Page 14 of Hacking His Code

I look down at my unpolished nails. “Let’s get on with it, then.”

Hunter’s thumbs race over the screen of his phone. “You’re going to love the beauty technicians I’ve assigned to you.”

“I can hardly wait.”

Arinessa

Hunter’s suiteis not the black pit I had imagined earlier in the day, with chains fastened to the walls and food lowered down in a bucket.

No, it most certainly is not a torture chamber with its plush furnishings, extravagant decor, and luxurious creature comforts.

The suite is easily one-thousand-square-feet, larger than my entire apartment, every inch of it perfectly designed. The wall-less expanse is segmented into a kitchen, living, dining, and sleeping area, all of them of a similar decor, flowing together seamlessly.

It’s meant to feel open and grand with its cavernous ceiling, reaching in some places more than twenty feet high. It certainly creates within me an illusion that I am small.

The bed is one out of fairytales with four tall pillars holding up a decadent canopy of pure white silk. The dressings are equally as stunning, purple and gold threads woven into a masterpiece with decorative pillows complementing the design. My Shabby Chic bedding from Target pales in comparison.

It’s then that I remember my mother and take out my phone to give her a call.

After three long rings, she answers.

Arinessa:Hey, Mom!

Mom:Hi, honey. Getting ready to go back to school?

For the first time in as long as I can remember, my mother sounds excited. The last couple of years, she’s pushed me like we were in the middle of the apocalypse. I’m not used to hearing her so cheerful.

Arinessa:Yeah,

Mom:That’s fantastic. One more year and you’ll finally be finished. I’m so proud.

Arinessa:How’s your treatment going?

An audible sigh comes across the receiver, and I wait with bated breath, hoping Hunter made good on his promise.

Mom:Today, I received a phone call from my doctor. He said that I’m eligible for some kind of new treatment, and I don’t know what to do.

Arinessa:Mom, don’t pass up this opportunity!

Mom:I don’t know.

Arinessa:What did he say about it?

Mom:He said it’s promising. My best shot, but it’s barely out of trial…

Arinessa:That’s great! Every good treatment goes through a trial.

Mom:At this point, I’m not even worried about the side effects.

Arinessa:Then what are you worried about?

Mom:False hope.

Arinessa:Don’t give up on your best chance because you’re scared of false hope.

Mom:Well, they want me to come in today. In an hour, actually, but I’m supposed to be packing to move.

Arinessa:Get your ass off the phone and go see your doctor! We’ll move you next week.