Chapter 38: Chapter Thirty-eight

We always try to escape things. Things that we don’t understand, that make us feel anxious and oftentimes…things we fear. But we have a choice, either to run from them or face them head on. Right now, in my case, all I want is to stay. I’m tired of running and it’s about time I faced the things that bother me.

If I happened to bet a million dollars that Mom would stand up from her seat to argue with Dad in a booming voice…I would’ve won a lot of cash right now.

“Damon! Why are you being like this?!”

Her thunderous voice was enough to shake the house, but it only affected our ears and not the solid foundation of our home. It was better than making the whole house tumble down.

“Why suspect Rebecca when she obviously hasn’t done anything wrong? I mean, her son was even there, and if it wasn’t for him, your daughter would’ve died!”

Dad’s face was etched with shock by her outburst, not expecting his woman to explode like this. Just as Dad stood up from his seat, I did the same and hurriedly ran for cover in my bedroom upstairs. It would take some time for them to finish their banter and it wouldn’t stop until they settled it themselves. Passing by Harvey’s room, I saw he was peeking through the small crack in the door until his eyes landed on me.

“Sis, what’s going on?”

Casting him a reassuring smile, I waved his worry off. “Nothing. Just Mom and Dad having a little debate, that’s all.”

Catching my drift, Harvey nodded softly and retreated into the comforts of his room, obviously knowing better than to go down and eavesdrop on them. The soft rug tickling my feet greeted me once I stepped into my room, my suitcases all ready for tomorrow’s departure.

After bathing and preparing the clothes I was going to wear tomorrow, I checked my phone for any messages—preferably Chad’s. But none came. Not a single one since I told him I’d be leaving tomorrow.

Does he think that I’m trying to escape him, or something?

Tired of waiting, and feeling like an idiot staring at the blinking cursor, I set my phone at the nightstand and got cozy on the bed. I’ll be missing these pillows for three days. Staring up at the ceiling, I twiddled with my fingers as I recalled all the things that had happened today. But what Dad said earlier stuck to my mind.

“I’m suspecting that Rebecca Montgomery is behind all this.”

Frowning, I scratched my head and sighed. If Mrs. Montgomery is behind the kidnapping, wouldn’t that be just unbelievable? I mean, her son was included in it and I’m sure she wouldn’t want that… Unless it was all planned and Chad had to be there, acting his part to—

“No!” I hissed at myself, not wanting my thoughts to run down a complicated path. “Rebecca Montgomery and Chad have nothing to do with it. No need to suspect the both of them…” Pulling the comforter and wrapping it around me, I forced my eyes shut, including my buzzing mind that continued to picture how Chad and his mother had planned the kidnapping to happen and to look innocent as well.

Just stop doubting, Rachel. It won’t do you any good right now. Go to sleep…

***

“Goodbye dear, please take care!”

I waved back with a small smile in farewell as Percy—who had finally recovered—loaded the bags in the back of the car. Mom and Dad continued to wave; Harvey had said his goodbyes a little earlier since he still had to go to school.

“Bye, Mom! Dad! I’ll call or text once I arrive.”

Adjusting my coat, I climbed into the Range Rover before Percy went behind the wheel. Soon, the car sped away, the view of Mom and Dad waving, including the house, slowly disappearing as we went out of the gates. A few moments later, the car was running down the highway, my home fading away completely.

Luckily, the road wasn’t very slippery yet. Maybe in a few days—the day I came back—it probably would be. Relaxing against the seat, I glanced at a few houses we went by, some empty. It was not surprising at all, considering that it was almost Thanksgiving. There were people who’d want to spend it in other places.

After a few minutes, much to my delight, we arrived at the airport. “It’s all right, Percy. I’ll take it from here.”

Percy stared at me and shook his head, not letting go of my suitcase. “I’m sorry, Miss Maxwell…but it’s my job to assist you.” He bowed slightly. “I failed to do my duty back then, so this is my way of paying you back for being incompetent.”

I backed away slightly, arms crossed over my chest. “You did your job well that night, Percy. It wasn’t your fault and you got shot because of me! You can’t blame it all on yourself.”

The bodyguard shot me a smile, “Then do me a favor, Miss Maxwell… Enjoy your time in New York. Forget what happened here and have fun. I’ll feel much better that way.”

At his request, all I did was nod. Satisfied with my answer, Percy took my bags and assisted me all the way into the bustling building. Passengers with different destinations came in and out of the building, either alone or not.

The voice of the woman announcing the flights over an intercom alerted every person who was waiting for their turn. Just another busy day in the airport. When it was time for me to leave, Percy bowed slightly once again and bid farewell.

“Have fun, Miss Maxwell. Take care.”

“You too, Percy.”

Just as he walked away, a woman with tears in her eyes ran past me, almost knocking me to the floor. Feeling a bit irritated that she didn’t give an apology, it faded away once I realized what she was doing—running away from the man who continued calling for her.

“Jade, come back! Let me explain!”

Eyes trained on them, people whispered to themselves before returning to their own business. The two disappeared and everything went back to normal—bustling, noisy, packed with a lot of people.

