Chapter 7

  I felt like an idiot, “Why was she here? Why did nobody just tell me!”

  AI responded, “I tried to tell you yesterday, Andrew.”

  I looked at her frustratingly, “Why didn’t you just straight up say it?”

  Her face went sad, “Because Dorothy told me not to. She ordered it.”

  I threw my fork down on the plate in anger, “What kind of insanity is this? Of all the ways to first meet her, I can’t believe it was like this!”

  Zoe raised her voice at me, “You asked for this! You made me relay to her that you would treat her the same as anyone else… How did you think she would respond?”

  I stared at Zoe in irritation. She was right, and I did say that… I suppose this was actually an excellent way to meet her face to face. I stared at my plate as I thought about it more.

  I looked around the group, “Surely you people noticed her? I didn’t because I have never seen her face…”

  Aisling nodded, “Of course we did. Nadia and I were told the same as AI… We were told to shut up.”

  I looked at her outraged, “What right does she have to tell you what to do in your own building?”

  Nadia spoke with a sharp tone, “She is the most powerful person on the planet right now, Andrew… She can do whatever she damn well wants.”

  I shook my head in scepticism, “She didn’t seem that malicious or power hungry! In fact, she seemed totally reasonable…”

  Zoe shook her head, “She came here for you, and she bounced off every signal you gave her. You controlled the topic, and she played along. Trust me, I have seen her speak to our military leaders… She absolutely commands respect.”

  I sat there feeling deeply frustrated. I didn’t appreciate the feeling that I might possibly have failed. I wished that she had stayed, so that I could have learned how she felt about me.

  I stared at the counter, “Did I ruin my first impression?”

  Everyone responded, “No.”

  Zoe smiled, “If anything… she loved meeting you. I was focusing on her and she adored every second with you.”

  I nodded, “I offered her my friendship and she accepted it… There can be no doubt… she’s not my enemy.”

  Michael mumbled, “... Frenemy.”

  I turned to him, “What?”

  He weakly smiled at me, “Frenemy. Both an enemy and a friend.”

  I shook my head, “You made that up. A friend could never be an enemy and an enemy could never be a friend.”

  He laughed, “With you, perhaps that’s true. With others? No. There are competitive friendships and respectful opponents.”

  I stopped trying to understand it as I focused, “Ok whatever, I don’t care. Either way… this was actually a brilliant outcome. After the way Zoe had described her, I thought of her as a threat. Now I feel safe in the knowledge of where she stands at the moment.”

  Zoe chuckled, “She both adores you and fears you. She despises you for the threat you represent, but she craves the chance to get to know you for who you are.”

  I raised my voice in irritation, “I… am… no… threat!”

  She looked away frustrated, “Here we go again! Andrew pretends like his actions and consequences never leave his apartment. He acts like his character won’t continue to affect the world as time goes on… Aww, poor little Andrew, so small and unimportant…”

  I looked at her sharply, “What part of me is a threat to the prime minister? She’s located at the other side of the country, living a life totally the opposite of my own. I literally never even knew what she looked like and you’re trying to make it seem like I’m a threat to her… That’s not even remotely believable!”

  She leaned forward, “And yet she does fear you! I have already tried to tell you why… Andrew, you’re a leader. Whether you want them to or not, people follow you.”

  I shook my head as I looked between the Angels, “No I'm not, these three here are leaders. Dorothy is a leader. I’m just a single person who went to the extremes to help.”

  Michael nudged me, “Bullshit. You have the hearts and minds of people. Not just the Rose members but also the public.”

  Aisling smiled, “All it would take is for you to publicly express your disapproval of the prime minister… and everyone would hate her.”

  I shook my head, “Bollocks! Get real would you!”

  Nadia chuckled, “You went for a walk and nearly a thousand people came to see you… for a walk.”

  I tried making excuses, “I’m not a leader! Those were just fans or something…”

  Aisling nodded, “They were people who respected you and what you had done. They’re people who have judged your character and deemed it worthy. They trust you now, and they follow you.”

  Nadia bounced energetically, “When you went around the crowd signing things and taking photos… If only you could have seen the look in their eyes, Andrew. Those people would genuinely have fought for you, that’s how much they respected you.”

  I looked between them rapidly as I thought quickly, “... Maybe you just saw wrong? Maybe you are all just jumping the gun? Maybe you’ve been around me too much and you overestimate my qualities? I just can’t believe what you’re telling me. I’m not a leader and I am not a threat to the prime minister.”

