A month had passed since the fiasco of my sister visiting me. Kylie had tried at least a half dozen times to break in. Blake was so furious, I thought it would be impossible to talk him out of getting a restraining order. Talking down Kylie on the other hand was a bigger challenge.
Kylie had become convinced that I was being brainwashed and the truth wasn't too far from that. I'd asked Blake to be the one that tries to make peace, maybe allowing me to go out with Kylie a few times. Kylie didn't trust his olive branch and we were all back to step one.
Today's olive branch included me going with Kylie to the mall to pick out some new clothes. Kylie was interested in getting me away from Blake, as was usual. Personally, I sought to collect some new sundresses and maybe a blouse. Emily had been worried about the deteriorating relationships between Kylie and I. When I asked if she wanted to come, Emily quickly declined.
Our mall trip had proven fruitful for me. The same couldn't be said about Kylie. She talked nonstop about the new political controversy for our movement. Apparently, something happened with a producer grouping and pressuring sexual advances on the actresses that worked with him. I was only half paying attention to her conversation as we walked around. Kylie wouldn't be aware, but there may have been dangers in the crowded halls.
After an hour, we were both famished. Kylie found a food court where we could sit and eat. I felt like splurging, and so did Kylie, leading to some very unhealthy lunches. I got nuggets and fries from Burger King while Kylie got a cinnabon roll. I never thought I'd see the day when Kylie ate something sweet.
"Onto more pressing matters. Let's talk about getting you away from the dickhead permanently. I'm tired of these little excursions," Kylie commented. There was a clear irritation to her tone of voice.
"Kylie, he's my husband. He's not brainwashing me, he's not holding me prisoner. You'd think that would be obvious everytime he lets us go out on our own," I countered.
"I see you looking around. You're focused like a hawk scanning the god damn crowds."
"Kylie, I promise you, I'm not keeping an eye out for Blake."
"Than who?" Kylie asked, half expecting me not to answer.
I weighed the pros and cons of telling Kylie about my father. Unfortunately, I had no proof that Kylie could go to the police with. My biggest concern then was would my father go after Kylie to get to me? The possibility was very real. If something happened to Kylie, I would feel personally responsible.
Reaching across the table, I took Kylie's hand and laced it with mine. I looked her seriously in the eyes, giving her the warmest smile I could. She wasn't budging on the topic, and I knew she wouldn't. So, here goes nothing.
"Kylie, I'm so paranoid because my father has made attempts to contact me. You know as well as I what that man is capable of."
"Even more fucking reason to get you away from Blake," Kylie shouted, drawing attention to us.
"And what if Blake can protect me from my dad?"
"And what if he doesn't? Brittany, that monster didn't ever get the time he deserved. And I have no doubt that piece of shit isn't coming for you."
"I have faith in him. I'm not telling you this to give you a reason to fuel your crusade, Kylie. I just want you to be careful. If my dad is looking to get to me, there's a good chance he'll go after you or Emily. Look after her for me, ok?"
Kylie, although unhappy, nodded in agreement. I could trust her to look after my sister while Blake protected me. I had a nagging suspicion though. Would Blake betray me to keep himself safe? Realistically, what could Blake even do? My dad was rich, probably worked in the same business as Blake. It's not like Blake could just walk into a police station and try them to get my father arrested.
Finishing up our food, Kylie and I left the mall going our separate ways. Slipping into my husband's car, I began my short drive hoom. I took a scan of my car real quick, making sure no one was hiding in wait for the right moment. Maybe I was being overly paranoid when I found nothing, but letting my guard down would be just as dangerous as winding myself up too much.
Driving home was peacefully uneventful. It felt as if I'd taken this kind of simple freedom for granted. I guess when you lose something you start to realize these things. Pulling into the driveway, I was greeted by my husband working in the garage.
Stepping out of the car, I snuck behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. Blake didn't seem surprised, so he must have heard me coming. Completing whatever it is he was working on, he finally turned around and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Blake grabbed the garage door remote to close us in for privacy. I was loathing what was to come, but Blake always needed to remind me I was his in his cruel condescending way when I got home from a trip with Kylie.
"Go inside, strip, and lay your ass down on the carpet."