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I’m going to be stuck here for a long while.
Hoping that I can get some answers out of Idris, I take in the view of the large property owned by the man.
It’s huge. I think our home is nice but this place is in its own category.
The gravel path takes us up to lush bushes decorated in different shapes. Palm trees shade the large body of water surrounding the front of the home. I lose count of the amount of arches built in front of the home.
It’s a home I’d see in one of my dreams, probably. It takes me a moment to remember my situation to peel my eyes away.
The car slows to a stop once more when we’ve reached our destination. Getting out, the next lungful of air is filled with fresh air. For a moment, I forget where I am. My brain isn’t whirling a mile a minute. Though, my legs aren’t exactly on the same page. They have a little nervous shake to them.
Everything will be fine. If my father says the guy is a good one, then all I can do is believe him.
With a home this big, I doubt Idris lives alone. Though, I’m surprised by the lack of any life. He must have people living here to help maintain the estate. Where is everyone?
Before I can even collect my bags from the trunk, one of the doors of the home opens. I trip on my footing when my babysitter makes his appearance.
It has to be him. No one else can walk down those stone steps with such confidence. Only a man with money can look so unbothered by the world. The way he holds his shoulders back and eases his way in our direction, I’m left staring.
Funny enough, despite being the main reason why we’re here, I don’t feel like I belong in such a place. Like I’m not worthy. How ridiculous is that?
Idris approaches my father with a large smile. Kind of like two old friends seeing each other for the first time in a decade. He must not even see me while I’m pressed up against the car, basically trying to blend in.
I guess when the two of them live in different countries, it’s like that. Idris looks at him like a long-time friend, and now I’m kind of understanding why this is the place I’m staying. He really must be trustworthy.
When he hugs my father, I’m surprised the other man returns the favor. Never took my father as a hugger.
Then a pair of dark eyes slide in my direction and it feels like my heart skips. Not because I should be scared or nervous about the stranger, but it’s something else. I’ve been finally noticed and no place I try to hide will keep those eyes from seeing me.
“Daria, I presume?” Releasing my father from his hold, he speaks my name in an accent and once again, my body responds. This time, I’ve got goosebumps.
Get it together Daria!
“That’s me,” I mumble, somewhat thankful that he doesn’t throw his arms around me next. Though, he does take a few steps toward me, enough that I can breathe in his faded cologne. Before I can start enjoying the wooded scent, he draws one of my hands into both of his own. His hands feel reassuring and warm.
He welcomes us to Morocco like we’ve both come here to enjoy a vacation. I’m not quite sure even if I fit that bill with my situation. The few days or even weeks I spend here are going to feel more like a prison sentence, I can feel it.
“Your father has talked so much about you. Come inside, both of you. We can get her situated and share a cup of tea.
My father grimaces at his offer. “As much as I’d love to, I need to keep moving.”
He pulls out my bags and sets them down at my feet.
Idris’ face falls and he releases my hand. Moving to my stuff, he’s the one to scoop them off the ground.
Honestly, it’s probably better this way. Right now, I’m still looking at the tingle in my fingers and focusing on the warmth in my stomach. I’d drop my bag the moment I tried to wrap my fingers around the straps.
“I’ll figure out a way to contact you once I’m in a safe place.” My father’s face is grim as he leans toward Idris and lowers his voice enough that he thinks I can’t hear. “If anything happens to me, you’ll take good care of her, won’t you?”
Fighting the urge to curl over by his words, I swallow down the forming sickness in the back of my throat when Idris nods his head.
Maybe I’ll be stuck here indefinitely.
“Good luck, old friend.” He slaps my father’s shoulder before looking my way. “Let’s go settle then.”
Idris is trying to keep his voice positive for me. There’s a tightness behind his smile. He knows as much as I do that neither of us will be seeing him again any time soon.
Knowing I’ll cry if I hug my father, I force my smile and do as I’m told. I can barely get out a strong enough goodbye before I follow Idris up the stairs that lead up to his home.
