Session 𝓝inety-Five

Session 95:
“The Invitation”

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Packing is one of the worst things to me.

Unless I’m going on vacation.

Even still, I hate having to pack and keep everything organized.

Or remembering everything.

That’s the worst part—Monroe and I had to go back when I realized I had left my charger back at the cabin.

It was one of my fast chargers, so I refused to leave it behind.

A part of me was kind of happy to go back anyway.

Anything to prolong going back to Seattle to face everything.

The drive was close to two hours to get back, luckily, and the weather was all gloomy and cloudy.

Just as I liked it.

Especially since I could cuddle up with my girlfriend in the backseat during the whole ride.

My mother had already made it back to California last night—and we actually managed to talk this morning.

It was great.

There were only a couple of things weighing down my mind now.

Kaia.

Monroe’s parents.

And… that’s it.

Well, there was Dr. Kincaid.

I kind of wanted to know any updates on her.

I just wasn’t sure how to ask—I struggled the whole car ride trying to figure out how to ask Monroe.

She hates even the topic of Dr. Kincaid, so the last thing I wanted to do was bring her up.

But I needed to know.

“So, are there any updates?” I suddenly asked, keeping my head in my girlfriend’s lap. “You know, with the whole Kincaid situation.”

I felt her hand pause in my hair that she had previously been caressing.

It was silent for a moment.

Probably one of the longest moments of my life, anticipating what she might say.

“I’m sure her office will be cleared out by now,” Monroe finally spoke, resuming playing with my hair. “They like to remove issues.”

I knew who they were.

Her parents.

It was a trait she had picked up from them, removing issues herself before they could cause any further damage.

“What do you think they’ll do to her?” I whispered, pressing the topic harder even if I knew better.

“Hide her away,” Monroe said, her tone as calm as ever. “How are you feeling about your studies now that you missed class this week?”

I knew it was an obvious topic change, but I decided to roll with it.

Clearly, Monroe doesn’t know any more than I do—and it’s obvious she doesn’t want to.

Regardless of how rocky everything is with me and Kaia, I would never let her end up on the Leclair’s radar.

So I need to talk to her as soon as I can.

Once we get our phones back at least.

When we change cars again, they should be given back to us, the driver had said.

I already had an idea of what I wanted to say to Kaia.

We needed to meet up somehow.

Hopefully, before Monroe hears about the drug test results.

If they come back positive, I feel like she won’t let me go anywhere with Kaia.

Much less leave the house.

“I’m probably going to head back to my apartment to unpack everything,” I suddenly said. “Then I could come over to yours, maybe?”

I heard Monroe softly hum, gently massaging her fingers into my scalp.

“I’ll stay with you while you unpack,” she determined, making me internally sigh.

I love her, but I need this time away to handle things with Kaia.

Any other time, I would love for her to stay with me.

“It’s fine, baby,” I whispered, trying to think of a lie as quickly as possible. “I kind of wanted a moment to myself anyway.”

It was a stretch.

I knew it was a stretch.

Especially when her hand halted in my curly hair yet again.

“Is everything alright, darling?” Monroe instinctively asked me, making me feel bad for lying to her right now.

Now I have her concerned.

“Yes, of course, I’ve just had a weird couple of days,” I explained, blinking a few times. “It would be nice to have some time to myself.”

She was silent for a few seconds, making my heart tick in my chest.

Then I heard her sigh deeply.

“I don’t like leaving you alone, darling,” she admitted softly, gently tucking stray curls away from my face. “There’s also a possibility that you were drugged—“

“Ro, I’ll be fine in my own apartment,” I emphasized, turning my head slightly to look up at her. “Just for a few hours?”

“Few?” she emphasized, furrowing her brows as she trailed her fingers along my jawline.

“Three hours,” I suggested.

“Two,” Monroe murmured, her blue eyes trailing my face. “I’ll pick you up myself.”

I pursed my lips, but decided to take the agreement.

She’s definitely not going to let me away for any longer.

“Two hours,” I agreed, letting out a soft sigh as I turned my head back around.

Monroe hummed in approval, continuing to gently massage my scalp as I closed my eyes.

Somehow, I had ended up falling asleep like that in her lap.

I was barely half awake when we arrived at that familiar parking garage to switch cars again.

We also got our phones back.

Monroe had hers taken before she could pass the gate to the cabin, so I assume they kept her phone far away from our actual location with mine.

I honestly couldn’t imagine the Leclairs watching us this hard, but at the same time, I could.

They’re just that insane.

I know that’s why Monroe is being so uptight.

I’m sure there will probably be someone watching my every move during these next two hours.

