Gift

Meredith's POV:

Last night when Dixon and I had the talk, that little sea urchin took matters into his own hands and gave me another bottle of beer which I moved into the deepest part of the fridge so it's hidden in plain sight amongst the stacks of food containers of our left overs. Hoping that he won't get any ideas that he's old enough and allowed to drink as long as it's here at home. He also gave me another pill to swallow.

As it turns out, it was for me. He convinced me that he had read somewhere that alcohol aids in difficulty in getting some shut-eye. He was so sincere that I did not have the heart to tell him that it happens because you are drunk and that he's an idiot for believing everything that he has seen on the internet.

"Maybe not everything, I once saw an article about you and Conrad..."

"A what?"

"Maybe it's better if I show you what I mean, seriously, it's getting too hard to explain these days to old people." Dixon disappeared and when he came back, he was carrying the laptop I bought him for school. I had trouble processing the information he was offering me. Made sure that the counter is dry as a bone before placing his gadget there, fired it up and keyed in commands while I sip on the cold bottle of beer unconsiously. "Here. Take a look at this."

My eyes wanted to pop out of it's socket. It was a clear shot of Conrad assisting me while we were on the bike but my photos were always from the back. Concealing my identity but there was no mistaking it was me all along. "T-that's stupid, that is so not me."

Dixon chuckled, "suit yourself."

"What does it matter? I am sure there are tons of photos of him and his women throughout the years."

"No, I've scoured the internet. I am assuming that a man like him would employ a team who would take care of his image. If this image was posted without permission, it would have been taken down the same day." My brother sounded so sure and enthusiastic.

Averting my eyes so he does not see that glimmer or hope and pain. "You've put a lot of thought about this. Do your homework instead of wasting time on useless stuff. Maybe I'll stop paying the internet and that would put some sense to you."

"You don't pay it. Gustav does."

I send him off to bed. While I finish my cleaning as I continue to convince myself that my brain is placed on the topmost part of the human anatomy to oversee everything, including my heart. Three minutes later and with nothing left to do, I chug the remaining contents of the beer and doze to sleep wihout brushing my teeth. An itinerary in my head.

My phone kept on buzzing as I drive to Gustav's house. He called me early in the morning and uttered two words. 'Come over'. And as his employee for the time being, I obliged. Pushing through the heavy traffic with a splitting headache is no mean feat to be honest. I would rather be at home giving in to my sleepy feeling and worry about whatever I need to worry the day after.

But no, it took me an hour to get to the brownstone and as usual, he received me as usual in his study.

"Hey, you want to see me?"

"Good morning," Gustav greeted me and motioned me to sit down. I would rather stand up and have this meeting over and done with. If it was up to me, I would prefer if he would just text me or call me. I am not in the mood for pleasantries today. "I assume that little visit from Wyn did not help."

It instantly sparked rage inside me, "Wyn told you?"

"No, she doesn't have to."

"Right, you were spying on me. Tell you what, why don't you just put CCTV in the house?" I snapped. I felt betrayed. That scene where I felt someone watching me came back.

"I already have. Only in the living room and the front and the back." Gustav stated casually.

"This is insane! Why would you do that?"

"Protection."

"For fucking what?"

"You are my ward now. In my world, protection is a must, Meredith. Do not question my motives. It's not like I am peeking into your bedroom. I would never do that." His defensive tone made me want to lash on him but I no longer have the energy to do that. I am emotionally drained and I do not want to have this conversation either. "Here. You need this."

I stare at the manila envelope that he shoved in my direction. I bring my stare back up. "What's that?"

"Open it."

And I did. My obedient ass could not say no to him. What I see inside astounds me more. Two passports and two tickets and Identification cards and ATM cards. "Whose are these for? You want me to deliver stuff now?"

Gustav cackled with laughter, the kind of laugh that was so foreign even to my own ears. I did not even know he could laugh that hard. Waiting for him to have his fill took forever and on instinct, I had to pour him water and gave it to him before he rips his throat. I am in a limbo and this man wants me to leave my house and make errands for him despite the number of me he has. What the fuck?

The envelope contained my passport and Dixon's. He said we deserve a break. To Hawaii. All fucking expenses paid. I was like, "why?"

His answer made me want to cry and it's not just because I am emotionally unstable now, it's because someone actually cared and they cared extravagantly. I mean, we've never been outside the state before, let alone ride a plane. "You can't work when you are not okay. I give you three days. I will see to it that Dixon's teachers are informed."

"I don't know what to say..."

"Please, start with thank you and pack your bags. Wyn will be with you."

Hawaii here I come!