Given New Worlds Read online

  “Yes,” Abby said.

  “Jamie. You’re circling an answer without looking at the rest. Spending time with me is not the answer to your problems. God doesn’t want you to leave it up to fate. You need to go to Him, seek His wisdom. He’s got all these answers for you, you have to make sure you’re selecting the wisest one.”

  “So, you think I should go back to my protected world, marry a man that will keep me safe, pop out a few babies, and live to a ripe old age of one hundred-eight. Nice life.”

  Abby watched as Sean bit his lip and soaked in what she said. “I can keep you safe,” he muttered, then switched back into playful mode, kicking her shoe once again. “I don’t think that’s the right path either. You need to search harder, pray about it, really seek the answer. It may be hard to find, or it may plop right down in front of you. You never know. But it’s out there somewhere.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  AFTER the coffee meeting, Sean and Abby parted ways. She switched back into the white sweater outfit and made herself conspicuous enough for security to find her. When questioned, she made the excuse that she was buying them gifts and handed them the wrapped packages of cologne.

  Unfortunately, the excitement she’d experienced during the purchase of the gifts had been overshadowed by Sean’s reality check of her life, and his suggestion that she dig a little deeper was haunting.

  During the next week, Abby spent time pouring over materials for her upcoming classes, as well as digging through the bible, praying, and seeking God’s will. After seven days, she still had no answers that clearly stated how she should handle her non-relationship with Sean. Maybe it would take seven years. By then she’d be married with several kids. It would be too late.

  On the morning of Christmas Eve, Abby found herself staring idly at the television, thankful for the few moments of peace until school pressure once again chewed her up and spit her out.

  The new computer sat idle under Abby’s bed. She knew that Sean had no interest in her. It wasn’t even worth the effort to drag it out and open the lid. At least that’s what Abby tried to tell herself. In actuality, she was afraid to face the fact that he was going on with his life - his normal life. And she was going on with hers - her prison.

  Through her prayer time and study, it had become exceedingly clear that Abby wasn’t walking the path that God had planned for her. She needed to step into the light, off the straight and narrow, out to a world that was scary, unplanned, and hard. She wouldn’t be able to do that under Dad’s watchful gaze. She wouldn’t be able to do that anywhere in the United States. Abby had no freedom here on American soil, despite Sean’s service and the thousands of men and women that had fought alongside him. Even without the influence of her parents, she was still in the firing line of the media, the government, and the chaos of the free world.

  It made her so angry. These people, with the ability to do what they wanted; they were her main oppressors. Abby began to research mission trips and foreign countries on her regular computer, the one that was transparent to her parents and their advisors. She knew that Dad’s people would be on top of her web searches, so she was sure not to include any countries that would provide fodder for assumptions.

  A giggle from downstairs stopped Abby’s fingers from the next mouse click. Something was up. Veena wasn’t a giggler. Besides, wasn’t she supposed to be in DC?

  She pushed back from the desk and decided that now would be a good time to get another cup of coffee and heard the giggle again. Yes, now was a very good time.

  Veena was cuddling on the couch in the living room with a handsome male in workout clothes. Veena too was still wearing yoga pants and t-shirt. Abby halted in her tracks and tried to tiptoe quietly back to her room, but the jingle of her charm bracelet against the hall table gave her away.

  “Abby?” Veena called out with surprise, “Is that you?”

  Abby trudged guiltily back to the living room. “Yes,” she apologized with a shrug. “I need coffee.”

  “I thought you were going to the estate.”

  “Decided on some alone time instead.”

  Veena smiled in understanding. “I get that.” She stood, followed by the strikingly gorgeous man on the couch. At full height, he must have been about six and a half feet, dwarfing Veena’s small frame. “This is Spence.”

  Abby reached out to shake his hand and it swallowed her tiny fingers. “Nice to meet you.”

  “So, what’s the deal with you two?” Abby asked as she walked into the kitchen to turn on the coffee machine.

  Veena shifted from one foot to another. It was humorous. Veena was never nervous. “We met at the bookstore last week.”

  “Last week, hmm?” Abby asked, trying to be discreet.

  “She helped me pick out my texts for next semester.” Spence said.

  “Oh really?” Abby asked. “You’re here at Wedgewood?”

  “No,” he admitted. “Over at State. I play basketball there on scholarship. But I’m taking some of the medical courses and their bookstore sucks. So, I came here to get some of the textbooks.”

  It was an odd explanation. Abby was pretty sure that wasn’t what went down, but she wouldn’t judge. It was still a hundred times better than creating a fake person on Facebook and hooking up with a guy through Messenger.

  They chatted for a while over coffee. Then, confident that Spence wasn’t going to steal Veena off to Timbuktu, Abby left them to more giggling in the living room while she returned to the boring four walls of her bedroom.

  Would Abby ever find that kind of fun? She’d almost had it with Sean. But, apparently, that wasn’t in the cards for her. She nibbled at her nails while kicking at the comforter that hung over the bed. Maybe she’d take a peek, just to see what he was up to.

  She listened carefully at the door to make sure that Veena was occupied with Spence, then slid the computer out from under the bed.

