Chapter 20 New Yorker
NIA’S POV I watched Perry in delight as she hummed to herself while painting. She woke up happy today, and I can’t help but revel in it. I am bright and look perfect on her. It’s been two weeks since Assistant Beta asked me to stick to her side for a while. I am glad I got to agree to it. Hanging around Perry has been fun, and I also get saved from getting whooped up my ass by the bullies. I wish they would be thoughtful enough to let me be. A few days ago, I got pushed down the stairs by the Alpha’s girlfriend. My body felt like it had broken to pieces, but whatever pill Perry had given to me then.
It worked like magic, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness. It took my body a while to heal. If I had my way, I would like to stay glued to her side for as long as possible. “What are you thinking about?” Perry asked, grinning from ear to ear. I chuckled, “Nothing. Why do you seem a bit excited today?” “Well, you won’t believe this news I have for you.” “What’s that?” “Remember I talked about going to New York City to get my art into the market?” “Yes.” “Well, they granted my request, and I am to go for a three-month art residency next week. The greatest news is my artwork is attracting potential buyers already. And if it goes well. I don’t think I will be coming back here after residency. My life finally begins, Nia.” She yelled in excitement. I wanted to be happy for her, but my facial muscles tightened and wouldn’t soften to rejoice with her. “What’s wrong, Nia?” I swallowed, feeling ashamed for being so selfish. “I’m sorry, Perry. I have always known your desire to leave and pursue your passion. I dreaded the day to come. But I didn’t think it would be this soon when I get to know you well.” Her face fell as she licked her dry lips. “I am sorry, Nia. I had applied long before we met. It just got approved.” “Pardon me for sounding selfish. We have a different path to follow, after all.” “Don’t be like that, Nia. I am glad you cherish our moments together just like I do, and you don’t want me to leave. However, this means a lot to me. One thing I know for sure is that you can always join me after you get done here.” My heart sank deeper at the reminder of my slavery here. “When will that happen? I doubt if the chance would ever come.” “Can you quit being so negative?” Perry cautioned, dropping the brush in her hand to hold mine. “Listen, my brother already sorted part of your debt. And I promise to pay the rest soon after my work gains recognition and I have enough money. You only have about a full year to work in the packhouse. By then, I would be well settled, and we can live far away from this place that thinks we are odd and don’t belong.” “Do you think I could live in New York?” I tried to seek as much comforting validation as I could.
“I assure you that you would. Also, who knows, you might find your father’s family there.” A bright smile tugged at my lips. “That sounds promising.” “I know, Nia.” She mused, tucking a loose hair strand behind my ear. “I promise you, Nia. I’m never going to let you go. I will come back for you and free you of this dark world you are in. We are going to live happily ever after in life. Trust me. You have to hang in there until we get to our destination.” A lone tear rolled down my face, and she wiped it off. “Thank you, Perry. You are heaven, after all. The goddess was listening to my cry that night, no doubt.” Perry laughed lightly, “Yeah, right. I guess she did.” “When are you due to leave?” “By the beginning of next week.” “I’m going to miss you so much.” I drawled. “I haven’t even left yet, and it’s still about five days from now. Let’s enjoy our moments together and make bounty memories to keep us in each other’s mind until we meet again.” My eyes watered at her speech, but I held back. It isn’t the time to cry. “Have you told your brother yet?” She sighed, playing with her painting brush. “My brother would have a fit. I don’t think I am ready to tell him just yet.” “You should let him know soon. He would feel more betrayed if he got to know when you are about to leave. Brothers can be very loving and protective of their siblings. I already feel bad for keeping the truth from Kingston. I can tell he is worried about me. But I don’t want him to be bothered when it comes to me. His love is what gives me strength here.” “Well, I never did realize it until recently. Now that I will be leaving soon. I should tell you the truth.” “Truth about what?” “That day, you got pushed off the stairs. I went ahead to beat up Gemma when you slept.” I gasped in shock, staring at her in disbelief. “Please tell me you are joking.” “Do I look like it?” She said with a blank expression. “Oh, my goodness. Gemma would come for me. I am a dead meat.” “Can you stop being so dramatic? It’s been days since it happened, and no one has questioned you. I didn’t exactly say why I had her dealt with. Everyone knows there is bad blood between us, so it didn’t seem like a new thing.” My racing heart calmed down eventually. “Really? Why would I do such a thing?” Perry shrugged nonchalantly, “She deserved all she got for doing such a horrifying thing to you. Don’t pity her at all. She is not worth it.” I reached for her hand, smiling gratefully. “This is one of the reasons I will miss you so much, Perry. You are always standing up for me. I don’t know how I would have survived without you.” “You can thank me by surviving the rest of the time you have to spend here and come join me in New York for a new life.” “I will keep that in mind.” “Thank you for being amazing, Nia.” “You are just as amazing, too.” I cooed, lunging for a hug. We laughed heartily, enjoying the serenity that surrounded us. I am going to miss my friend very much.