Page 20 of Bad for You

We wait in the dining room, but for what, I don’t know. But I trust Valentina, and if she said we’re getting out of here, then we’re getting out of here. She sits still, patting Cat softly. But I know there is so much going on behind those curious eyes.

We both hear the squeaking of someone’s shoes on the linoleum.

Valentina sits upright, watching the doorway intently. But who she sees has her frowning.

One of the sisters is following a tall man. He wears a suit and is groomed immaculately. When he sees Valentina and me, he nods.

“Let’s go.”

That’s it.

He doesn’t explain where we’re going. Or who he is. Just that we’re to follow and no isn’t an option.

“Where’s Aldo?” Valentina asks, and I assume that’s the person who is supposed to save us from this shithole.

The man doesn’t reply.

The sister clutches the silver crucifix around her neck. She doesn’t have a say in any of this, and I guess she’s worriedabout what Father Merry will say because she didn’t seek his permission. He’s probably still down for the count.

I don’t know who this man is, but going with him is a far better option than staying here, so I stand. He doesn’t seem the type who appreciates small talk, so I simply wait for further instruction.

“Come now. She waits,” the man says. “My name is Franklin.”

“Who isshe?” Valentina stubbornly argues. “Aldo said he would come.”

Franklin peers down his nose at Valentina, clearly annoyed by her rebellion. “I will not ask again.”

Before she can protest, I gently cup her elbow and coax her to stand. She allows me to guide her, but I can see her apprehension. We follow Franklin while the sister crosses herself.

I wonder why.

It’s like a death march as the sisters who are awake at this ungodly hour stand on the sidelines, watching us as we walk toward the front door. A look of fear mars their faces. I wonder just what awaits us outside these prison walls.

They appear anxious, and I know that’s because Father Merry isn’t here. Will they be punished for this? I hope so. I hope they never forget Valentina because she deserves to be remembered forever.

The door buzzes open, and I follow Franklin through it but stop when I don’t hear Valentina follow.

Turning over my shoulder, I see she’s stopped dead in her tracks, clutching Cat to her chest. She appears afraid.

“What if it’s worse out there than it is in here?”

I take a moment to ponder her question because we’re literally walking into the unknown.

Valentina doesn’t seem to know this man, so we’re putting our faith in a stranger. He’s not made his intentions clear. But I know for certain that there is no place worse than here.

“Then we fight together,” I finally reply, offering her my hand.

She licks her trembling lips.

I don’t pity her because I know she would hate such a thing, but I hate that she thinks being locked away in here is a better alternative than living.

She meets my eyes, and all I see is trust in hers as she slowly slips her hand into mine.

I lead her from this hell on earth, and the moment the cool morning breeze slaps our cheeks, I tip my face to the heavens and smile.

We’re finally free.

We’ve driven for hours.

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