  AI spoke calmly, “What of me then, Andrew? As a neural network, I am more inclined to be unbiased than humans. What do you say about me agreeing with their assessment?”

  I looked at her, “Prove it then.”

  She nodded, “Very well. The first fact is that human beings care far more about an individual's actions, than their words. You walked the walk before you even opened your mouth once. Nobody even knew about you, yet you had already acted honourably.”

  I slightly nodded, “... Ok. Yes… go on…”

  She smiled, “The media has been feeding off of you, ever since you were revealed. Their coverage of you has been their most viewed content, with more views than even current global conflicts. The media is a reflection of how positive public opinion is of you.”

  I scratched the back of my head, “... Right, I can’t argue that either.”

  She continued, “Nobody is watching the House of Commons anymore. Nobody is paying attention to the Prime Minister's speeches. Everyone is watching you instead. The Prime Minister has recognised that the public's attention has turned to you and so naturally, has hers.”

  I looked at her impressed, “Ok that does actually logically explain why she’s interested in me.”

  She finished, “Logically, she is looking at you not as a person, but rather as an opponent. You are competing with the hearts and minds of this nation's people. Of course she would try to understand what it is about you that makes you so unique, as she needs to understand the mind of her competitor. In her researching, she seemed to have found respect for you as well, though.”

  I stared at my plate of food, “Ok, AI… that’s enough, my friend. I couldn’t argue a single fact or point that you have made… That’s enough please.”

  She smiled at me gloriously, “You are a leader, Andrew.”

  I looked at her doubtfully, “A leader? I always thought that leaders were people who gave speeches to crowds and made hard decisions to help people… Oh my God…”

  I remembered all the times I addressed the Inner Roses in the hall, my decision to endure the torture and give the Angels their chance, when I spoke with the crowd at the end of my Blackpool Tower walk and when I spoke with people before leaving the HQ on my first day here… I did give speeches, and I did make hard decisions... I found myself staring into infinity as my mind truly respected that I had ticked all the boxes to be classified a leader… I just didn’t believe it until now.

  I looked around between all my friends, and they all had faces of understanding. They already knew this about me… I was just the last one to realise it.

  My voice broke, “I…”

  Aisling put her hand on my shoulder, “You… are an amazing man. I’m honoured to know you, and everyone here is honoured that you stand by us.”

  Zoe nodded, “I’m glad your eyes are finally open, Andrew. Now relax and breathe... I know this is a huge thing for you to realise. There are implications from becoming aware of your own potential. For now, you just need to breathe and stay calm.”

  Nadia nodded, “Exactly, and before you ask how to be a leader, the answer is that you do precisely what you’ve been doing this whole time. Leaders don’t consciously choose to lead… remember this.”

  I looked at my hands humbly, “I’m a nobody from the streets… It’s hard to imagine myself being more…”

  Zoe laughed, “Your difficult past is precisely what makes you so strong. Being denied a voice is precisely why everyone now needs to hear your words. Once being weak is what ensures that you stay in control, now that you have been given true power. Your past didn’t prevent you from leading… it ensured it.”

  Aisling smiled her glorious smile, “The Roses were made to give our generation hope, purpose and place to call home, as we foster individuals’ greatness. It’s ironic that you are our brightest star, Andrew, and yet you aren’t even a member of the Roses.”

  I stared into infinity, “It’s ironic... I saved you all… and you all saved me.”

  I looked at the counter for a long moment, “I’m tired… This has pushed me into exhausted territory now. I just need to relax…”

  Michael nudged me, “Then stop talking and eat your food, mate.”

  *

  I spent the rest of the break slowly eating my food. I was so deep in thought about many things. I thought about Ruth and how I hoped to make her feel welcome in my apartment. I thought about the Prime Minister and all the things she chose to say. When I thought back on it, she was so careful with her responses. I felt as if she were the kind of person, you might never see the true face of.

  Nobody spoke to me for the rest of the break. They only spoke amongst each other as they finished their food. Just as people began getting up at the end of the break, I got my friends' attention.

  I spoke clearly and firmly, “Tonight, I hope to have a friend come and stay at my place. Most of you know who she is, but some do not, though. All that matters is that I intend for her to remain at my place until she gets out of the tough time she’s been having.”

  Everyone gave me their complete attention. They all understood what I had said, however I still needed to ensure they realised what that truly meant.

  I lightly tapped the counter, “Tonight will be different. I intend to focus on my dear friend, so I won’t be doing my usual therapy. To anyone who visits tonight, I want you to be fully aware that the focus is entirely on her… and I’ll entirely understand if you don’t come because of that.”