I just need to text Kaia and figure something out.

I honestly got a little impatient towards the end of the car ride, but the quicker I handle this situation, the less we have on our plate.

I was nearly itching to get out of that SUV.

I didn’t like having to part ways with my girlfriend though, but I know she would want to do this her way.

Her way definitely wasn’t ideal either.

It’s probably the most drastic option aside from the Leclair’s handling this.

So I kissed my girlfriend goodbye and decided this was necessary in order to smoothly handle everything.

Now that my mother is okay with this, maybe Kaia will just leave it all alone.

I decided to text her as soon as I made it into my apartment, knowing Monroe would hear back from the doctor about those test results with us back in town.

I sent something simple—

hey, can we talk?

Then I began busying myself with unpacking my bag, which didn’t take long since it was a shorter trip, so I had fewer things.

By the time I had finished, Kaia had texted me back.

Ki Ki: yes i can later if that works

It did not work.

Today in general wouldn’t work, unless Kaia could come over right now, but clearly she can’t.

I let out a deep sigh, tapping on my phone to text her back.

Me: are you free tomorrow maybe?

I had no idea what I would tell Monroe, honestly.

I think I would just have to be honest at that point.

I glanced down at my phone when it buzzed with a text from Kaia.

Ki Ki: i can tomorrow night. we could get a drink and talk?

I pursed my lips, determining I would definitely have to tell Monroe, especially if I’m going out with her.

It’s still better to talk in public than in private.

I started tapping on my phone again, quickly answering her text.

Me: i’m not sure yet but i’ll let you know

That was the safest answer until I talked to Monroe about it all first.

The last hour I had alone, I focused on cleaning up my apartment.

Like full-on deep cleaning everything, which was very out of character for me, but it was weirdly calming.

It also distracted me from the real issues at hand.

I even headed downstairs to grab any mail, which I rarely do.

It had stacked up a lot within the last few days, honestly.

I sifted through different promotional stuff that tried to get me to buy things.

But I quickly halted as soon as I noticed the crisp white envelope.

My name was written in this elegant calligraphy cursive.

𝓛𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓽𝔂 𝓕𝓲𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓸

There was no stamp—not even an address.

Someone must have left it specifically for me at the front desk.

I furrowed my brows, quickly tearing the envelope open.

There was a thick piece of paper inside, the same elegant font written throughout.

You are cordially invited to join Leon and Clarisse Leclair for the Sparkling White Gala.

This Saturday, indulge in an evening of caviar and champagne beneath glittering lights.
Attire: Formal white.

The moment I read their names on that paper, my stomach dropped.

Then I was confused, wondering why they had invited me specifically.

I knew they somewhat approved of me, I think, but they didn’t like me.

They barely tolerated me.

Why invite me out to New York?

My mother was right.

It’s worse if they like me—and clearly, they want something.

Monroe did always say it was always an exchange with them, so long as you can provide something they want.

What do they want from me?

I glanced over as soon as soft knocks sounded at my door.

Then it slowly clicked open, my girlfriend impatiently emerging into my apartment before I could say anything.

I quickly flipped the card over on the counter, taking in her presence.

How her hair was tied into a low bun, her bangs framing her bare face as she wore a blush pink sweater and black dress pants.

“My beautiful girl,” Monroe said, approaching me by the counter.

It made me quickly take a few steps forward, not wanting her anywhere near that invitation.

I’m not going anyway, and the last thing I want to do is add pressure to her.

“Hi, baby,” I whispered as she pulled me flush against her body for a hug.

“Only two hours, and my god did I miss you,” she murmured as I wrapped my arms around her neck.

“I missed you, too, beautiful,” I said as she nuzzled her face into my neck.

“Do you feel better, darling?” Monroe asked me.

I forced a hum. “So much better.”

A lie.

It was a lie.

Especially after receiving that stupid invitation.

We’ve barely been back in Seattle for barely a couple of hours, and this is what happens.

Fucking great.

“Did the doctor ever call you back?” I curiously asked.

“No, darling. The practice must be hectic today,” my girlfriend determined, pulling away from me. “What have you been up to?”

I immediately stepped to the side when I noticed her stare shift over to the counter.

“Nothing, really,” I quickly said.

Monroe stepped past me anyway, glancing around my apartment.

“You cleaned,” she murmured in observation as I followed close behind her.

Specifically, on her left side, hoping to block her view of the invitation on the counter.

“You never clean,” Monroe determined.

I blinked a few times, “Yes, well, it helped distract me a little. I feel lighter now.”

“I know the feeling,” she murmured, her stare shifting past me. “That’s quite a lot of mail,” she said, her lips twitching up slightly.

