I harbored anger and resentment inside. I headed to my room but turned on my heel back to the kitchen. “Is Gabriel aware of this?”
Hmm, I thought so. By the look on my mother and Auntie’s face, I knew the answer to that one. “Mother, you need to tell him or I will.”
“I was planning on telling him when he comes here on fall break,” Mother replied.
“It will be good to see him. That should be in two weeks. I’ll be here, and we can all talk. I hope he’ll understand all of this,” I added.
Mother began crying. What is it with her today? I gave her a big hug and went to get dressed. I threw a few things in my overnight bag.
I dressed in jeans, a tank top, and a red button-down sweater. I had to put on light makeup to bring some color to my face. I pinned grandma’s pouch to my tank top. I thought about Carmen and her role as a guardian, and my guardian. To think she was aware of everything. I was still in shock. I finished throwing some things in my bag as Aunt Miranda had announced Carmen’s arrival.
“Ready for this girlfriend?” Carmen asked. There stood my guardian dressed in black jeans and a white, designer blouse. Where were her wings? Maybe they’d emerge later? “Let me take your bag out to the car while you say goodbye to your family.”
Mother had stopped crying, and Aunt Miranda was now tearing up. “Come on ladies. You’re the ones who insisted I must go. I’ll see you on Monday or Tuesday.”
They both saw me to the door and watched me get into Carmen’s white Lexus SUV. Guardian work must pay well.
Even if this was a visit to another mysterious cult, I figured I’d try to make the best of it. I’ll get through.
“No. It can’t be! My heart was in my throat. Luke had pulled up behind us.
I turned to Carmen. “I need to talk with him.”
“Make it quick lady. We need to leave immediately.” I got out of the car and walked toward him. He met me halfway. He looked so sad but still had the effect that made me melt. We stood about two feet from one another. He was the first to speak. “I... I’m so very sorry, Dani. I should never have let you go. I guess my mother was influencing me. I know now I can’t live without you. He grabbed me, pulling me toward him.
Carmen got out of her car and joined us. I introduced her to Luke, and she made it clear we needed to leave.
Luke looked concerned. “What’s up with her? And are you all right? You look sick, Dani. Are you going to see a doctor?”
“Yes, and Carmen is taking me.” I lied. “That’s not necessary. I can take you,” Luke offered. My heart took over, and I wanted out of this crazy escapade. “Is this possible, Carmen? Can he take me?” “No. Please get in the car Daniella - now!” Carmen had her hands on her hips and was showing a side of her I’d never seen before.
“What does it matter who takes me, as long as I get there?” Luke met Carmen face to face. “Look; I know you care about your friend and possibly hate me for what I did, but I can take care of Dani now - and will.”
“Now get in the car, Daniella.” Carmen had ahold of my arm.
I pulled away as I pleaded with Carmen but to no avail. She walked up to Luke and placed her right palm toward his forehead. I watched as Carmen spoke to him in a soft command. “You will now get back into your car and leave.”