Saviour

by Andie M. Long

  As I pull up in front of the driveway, that’s exactly who waits for me outside. A couple in their mid-thirties, with two young children. This house is sold. I can tell even before I’ve left the car. The couple keep glancing at each other throughout the tour, sharing secret smiles. When we move into the garden and the children run off laughing, it's a fait accompli.

  When we all leave, they say they’ll be in touch. Questions peppered at me; how many others have looked? Is there a certain price the owner is seeking? I wish I could reassure them. I’ve found the perfect owners for this property and the current owner will be happy to sell to them. The money is not as important as the right family to carry on the legacy of the house and the estate as a happy community. But until the owner gives me the go ahead, I remain my charming business-like self.

  I bid the family farewell, and with a smile I open the car door, take my seat and pull away from the kerb. That’s when I see her. Carrying shopping down the street and meandering toward a house set away from the rest of the estate. I slam on the brakes and the car screeches slightly. She startles and drops a bag of shopping, then watches aghast as vegetables spill over the pavement. I’m out of the car before I can gather my thoughts and appear in front of her in mere seconds.

  ‘Eden.’

  ‘Xavier.’ She looks around. ‘You can’t be here.’

  ‘Well, I am.’

  I help her gather up the shopping, handing her a banana and a cucumber. She blushes.

  ‘It’s just food. Wash it and no-one will be any the wiser.’

  She looks away.

  I put my hand on her chin and tilt her face towards me. ‘Why won’t you look at me?’

  She hesitates before answering. ‘Who wants to come face to face with a one-night stand in the cold light of day?’

  I flinch. ‘Of course.’

  She pushes back a piece of that long dark hair from her face. Once again it's like I can feel it in my grasp.

  ‘I’d better get my shopping put away.’

  ‘I want to meet you again.’ I tell her.

  ‘Eden. Is everything okay?’ I turn my head and see a man walking from the set-back house. He extends a firm hand, ‘I’m Jack Loxley, Eden’s employer. You are?’

  His tone has an edge to it. As if I’ve been found upsetting his employee rather than helping. I’m thrown off guard. ‘Sorry. I was showing the house across the street when I saw Eden. We know each other of old. Just thought I’d extend courtesies. I didn’t wish to intrude.’

  ‘Well she’s working, so if it’s okay with you, I need her to bring this shopping inside. We have plans.’

  I stand back, raising my hands up. ‘I apologise if I’ve caused any offence. It was all on me, please excuse me, Eden.’ I place a hand on her arm, but she steps away from it. ‘It was good to see you again. Maybe we could exchange numbers?’

  She shakes her head. ‘I don’t think so. Thank you for helping me pick up the shopping.’

  ‘Well, I kind of caused you to drop them in the first place.’ I laugh.

  Her lips turn up. They don’t make a smile, yet her eyes are alight. It’s the first clue I’m not completely wasting my time.

  ‘Well. I’ll be off. Goodbye, Eden.’

  She nods and walks up the path with her shopping. Her walk now with purpose, rather than the slow wandering she was doing before.

  Jack turns to me. ‘I trust we won’t see you around here again.’

  Standing straight, I meet the glare in his eyes. ‘Why? What business of yours is it who Eden sees outside of work?’

  ‘Eden is busy. She doesn’t need any distractions.’

  He walks away and leaves me standing on the street wondering what the hell just happened. I know one thing. I’m not heeding his warning.

  Adrenaline pumps through my veins, a knot in my gut. What’s the matter with me? I don’t know the woman other than a quick fuck. She refused to exchange numbers. I need to walk away. Yet I can’t. Something about the way she looked at me. Her face rigid but her eyes communicating. I’ve got to see her again. When I reach the office, I ask Jane to ensure I’m not disturbed and sit at my desk, my laptop powering up. My fingertips tap against the desk when it doesn’t load up fast enough.

  The house was purchased by Jack and Sienna Loxley. Joint purchase. Bought six years ago. So, they’ve been there a while. What was it she said to me? She had an interview as a House PA. Obviously she got the job. Maybe she’s brought too many lovers home, and he’s getting fed up?

