Page 69 of Bittersweet Legacy

“Are you almost done in there?”

“Her panties are stuck in the zipper, if I pull too hard, she’ll finish the day commando.”

I looked at her horrified as she shrugged, mouthing ‘what?’

“You could have just said ‘no’,” Caleb grumbled. “Listen, I'm thirsty. I’ll go get myself a drink just stay there okay? And just – just rip that cheap dress if need be, I couldn’t care less.”

“Can you get me a hot chocolate?”

He sighed. “Fine.”

I waited a couple of seconds, staring at the bottom of the door now free of Caleb’s shadow.

“Can you explain?” she whispered angrily. “What’s happening here?”

“Too much to explain in the few minutes we have.” I spoke while changing clothes. “But I have ended up embarking on something I don't want and I’ve known Ben for years – he’s the only one able to help me. Please, I beg you, Alice, you have to do this.”

“Are you in danger?” she asked with concern.

Such interest by a stranger made me a little emotional at the thought of my own family’s disregard for my wellbeing and tears welled in my eyes before I had a chance to stop them.

I shook my head but to be honest I wasn’t sure of what Caleb was capable of. I already knew my father didn’t think twice about striking me and my cheek muscles twitched at the memory of the sting. I saw how my stepmother flinched every once in a while, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he reprimanded her that way too. Could Caleb be like that? Would he hit me if displeased him?

“I’m not for the moment but I need Ben to help me.”

She looked down at the note she’d folded again. “It’s weird,” she confessed, not giving me any indication of her inclination.

“I know it is but I promise Ben can tell you more.”

She nodded. “You’re Esme, of course I’ll help you”.

“Did - did he talk about me?” I asked, my own eagerness making me blush.

She smiled a little. “Understatement.” She sighed. “Okay, I’ll do it as soon as you leave.”

I couldn’t help myself and pulled her into a hug. She didn’t know what she was doing for me, how priceless the sliver of hope was that she was throwing my way.

I had just walked out when Caleb walked back in, his hands in his pockets.

“No coffee?” I asked with a small smile.

He shrugged. “I changed my mind. Now, the most important question… panties or no panties?” he asked with a teasing smirk.

I blushed, but I had to admit I was quite fond of teasing Caleb. Was he that charming with everybody else? With other girls? I wondered as a wave of jealousy submerged me.

I was so confused by my feelings; everything had always been so clear to me and now I couldn’t help but feel jealous of potential other women when I was organizing my own escape far from him.Damn I was stupid.

“Panties.”

He cocked his head to the side with a small sigh. “Pity.”

I rolled my eyes extending my hand to him. “Come on, let’s go. I want that hot chocolate now.”

He didn't hesitate this time and intertwined our fingers as if he actually enjoyed it.

I turned to Alice. “Thanks again for your help.”

She looked from me to Caleb and our intertwined hands, her brow slightly furrowed.

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