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“Shit, Sasha,” Ethan responded.
“He had a fiancé and was also dating another woman outside the city. That woman found out about the fiancé and was the one who posted in the group calling him out and warning any other women he may have caught in his web.
"I had no idea,” I looked down at my lap, shame for how naive I could have been and the vulnerability of my words. “I’m grateful for that woman’s post, but it’s pathetic that groups like that need to exist in the first place.”
Ethan reached out, grasping my hand in his. “I’m so sorry. For all of it. You didn’t deserve any of what happened to you. The men in your life have let you down.”
“I know. But I get it now, you know?
“The whole point of traveling is to escape the reality of our lives, to avoid facing those uncomfortable truths that challenge who we are. Those defining moments that shape and mold our character. I realize that one day, I’ll be ready to confront those moments head-on and come out on the other side with a different kind of strength. But, well, today is not that day.
“Ethan, I have a fucked-up view of men and I’m not in a good place to be with anyone beyond a one-night stand right now. That’s why I left this morning, and that’s why my journey will continue,” I whispered. “I’m catching a flight to Spain tomorrow morning.”
Ethan nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. A flood of words separated the stranger in front of me who felt more like a friend than I’d experienced in nine months. I’d never opened to anyone I’d met on my travels with this much depth regarding my past.
“Well…” his voice finally spoke, trailing off. “If you ever make it back to the States, give me a call.” He said pointing towards the tattoo on my foot. “You know how to find me.”
I chuckled gently. “Maybe I will, Ethan.”
Chapter 14: Sasha
Ten years earlier…
It was a crisp September day and the start of my sophomore year of high school. I couldn’t wait to get to school and see all my friends I’d missed over the summer.
I was turning 16 this year. Which felt like a pivotal milestone and something I’d looked forward to for a long time. I couldn’t wait to get my license and my first job. However, this morning, on the first day of school would be forever marked by sadness, disappointment and shake my sense of trust and security.
“Sasha!” my mom called from downstairs. “Please come down here. It’s urgent!” her voice traced with panic.
I slipped my school uniform on quickly and tied my loose curls up into a bun before I sprinted downstairs.
“What’s going on, mom?” I asked as I entered the living room, finding two men dressed in suits standing in the kitchen speaking with my dad.
Worry etched in her smooth skin as she walked over to me patting the spot on the couch next to her. I took a seat and turned to her.
“Honey, there’s something I need to tell you about your father. You know he works as a financial advisor, right?
I nodded. “Yeah…"
“Your father wasn’t exactly honest in his dealings. He’s been siphoning money from clients, including us. I had no idea. It appears the authorities were tipped off by someone at his firm and that’s why they are here this morning.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“It’s likely he’ll be going away to prison for a long time.”
I took a moment to process this information as the world I’d once known began to shatter.
“Prison?” I whispered.
She sighed, “I’m sure there will be an appeal, but the debts, expenses he incurred…” her voice trailed off, “it’s going to be a financial nightmare.”
She reached out for my arm, pulling me close. “I had no idea, Mom. I’m so sorry.” I responded, unsure what this meant for my future.
“We’ll get through this together, sweetheart. It’s time for us to face the truth and rebuild our lives. There may be changes we’ll need to make, but we’ll always have each other.”
I nodded against her chest as she held and rocked me.
The father I’d grown up knowing, loving, and trusting turned out to be someone different than he claimed.
