The Inmate's Obsession

When I asked my dad about the man that saved us, he told me his name. I wanted to make sure he was okay and to thank him for not only coming to my rescue, but to my dad’s as well. Dad said he isn’t one of his men, but that was all I could get out of him without it sounding suspicious. It’s a bit nutty that I think of Kai as my knight in shining armor, but I can’t help it.

“I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure he’ll love it.” She places the tea in front of me, and I pick it up and take a sip.

“Is he ever going to come home?” I ask, but Margaret’s face doesn't give anything away.

“Of course,” she answers swiftly.

I don’t want to think about never seeing my dad outside of those walls again. So when the landline rings, I rush to answer it. Only one person ever calls it, and it’s the person I need to talk to most right now.

“Hello?” I say quickly as soon as I pick it up.

“Sugar.” I smile when I hear his voice because I know he’s okay today. There was no automated introduction to the call, so I know he’s on someone’s cell phone.

“How are you?”

“Everything’s good,” he says.

I don’t want to give myself away, but I can’t help but ask. “Kai. Is he okay too?” There was so much blood, and if it wasn’t for him it would have been my blood. He took that hit for me, and for that I owe him my life.

“He’s still in solitary, but I’ve been assured he’s fine.” There’s a knot inside my chest that comes loose when I know he’s okay. “You’ve been worried.”

He’s not asking me a question, but I’m not about to tell him all that I’m feeling. Instead of explaining my new obsession, I stick to the facts.

“He saved us. I would have felt terrible if he died in the process.” I know my dad wouldn't feel the same way. I’m sure men die all the time to keep him safe. For some reason that doesn't bother me, though. It’s Kai that’s getting to me. He’s different, and I’m not sure why.

“He did, and I’ll make sure he’s taken care of for that.” I want to ask how, but I don’t. He might be on a cell phone, but we can’t ever be too careful with what we say.

“Can I come see you if everything has been handled?” I cross my fingers, hoping he gives me the all-clear.

“Not yet, sugar.” My heart drops. I don’t only want to see him, but I hoped that maybe Kai would be there too. I’m sure it’s a small chance, but it’s still a chance.

“Are you ever going to let me come back?”

There’s a long pause before he answers. “We’ll see.”

My eyes start to burn with tears at the thought of not seeing him. I have only a few people in my life, and that circle is slowly growing smaller. Soon I’ll be all alone, and then what? There isn't even anyone around here near my age, and it’s not as though I get to meet new people while I’m out enjoying life. The only time I can leave is to go for a visit to see him.

“Don’t be sad, sugar. I’ll figure something out.”

“Okay.” I try to keep the emotion out of my voice because the last thing I want to do is upset him. He has enough to deal with already, and I don’t want to add more onto his shoulders.

“I love you, and I’ll call again later to check on you.”

“I love you too,” I say before he ends the call.

“Are you hungry?” Margaret asks, trying to distract me.

“Not really.”

When I go back to the table, I sit down and take another sip of my tea. I don’t want to be rude and not drink it, and maybe it will make Margaret less concerned if I don’t rush out of here in tears.

The landline begins to ring again, and I look over at Margaret in surprise. I’d shamelessly put the house number down on Kai’s letter, but there’s no way it’s him. I’m sure he’ll never call, but I couldn’t help myself. Apparently, I have no self-control when it comes to the man that saved me, but there’s no way he could’ve gotten the letter I sent yet. It’s too soon, and Dad didn’t mention anything about getting his. Not to mention Dad said Kai is still in solitary.

“Hello?” I say, after answering it.

“Sienna,” the person on the other end of the line says, and I know right away it’s not my dad. I also know it’s not Kai, because his voice was deep and commanding. “Hey, it’s Carlos. I wanted to see how you’re doing.”