  I do more searching on Jack and Sienna. They own an advertising company, Loxley Advertising Co. Hmmm. In minutes, I’ve set up a bogus appointment to meet with them in four days’ time. I give the lady who answers the address of a local restaurant. In four days’ time when Jack and Sienna come to meet me, I’ll call on Eden, to double-check she’s okay. That’s what I tell myself anyway, avoiding the fact that I can’t stay away.

  Even though I’m busy with work, the next four days drag. I call Loxley Advertising again and they confirm the appointment is still scheduled.

  When I pull up outside Eden’s employer's house, I’m greeted with a rival agency’s For Let sign. I hurtle from my car and rush to the front door. Ringing the doorbell and banging on the door brings no answers. Hairs stiffen at the nape of my neck. I blame the breeze but I feel a sheen of sweat on my forehead. I walk around the rear of the property and peer through the rear window.

  ‘Are you interesting in renting, sir?’

  I stand up straight and appraise a young guy in a suit. The fucking Estate Agent.

  ‘Where are they?’ I growl.

  ‘I’m sorry, sir, I can only tell you the terms of the-’

  A roiling heat builds in my stomach and I snort. I rush him, grab him by his collar and barge him against the wall.

  ‘Are you listening? I said, where are they?’

  ‘Sir, please, I’m just doing my job. I don’t wish to call the police.’

  ‘We’re in a private garden. No witnesses.’ I tilt my head, snatch his phone from his hand and throw it on the ground. ‘That’s about to need replacing.’

  He gulps. ‘All I know is they were going abroad for a few months. I swear that’s all the information I have.’

  I release him and straighten his collar. ‘That wasn’t too hard, was it?’ I turn and stamp on his phone. ‘Sorry. Call that a safety precaution.’ From my jacket pocket, I withdraw a wad of notes. ‘That should cover it. Don’t tell anyone I was making enquiries.’ I tip my head towards his badge. ‘I have your name, and I know where you work.’ Fortunately for me, he’s young, obviously new and doesn’t know who I am. Let’s hope it stays that way. To be honest, I reckon he’ll have handed his notice in by tomorrow morning judging by the way he’s shaking.

  When he’s left, I return to my car and thump the steering wheel. She’s gone. Possibly overseas. The ghost girl has disappeared into thin air like mist. I rub at my eye as a headache descends.

  Chapter Eight

  Eden

  I place the shopping bags onto the worktop and begin unpacking and putting items away. I can sense Jack hovering behind me.

  ‘Who was he?’

  For some reason, I don’t want to reveal his name. Kind of like it’s a power I hold. A small victory, but mine. I don’t turn around, instead, I carry on placing tins in a lower cupboard.

  ‘I don’t actually know his name. He was a hook-up in a bar. From before I started working here.’

  ‘He seemed very familiar for a hook-up.’

  ‘Maybe it meant more to him.’

  That thought makes my stomach flutter. However, Jack is annoying me so I stand up and face him. I shrug my shoulders. ‘Personally, I was shocked. It’s the first time I’ve come face to face with a one-night stand from my past.’

  ‘Right. That would explain why you were uncomfortable when I appeared then.’

  I frown. ‘Of course. What other reason could there be?’

  Jack strokes his chin. ‘Althoug
h the meeting was innocent, it would seem prudent to remind you of our agreement. No other lovers right now. Look what happened with Malc. It’s better with just the three of us.’

  ‘I’m aware of our agreement, Jack. I haven’t had any other lovers since we started this arrangement.’ To keep my temper, I bite the inside of my cheek. Right now, I want to throw a can at his fucking head.

  He gives me a crisp nod. ‘Well, I’ll leave you to carry on unpacking.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  When he’s gone, my shoulders slump. I rest my back against the worktop. I can’t do this anymore. This job represented a way to live free of relationship constraints. Instead, I’ve ended up out of my depth with a couple who seem to think they own me. This is not what this arrangement was supposed to be. I’ve saved enough wages to get out of here. I’ll visit Kara. Tonight, I’m handing in my notice.