  Ashley took a step forward, “I want to try to help this person. I think I might be the only person who doesn’t know who they are… but I don’t care. I’ll help them as best I can.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Aisling smiled weakly, “I will come, however I worry it may be more… heavy, than normal. Still, we’re responsible for them as Roses leaders, and we will not hide from her.”

  Nadia nodded, “Absolutely. We have to face this consequence, no matter how hard it will be.”

  Michael nudged me, “We’ve been through worse, Andrew. However, I think we’ll allow you to control the direction of conversation… that only makes sense.”

  Zoe smiled, “If Aisling’s there, I’ll be there. As long as I can escape the negative mood temporarily, then I’ll support you, Andrew.”

  I nodded as I looked amongst them all. They truly were good people. I found myself counting on them even. Honestly, I felt relieved to hear them all say that they would still come. I was prepared to deal with Ruth alone… but I was glad I wouldn't have to.

  Everyone except for Ashley and Michael left the hall together. Zoe apparently had an appointment with our dear Prime Minister and of course Nadia and Aisling belonged at the Inner Roses meeting. Ashley would be following me till her shoulder mended and of course Michael had dedicated himself to being by my side.

  I thought about Michael on the drive back, about how he was forsaking his agent jobs to be with me. He and Ashley were noticeably irritated to see me not wearing headphones, even though they knew perfectly well that I no longer needed them. I ignored their daggered looks and closed my eyes.

  When we arrived, we entered the apartment, and I went immediately to sit in my normal seat. The moment I was fully seated, AI appeared on the TV.

  Her face was worried, “Andrew, are you still mentally strained? If so, we can skip your lessons for today.”

  I nodded, “I’m sorry AI, but I think I’ll be skipping them today. I’ll try to make up for lost time, another day.”

  She nodded with a smile, “Of course, Andrew. I understand that today was very stressful for you. I want you to know that you did an incredible job of helping Ruth.”

  Ashley had just sat down when she looked at me, “So it was Ruth?... It’s time you told me what happened, please I beg of you…”

  *

  I nodded, “Of course, I promised I would tell you… so I won’t waste any time. Ash, did you see the state of the foyer hall and the entrance, after the battle?”

  She shook her head, “No. Apparently, I was raging too hard, so they had to tranquilise me. I only woke up in the hospital.”

  I looked at her for a long moment, “It will be difficult for me to describe why Ruth is in her state, if you don’t know how bad it looked afterwards…”

  She looked at me seriously, “Then show me. I’m not squeamish. I may be a whiny bitch with pain, but I don’t mind gore.”

  I chuckled, “Funny, most say that… Then they see the aftermath, and suddenly their tone changes.”

  Ashley lost her patience, “Just shut up and show me already! I’ll be the judge of it, alright?”

  AI addressed her, “Ashley, please look at your smartphone. In the Roses app, you will see that I have sent you images.”

  Ashley pulled her phone out of her jean pocket and swiped the screen a few times. Eventually I could see she was looking at the photographs, as her face changed from angry to serious. She pinched as she zoomed in on a few of them, before swiping on to the next ones.

  Eventually she looked up at me and nodded in understanding, “Right. That’s fucked up, no doubt.”

  AI shook her head, “I am aware that this is Andrew's home, however I would very much appreciate it if there was less crude language.”

  Ashley looked up as she breathed out in irritation, “Right, fine. I’ll try, no promises though.”

  I leaned forward and looked Ashley sadly in the eyes, “Guess who ended up cleaning that mess for nearly five days?”

  Ashley’s eyes popped, “Are you fu-.... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WHO’S DUMB IDEA WAS THAT?”

  AI looked away, “I take full responsibility, and I genuinely feel regret.”

  Ashley turned behind her to face the TV, “As you should be, AI! What on earth were you thinking? Ruth is such a fragile person, why was she even considered in the first place?!”

  I responded, because I didn’t like AI being attacked, “AI followed every procedure and showed every consideration. I know, as humans we instantly knew it was a bad idea, but to AI, it was a controlled risk.”

  Ashley turned back to me, her face still irritated, “Doesn’t AI form character profiles on people? How did an artificial intelligence not put two and two together? Innocent girl plus horrific blood ridden hell hole… God damn it!”

  AI nodded, “You are right in your logic, Ashley. I made the wrong judgement call. I make no excuses, and I will ensure that I do not misjudge so poorly, ever again.”

  Ashley took a deep breath, “Good, because if I had had to clean that, I would probably have tried to kill…”

  Ashley stood up quickly in a panic as she looked into my eyes. Her face was torn in raw emotional pain. She breathed deeply as her mind processed this realisation.

