Upon returning to Goderich, Kenelm repeatedly wondered why their summer vacation trip was so short. I could only answer him that my health was not good and promised to take him on a trip when he was older. He seems to be very regretful, but thinking of me, he doesn't complain anymore and obediently stays at home.
A week has passed since I met Dominic, and I still haven't found myself.
"Careful!"
Garrick grabbed my wrist, but it was too late. The knife had accidentally grazed my finger causing it to bleed.
"Um..."
I felt a sharp pain from my finger and hurriedly brought it to my mouth to stop the bleeding. Garrick hurriedly got some damage potion and white bandages to give me first aid.
"Let me do it myself. It's just a small wound." I say.
"Why are you so careless?" Garrick ignored my words and continued to help me bandage the tear carefully. "I've seen her like this these days. Whether it's watering the plants in the garden, watching a movie with Kenelm or like when you're just slicing meat, you don't concentrate."
"..." I couldn't answer Garrick's question.
"For him? Have you forgotten how hard it is for us to get rid of him? And all the hurt he's done to you, will you easily forgive him just because four years have passed?"
"Enough. I know what I have to do myself. You're just my bodyguard, aren't you? Then don't interfere in my private affairs."
I know I've been a bit harsh when I've argued with Garrick, as evidenced by his eyes filled with disappointment and grief. He nodded as if he understood and left. Originally, I didn't want to say such hurtful words to Garrick, but every time I think of Dominic, my heart aches. I'm like a lunatic.
Seeing dried blood on my skirt, I went back to the bedroom to change my clothes.
At this point, I just noticed that my phone has a message.
"Esther, is there a famous place in Goderich?" Vivian texted me half an hour ago but I was cooking so I didn't notice.
"Why are you suddenly asking?" There was a conjecture in my heart, but I dared not confirm it with certainty.
"My boyfriend and I are going there on vacation. I told him that Goderich is a very nice town and we agreed to spend the whole summer there."
After reading that text message, my phone almost slipped out of my hand.
For a long time, I still didn't know how to respond to her. Goderich is indeed a beautiful town, but so far not too many people have chosen it as a tourist destination. I thought that as long as I came back here, there would be no problem between me and Dominic. Unexpectedly, this happened.
This town is so small, the possibility of us running into each other is very likely.
I texted Frederick about this and he didn't reply for a long time, maybe he is still busy with the Lenox City. I have bothered that man so much, he has to take care of both me and my son, while I haven't been able to repay him yet.
Thinking for a while, I finally decided to withdraw the message I just sent and think of a way to solve this problem on my own.
The first person I think he can give me useful advice at the moment is Garrick. But we just had an argument and I accidentally hurt his self-esteem. So I don't have the courage to face him right now.
"We're going to the airport soon. I hope you can pick us up. We don't know anyone in Goderich at all but you, we haven't even found a hotel yet."
It seems Vivian is a little impatient to wait for me to answer, and I have absolutely no idea how to handle this situation.
"Esther, I'm done with the food, you should come eat." Garrick knocked on my door, his voice as serious and calm as ever, but lacking in cheerfulness.
I opened the door to the room and saw that he was already at the dining table.
"Wasn’t Kenelm home?"
"He's gone out with the kids in town. They're hanging out near the river to row a boat." Garrick answered, but he didn't raise his head to look at me.
When it's just the two of us, the atmosphere between us becomes even more awkward.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I don't blame you." Garrick responded very quickly. But that doesn't prove that he doesn't mind my hurtful words.
"I’m so bad, I shouldn't say such things. For me, you've always been a friend that I cherish."
"And be your bodyguard. You don't have to remind me of that." Garrick got me food on a plate and placed it in front of me. "I volunteered to be your bodyguard, and I'm satisfied with that. I never complained or thought that I needed to interfere in her life. Protecting you is my duty, and whether you listen to my advice or not depends on your will."
"Garrick, you know, you were right, about everything. About Dominic and about my stupidity. You tried to protect me but I..."
"Okay. It's fine. Don't make yourself think too much."
Garrick stood up and walked over to me, gently hugging my trembling body to calm me down. It's been a long time since Garrick and I have been intimate with each other, because I've always kept my distance from him. I know he loves me, so I don't want to give him any hope. But then I realized that I was always alone and needed the warmth of a man.
Garrick, Frederick or whoever it is, as long as he is willing to be with me at this moment and comfort me, I will appreciate it.
It was like me trampling on their feelings, but I had no choice but to be selfish.
"You could use me. I wouldn't mind, really, Esther." Garrick whispered to me.
"No, I can't." I try to convince myself, because I am well aware of how bad it is for me to take advantage of the feelings of men who love me.
"You can do it. Look at me." Garrick turned my face away so we could meet each other's eyes. "Tell me what's hurting you, and I'll help you."
"...He's going to Goderich."
"Dominic?" Garrick frowned.
"Yes, with his girlfriend. She and I are friends, it was she who ordered the wool dress a week ago."
"Did they come here to find you?"
"No, he doesn't know I'm still alive. But I'm afraid when he gets here he'll find out."
"So did Frederick know about this?"
"I was going to tell him but I've reconsidered. I think we can handle this on our own without Frederick's help, because I've bothered him too many times already."
Garrick mused and thought for a moment. If I leave this town, Dominic and Vivian will feel that I'm avoiding them and don't want to see them. They will probably be suspicious and investigate me. And if I stay here, it's hard for me to avoid meeting them.
"If Dominic sees either of us, he'll definitely find out the truth." Garrick muttered. "Then let's make it impossible for him to recognize us even if we meet him."
"How is it?" I nervously asked Garrick.
Garrick showed me a way. Garrick will pretend to be a miner in a coal mine near the town of Goderich, so that his wearing a helmet and mask every day will not be questioned. I'm a knitter at the tailor, so I'll pretend I'm allergic to colorants and have to put anti-swelling lotion on my face. So I'll wrap a bandage around my face, leaving only my eyes and nose open.
This probably won't clear their doubts completely. Because it would be weird for both of us to cover our faces. However, we have no better way.
In the end, we'll pretend like a couple in love. That way Dominic and Vivian won't question why we live in the same house.
Summer vacation is only two weeks left. As long as we can act out these two weeks without them finding out our true identities, everything will be fine.