  Sean’s business page had the same inspirational quotes that he always posted, and even a few funny snowman and Santa memes thrown in. She saw that there were three messages in the little blue box and she opened it along with her heart, hoping that it wouldn’t be a depressing disaster.

  Sean: I’m praying for you.

  That one was from the afternoon that they’d had coffee at the mall. Underneath was a message from three days later.

  Sean: Hey Jamie. Something unexpected has come up. Please pray that God guides me.

  It was strange. Why would he think that she’d be checking her Facebook messages, and why would he think she’d pray for him? But here she was, leaning over the computer, hands clasped, praying for whatever unexpected thing that he needed guidance for. Then she scrolled down to the next message… from yesterday.

  Sean: God answered my prayer. I have a gift for you.

  Abby typed back.

  Jamie: Is it chocolate?

  She was surprised to receive a message on a little screen labeled Chat.

  Sean: Better than chocolate.

  Jamie: Christmas in the Hamptons?

  It took too long for the next message to pop up. Abby’s leg bounced in nervousness while she waited. In the meantime, she scanned through Sean’s business messages. They were all positive. Some of his Marine friends were still overseas and talked about when he would be going back. Thinking of Sean going back to the military full time out of the country made Abby’s stomach do anxious flips. But then, she couldn’t lay claim to him. She barely knew him.

  Sean: Sorry. Had to do a search on those Hampton things you mentioned. No. Definitely not Christmas in the Hamptons.

  Abby laughed at Sean’s ignorance. It was refreshing.

  Jamie: What is the gift already? I’m not a patient person.

  Sean: Apparently not. ;) Can I come over?

  Abby’s fingers froze over the keyboard. Could he come over? It was preposterous. What would security think? Would they even let him past the front door? What would Dad say? He was already so mad about the library inc
ident. Surely, he’d blow a gasket if Sean actually stepped foot in the condo.

  The sound of laughing came from the living room. A rush of jealousy warmed through Abby’s veins as she pictured Veena and Spence cuddling on the couch. It was Christmas. Didn’t she deserve a gift?

  Jamie: Yes. Good luck getting past security though.

  Sean: It won’t be a problem.

  Then the little green dot in the corner of the chat screen turned to gray and she knew that she was in for it. Dad was going to have to get over it though. She was getting a Christmas present! Abby lifted the computer off her lap and did a happy dance, hoping that Veena and Spence couldn’t hear her through the floorboards. She looked out the window at the Tahoe parked across the street. The windows were tinted, but she could see that her current prison guard, Dude, had it partially rolled down and was smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone. Maybe he would be distracted enough not to notice Sean coming up the front walk.

  It didn’t occur to her until several minutes later that Sean didn’t have her address. She quickly typed it into the Chat box, but then, worried that he wouldn’t get it, she typed it into the Messenger as well.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  THE chime of the doorbell seven minutes later almost dropped Abby to her knees. She couldn’t believe it. He’d actually gotten past Dude, the smoker. She glanced out her window and saw that Dude was now standing, leaning back against the driver’s door with a smile on his face. He was talking to somebody across the street. Somebody at her door? Was he seriously talking to Sean like they were good buddies? Something very strange was going on.

  “Abby!” Veena’s voice echoed from the living room. “You have a guest.”

  Abby checked her look in the mirror. Yoga pants, sweatshirt, ponytail. Very stay-at-home chic. She raced down the stairs and tried not to look like an overanxious teenager as she walked out into the living room.

  “Hey, Sean. That was quick.”

  “Yeah. I’m down the road,” he said.

  Veena was standing next to him with suspicious eyes and a tapping foot. Spence was leaning against the kitchen counter sipping nervously at a cup of coffee.

  “Trying to one up me, Ms. Ellwood?” she asked.

  “No. I’m jealous,” Abby said jokingly, not wanting to admit that it was the complete truth.

  This hadn’t been the first time that Veena had a guy over, but it was the first time for Abby. And that was a big deal. Veena gave her a look that conveyed the ‘We’ll talk about it later’ message and went back to introductions. Once everyone got each other’s names and handshakes out of the way, Abby dragged Sean to the workout room. It was either that or her bedroom, and she was really, really sure that Dad wouldn’t go for that.

  “How did you get past security?” Abby asked, wondering if maybe he bought Dude off with a pack of Marlboros.

  “I’ve been pre-approved,” Sean said with a smile.

  Abby sat down on the lounge chair while Sean made himself comfortable on the workout bench. He looked at home there, with the rack at his back and weights just itching to be lifted by those fabulous arms.

  “What, exactly, is pre-approved?”

  Sean sat back against the seat and reached up to the bar. Abby had to remind herself to breathe.

  “It’s kind of a long story,” he said.

  “Like Cinderella long, or War and Peace long?”

  Sean wrapped his hands around the bar and stretched. She couldn’t tell if it was nerves, or if he was just showing off, but she didn’t mind. He sat deep in thought for a minute, obviously picking his words carefully. “Your dad wasn’t happy about the library thing. You know that.”

