I don't know about you, but your sister seems quite hungry,"
I tilted my head slightly, softening my tone as I groaned at her little sister clutching her tightly. Up close, the signs were clearer, the hollow look in her eyes, her chapped lips and the way her small fingers trembled against her sister's clothes.
Elana smiled slowly and nodded.
"Now then, I'll see you when you're all healed up okay" I said, standing up and walking to the door.
"Yes Miss Nowell" she replied.
"Ohh and drop the Miss Nowell please, just call me Eri. These two never listen when I tell them to" I grinned.
She blinked in response as I walked out and closed the door behind me.
Aria was already talking to the nurse whose eyes glinted with uncertainty, she slowly sighed then walked back into the clinical room.
Her gaze landed mine briefly, before she headed for the kitchen.
I exhaled, shoulders sagging tiredly.
The tension in the hallway hadn't fully settled, it was always like this anytime we had newcomers. And after Elana's drama, a few people hovered close to the room.
Their eyes showed with caution, lips moved quickly, forming questions and conversations.
"What's the plan boss?" Michelle asked.
I exhaled heavily. "I don't have a choice Mitch, I have to go and see founding father Jacob"
"Are you insane Miss, you know the fathers have no business with trivial matters like these" she reasoned.
"Well… he did say he loved seeing my face right"
She facepalmed, groaning in exasperation. "I just know he's going to chew me at the next meeting. Anyway I'll set up a meeting with him tomo-"
"-tonight Mitch, we don't have time to waste, and besides… it's already daybreak in Germany" I grinned.
She huffed, annoyed. "I'll have Pilot book a flight to Germany while I send a message to Father Jacob quickly while you take your bath." She said,
"Why do I need to bat-"
"-you stink, Miss Nowell" she deadpanned.
I pouted. "Fine" I said and headed to my room.
The moment the door clicked shut behind me, everything I held together snapped and I slumped to the ground, all my bravado gone like the wind.
I was indeed stupid, even a child could tell.
What sort of plan did I have?
What was I going to tell father Jacob?
I could imagine the disappointment in his eyes.
God… what was I doing?
I rubbed my hand over my face in thought.
Staring as my fingers trembled slightly, I clenched them into fists, trying to steady myself.
"Miss Nowells, are you alright?" Aria's voice floated through.
"I'm fine, I'm just going to take a shower" I chirped.
"Are you sure?"
I tsked lightly and instead went to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
"Alright then," she said, and walked away. "Mitchell says you have ten minutes, hurry up okay"
Always in my damn business.
I slowly took off my clothes and stepped under the shower head. I let the cool water hit my head letting my thoughts run freely.
I scrubbed my skin as hard as I could, willing the memories to go away as they invaded my thoughts almost eagerly.
It's been years since I've had them and now… they are resurfacing.
I washed off the soap on my body, then stood out of the bathroom. I reached into my wardrobe and pulled out a pair of black trousers, a light pink button down shirt and black blazers.
I stared at my petite frame in the full length mirror.
Standing at 5'2 it was really hard for anyone to take me seriously.
I exhaled, and opted to put on a pair of black heels, paired with a choker neck chain, diamond bracelet and earrings.
I pulled my hair into a neat bun then I stared at myself in the mirror again.
A knock sounded softly. "Miss Nowells… we need to leave"
I stepped out of the room and we began walking towards the door.
"What did father Jacob say?"
"He was surprisingly accommodating," Mitchell said.
"I'm guessing it's one of those days,"
We stepped outside, a sleek black car awaited us at the door. The cool night air brushed against my skin briefly, making me shiver before the car door shut.
Soon enough the car rolled away, heading to the airport.
I stared out the window as the car rolled out of the compound and entered the main road.
The streets were awfully quiet, stalls were closed up for the day and only the sound of the club music could be heard.
"It'll be alright, I'm sure father Jacob will come up with something" Mitchell said, cutting the silence.
"I hope so," I murmured.
I really did hope so, because if he didn't.
I had no idea what I was going to do.
And for the first time in a long while, that thought scared me.