SAFE (mxm)

Chapter 40. The Only Way (David)

   (Present time)

   I like to plan. Planning is my element. Logic is my trump card. I need to know every move I am going to make, every obstacle I might encounter and any means of overcoming it. That is what made me so successful in my work. It also helped me to compose myself and get in that limo two weeks ago. I knew exactly how many steps I had to take from the front door to the car, what the weather would be and at precisely what time the sun was going to set. Building scenarios and following them strictly was the only way Sarah could persuade me to accompany her every time we went to a hotel at the seaside. There is no other way to do what Ryo demands. There is no way to give up as well, because I need him and crave to see him, counting the hours until we meet again.

   I sigh and open my laptop. This is going to be hard, but I will do it. I launch the maps application, locate my address and turn on the satellite view. There is a wide, three-lane street, passing by my house, with broad sidewalks on both sides. I will move very close to the buildings. This will make it less likely to run into one of the pedestrians who walk around the large horse walnut trees, lined along the middle section, each in a square bed, fenced with ornamental, wrought iron tree guards. 

   Goosebumps rise all over my skin. There surely will be lots of people. I can see that this is also the case at the moment. It's a busy street. The pavements are crowded. What if someone bumps into me? What if they touch me? Maybe, I should wear gloves. It seems safer. I can't bear the thought of someone touching my hand. Fuck! This is preposterous. I wonder if Ryo is fully aware of what he is causing to me. Why? Is he torturing me on purpose?

   I rub my face in frustration and focus on the screen again. Anger does not help. I will go over every single step I have to take. There will be no surprises.  I click on the small, yellow figurine  and drop it in front of my front gate, choosing street view. Here is the small garden with the fountain across the street, no more than a thousand feet. It's a small distance. I will need about ten minutes, if I walk slowly, and less than five, if I go fast. Is it best to run? No, that would look ridiculous and I will surely bump into someone. Sarah won't be able to follow me either. She hates running. Ugh, what the hell am I doing? I won't be climbing Mount Everest. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

   I shut the laptop closed and jump up. I can do it for Ryo. One more day and I will be with him. It is worth it. I've repeated it to myself a hundred times every day since I read his note. I must not fail. This is my only chance. I won't get a second one.

   The first rays of the rising sun find me with my eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling and biting nervously my lips, after I've slept less than three hours. It's six a.m. I have nine more hours to agonize over this. I wish I could sleep them away. Not a chance. I can go to the gym. It sounds like a good idea. Oh, no! Sarah took the key and said she would not give it back for at least the next three days. How about some breakfast? Absolutely not. Out of the question. I groan, already feeling nauseous just thinking about it. No food until this is done and over with. Oh, God! What did I get into? This is going to ruin me no doubt. Why can't I just give up?

   I am ready to sink into the deepest self-pity when the phone rings. 

   "Get up!" Sarah's voice booms through the silent room. "How long have you been lying awake?"

   "I have no frikin idea," I growl. "Why aren't you sleeping?"

   "Because of you, idiot," she grumbles. "Believe it or not, I can feel your nervousness across the town. Enough chewing the cud! Get up!"

   "Come over and bring the key for my gym, woman," I bark. 

   "Wow, you almost got me turned on," she giggles. "Keep that spirit up for your cocky Japanese prince charming. You sound hot when you rule the roost."

   "Shut up," I roll my eyes.

   "Are you still in bed?" she asks sternly. "Up and go to the kitchen! I want pancakes."

   "That was a long shot, Buttercup," I laugh out. "You know I can't touch an egg to save my life."

   "Toasts with strawberry jam and fried bacon?" she suggests hopefully.

   "Nope," I chuckle and finally crawl out of bed. "I've never been closer than ten feet to a piece of bacon."

   "Saint," she huffs.

   "Not anymore. It's been a couple of weeks now since I lost my hallo," I retort, evoking a loud ripple of laughter. "Here's the deal. You let me work out for two hours and I prepare banana berry fruit salad and quinoa apple muffins for you."

   "Aww, you will always be an angel" Sarah coos, but adds firmly, "For us! You're eating too and it is not negotiable. You have one hour in the gym and it's valid only if you put some chocolate chips in the muffins."

   "You got it," I agree just because I have some dairy-free dark chocolate bars."

   "I'll be there in half an hour," Sarah states and hangs up.

   I put on a loose t-shirt and start preparing the breakfast, much more relaxed than before. This is better. I can do some exercise, take a long bath and decide what to wear with her help. No more freaking out. I can do this. What's so difficult about it? It's just a short walk and Ryo will be right there, waiting for me. The thought of his arms, firmly wrapped around me and his deep voice, saying my name, make my cheeks flush. 

   I smile. This man is worth fighting for and even changing my ways, if those are his terms to be mine. When I come to think of it, there is logic in what he wants. Ryo is not like me. I can't lock him inside the house. 

   The only way is for me to go out at last.

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A/N

Hello everyone at the end of chapter 40.

Thank you for reading and supporting! ❤❤❤

Only a few hours and David will have to break all his rules.

Do you expect success or disaster?

Share your thoughts, ask questions and criticize, if you feel like.

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Thank you!

Love: Anny