  My guilt resulted in the cooking of yet another amazing three-course dinner. Now full and sated, we sit in the lounge drinking wine. So far, Jack has given me assessing looks, and Sienna has stroked my thigh. I can tell where they think this meal will lead so I’d better speak now. I can’t face their bodies tonight. The solace of my room is calling me.

  ‘I, erm, need to talk to you both.’

  ‘Is it about the man outside, because it’s fine, Eden,’ Sienna jumps in, assuming, which annoys me. ‘I apologise on Jack’s behalf for his overreaction. As if you can’t even chat to someone on the street.’

  ‘It’s not that.’ My hand flutters to my neck. ‘Well, I suppose it is a little.’

  ‘I’m very sorry, Eden, I promise it won’t happen again. I overstepped the mark. Forgive me, I get a little paranoid that other people might learn too much about us. It makes me uncomfortable.’

  I sigh at the apology. At least Jack realises I have a life outside this arrangement. ‘I wouldn’t do that. No, what I wanted to talk to you about was, well. I’ve decided to hand in my notice.’

  Sienna gasps.

  ‘I’m really very sorry but I realise this arrangement is not for me, after all.’ I bite my lip as I watch their reactions.

  Sienna glares at Jack. ‘Look what you’ve done.’

  I run my hand through my hair. ‘It’s not Jack. It’s me. Whatever it is I’m searching for. I’ve still not found it. I’m sorry.’ My gaze moves from Jack to Sienna. ‘I’m still unable to settle. Please know I’ll miss you both very much,’ I lie. It feels necessary under their watchful gaze, ‘but I need to do my gap year and find myself, or whatever the cliché is.’

  Silence follows, so I take my glass of wine and go and sit in the kitchen. I figure they need to discuss this alone.

  After around thirty minutes, Jack and Sienna come to find me. Sienna’s eyes appear glassy. She takes a seat at my side and clasps my hand.

  ‘We will miss you so much. You were perfect for us.’ She wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. ‘However, we understand you need to move on. You’re young. The world is still out there waiting for you. So,’ she takes a deep breath, ‘we hope this would be okay with you but we’d very much like to say goodbye to you by taking you on a small holiday. Guessing that your gap year will mean travelling around hostels, we thought a nice sunny break in Tenerife would do you good. A week of luxury. What do you think?’

  Aware that I’m required to serve a month’s notice on the PA front, spending a week of that abroad sounds heavenly. I pick at the skin around my nails. ‘Do you mean it? I thought you’d hate me.’

  She strokes a hand down my cheek. ‘We could never hate you, Eden. We’re just sad to say goodbye so soon.’

  My lips part. The relief that they’re being so nice about this is immense. ‘I feel guilty to be leaving so soon.’

  ‘Well don’t,’ adds Jack, smiling warmly at me. ‘Now, why don’t you two girls go and shop in the morning? I reckon I can get flights sorted for the next couple of days. The more we talk about a week of luxury, the faster I want to get there.’

  ‘Sounds a fantastic idea,’ says Sienna. ‘Oh, a girlie shopping day. I can’t wait.’

  Letting out a huge breath, I get to my feet. ‘Well, I’m going to hit the sack.’

  ‘Okay, goodnight, Eden.’ They say in unison.

  I hesitate at the doorway and turn back towards them. ‘Thank you. For being so understanding.’

  They nod and I return to my room.

  Everything moves quickly. Cases are packed. I hand my passport over to Jack for safekeeping with the boarding passes. It’s nice to hand over the responsibility to someone else, even if only for a little while. I’m so used to depending on myself. That’s one thing Jack and Sienna have shown me. That you can rely on other people sometimes. Perhaps I have room in my life than more than just a friendship with Kara. I need to trust people more.

  We arrive at Tenerife South Airport where we pick up a hire car. After that its passing white buildings and staring at blue skies while Jack drives. After we’ve been travelling for about an hour and move onto rough track-like roads, tiredness hits. ‘Gosh, are we ever going to get there?’ I joke.

  ‘The villa is a bit of a distance away. I must apologise,’ says Jack. ‘That’s how we got it for a bargain price. It’s worth the wait though.’

