Entirely unprovoked

That day had been a perfect day that kept getting better when Rebecca thought it was no longer possible to be overcome. From having just her younger brother as a person to call family, to gain so many more in a matter of hours. She became engaged to Anthony, who would not only become her family, but would allow her to create one of her own. With that she gained an entire side of family in the form of in-laws. Then she discovered older brothers in Noah, and she liked to believe in Steve as well. Who each came with a sister-in-law as well. In a single day she had gone from an orphan without family, whose own parents had abandoned her, to having more family than she can count. But all of those great things that yesterday brought, did not did not change how nervous she was feeling today. In fact, it was exactly those things that made it so important for her not to mess anything up today. She wanted everything to be perfect and she wouldn't allow anything to jeopardize what she had managed to gain after so many years of having to do without.

With the bags packed and loaded in the trunk of the car, they were ready to start their six hour long journey. Including the breaks after every two hours, they expected to be there at three o'clock sharp. Just in time for tea, cookies and a show-stealing declaration.

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Meanwhile in the kitchen Maria was busy biting her nails from nervousness. Her heart was beating a mile a minute, because unlike Laila, she had no plans after poking the bear. Although in her mind it had been him to start the poking and she had been far from a bear. She was a mere victim caught off guard by his actions. Actions she somehow had to face the consequences for. She had run away now, but at some point she would have to return. How long until her resolve would break? How many attempts would Steve need before she would become his willing victim? She was by no means ready for that step, and although Steve would never force her, there was only so much she could resist. Being together with each other every second of every day, temptation lies in every corner.

Suddenly she heard her phone buzz. She looked at the screen and let out a sigh of relief before answering it in a whisper. "Finally! Laila, you have to help me. I don't think I can do this after all. It has only been a day and already I almost caved. How am I supposed to get through several weeks of this??" Laila chuckled and said, "Calm down. You already made a promise and quit your job. There is no going back in that regard. So, instead of running away, let's look at our options. What exactly has he done that has gotten you so ready to run in the first place?" Now that she was suddenly asked this question, Maria was forced to think about what had happened between her and Steve in the living room and as she did, she started to wonder herself about just what it was he had done. "Well...Uhm, I suppose he didn't do very much. It is just that hinted at certain things and he managed to get me in a tricky position, even in his current wounded state. So, it got me a bit worried about how things would progress as he gets better."

Laila let out a soft amused sigh as she shook her head and then said, "I swear, Steve is truly your match. How is he able to get into your head so easily and make you unable to think clearly so effortlessly. You and I both know that in his current state he can't do what you are so worried about, and by the time that he can, you yourself might feel differently about matters. Steve would never cross a line you aren't ready to cross. He might tease you, since you are so easy and fun to tease for him, but that is all this is. Teasing. I imagine that it wasn't entirely unprovoked either."

While muttering her words Maria responded with, "Well, maybe, perhaps a bit. I might have mentioned something about this being a trial run and that I am glad to not be in Rebecca's position just yet." Then in a stronger, defying tone, she added, "But that does not mean that he should do something like this! I can't be expected to walk on eggshells everyday for fear that he might silence me in different ways if I don't watch my words. I have always said what I think and feel, and I don't plan on stopping that now." With a 'hmpf' at the end of her sentence, Maria was done speaking and it was time for Laila to give her take on the matter. Without hesitation she asked, "But do you really feel that way though?" In a kind and understanding tone she continued, "Because to me those words don't sound very honest, nor are they very kind to say to a person who loves you. If the roles were reversed, how would you feel? If you imagine that, I am convinced you can imagine how Steve was feeling and you'll know you got off quite easy if teasing you was all he did."

With those words their call ended, because before Maria could do what Laila had suggested, the door to the kitchen was suddenly opened and she was standing face to face with Steve.