My Place

My name is Anya Williams, and a few days ago I agreed to move to Seattle to help my grandfather with the company. So today, after getting things in order around our house and the small business we run, I'm finishing packing. Dad and Maru will be driving me to the airport. Grandpa wanted to send the jet to pick me up, but I refused -- I prefer a commercial flight.

"Ready, sweetheart?"

"Ready, Dad."

"Come here."

He took my hands and we sat on the edge of the bed.

"What's wrong, Dad?"

"You know everything that's happened with my mother and my ex-wife, and the little to nonexistent relationship I have with Sandra."

"I know, Dad. I know it won't be easy."

"No, it won't. But I want you to face any problem head-on, no matter who it involves."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you think I mean. No matter who it is, I want you to stand your ground. Don't tolerate any insults or mistreatment. You're my daughter, and just like Sandra, you have the same rights when it comes to any decision -- I never signed Dad's inheritance over to Debora."

I nodded.

"You are Anya Williams, and you're going there not to serve them. You're going at your grandfather's request. I know Diego will be helping you, so I don't want you to let anyone push you around. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Good. Now let's go or we'll be late, and Maru will kill me for keeping you up here."

"Ha ha ha! I know you'll be in good hands, Dad. Maru is more than capable of keeping everything in order."

"I don't doubt it. Come on, let's go."

When we came downstairs, Maru was already standing with her arms crossed, staring at Dad.

"You can't keep her -- she has a flight to catch, remember?"

"I know. I just had to talk to her about something."

"You could've done that in the car."

"No, because you'd have been there."

"You ungrateful man -- are you calling me a gossip?"

"You said it, not me."

"Ha ha ha! You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you two," I said, laughing.

"You think it's funny that your father is calling me a gossip?"

"I love you, Maru. And please, don't fight so much while I'm gone. Love each other."

"For God's sake. Come on, let's go," Dad said.

"I agree -- the excitement of the flight is getting to your head a little. Let's go."

They took my suitcases and headed out to the truck. I smiled. *If only Dad would give himself the chance to fall in love again.* And who better than Maru? She had shown up looking for work\, running from a husband who used to beat her. We gave her a job\, and shortly after\, we helped her with her divorce. Since then\, we'd gotten used to having her around. We grew to trust and love her. She'd always been there for us. She was the one who explained the changes my body would go through and what to do when I got my period for the first time. I saw her as a mother\, and I wished the two of them would give each other a chance.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard them arguing again -- this time over how to fit my two suitcases.

"You know what the saying is?" I asked.

They both looked at me.

"There's a thin line between love and hate."

"Anya!" they both said in unison, then glanced at each other.

"Ha ha ha! I'm just saying."

"Get in the car or we'll be late for that flight," Maru said.

"Fine, fine. I'm going."

The ride to the airport was silent, which made me laugh.

"Stop entertaining crazy ideas, and don't forget what we talked about," Dad said.

"Got it, Dad."

"If anyone tries to bother you, remember those self-defense classes we took," Maru added.

I smiled.

"You want me to throw punches?"

"Some people need a sedative. And if they find it in your right fist, help them relax."

Dad sighed.

"Avoid violence."

"So you want people to look down on her and say awful things?"

"I didn't say that. She can defend herself with words, not just violence."

"Then what do you suggest?"

I smiled.

"You know the saying?"

They both looked at me, and I grinned.

"Just take care of yourself, princess, and don't let anyone push you around. Deal?" Maru said.

"Do you agree, Dad?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"All right then. I love you both."

When we arrived at the airport, they took me straight to the airline counter. I checked one suitcase and kept the smaller one to carry on the plane. After saying goodbye to them once more, I boarded the flight that would change my life -- for a few months, at least.

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