Were they perverts perhaps? Looking for someone to take part in their twisted games? The Internet had taught me quite a bit about the seedier side of life. Even more than I’d seen while watching my mother’s life spiral out of control.
I didn’t get the creep vibe from either of them though but who knows? Maybe they were just very good at hiding it. If that’s the case and it turns out they had less than good intentions then I’d just leave first chance I get.
2
Dakota
With my mind set and hope in my heart for the first time, I walked back into the office where they were waiting for me.
I said a quick goodbye to the matron secretly hoping never to see her again as I walked down the hall to the front door for what I hoped was the last time.
I didn’t make eye contact with any of the others, still afraid that something would go wrong and I’d end up stuck here.
I didn’t breathe easy until the door closed behind me and I felt the sun shining on my face for what felt like the first time.
They walked me outside to a waiting car with a driver who was standing by to open the doors for us.
My stomach started to hurt as soon as I sat on the butter soft seat of the luxury car. I don’t know much about cars but I was sure it was one of those really expensive numbers that only the super rich can afford.
I was tense as the car drove out of the city limits and into places I’d never known existed. We were barely twenty minutes past the outskirts of the city when the landscape began to change and the houses only got bigger the farther we drove.
“So Dakota, I understand that you’re an exceptional student.”
“Yes ma’am.” I kept my head down because I felt self conscious having their attention focused on me.
“Natalia, you may call me Natalia if you’d like.”
“Yes ma… Natalia.” All three of us laughed at my little slip and the knots in my stomach eased a little at her smile.
They asked about my time at the home, school, what I wanted to do after high school, things like that.
And by the time we pulled through the gates of the biggest house I’d ever seen I was feeling a lot more at ease.
I had to remind myself to close my mouth as I gaped at my surroundings. This can’t be real. I told myself this while at the same time admonishing myself not to mess this up.
“Come on inside Dakota, let me show you your room.” I’d been busy staring at the grounds. The beautiful gardens and miles of green lawn that seemed to go on forever.
“Why don’t you ladies do that while I put some steaks on the grill. I’ll bring your bags up later Dakota just leave them there.” he left my bags at the bottom of the stairs and turned and walked towards the back of the house.
“We usually have a cook but Evan thought since it was your first day we should make it just family. You’ll meet Lulu tomorrow.”
I nodded my head, still too dumbfounded by the house to have a voice. Everything inside looked like it was worth more money than I’d ever make in my life and I was afraid to touch them even in passing.
“Relax Dakota, there’s nothing here that’s not replaceable.” She’d obviously read my body language and sought to put me at ease but it was going to take a while for that to happen
The room she led me to was fit for a princess or a queen. It was huge, with a sitting room and a private bathroom. If the bullies could see me now they’d kill me for sure.
I looked at her once, almost asking what’s the catch, but held my tongue. I only just got here. Let’s see if anyone comes sneaking around my bedroom in the middle of the night and I’ll know where I stand.
It was nothing like that. Evan and Natalia were genuinely nice people who wanted to help me because they saw something in me.
I had a closet full of clothes, all new. Handbags with designer labels and an allowance that was more than I’d make if I went out and got an afternoon job.
It took me quite a while to accept that they wanted nothing in return and it was easy to love them.
Natalia with her warm sweet kindness that didn’t hide any ulterior motives and Evan, my first real crush.
It wasn’t a crush like I wanted to sleep with him, more like I’d like to find someone like him when I grew older.
In my eyes he was the perfect man, and much of that perfection stemmed from the way he treated his wife, and now me.