“Just promotional stuff,” I quickly added as she eyed the mail scattered over the counter.

Monroe’s blue eyes shifted to me the moment I stepped in front of the counter.

And I knew then and there that I had messed up.

It was the way she paused, how her blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

She looked skeptical.

“What’s going on, Liberty?” she just had to ask me.

I was silent for a moment, not wanting to outright lie to her.

I also didn’t really have the choice to.

I knew she’d definitely want to look at the mail I got now.

I let out a deep sigh, wishing I had hidden it all better.

But honestly, I can’t hide anything when it comes to her.

Maybe she should know that they tried to invite me to an event.

It may stress her out, but at least she’ll be aware.

Monroe tilted her head the moment I stepped aside, her eyes shifting down to the white paper on the counter.

I didn’t say a word.

I just watched as she stepped forward, grabbing the piece of paper off the counter immediately.

Then she flipped it over, briefly reading the elegant cursive.

My heart pounded heavily in my chest, anticipating what she might say or the reaction she’d have.

But she was silent.

She didn’t say a word—she only stared at the paper for a few moments.

Then she silently stepped past me, grabbing her phone from her pocket.

“Monroe—“

“Give me a moment,” she cut me short, the calmness in her voice sounding forced for once. “Be ready to leave in five minutes.”

She stepped out onto the balcony before I could say anything in response, firmly shutting the door behind her.

I stood there for a few moments, staring at her figure through the balcony door shades.

I could see the outline of her arm, how she gripped the railing with one hand and held the phone to her ear with the other.

She was mad.

I could tell she was.

A soft sigh fell from my lips, finally taking a step forward.

Then I walked over to my room, planning to pack a bag to stay at hers.

The irony is that I just unpacked, but I honestly didn’t have a lot to bring.

She has everything there for me, whether it’s products or even her clothes that I can wear.

I just grabbed a small duffel bag to pack an outfit for tomorrow with shoes, my charger, and anything else I might need.

Monroe was back inside within five minutes, just as she said.

It wasn’t that surprising, given how literal she was with time.

I could tell by her tense shoulders and the tightness in her jaw that she had spoken to her parents.

It was tensely silent between us.

I let it be silent at least.

I knew she needed a moment to herself—a moment in her own head to analyze everything for what it was.

So I walked silently with her down to the parking garage, slipping inside her familiar Bentley.

Once she slid in beside me, I grabbed her hand, holding it in mine as I traced delicate patterns on her skin.

I wanted her to feel my presence among the chaos that she endures in her mind.

It was killing me not to say something towards the end of the car ride, but I also wanted to give her the moment she needed.

I wanted her to speak first, and choose to step outside her head.

So I remained quiet, even as we made it to her familiar house, with the sweet smell I inhaled as soon as I walked inside.

I set my bag by the stairs to bring up later, deciding to sit at the kitchen island while Monroe grabbed things from the fridge.

She was making dinner.

Once she set everything out, she pushed her sleeves up and turned on the sink to begin washing her hands.

I drew in a deep breath, noticing the steaming water and how she scrubbed her hands clean.

Even up to her elbows.

It made me grow tense, especially at the sight of her splotchy red skin that the hot water caused.

But Monroe was unaffected.

She was neutral as she patted her hands dry with paper towels.

I parted my lips, feeling the urge to finally say something—

But then a phone began buzzing on the counter, cutting through the silence between us.

It was her phone, immediately catching the attention of my girlfriend.

Monroe grabbed the buzzing phone immediately, sliding her thumb across the screen before pressing it to her ear.

She only murmured a brief hello.

Then she was silent, humming every so often in acknowledgment.

It made me wonder who it was—what they were saying.

Monroe didn’t give anything up.

The only thing she really said next was goodbye when she ended the phone call.

Then her stare immediately snapped to me.

“The test came back positive,” she calmly said, setting her phone down. “You were drugged, Liberty.”

My brows raised immediately.

Then they furrowed together, wondering how.

When.

Even who.

The night was too hazy to remember, honestly, which I knew was a red flag.

But I don’t recall leaving my drink unattended.

I think?

Maybe it was when someone handed me a drink or I took shots?

God, I don’t even remember.

“Maybe it was a frat guy being disgusting—“

“It was them,” Monroe cut me short, her voice still unnervingly calm. “I know it was them, Liberty.”

Her parents.

She thinks it was them?

Why?

Or how?

There are a lot of questions I have here.

“Baby, I doubt that’s the case,” I quickly said, standing from my chair.

Monroe only shook her head. “The drug was barely traceable. It’s an expensive strain that no one at that party would’ve had.”

