I sent annoying pings to Josh's computer and phone and he eventually met me at a road near to the mansion I had just come out of. I just knew he would be disgruntled when he saw me but instead of just annoyance, I saw... maybe a bit of concern?
I opened the car door and hopped in regardless. I realize now that I hadn't taken the time to explain to him the new family situation. As soon as I was in the car, he asked, agitated, "Where were you this past week? Why couldn't I contact you're phone?" softening a bit, he asks- uncharacteristically of him, "Are you ok?"
I could not help but grin a bit," awww, so you do care?"
Annoyed, "why wouldn't I be concerned when you just disappeared out of no where?"
"I'm actually alright. The Walmer's found me and took me too live the life of a princess so don't worry about it."
"They FOUND you? Or did you let yourself be found? And a princess? Yeah right. Anyone else, maybe but you are at best the beast who falls in love with the princess."
"No, no. You are now talking to a lady. I had to learn manners and grace. No one warned me it would be so tiring."
"Ha, all those times skipping basic etiquette is coming to bite you in the ass."
"Yeah whatever, we are far enough now where they won't hear the car if you go faster."
"All right, your highness. Full speed ahead."
The previously silent car roared as it accelerated.
"Now, that's more like it. Your highness is very much pleased" I say.
From the mirror, I could see another curious facial expression of his today, he lifted his mouth into a smirk?
I was away for a week. How did everything get so abnormal around here? I just want a mental break from the energy depleting sessions at the mansion. Ramen and sprite is sounding so good right now, but maybe because of the purr of the engine, I fell asleep only waking up to Josh's abrupt embrace.
EMBRACE?! I opened my eyes wide. Josh is carrying me in his arms... princess style. The hell is going on right now? I blink some more until I can tell my surroundings. We were NOT at my house or the orphanage. Why do I allow myself to get kidnapped so easily?!
I look up at Josh and I guess he noticed my gaze.
"So... where you taking me?"
He responds, "Your place has been obviously compromised so I'm taking you to mine."
I frown, "Put me down, I'm not trying to run away from the Walmer's. I just have some things to deal with because I left so abruptly."
He pauses. He sets me down gently and looks at me, "Are you sure?"
I don't know what has gotten into him today but I tell him to take me to my apartment.
Before approaching it, I take a look at the camera and movement detectors to make sure it's safe to get it. It's been about three hours since I had left the mansion. To their best understanding, I should be asleep in my room. they probably won't notice I'm gone for another three hours, when my governess and etiquette drill instructor go to my room and wake me up at an ungodly time of the morning. I can't believe I went through the whole week waking up at five am.
Anyways, the apartment was safe. No movement detected or suspicious video taken of anyone having gotten inside the building or within the radius of 5 miles. I get out of the car and so does Josh, surprisingly. He walks ahead of me, as if he owned the place and carefully surveys for any danger or suspicious activity. Admittedly, he is better at taking any danger if there were any. While I could hold my own against a usual civilian, if anyone of actual danger were to be after me, I would probably have to win against them in a battle of wits. That said, my apartment is pretty well booby trapped for such possibilities. Dealing with the aftermath of them, however, would be such a pain so if he could just check instead of me detonating them, it is much appreciated.
"All clear, your highness." I think there is something wrong with Josh today. He made a joke? The same one? Twice?