Chapter 6: Caressa in Love

Caressa's POV

She waited to stand up; she knew that when she did, the guards would come out, pretending that they had just found her. They would wrap her in towels and blankets and usher her to the compound where a hot tub awaited. Risa would be waiting for her as well. She took in a deep breath and stood up. She heard the commotion as the guards moved forward and held back a smile as the smell of Michyle's cologne became stronger.

She knew he would return to the compound later. It was important not to give the impression of impropriety to what was left of the village which was still protective of Caressa. The news of her engagement had been met with excitement, until it became known that she would also be leaving them for almost a year. Michyle's arrival had sparked some debate about whether he was good enough for her.

When asked directly, her reply was always, "Time will tell." When she returned to the village compound, she was greeted by silence. Waylon opened the gate for her and took the time to thank the guard staff for their continued diligence. She knew that he found it hard to be angry with her, even when she took risks with her safety.

He led her through the corridors of the compound even though she knew the way on her own. He didn't mind it, and neither did she, knowing it would be the last time they would share the same home for a very long time. She remembered that day he pulled her from the water. How strong and secure he was.

Over the years he'd taken on as much of a father's role as he could. Her aunt and uncle were her guardians and had the last say in her education and upbringing. But, whenever he could, Waylon gave an encouraging word, taught her useful skills, and assured her that there was more to life than the walls of the compound.

He walked her all the way to her apartment where Risa waited with a list of chastisements a mile long.

"The night before your wedding, Caressa?" Risa took her by the elbow and ushered her into the apartment.

"Good night," Caressa said to Waylon with a mixture of guilt and gratitude that spanned all of the years he'd cared for her as the door closed on him.

Caressa stepped into her apartment and let Risa guide her to the bath that waited.

"What will you do when he takes you to his home?" Risa asked.

"I will try to be on my best behavior," Caressa promised.

Caressa took her time stripping off her wet clothes and allowed Risa to help her into the water.

"Michyle is a good man. He reminds me of Waylon… and I think maybe my father too."

"Yes," Risa agreed. "I think your father would have liked him."

"So, isn't it time you told me all about what to expect?" Caressa asked, teasing.

"I am sure you know more about what to expect than I do," Risa quipped good-naturedly.

"Is it like in the stories?"

"Sometimes," Risa answered honestly.

"We haven't even kissed yet," Caressa admitted.

"Well, do you want to kiss him?"

"I think I do. Tell me what he looks like."

"You already know what he looks like," Risa said, half-chiding.

"Tell me again, so I can dream about him."

"He's tall," Risa started. "You are tall yourself, but he still stands head and shoulders over you. He's not too old; his hair is thick and black, with no trace of gray hair, not even on his mustache. His shoulders are broad and thick, more than twice the size of yours. He's not fat, but he isn't completely lean either. He's solid, a mass of muscles. His eyes are kind, large, and crystal blue. He wears only the best cut of clothes."

"And the best mixture of cologne," Caressa cut in.

"That is a matter of opinion." Risa smiled to see the unconscious smile play across Caressa's face. This was the latest in a series of whimsical smiles she'd seen on the girl since Michyle's arrival. She let a tear drop from her eye and was surprised when Caressa lifted a finger to trace its journey.

"Happy or sad tears, Risa?"

"How did you..?" Risa began to ask, but cut herself short to clutch the hand against her cheek.

Caressa was all too aware that this would be their last chance to say goodbye to each other. She was the only mother Caressa had ever known. A year apart would be hard.

"I can see some things, Risa. Even things harder to see for others," Caressa said. "I will miss you, too."

Risa hugged Caressa and held her close as she would have a little baby.

"You let me know if he is in any way cruel or unkind to you. I will send for you immediately." Risa let the tears fall from her eyes as Caressa held onto her.

"I will," Caressa promised as she made her way into bed and under the covers. Caressa tried to prepare herself for the journey that was ahead.