I slam my door shut, run over to my bed and press my face into my pillow before screaming at the top of my lungs. I know it seems a little dramatic but everything I know is about to change. Pappa just told me that he will be sending me to some boarding school far away for my own safety as he has been receiving threats that put my life in danger.
I hear footsteps approach slowly, followed by a gentle knock on the door. I quickly wipe the tears from my face and open my bedroom door. Pappa is standing on the other side of the door, I can see he is sad as well and he doesn't really want this for me. I take this as my chance to reason with him, if anyone can change his mind it's me!
Pappa, I say, as I reach for his hand. I look up into his eyes and ask him if he truly wants me to go? "Pappa you have trained me so well, I am a better shot than half of your hitmen I can take Marcelle right now in combat and if I win you have to let me stay!" Marcelle is my father's right hand man, he has taught me martial arts, boxing, judo, muay Thai, and Tae Kwon do since the moment I could walk. Marcelle grins at me from behind my father and I can't help but look at him with pleading eyes." Marcelle, you know I can protect myself, please tell Pappa I'm safer here, with you."
Marcelle remains quiet, and I shake my head in frustration. "Pappa, please, say something. Say I can stay, Let's take them on, together." My father says nothing and looks away. His silence speaks for itself. I know that there is no way to change his mind.
Pappa finally speaks up "Mi amore, you know I only want what is best for you, we won't discuss this any longer. You will be ready in an hour and Marcelle will drive you to the jet. That's final." as he says those last words he pulls my hand up and kisses it before turning to walk away.
Pappa has never been the affectionate type, I know he means well but after mama passed away when I was 8 he changed. He would close himself off from showing too much emotion. "Emotion is a weakness" he would say. It's been 10 years without her and I miss her every single day and I know that Pappa is afraid to loose me as well. So I'll go, not because I believe it's the right thing to do but because I believe my father will be more at peace knowing that I am safe.
An hour has passed and I make my way down the stairs to the car, I expected Pappa to be here, I thought he would at least say goodbye to me. As I climb into the car I feel a tear run down my cheek. I wipe the treacherous tear away with my sleeve as fast as it came, put on my best poker face and say "emotions are a weakness" as I take my sketchpad out of my bag. I like to draw, it gives me a sense of peace I can't explain.
Soon enough we reach the jet and I thank Marcelle for the ride while walking to the back of the car to grab my suitcase. Marcelle walks to me and pulls me into a hug while swaying me from side to side. "We will all miss you princessa, please stay safe and let me know if there is anything you need" a warmth spreads through my heart at his words and I have to blink back a few tears. "thank you, Marcelle. I will miss you too". Marcelle has always been like an older brother to me and his warm words mean much more then he realizes. I needed that. As I take a seat in the jet I say to myself "let's do this"