  I close my eyes and doze for a while.

  I awaken and see the car has stopped. Jack has pulled up at some wrought-iron gates. They surround a large white painted villa. It has blue doors and shutters and looks so typical of a holiday home. We get out of the car and I smile, thinking of the week of relaxation ahead. Although I’ll still be preparing meals etc, Sienna assured me that I would have plenty of time to myself.

  I walk inside, my feet tapping on the cool brown tiled floors. Wide windows reveal a large pool with a jacuzzi area. The downstairs space is vast.

  ‘Am I okay to explore?’

  ‘Sure. Explore away,’ says Jack.

  I wander away from the large open living area complete with dining table and kitchen and head down a small corridor. Opening a door reveals a massive double bedroom with its own balcony. I guess this is Jack and Sienna’s room.

  Next to it is a small bedroom, no less luxurious. It has its own en-suite and again a balcony.

  ‘Is this mine?’ I shout back towards the living room.

  ‘No, yours is down this corridor. So you can have more privacy. Come and see,’ shouts Jack. He and Sienna follow behind me, smiling in anticipation as I walk down the corridor at the other side of the villa. The door is wooden and has a beautiful antique lock on it.

  ‘Also for privacy,’ says Sienna, grinning.

  I open the door and gasp. I’m faced with a shabby looking room with just a mattress on the floor.

  I turn. ‘I don’t understand.’

  ‘That’s why you’re here, Eden,’ says Jack. ‘You need to understand that you belong to us now. You signed a contract, and we refuse to accept your notice.’

  I panic and push against him as I attempt to leave the room.

  ‘Oh, I don’t think so, Eden. You’re going nowhere.’ He smirks.

  I laugh. ‘Oh, very funny. So you haven’t decorated everywhere yet. Is this another job I need to do while I’m here? I’ll get to it as soon as possible because the rest of the villa is lovely. Can we start our holiday now? I’ll get unpacked and fix us some food.’

  Jack looks over at Sienna. ‘Oh baby, how sweet. She thinks we’re fooling around.’ He pushes me abruptly. I fall back onto the mattress, my elbow missing a soft landing and banging onto the hard floor. It jars and makes me feel nauseous. Before I can turn around I hear the key turn in the lock.

  I dash to the window, but it’s locked and barred. I run to the bathroom. It has a small sink and toilet and thank goodness, a roll of toilet paper. My mouth is dry. I’m sure you’re not supposed to drink the water but I have no choice. I take a few sips and wash my face. Then I use the bathroom.

  The room has nothing in it, not a pillow or a blanket.

  Back at the window, I pu
ll at the bars with all my might. I smack the door and shout for them to let me out. My knuckles are red, the skin on them peeling. Finally, hoarse and exhausted, I sit on the mattress as my tears come. What the fuck will happen to me? No-one knows where I am. Somehow, I need to get my passport back and escape. I lie down on the mattress and curl into a foetal position. My heart thumps in my chest. I feel like the walls of the room are closing in. Like I’m going to die. I need to try to sleep. To try to get some energy and a break from my whirling thoughts and utter panic. However, as still as I lie there, sleep won’t come. Because I fear what will happen when that door next opens.

  Once again using the bathroom, as adrenaline empties my body of its excreta, I sit with my head in my hands. When I raise my head, I see writing scratched into the wall at the bottom of the sink. It’s barely discernible. I crouch down and squint my eyes. I can just make out the faint words etched there.

  Welcome to Hell.

  Part Two

  HELL

  A situation or place of evil, misery, discord, or destruction.

  Chapter Nine

  Kara

  To: Eden

  From: Kara

  Date: Saturday 27 September 2014

  Subject: Get your ass over here

  Hey, Eden. You worked out some annual leave with those slave drivers yet? You’ve got to get yourself out here for a few days. The sun feels so good against your skin and there are so many HOT guys.

  To: Eden

  From: Kara

  Date: Thursday 2 October 2014

  Subject: Everything ok?

  Have I done something wrong? Let me know. I’m trying your phone too and it's switched off. Get in touch soon. I miss you.