  “Yes.” She rolled her eyes in memory. “Apparently, I’m not allowed to show the upper portion of my chest.”

  The appearance of a red tinge on Sean’s cheeks made it clear that he hadn’t forgotten. “Well, one of your dad’s cronies contacted me a few days ago…”

  “Wait, what?” Abby threw her hand up in a definitive S.T.O.P. gesture. “Rewind that. Did you say that my dad contacted you?”

  “No. It was one of his guys.”

  “Same thing.” Abby stood and punched at the bag that hung near her head. “I can’t believe he would do this! That arrogant…”

  “Abby. Let me explain.”

  “He needs to get out of my life.” Abby began pacing. She felt like ants were climbing all over her skin. Dad had his men contact Sean? It was horrifying. “He’s gone over the line this time.”

  Suddenly, the air escaped her argument as Sean’s hand slid warmly over her shoulder. “Just hear me out for a minute, okay?”

  Abby stopped pacing and turned towards him. Sean was smiling. Something was definitely up. “Did he offer you a thousand bucks to stay away from me? Because if that’s the case, it looks like you lost your money.”

  “No. Way better,” Sean said. He pulled Abby’s hand and motioned for her to sit back down on the lounge chair. “They asked a bunch of questions, did a background check…” Abby began to reply in anger, but Sean lifted a finger, making it clear that he didn’t want to hear another word from her until he was done. She had to bite her lip and sit on her hands, but hopefully it would be worth it in the end. “So, what it all comes down to is… your Mom and Dad, and their people, approve.”

  “Approve?”

  “Yes. They have officially approved of me as dating material for their daughter.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Totally serious.”

  Sean pulled a piece of paper out of his back pocket and handed it to Abby. She unfolded it and saw that it was an email from Dad to Sean.

  Dear Sean:

  Thank you for your patience during our investigation. As you know, we are very protective of our daughter’s health, wellbeing, and reputation. She is a remarkable young woman, and we want the very best for her.

  After thorough research, we find that you are quite the upstanding young man and would be honored if you would befriend Abigail. Our expectation is that you treat her with kindness and the utmost respect.

  Please review the attached documentation regarding nondisclosure and defamation legalities. We will make arrangements for you to work with our team of lawyers in having the documents signed and notarized.

  Thank you for your service to our country.

  Sincerely,

  Senator and Mrs. Ellwood

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  ABBY dropped the letter to the floor and her head into her hands. “I’m so sorry Sean.”

  She saw him pick up the letter from the line of vision between her fingers. She couldn’t lift her head to face him. It was too embarrassing. After a few moments, she saw the shadow of his retreating figure and lifted her head. “Where are you going?”

  He turned, and she could see a shadow of sadness on his face. “You said sorry. I guess that means you’re not interested.”

  “No, no. That’s not it at all.” Abby stood and walked towards Sean with her hand out. It was going to be so hard to put it into words. Her embarrassment, her joy, her confusion. “It’s just all so weird. You had to meet with his lawyers?”

  “Yes,” Sean said, now back to smiling. He lifted his hand and she placed her fingers in his palm. “I come to you signed, sealed, and delivered.”

  “When you wrote that you were praying for me, was that what you meant? That you were actually praying FOR me, like when you pray for a new puppy or a piece of chocolate cake?”

  “I was praying that you would experience freedom,” Sean said. He took her other hand. “I’m going to try to give that to you. Abigail Ellwood…,” he said, his tone low and comfortable. Not accusatory, not sarcastic - only honest and heartfelt. “Will you go on a date with me?”

  Abby felt her eyelids tingle with moisture. She couldn’t be emotional, not now. It was such a minor thing, dating a guy. Normal people don’t cry over things like this. She squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again. Sean was waiting for an answ
er.

  “I feel silly,” she said.

  “Just say yes or no.”

  “Well, of course I’ll go on a date with you.” She could feel heat run from her heart to her head and was sure that the powder she’d patted on her face earlier in the day wasn’t enough to cover the emotion she was feeling.

  “Are you okay?” Sean asked, guiding her back to the chair.

  Abby sat and pulled at the ponytail holder that now felt like it was straining her head, making her eyes tear up, causing her to feel things rush through her brain that she wasn’t used to. But it wasn’t the ponytail, it was so much more than that.

  “I’m fine. It’s just…” She wasn’t sure how to say it. “Contracts, investigations, lawyers. This isn’t how normal people get asked out on a date.”

  “You’re not a normal person,” Sean said.

  Abby glared at him and tipped her head.

  “You’re exceptional,” he said with a wink.

  “Nice save.”

  Sean sat again on the bench, leaned back, and wrapped his hands around the bar. “So, where will we go on our first date?”

  Then it hit her. She, Abigail Ellwood, was going on a date. On a date with Sean Court. Approved by Dad and Mom. She had to catch her breath and pinch herself. “I don’t know. Where do people go on dates?”

  “How about you tell me what you’ve liked or disliked about dates in the past and we’ll go from there.”

  Abby looked into his face. He was innocently staring at her as if she had all the dating experience in the world. He didn’t know how wrong he was.

  “You really don’t know me, do you?” she asked.