Literally Die in His Tenderness

Chapter 7

The little girl quickly poured some powder into the glass tube, sealing it tightly. "This is a good thing. My little black will definitely like it. So, I'll keep this as my reward, okay?"

Before I could respond, my vision blurred, and I blacked out. When I came to, I felt myself being held in someone's arms. It was a solid, comforting embrace, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so safe.

I groggily opened my eyes and immediately reached for a glass of water to ease the dryness in my throat.

"Gordon, thank you," I murmured, my voice still rough.

He gave a half-smile, his eyes twinkling with humor. "I should be thanking you. This whole experience has really blown my mind. When I was a kid, my grandmother used to warn me not to take things from strangers. I thought she was just being dramatic. But now? Now I get it."

I smiled back, relieved that he didn't want me to feel guilty about any of it. Because of my health, the trip we had planned was off, and I stayed at his place until school started again. During that time, Troy called and texted me over and over, but I didn't dare change my number or turn my phone off due to work-related concerns.

[Aubrey, where have you been? I'm worried about you.]

[Can you call me back?]

[I want to see you.]

After the insect was removed from my body, Troy should've had no reason to keep pursuing me. But still, his calls and texts came every single day. The constant barrage was starting to wear me down, so I let Gordon answer the phone one day.

What happened next completely caught me off guard.

"Who is this?" Troy practically yelled. "Let Aubrey answer the phone!"

Gordon's response was sharp, his tone unwavering. "Who I am doesn't concern you. The two of you have no connection anymore, so stop contacting Aubrey. A man should have some dignity. Your constant calls are disturbing our lives. Show some respect, and stay out of Aubrey's life for good."

I could practically hear Troy's breath catch on the other end, and then… silence. He didn't say another word.

After that, Troy stopped calling, and I thought, Finally, he's let go.

Before long, it was time to go back to school. I said my goodbyes to Gordon's grandmother, not realizing how much I would miss her, and braced myself for the return to my workaholic routine.

During my time there, I learned the little girl's name was Sarah Reid, and we'd become close friends. Before I left, she winked at Gordon and patted my shoulder like she was giving me sage advice.

"Aubrey, make sure you come back to visit. It'd be even better if you two were married," she said with a teasing smile.

I almost corrected her, but I could see it wasn't worth it. She had her own way of thinking, and I didn't feel like explaining again.

Back at school, I decided to move. Gordon mentioned his lease was up and suggested we share the rent.

"What a coincidence," I said, surprised by the suggestion.

His ears turned a shade of pink, and he nodded earnestly. "I could also be your personal bodyguard… for free."

I wasn't sure if it was the lingering shadow of my past life or just a newfound need for company, but I hated being alone. I always found myself wanting to be around people. But even then, Terra still found me.

It was still ridiculously hot for autumn, and she was wearing a long-sleeved black dress. At first, I almost didn't recognize her. My heart raced, and I wasn't sure whether to feel anxious or relieved. But I knew I needed answers, and I needed to hear them straight from her.

Fearing the conversation could get ugly, I suggested we meet at a nearby coffee shop. I wanted things to stay civil, or at least as civil as possible.