I blinked a few times, unsure how to counter that.

Because maybe she is right.

She knows them better than me.

But I still don’t understand.

This is all so confusing.

“They’re testing me. They’re messing with you to see how I’ll react,” Monroe spoke again through the air, reaching for one of her sleeves. “They want to figure out the dynamic.”

“Ro,” I whispered as soon as she began precisely rolling up one of her sleeves.

She’s at the edge of a breakdown.

First the invitation, now this.

She’s losing her grip on the usual control she has.

It doesn’t help that they’re pulling these strings from New York.

Seattle is my girlfriend’s safe space.

They aren’t supposed to affect anything here for her.

“Hey,” I quickly whispered, gently grabbing one of her hands.

Monroe shook her head, but I still pulled her closer, guiding her arms around my waist instead.

“Look at me,” I whispered softly, noticing her hollowed stare diverted past me.

She only shook her head again, the action stiff and reluctant.

I let out a deep sigh, pulling her into me for a hug.

“Tell me what you need right now,” I said, my voice soft in her ear.

It was silent.

All I could hear was her controlled breaths against my shoulder, like she was desperately trying to keep her calm.

“I need them to leave you alone, Liberty.”

Her words were barely audible, but I heard them.

They sound raw—like that was all she could possibly ask for.

“We’ll figure it out, baby,” I tried my best to assure her, but I genuinely felt helpless.

I felt like I was no match for them.

“How about I make us dinner?” I offered, gently caressing the back of her head. “It’ll probably be Dino nuggets and fries, but you need a break, Ro.”

Silence.

That’s all she gave me.

“How about you go lie down on the couch, and I’ll get this started,” I spoke again, slowly guiding us out of the kitchen. “I’ll make you a glass of wine to help loosen you up.”

Again, she didn’t say anything.

It felt like they had broken my girlfriend.

Her parents always seem to break her and leave me to pick up the beautiful pieces of her.

God, do I hate them.

Even after I got Monroe settled on the couch with a glass of wine, she was still rigid with a neutral expression.

She wouldn’t speak a single word.

All she did was focus on her breathing.

Once I got everything in the oven, I sat with her for a minute, but she was still in the same shape I left her in.

Even after sipping on some of the wine.

So I cuddled her close to me on the couch, holding her face against my chest as I caressed my hand up and down her back.

I could feel her relax a little more in my arms, which relieved me, but her deep breaths were still controlled and precise.

I held her through it all, letting her calm down on her own terms.

At least until the oven timer went off.

That’s when I pulled away from my girlfriend, realizing she had fallen asleep in my arms.

It was the cutest thing ever.

She felt comfortable enough with me to let her guard down during one of her hardest moments.

I seriously didn’t want to get up.

I didn’t want to risk waking her.

But I also didn’t want the house to burn down.

So I decided to quickly get up from the couch to take the food out—then I rushed back into the living room to lie with her.

But I just ended up staring at her some more, admiring how relaxed she looked while she was asleep.

I was just happy she was soothed, even if she wasn’t awake.

I felt so creepy sitting down beside her, caressing her head, and admiring every detail of her face.

But she was perfect, and I wished her parents would just leave her alone forever.

“I wish we could run away,” I whispered as softly as I could, tracing the edges of her jawline with the tip of my finger. “Everything would probably be simpler if we did.”

I smiled slightly, staring down at her beautiful face so openly.

It felt like I could tell her anything.

Or maybe the one thing I had been dying to get off my chest.

Even the idea of telling her while she’s asleep was scary, but it also sounded relieving at the same time.

To finally say these three words to her.

“I…” I trailed off, drawing in a deep breath, “I-love you enough to run away. Even if it meant leaving so much behind,” I whispered as softly as I could, stumbling over my words a little.

But it felt so nice to say it aloud to her.

I don’t care that she’s asleep.

It counts to me.

“I would love to live in the French countryside with you—I would love to live anywhere with you,” I softly added, keeping my voice even lower.

A soft sigh fell from my lips, finally feeling weightless now that I had gotten those three words out.

I honestly didn’t care about the hot food waiting for us.

I curled up next to her on the couch, pretending like we just had that moment together, when in reality, it was just me.

I had the moment all alone.

Maybe once everything dies down, we can have that moment together.

It’s obvious that her parents aren’t going to leave us alone, though.

I’m not even sure how to ask Monroe about Kaia either.

God, this is all so bad, and we just got back to Seattle.

I also wonder how her parents reacted to her phone call.

Or what they’ll do now that they know I’m not accepting their invitation.

This all feels so complicated, and we’ve barely tackled anything.