I pulled my phone out of my bag to see if there were any messages from Chad before I took off to New York. My face was probably the epitome of sadness since a guy who wheeled in with his own suitcase stared at me in concern. There was no text from Chad.

Forgetting my crestfallen face, I put on a smile and took my suitcase. Don’t mind him… Enjoy your time in New York. Buy cool things and eat delicious food. Leave all the negative thoughts here. You won’t do your trip any justice if you don’t!

But the moment the plane left Cleveland, already in the air, I immediately took my phone and scanned our conversation with a huge frown. The stewardess brought back a glass of orange juice, only to be ignored. Finger between my lips, I read the messages repeatedly, trying to find fault in it.

What did I say for him to be like this? Is he really that busy right now? What is he doing? Is Chad still snoring in his bed? Did I say something wrong?

“Ma’am, do you need anything?”

I glanced up to see the stewardess smiling down at me. I instantly shook my head, telling her that I was fine and that I didn’t need anything. She left me alone and did what stewardesses are supposed to do.

In the meantime, I went on surveying our conversation until I grew tired. There were no flags indicating that I said anything wrong or that I offended him at some point. It was probably when I told him that I’d be leaving today. Chad did say that he wanted to see me at work… But what could I do? Mom and Dad planned the whole trip to happen this morning. It would be a bit cruel if I didn’t accept it.

One hour came to pass for me just sitting (and a few trips to the bathroom too), when the pilot announced our arrival. Pocketing my gadget, I unbuckled the seat belt once we came to a full stop. The smiling stewardess returned and assisted me (even if I didn’t need it).

Exiting the airplane, the frigid air greeted me and puffs of smoke flew out of my mouth when I let out a sigh. Well, that was a short flight! The pilot greeted me below the stairs and grinned at me.

“Hello, Miss Maxwell. I hope you found the ride comfortable?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Tudor.”

A black BMW car strode in, and out came Dad’s hired bodyguards in their familiar attire and shades. They immediately ran to my side and took my suitcase.

“Good day, Miss Maxwell,” one of them greeted stoically, to which I replied with a nod.

“You too.”

New York appeared to be the same city it always was. New stores had opened while some were replaced with better ones. The streets were packed with people doing their usual routine in their daily lives while some choose to live in the moment. A group of dancers or a woman playing the guitar at the side, entertaining the passersby. Tips thrown in hats or cases.

The huge billboards of famous people representing brands, and not to mention the tall skyscrapers that were looking down over us. New York was still the same; its consistency didn’t match the lives of the people in this city, however.

It wasn’t long before we happened to pass by our own company, the glorious building matching the name Maxwell. I couldn’t help but stare at it in a deadpan way since, despite its magnificent appearance, I couldn’t say the same of the inside. Sure, there were people who found enjoyment working in an office and typing away endless documents on their computers. But not me.

“Miss Maxwell,” the bodyguard behind the wheel began. The vehicle stopped at the side for a second. “If you don’t mind me asking…do you have something to buy before we head off to your house?”

Thinking for a moment, I ran through my thoughts before shaking my head. “No, I have nothing to buy at the moment. Let’s just go home.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

It took two seconds to get the car going, and another two to almost bump into a clumsy person who had decided to wear the hood of his jacket. Like, is he part of a gang? The car slightly lurched forward due to the hasty break, blaring horn aimed at the dumb guy who almost dived in front of us.

Rolling down his window, the bodyguard stared at the man in annoyance. “Excuse me! But you almost killed yourself and endangered us.” When the man didn’t answer, the other bodyguard stared at the clumsy person. “Hey, is he drunk or something, Richard?”

Just as the man behind the wheel got out of the car, the clumsy human being took off his hood and had his hands reaching for the sky. Heart stopping at the familiar face and shade of blond hair, I hurriedly got out of the car. What is he doing here? How— When did he get here?

His blue eyes landed on me in surprise before shooting me a grin. I frowned in disbelief, mind processing that he was real and not just another wild imagination. Chad Montgomery was here, flesh and blood, in New York City.

“Chad? How— What are you doing here?”

“Hello to you, too, plum.”

Confused, Richard motioned to Chad. “Miss Maxwell, you know this man?”

Irritated that I’d troubled myself with thinking about what I’d done wrong only to find out that he was planning to come along, I narrowed my eyes at him, softly casting a spell that he would turn to stone because of my deathly glare.

“Barely.”

Chad pouted. “I just wanted to surprise you! Don’t be so cruel.” Then, he took a step forward and stared straight into my eyes, mischief behind his. “Why? Did I make you worry?”

I pinched his cheeks before pushing his face away, and gestured to the car. “Just get in, Montgomery.”

Not waiting for a reply, I climbed back into the vehicle. Out of the cold and where I could hide my red cheeks with the collar of my jacket. Chad, who followed me, got into the car while rubbing his face. I mentally rolled my eyes and shook my head at him for playing with my feelings just now.

Sheesh, don’t act like you weren’t glad to see him! You were whining all day because he didn’t text you and now that he’s here…you’re playing hard to get!

“Miss Maxwell, shall we go?”

