I do not mean to, I just want to do this will you please let me?
Alanna, go get some sleep, we will talk in the morning.
Adrian please do not do anything rash promise me.
I will not!
I just do not believe him. He will do something and he will make sure that I do not go back to college. I know that he thinks he is doing this for the best, but he is not by keeping this from me, he is only making me want it, more. I will not stop until I am back at college. After an hour or so of studying, I feel a bit hungry so pick up the courage to go out into the hallway. I cannot see anyone so I walk into the kitchen. I do not turn on any lights, as I do not want to draw attention to myself. I open the fridge ever so quietly and see that Maggie has left me some dinner. I take out the plate and grab a soda. I make my way back to my room but the lights suddenly come on. I turn around, Michael is standing there again shirtless, and again I try not to stare.
“Alanna what are you doing?”
“I was hungry that’s all.” I say not looking him in eye.
“Is everything okay?” He says,
“Yeah are you okay?” I say finally having enough courage to look into his sad eyes
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”
“You know after our talk the other night.” I say shifting nervously, still with the food and soda in my hand.
“Alanna I am fine, don’t worry about it,” He says a little bitterly.
“Is everything okay, between us?”
“Yes, everything’s good Alanna.”
“I am glad, because I couldn’t stay in there another moment,” I say walking over and taking a seat at the breakfast bar, Michael takes the seat next to me. I look to him and I want to hug him but I cannot. The look he has in his eyes is sad, I know he just said that he was fine; however, something tells me he is not.
“I made up with Sophie.”
“That’s good, when did this happen?”
“Today while I was marooned to my room,” I say smiling and Michael smiles back.
“I am a bit worried though.”
“Why?”
“She said a package came for me.”
“Really, I take it she didn’t open it?”
“No, I am worried that it’s some kind of message, like last time.”
“But it’s not another note?” Michael says and his face looks serious.
“No she said it was a package, she had to sign for it.”
“Strange,”
“I know, any way I have to go by tomorrow and collect it.”
“Do you really think that Adrian will let you?”
“He said I wasn’t to go but I am. There is no way I am going to let some stranger that Sophie doesn’t know, go in our room.”
“Adrian won’t see it like that.”
“No, but he will have to accept it.”
“You are feisty?”
“That’s only a fraction of it babe.” Michael smiles at me. It is almost, as if he is happy that I am kind standing up to Adrian. I could not fully disobey everything he says but at the same time, I know that I have to on this. Michael gives off the impression that he would not be controlling over me, the way Adrian is. He has different mannerisms that would not allow it. He is more of a softer type, hidden in a deep shell. He would be a more sensible choice, if there were one to make. I would not be in danger with him, but I would not have the love, that I have with Adrian and that to me, that is worth the danger.
Twenty-seven
The next morning, I wake up early fearing that Adrian has already sent someone over to the campus. I grab a super quick shower and throw on the first clothes I can see. I rush out the door and into the lounge area, to find Michael is on his phone. I do not think he is talking to Adrian, it sounds like a business call. I walk over and take a seat next to him. I glance over to the door and see that today’s guard is Jackson. Over in the kitchen Maggie is singing while she cooks. I look back to Michael and he understands the look on my face and hangs up his call.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong, who was that on the phone?”
“Business, you look on edge.”
“I am fine, have you heard from Adrian?”
“He called first thing.”
“What did he say?”
“He said that I have to go get the package.”
“Why can’t he let me have this?”
“He is worried and you know what he’s like.” I look down at the floor and Michael gets closer, he takes my hand and I look up at him.
“If you promise not to tell him, then I will take you.” I cannot contain my smile and I wrap my arms around him he pulls back and says, “Come on then.” He gets up and I follow him out the door. The other guard escorts us down into the lobby of the building. As we walk out the door, I turn to Michael,