I went on to explain these past few days' events and he listened intently, recording every word I said on his device.
"It was an accident. Both times. And I never meant to hurt the boy, but he was in my face. And I had to protect myself."
He stared at me and frowned.
"Cora." He turned off the device and he looked at me.
"From all the stories you're telling me, there's a chance they might not let you go. Especially after you've gone there so many times. It'll be a cycle. But I will try my best. I will send you information. But meanwhile, keep low."
"What do you mean?"
"You don't need the outside world here. It won't help you. Whatever you need to do, do it. Before they come."
I stared at him and I sighed. I knew exactly what he meant and I feared it would be true. He got up and he smiled at me.
"I'll try my best. But I'm being honest. Just get ready."
I nodded and got up slowly.
"Thank you, Mr. Campbell. I'll be waiting for your call." "Of course." He smiled and shook my hand before letting himself out.
"What did he mean by get ready?" Caleb asked, standing up and walking towards me.
I looked up at him and I grabbed his waist gently.
"We run."
**
I went up to my room and I grabbed my important things with me and shoved it in my bag. I grabbed a little photograph and I sighed staring at it.
It was me and Elora when we went to LA. It was a different picture though. Aunt Helga took a selfie of us and we grinned, giving up peace signs towards the camera. I smiled and shook my head, holding onto the photo frame.
Caleb knocked on the door and smiled at me.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asked. "Yeah, just going through old stuff."
"Who's that?" He asked, walking towards me and looking at the photograph in my hand.
"This is my Aunt. She's my dad's older sister. She took us to LA one time when I lived with granny and came back to drop us off. Dad got so pissed." I chuckled, looking down at the picture.
"She looks like a sweet person." "She is. She's too far away from me now. She got transferred to New Jersey and I haven't seen her since forever."
"Maybe we can go see her." I looked up at him and I smiled. "Really?" I asked. "Yeah. You sure do love her. And I love seeing happy things." I chuckled and stood up.
"Come here." I wrapped my arms around him and I smiled. "Thank you for being here with me."
He rubbed my back and smiled at me. "I know you're in a turmoil. I wanna ease it for you." "You're doing a good job at it." I chuckled.
I sat down and tossed the frame into my bags.
"It's time I sell my house too." He said.
"Really?" I looked at him. He nodded. "Yeah. I can't leave you alone now. You clearly need a friend."
"I do. But you're making a big sacrifice." "It's worth it." I smiled at him and squeezed his hand gently. He sat down next to me and looked down at my bags.
"It's a big step." I nodded. "It is. And I'm not ready to. But if it's what I have to do to protect myself, then that's what I'll do."
He brought my hand to his lips and gently kissed it.
"I'll be there too." I looked at him and nodded. "I know."
I zipped up my bags and I pushed them under my bed. I dusted my hand and I placed them at my hips. I sighed. If this was gonna be goodbye, I was ready for it.
I felt Caleb's strong arms around my waist and I smiled, resting my back on his chest.
"Are you okay?" He asked. "I will be." I whispered. He kissed my head and spun me around slowly.
"Come. Dinner is ready." I smiled and cupped his cheeks. I kissed him softly and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Then let's eat to our heart's content." He smiled and nodded, placing one more kiss on my temple. I locked my hands with his and I pressed my forehead against his chest.
"It's gonna be okay." He whispered.
I nodded and looked up at him again.
"I know."
*****