I gave them the signal and the car sped away, getting back on track. While maintaining a short distance between us, I kept stealing glances at him, noting the black jacket he wore, skinny jeans and sneakers. Did he wear this outfit the whole time? In the cold? Quickly, I took his hands and inspected them, surprising Chad.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“When did you get here?” I asked softly. His hands were very cold but at least they hadn’t turned numb. Yet.

At this question, he chuckled. “I wasn’t really expecting to meet you right now. I was actually on my way to the airport until I bumped into you guys. So, I revised my little surprise instead.” He pulled his hands away and stuffed them into the pockets of his jacket. “And I flew here yesterday. I thought you were running away from me, so I decided to come here and see for myself.”

“You idiot.”

He let out a few short wails in pain as I pinched him on the arms, legs, face and anywhere I could see.

“Hey, what is that for?” he cried out and pulled my pinching fingers away from him. Seriously, he acts like a child sometimes…

“If I had cancelled my flight you’d be stuck here! You can’t just follow me around, Chad! And you wore this jacket in this frigid weather? I’m surprised you haven’t turned into a block of ice!”

“If I did, I would be a stunning one.” I pinched his cheeks to remove that stupid grin off his face. It instantly worked. As he slowly pulled my hand away, Chad kissed the back of my hand and smiled. “And I’m sorry if I worried you.”

“Chad, I’m here due to my parents. They wanted me to take a short vacation. Why would you think I’m running away from you?” It would be absurd to run away. “I was a bit…concerned that you merely replied to me that way.”

“Eh? Just admit that you were very worried I only replied with such a short phrase.” Wrapping his arms around me, Chad pulled me close and rubbed his cheek against my head, like some cat. “And don’t worry, I’ll never do it again. Just know that wherever you’ll go, I’ll be there watching you.”

Eyes squinted at him, I let out a laugh. “Just hearing that makes you sound like some stalker. I wonder what your mother will say…” Chad remained silent, hand stroking my back as he softly hummed in content. Instead of grumbling, I succumbed to him and hugged him back.

I’ll admit, this is nice.

The bodyguards were silent in their seats, not uttering a word even if they wanted to. What if they tell Dad that Chad suddenly showed up? How will Dad react?

“Rach, where are we headed?”

“To my house. I don’t want to stay in a hotel and Dad wants the same thing,” I replied, burying my face further into his chest. It was quiet, save for the honking and the noisy world outside. As the car headed towards our destination, my mind began to wander elsewhere.

This is the first time me and Chad are all alone, in a different place, no less. What am I going to do now that he’s here? Should I continue with the plans I made or make new ones?

Then, I suddenly remembered I had no plans.

“Chad, is there something we could do while we’re here? It’ll be boring if we stayed at home and all…” Oh crap, why is my mind filled with dirty thoughts?

As I was about to rephrase my sentence, Chad leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “I’m not boring. Want to play with me once we get there?”

With a loud, awkward laugh from me, I pulled out of his embrace and returned the distance between us. “What’s that? You want to go shopping with me? And let me pinch you all day long?” Once those words came out of my mouth, Chad scooted away from me, staring at the cars that passed by us here on the Brooklyn Bridge.

That’s what I thought.

Afterwards, we reached the villa in thirty minutes. Unlike our mansion, the villa’s design was similar to the old houses in Italy and had a bigger garden than the one back in Cleveland. But having only stayed here for a few days since I was little, I couldn’t actually call it home.

“We’re here?” Chad took a peek out of the window to stare at the house, the gates now wide open. I nodded in reply, motioning to the house.

“Yes, we’re here. This is my house.” Well, technically my parents’, but still… At the mention of the house, I turned to Chad with a questioning look. “If you arrived here yesterday, you’re staying in a hotel right now, or your house?”

Chad faced me and smiled. “Why? If I told you that I slept on the streets would you offer me a place in your bed?” Giving him a pointed look was enough for him to surrender, knowing the consequences. “Yes, I’m staying in a hotel right now. I have a car but I left it at my parents’ house since I didn’t want to bother with such things.”

“Because you thought I’d offer you to stay with me?” His suggestive grin was an answer enough. I rolled my eyes and pretended to sigh in dreariness. “Gosh, you’ll never stop, huh?”

Chad chuckled and the car turned to a stop in front of the entrance, where all the household staff were waiting. I climbed out of the car without hesitation of leaving the laughing Chad behind. The rascal and his dirty mind!

“Hey! Wait up!”

At the sight of me, the women and men in uniform greeted me. “Good morning, Miss Maxwell.”

I smiled back at them, giving them a small wave in return. The plan of talking to them, praising them for working hard, turned into non-existent gas when Chad strode towards me with purpose in each step.

If I knew what purpose it was I should’ve stopped him from pulling me towards him, receiving a hard kiss from the audacious man.

My eyes were wide in shock while I could hear the gasps coming from the maids. What do you think you’re doing, Chad?!

His lips quickly came and went, blue eyes scanning the astonished crowd before us. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled me close to him with a smug grin on his face. “Hello! I’m Chad Montgomery, Rachel Maxwell’s boyfriend. I hope you prepared our room for tonight.”

Now that statement earned a lot of stares and another round of surprised gasps.

Can I go and jump off a building now?