My Name is Rapunzel(61)

Pepper smiled. “Well, I'm so glad you could join us. I think it's good for you to get out.”

The girl directly across from me nodded. “My name is Amber. I totally agree. My mom was my grandma's caretaker for like, ten years, and it about did her in. She never got to go anywhere or do anything. She sort of shriveled up and got sick herself. You need to take care of yourself.”

I nodded. “Definitely. I agree. That's why I'm here.”

“So tell me, Rapunzel.” Yoga Girl grinned. “What made your parents name you that?”

***

John’s turn. Other than a few uncomfortable moments, the trip to Starbucks was so uneventful I couldn’t wait for my next adventure. I checked the clock—ten minutes until John picked me up. I’d better get outside before he did something crazy like use the doorknocker.

I crept down the hall and out the front door. I held the latch as I pulled it closed, then released it ever so gently. No one could have possibly heard the click. So far so good.

I hurried down the drive to wait for John. He’d better be on time, or Gretta would see me, and who knew what she’d do?

I kicked at the stones surrounding the mailbox and peered down the lane looking for a dust cloud to signal his arrival. I glanced over my shoulder, expecting Gretta to come plodding from the castle, intent on dragging me back inside.

John had been right in saying nobody would recognize me. In fact, no one had even noticed me the day before. Granted, I went to one place and then home, but still, it was a good experiment to test things out. Now I should be safe in town for at least five years, maybe even ten if I learned how to do my makeup to make me look older. After that, I'd need to hide away again, for another fifty years at least. But I didn't want to think about that—it only ruined the moment.

My stomach bubbled with nerves. About going to town? Or about being alone with John for a social thing? I picked up a flat stone and skipped it down the lane. Wait. I caught sight of that same figure on the far hillside again. Who was that man and why was he there again? I stared back at him. He didn't move to leave or raise a hand to acknowledge me, in fact… I squinted to get a better look. He didn’t actually look right at me.

Maybe I should say hello? I raised my hand then let it fall. It would be pointless anyway. He was too far away and he hadn’t seemed to hear me the other time I tried. I couldn't even see his face, just his figure. It was definitely a man, but who was he? Was he spying on me? For how long? I should tell someone, but who? It was a sad reminder that I had no real friends that I could trust and I refused to tell Gretta anything. She would just make my life even more miserable and find a way to keep me from going to the mailbox. She'd find a way to keep me locked in my tower if I gave her reason to. No, I couldn’t tell anyone about the stranger.

Pepper's Jeep sounded down the lane and she arrived in seconds, taking my mind off the stranger. “Hey chic!” she said, waving as the car came to an abrupt halt. “I don't have much for you today, just some junk mail, sorry.”

“It's all right. Better than a stack of bills.” Wasn’t that what people said? As soon as the words left my mouth, I heard the sound of another vehicle approaching. It was John.

Pepper gave me a strange look. “Expecting someone?” She looked in her side mirror at the fancy car slowly coming to a stop behind her Jeep.

“Yes, it's just a reporter from the newspaper. He's taking me to town.”

John pulled up alongside us and buzzed down his window. “Morning, ladies.” He grinned.

“Wow. Trip to town twice in two days? My little Rapunzel is growing up.” Pepper narrowed her gaze and looked John over. “Just be careful, okay?”

I’d be careful, but if today went as well as I hoped it might, then I’d be going a lot more.

“So.” Pepper hadn’t peeled her gaze from John. “A reporter? Are you someone famous?” Pepper shielded her eyes from the sun and peered closer.

“Nope, I'm just a writer.” John seemed like he might say more, but he closed his mouth.

Back to me. “All right chic, got to go. Maybe we can do lunch next week?” Pepper asked.

“Sounds great.” I smiled. Lunch plans. Friends. Just like a normal person. I took two steps back, and Pepper spun her tires on the gravel and waved goodbye.

I actually meant it this time. I was going to do it, once and for all. I’d be able to live normally for a few years. If only I’d tried this sooner. But, then again, would it be harder to retreat from life once I’d experienced it, than if I’d never dipped my toe in the ocean?

John had already gotten out of his car and was holding the passenger side door open. “Are you ready to go?”