The next day almost everyone gathered in front of Dorothy's apartment to send us off. The athmosphere was a mixture of sadness and happiness. Sadness that I, Danny and Athena have to say good bye to the people we considered our family. Happiness because we can finally start a new life, a life without fear. I can also see some women smiling at us, I think they are also happy to know that we are finally safe and we are finally free.
These people started arriving since early morning. Some volunteered to help us pack our things while others gave us gifts and letters. Everyone promised not to cry today because we know we will be meeting again someday. Colin told us to leave most of our things behind since we will not be needing then anymore but all the things we have now remind us of how we survived hiding from Geoff. It is filled with good memories and leaving them would seem like I am also ready to forget those behind so despite his suggestion, I still packed everything we have.
I still can't believe that I'm finally leaving this place, the place that provided shelter and protection for us for more than two years.
"We will definitely miss the three of you but we are very happy that you are now okay," Dorothy said, teary eyed.
"Dorothy, no crying, remember that!" I hugged her tightly. "Thank you for everything. Thank you for letting us stay in your apartment. I hope I can give back the favor someday."
"You don't need to think about that. You are like a daughter to me, you and Danny and Athena is like my real grand daughter."
"You are also my second mom."
I started hugging each of the women and said good bye. Danny and Athena also did the same thing. My mom shook their hands to thank then for taking care of us.
It is really time to say good bye. Although I promised not to cry but tears poured down from my eyes. I will miss everyone and I will miss the simple life we had in here. Some women also started crying. I carried Athena in my arms and hopped in a van. He said his final good bye to everyone then we left.
"I feel sorry for them. It seems like I stole their source of happiness by kidnapping the three of you," said Colin.
No one spoke a word. Everyone was exhausted from yesterday's party and the sadness of leaving today. I feel so tired, excited and scared at the same time. I don't know what lies ahead in my new life now. I am not even sure whether Colin is someone I can fully trust. All I know is I have to be more careful and smarter.
"By the way, I got a place for your mom and Nancy near our apartment so she can visit us anytime. You can also go there from time to time when you feel bored. I already talked to Nancy, she will still be working for you but she can still do her writing job anytime she wants." He had to look in the mirron to talk to me. He is now sitting in front next to the driver while I am sitting with my mom and Athena at the back. Annie and Danny, or maybe it is better for me to call her Nancy now, are at the rear passenger seats.
I wanted to protest and tell him that Nancy is now a family but I don't have the energy to do so. I'm sure Nancy wouldn't like it if she will stay with my mom without doing anything. I think it is not a bad idea.
"I also hired your driver so you can visit any place anytime you want. If you want to work, just let me know, I can give you a position in the company but if you would ask me, I prefer if you stay at home and take care of Athena. You can enjoy going to the parks with her, go shopping or even travel."
I think he already has planned everything. Who am I to disagree?
I don't know whether he said more things after that. I felt so tired that I slept unconsciously. I woke up when we arrived in the parking lot.
"We're here!"
I looked around to check the place. I don't know how long I was sleeping. Athena is also asleep on my lap while my mom is already preparing to get off the van.
This place seems to be a basement area. I guess Colin is living in an apartment building. That will be better. That means his place is not as big as that of Geoff's. We can meet easily.
When I got off the van I noticed something.
"Where is Annie?"
"She had to move to another car while we were on the way. It was uncomfortable for her to sit at the back when she's pregnant."
"Oh my gosh! Why didn't I think about that? Is she okay? Did she feel any pain?"
"She's okay. Robert here (referring to the driver) drover smoothly but still it is better for her to sit in the middle or in front so I asked her to move to the other car."
"Thank you, for being so thoughtful."
"It is my duty as your husband," he said with a smile. He then carried Athena in his arms. "Let's go?"
"How about our stuff?"
"I already hired people to bring your things in the unit. Probably, they are already there."
We followed him to the nearest elevator and he pressed 44 and 45.
When we reached 44th floor, two women were outside waiting the elevator. "They will help you with your unit. Please follow them." He said in an authoritative way. I approached him to get Athena because we have to get off the elevator.
"What are you doing?"
"I thought we have to folow them."
"This is your mom's and Nancy's place. As my wife, you will be staying with me on the upper floor." He is now half smiling.
"I see." I couldn't look him in the eye. I am still not used to becoming someone's wife again.
"I will see the two of you tomorrow. I will visit you guys first thing in the morning." My mom
"I will start working tomorrow so I will also go to your place." Nancy
"Bye Athena. Be a good girl, okay?" My mom
"I will see you tomorrow my darling." Nancy
And the four of them, including the two ladies outside left. And the elevator started moving again.
We reached 45th floor. i didn't have the time to check the corridor since Colin moved so fast until we reach the door to his unit. He punched in some numbers in the security panel and the door swung open. I was expecting his place to be an ordinary apartment but I was wrong.
The lights automatically turned on when he stepped inside. We were welcomed by a wall with an artificial water falls. There are plants hanging on it and the sound of water falling down from a height is very obvious. I thought it was just coming from somewhere bu when I touched the wall it is really wet. Below is like a small creek with stones and plants. Some fish are also swimming here.
The interior of the house is a combination of nature and modern style. You can see green plants and brown color everywhere. The living room is not too bright and book shelves filled with books surround the area. It is like a library.
"Can we tour the house tomorrow? I think Athena is now tired. I have to put her to bed."
"But she didn't eat anything yet." He said in blank expression.
"Ah right!"
He then walked somewhere and Injust followed to the kitchen I guess. It is too wide but it is almost empty. This is the kitchen. The fridge is full. You can check what you can eat there or should we just order food? I don't have any idea about kitchen so I want to ask your suggestion for this area. My ex-wife also doesn't cook so we never had this fixed."
"Maybe we can just order."
"Okay then." He finally put Athena down and started calling. "I will take a shower. You can tour around first then I will follow you later." He then disappeared.
This place is very big and I kinda like it but having him around and the thought that there are only the three of us here makes me nervous. I guess this will be a long night.