Mark trailed off, his face unreadable, and I knew that he had said all that he needed to say. I stood there, shell-shocked, trying to process everything I had just heard. It was a lot to take in, and I couldn't imagine how Mark must have felt all those years ago.
Finally, I spoke. "I understand, man. I really do." And I did. I had just learned so much about my friend in the last few minutes. No wonder he was so guarded around women. No wonder he thought the worst of Anya.
Mark nodded, but I could tell that he was still lost in thought. I picked up the extra blankets and pillow that he had dropped and walked over to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'll be sleeping in her room tonight," I said, trying to lighten the mood a little. "We have to ensure the old man's peace of mind, right?"
Mark snorted, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of a smile on his face. "The only old man around here is X-man," he replied.
I chuckled softly before walking away.
I'll be sleeping in the girl's room tonight. That is, if she doesn't die from an anxiety attack when she found out what was happening.
ANYA
As I lay on the bed, surrounded by opulent furnishings and gleaming decor, I couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast between my current life of luxury and the bleak existence I had endured in Cedom with my mother.
Memories flooded my mind and I could feel the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, but I fought to hold them back. Mama would never have wanted me to cry.
Speaking of Mama, she was the kindest and sweetest person I had ever known, despite her difficult life but Mama always made sure to keep a smile on her face and to instill hope in my heart.
If only Mama could see me now, I thought to myself. She would be so proud of me. I had managed to get by, even without her by my side. Whenever I cried, mama would wipe away my tears and remind me that I was a survivor.
"You have nine lives like a cat, and as fierce as a Vixen. Just like your name," she would say with a soft sweet smile, trying to cheer me up when times were tough.
Mama had given me her name as my middle name;, Anya Vixenda O'Connor.
7. MOONLIGHT NIGHT.
ANYA
I was lying on the bed, trying to sleep when the doorknob began to rattle, and the door opened. The big guy, Xazix, who had rescued me, walked into the room. His night clothes and the blankets he had with him made me feel horrified. He was going to sleep here with me! I sprang up from the bed, ready to bolt from the room. He saw my reaction and read the intent in my eyes.
"Relax, Anya. Calm down," he groaned.
His words made me freeze on the spot. I clutched the duvet that was wrapped protectively around my body, starting from my neck.
After what I had been through in the whorehouse, I had come to know and understand what happens when a man sleeps in the same room with a woman. It is to have her body.
Tears filled my eyes. Now, I finally understood why he had helped me. Why he tried to be kind to me. It was because of this! He hadn't helped me with good intentions. I thought miserably as my grip tightened around the duvet with fear and agitation. I'd rather die!
"I can see the wheels turning in your head, Anya," he said, resigned. "But you have my word that I have no intention of doing anything you're thinking."
When I stared at him unconvinced, he pointed at the small couch. "I'm going to make myself right at home there. You can have the bed."
I remembered Mama's words on some nights when she would service a customer, and he would beat her up instead of paying. I would cry at the bruises, but she would smile sadly and say...
"Not all men are beasts, Anya. Not all men are monsters. I once knew a man whose words were gold. I once knew a man who would move the whole world and cut off his arms instead of hurting a woman...."
"Anya?" Xazix's voice jolted me out of my thoughts. He stared at me. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"A-Alright," I replied, my voice small and defeated. I'd have to trust him. Somehow, I was sure that he would try to stop me when I tried to escape past him anyway. And I really didn't want to go back to the streets.
I laid back on the bed, but I scooted so far away from the bed and the couch where he was going to sleep. Much later, after he had laid down and turned off the light, the room settled into a soft glow of the night, he called me.
"Anya?"
"Mmh?" My throat was tight. I swallowed convulsively.
"I don't know the men you've known, but I want you to know that all men are not that way," he said softly.