Make Love Not War

Chapter7

Chapter 7

Really and I promise I will work really hard. Oh, I don't know how to thank you. Mrs. Lucia gave me a big hug and said; Remember you are family now and we take care of each other. Now, I have to go to the office, you can come with me so you can see what you are going to work on. Okay I said and ran upstairs to get my purse. On my way down I said goodbye to Iah and the men working with Mr. Koray. They all said goodbye in unison, I just laughed. I followed Mrs. Lucia into a tall glass building and into an elevator. Everywhere we went they bowed to her and followed her. She told everyone what to do and what to get her. We walked through two big glass doors and she said: This is where I work. We went through another door that had her name on it. There were more doors, on to the right and to the left. She said: come with me and we went to the door on the left. When I went inside there was a desk. a computer, a file cabinet and a phone. She said: this is going to be your office. You will be my helper with some cases and with anything I ask, do you understand. Yes Ma'am i said and she looked at me. I forgot, I'm sorry I said: Yes Lucia. She left me there alone for a minute, she excused herself because she was being called on. I looked at the most beautiful view from my window, it was breathtaking. I said to myself: tomorrow I will start my new life. I know mom and dad would want me to. My eyes started to water and Mrs. Lucia was walking in. I wiped my tears away but she caught me. She asked what was wrong. I told her I was happy and they were happy tears. I was starting a new life and my parents would want me to go on. She gave me a hug and said; Yes, you are right, so let's start by getting you some clothes to work here. You have to look the part and presentable. Yes, I agreed. We went to this store, got some outfits, shoes and then headed to the house. I went inside and rushed to find Iah. I called out his name and there was no answer. I walked down to the kitchen and saw Kage, packing up some paper getting ready to leave. I said: Hi Kage, where is everyone? He said: Oh Miss. Cringe, we got some new information on your case so we are going back to the office to retrieve it. Mr. Koray is going with us, but Iah said he had to go back to his house and get some stuff. But he will be back at supper time. I wouldn't worry, you are safe here, goodbye. Just like that he left. I said: Please let me know of anything new with my parents, thanks and goodbye.

I went up to my room and Started organizing what I had just gotten to wear for work. I was almost done when someone knocked at my door. I opened it and it was Aylin. Yes ma'am, can I help you? Dinner is ready, Aylin said. I told her thank you, I would be right down. I finished hanging my last outfit and ran downstairs for dinner. When I walked through the doors everyone was back. I froze and got a knot in my stomach when I heard Mr. Koray say out loud: We will tell her after dinner. All of a sudden they stopped talking and looked straight at me and I said: tell me what? Mr. Koray said: sit down and let's eat dinner, we will talk afterwards.

I said okay looking at my hands again and trying to move. Iah came to my side and grabbed my hands and said: Lets eat, please. Don't worry, whatever the news, we are in this together, all of us. I nodded and sat at the table to eat. I couldn't eat a lot and I sat there just looking at my glass of water and being in limbo. I was startled when Iah grabbed my hand. He asked if I was okay and what I did with his mother. I told himI like the office and that I would be working with her and I loved the view from my window. I told him she took me shopping and I had new clothes to work in and new shoes. He said: great you will have to model for me later, but for now let's go in the other room. I excused myself from the table and grabbed my glass of water and followed Iah. He said: sit next to me, father has some news. I asked him if it was bad or good. He said: I'll leave it up to you to decide. I swallowed hard and was shaking a little. He grabbed my hand and put it on his lap and smiled.

In came only two men from the secret service and Mr and Mrs. Koray. Mr. Koray had a folder in his hand and started talking. He asked me: Do you know who this person is? And handed me a picture. I sat there silent and it felt like forever. I answered with a shiver in my voice: Yes, it's Mr. Solomon’s son Ernesh. Why? He then took a piece of paper and it looked like a contract. Mr. Koray asked: Do you remember this and did you sign it? I put it down and stood up and covered my face. While crying I said: I have never agreed to such a thing or signed it. The man from the secret service then said: Miss. Cringe, would you please sign your real name on this piece of paper? I asked why? He then said : so I can compare the signatures and see if someone forged it. I signed the paper as I always did.

Iah picked the paper up and said: Why would her parents agree to marry her off to the banker’s son? The other secret service man, who was Kage, said: holding another piece of paper, that said he owed money to the bank for the bakery. I took the paper from Iah’s hands and said: Why wouldn't they say anything? I wonder if mother knew about this, she would never let father do any of this. I would never agree to marry that disgusting slob of a banker’s son. He is so rude and thinks he can have whatever he wants. Well. he won't have me, not even dead. I couldn't stop crying and Iah was holding me so tight I could hear his heart beating so fast.He was breathing so heavy like he was going to blow up. He pushed me back and said: Go upstairs and freshen up. I want to take you somewhere and pack a bag for a few days. I looked at him and said: I can't, I start work tomorrow remember? He looked at his parents and they both said: It’s okay Noel, it’s Friday, enjoy the weekend and you can start fresh on Monday morning, Mrs. Koray said. I looked at Iah and said okay. So, I went to my room and started packing before taking a shower.

In the other room….

Mother, can I ask you something? Iah asked his mother. Is there anything we can do for her? This is stupid and unthinkable. His mother got off the couch and walked towards him with a smile on her face. She said: Why? Do you have feelings for her? Iah replied with a lost look on his face, I don't know why you are asking that. I'm trying to protect her from those people that think she is just a price they can win at the fair. Once they have her, what will become of her? I just don't want anything to happen to her, that's all. His mother said: Either way you should be proud of her. The way she handled the news was better than I thought. I will talk to my people in the office and see what we can do, if there is a loophole I will find it and use it against them. He told her thank you and kissed her cheek. His father, Mr. Koray told Iah: don't hide your feelings son, she is a good, hard working girl and she seems to like you too. Iah responded: I know that Father, I just don't want to get hurt again. His father responded by putting his hand on his shoulder, do you think she would hurt you or anyone by that matter? Think about it and just have fun this weekend, take the jet and go away for the weekend at the island. Iah shook his fathers hand and smiled and agreed.