22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22

-Jared-

Staying focused with Julia around was a challenge, but I managed to refocus our attention on our plan. Julia's concerns weren't unfounded. Anticipating the unknowns once we made contact with her family and arranged a meeting was difficult. When I reached out to them, they promptly responded with a time and place—their home, as expected.

However, the meeting wasn't until the following day, affording us ample time to strategize. We even utilized the space to simulate the environment we would encounter. I outlined the probable positions we'd assume and instructed Julia on how to act. Surprisingly, she adeptly assumed a guise of deception, even convincing me of her eagerness to participate. Yet, despite her convincing performance, her underlying anxiety was obvious in her eyes.

During our rehearsals and discussions about her escape strategy, I had an epiphany. I paused for a moment and retrieved something from the desk—a knife I hadn't used in years. I unfolded the blade, presenting it to Julia. She gasped, taking a cautious step backward.

"It's yours," I assured her.

"Mine?" she echoed, incredulous.

"Have you ever wielded one before?" I inquired.

She shook her head. "Not really. I did stash a knife in my room, but it was more for imaginary battles against the monsters lurking beneath my bed," she confessed, eliciting a smile from me.

Lowering the blade, I approached her, bringing myself to her eye level.

"Take it," I urged.

"Why?" she questioned.

"Because no one will suspect you carrying it," I clarified. "It could prove useful. When you create a distraction for me, chaos will erupt. Knowing how to defend yourself is crucial."

"I'm not sure," she hesitated.

"I understand it's daunting, Julia. Our world is perilous. We didn't choose this life, but we're in it, and we can't escape," I affirmed.

"Never?" she asked, alarmed.

"No. And you carrying this would reassure me."

"Where should I hide it?" she inquired.

"In your shoes or pocket. You won't be searched, and even if they find it, it won't raise suspicion," I assured her.

"It won't?"

"No. Given what you've endured, anyone would carry a weapon for protection," I reasoned.

She nodded, placing her trust in my judgment. I extended my hand, signaling for her to pass hers to me. As she did, I placed the knife in her palm. Uncertain, she glanced down at it.

"Here's how to activate the blade," I instructed, demonstrating. "And how to grip it."

"Target vulnerable spots," I advised, raising the blade to my neck. "Like this."

Lowering it toward my heart, I added, "Or here."

"I'm not as tall as you. I can't reach those points," she observed, and I offered a reassuring smile.

"Then find another way to incapacitate them. Aim for the legs," I suggested.

"I'm not sure I can," she admitted.

"You can," I insisted. "You don't want to stay with them, do you?"

"No."

"If they try to restrain you, don't hesitate to use the knife, or if anyone gets too close," I instructed.

"What do you mean by ‘too close'?" she inquired.

I hesitated to delve into my own childhood traumas, but I pondered if Julia had ever been educated about such dangers. Discussing "stranger danger" was something I never anticipated, but she would be in a house full of unfamiliar faces. With a father like mine, I doubted blood relations would provide her with safety.

"Have you ever been warned not to talk to strangers?" I asked.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Have you ever been told why?"

"Mom just said they might not be like her," she explained.

"Not like her?" I sought clarification.

"Not friendly. That they could be like Dad," she elaborated, and I nodded understandingly.

"Some people can be like that. They don't care about your age or gender. You're simply something to exploit," I explained.

"Exploit?" she echoed, bewildered.

"I won't be there to watch over you, and I don't know these people. Unfortunately, family doesn't always guarantee loyalty or protection. Sometimes, people will try to get close to you, even... touch you," I broached the difficult topic.

She blinked rapidly, but it was necessary for her to be aware. From the way she spoke about her father, I had little faith that he had many boundaries. While I couldn't discern the extent of his sexual interests, I was familiar with his type, and I knew it was imperative for Julia to be prepared.

"So, I should stab them if they get too close?" she asked.

"Yes. Don't hesitate. They deserve it," I affirmed.

She nodded, assuming the role of a dutiful soldier, and I offered a small smile before standing up.

"Has anyone ever gotten too close to you?" she probed. "In a way you didn't like?"

My smile faded, and I averted my gaze.

"Did it happen to Alison too?" she pressed on.

"Yes."

"What happened to them?" she inquired further.

"Various things, but they were never held accountable in the manner we wished," I divulged.

"I understand," she murmured.

"Hey, I know it's overwhelming, but you can do this. I just need you to get out of there. Once you do, chaos will ensue, and I can take control of the situation," I reassured her.

She nodded, then concealed the blade in her hoodie pocket.

"Can we play that game now?"

"What game?" I inquired.

"The soccer one?" she reminded me.

I smiled faintly.

"Of course," I agreed.