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CHAPTER12
Kyleigh
“No Karrol, I’m telling you, he’s been a perfect gentleman,” I said softly, not wanting Shaun or Morgan to hear as I sat on my bed video chatting. It was really late at night and they’d already been so kind to let me stay with them. “We just spent the evening lying in each other’s arms. It was…nice.”
“Are you telling me you’d rather lay there talking instead of having passionate sex? Because if you do, we are a lot more different than I thought,” she said.
“I wasn’t opposed to making love, but he didn’t initiate it,” I said.
“Maybe he wanted you to initiate - did you ever think about that?” she asked. I made a face at her and she said, “I didn’t think so. But this is your chance to do whatever you want to. Once you’re back in Tabiq, you’re going to be expected to be your parents’ little saint.”
“That is not how they view me,” I said.
“Kyleigh, as long as I’ve known you, you’ve done everything they’ve told you to. Even when it came down to what you’d do for work.”
“I love my job at the hospital. Caring for the sick means a lot to me,” I said truthfully.
“The entire planet needs nurses. Heck, maybe you’ll decide that the United States is for you and never come back,” she said.
“That’s not going to happen. It is beautiful here, and the buildings are huge. But it is not my home,” I reminded her. I didn’t even want to get into the fact that I’d signed a contract that all expenses would be paid, with the understanding that I used my skills working at the hospital in Tabiq. I must go home or pay all this back, and I will never be able to afford to do that.
“What happened to you, Kyleigh? We used to talk about leaving Tabiq one day. And dreamed about meeting our handsome prince who would show us the world. You have both at your fingertips and don’t seem to want either.” She huffed. “What I’d give to trade places with you right now.”
“You want Liam?” I asked, a twinge of jealousy running through me.
“No. I’m not into redheads, remember? Now maybe if he was blond, I’d give you some competition. Maybe you can bring one home for me,” she sighed. “After all, it is tradition to bring a souvenir when you return from traveling, and I am your very best friend.”
“I don’t think a man would be considered a souvenir. Maybe I can bring you a postcard instead,” I smiled.
“Will it have a sexy, muscular blond guy on the front?” she joked.
“I’ll do my best. But I really should get to sleep. I have a big day tomorrow. I have to meet some guy from Ireland to discuss our culture.”
“That sounds easy enough.”
“No, it isn’t. There are so many things we are not allowed to talk about. I’m not even sure what I’m going to say at this point,” I sighed. “What if they know the truth about our history? How do I answer questions regarding the human trafficking that went on?”
“If they ask, then they already know. It won’t be like you’re the one telling them,” she replied.
“I don’t want to be any part of such conversation.” It was bad enough talking about it with my parents.
“Kyleigh, what’s wrong?”
“I just told you what’s wrong,” I stated.
“No. I see it in your eyes. There is something you’re not telling me. What is it? What happened?” she asked.
This is what I get for video chatting instead of texting.
“You know how you and I always talk like our country’s history didn’t really happen?” I asked, and Karrol nodded. “I think it’s time we stop. We can’t pretend any longer. The brutality and abuse really took place. I know we came of age when it was over, but many Tabiqian women still carry the weight of what happened to them.”
“Just because we don’t talk about it, doesn’t mean that we aren’t acknowledging that it happened.”
“No, it doesn’t, but I’ve learned that burying it is not the answer either. Eventually the truth comes out and when it does, it’s like the pain is fresh, all over again,” I said, thinking back to my mom’s eyes as she told me what happened to her.
“What are you saying?”
“That we need to become more involved in the healing of Tabiq. We need to be role models for others. Speak out against the wrongs that were done, and help those who have lived through it.”