  Her voice sounded like it was going to break, “Please tell me she didn’t…”

  I stared at Ashley as a single tear fell down my cheek. I silently nodded as I looked away. Ashley stood there silently for a long moment before she walked over to her usual spot by the window.

  She battled to speak as she fought back the tears, “Oh my God…”

  After a moment I softly spoke, “When I visited her today, I thankfully managed to get her out of that state. She’s still deeply depressed, but at least we saved her life…”

  Michael corrected me, “You did. You forgot to mention how you were the one responsible for rescuing her after her first attempt...”

  Ashley looked at me worried, “What happened?”

  I stared at the table, “She never showed at the HQ… and I was the only one who felt something was wrong, so I forced Michael and Oliver to go with me to her apartment…”

  Ashley could see my face twist in agony, “Was it that bad?”

  I simply nodded as I stared at the table. I didn’t have the emotional strength to keep talking at that point, as my heart was breaking just remembering that morning. I covered my face with my hands and said nothing.

  Michael took over and filled her in on the details, “We kicked down the door after multiple attempts of knocking and Andrew found her in the shower… She was bleeding badly from her wrist, and the blood pooled around her. It was a horrific sight that seems to have left a mark on him, as you can see.”

  Ashley sniffed a few times, “I can’t imagine how shocked you must have felt, Andrew…”

  I shook my head, “I… I just felt something was wrong. I wish I could have… done more…”

  Ashley quickly walked over and sat down next to me. She put her hand on my lap as I took my hands away from my face to look at her. She was crying intensely, as was I.

  She nodded, “Not to make this about me, but that’s similar to how I felt about being injured. All I could think about was how I wished I could have done more. The thought of them hurting or killing you… I just desperately wished that I had done more.”

  Michael was leaning against the wall, “The truth is that you both did so much. Not only did you do enough, but you both went the extra mile. The fact that you feel your contributions were too little, only reflects how great your hearts are.”

  AI looked at me, “Andrew, not only did you manage to prevent her suicide, you also successfully took her out of that dark place that she was trapped in. You could not possibly have done any more.”

  She turned to Ashley, “You were incredibly effective in the battle, Ashley. If you had never gotten shot, I predict that you would have outperformed Michael. We owe you the greatest of thanks for your overwhelming contribution. If you were not there, Andrew very well may have died that day.”

  Michael propped himself up from the wall, “Right, Ruth is ready to be picked up. As agreed, she will be brought here first. Andrew… promise me that you will respect her choice, ok?”

  I nodded, “If she refuses to stay here, then I’ll just sleep outside her door. I don’t abandon my friends, not ever.”

  He looked at me curiously as he tried to determine if I was actually being serious. His eyes popped slightly as he realised that I was being deadly serious. He smiled and nodded at me… as he knew better than to waste time trying to convince me otherwise. He turned, waved and walked out the front door.

  *

  I leaned my head back on the sofa as I stared at the ceiling, “I have no idea how she’ll react to being here. She’s still deeply depressed… and on top of that, we all know how shy she is. There’s a strong chance she’ll leave when she faces our large group.”

  Ashley spoke quietly, “She may leave even just seeing you, Andrew.”

  I nodded and looked at her, “I know. Either way, I’ll commit myself to her, no matter how she reacts.”

  Ashley slapped my leg, “Why didn’t you commit yourself to me a week ago?”

  AI spoke from the TV, “Ashley, we battled to prevent him from doing so.”

  Ashley’s voice went sour, “So, it’s you I have to thank for being alone for a week?”

  AI didn’t hesitate, “You only need to blame yourself, for behaving in such a manner that your friends do not feel safe around you.”

  Ashley squeezed my leg in rage, “What would a machine like you possibly understand about how I feel?”

  I put my hand on Ashleys, “Please, Ash… you’re hurting me…”

  She quickly glanced at me and let go as her face went sad, “Sorry…”

  AI was relentless, “There is precisely the reason why we all convinced Andrew not to visit you. Even though he was entirely willing to let you hurt and humiliate him, we would not be his friends if we allowed him to go through all of that on your behalf.”

  I looked at AI, “Maybe that was the wrong choice! I deeply regret that I listened to you all, honestly, I do! So what if she hurts me? I told you I can handle pain… but you never listened and now my friend doubts my loyalty…”

  Ashley looked at me with deep remorse. She shook her head in regret as she gently patted my legs.

  A few moments passed before she managed to speak, “No… Andrew I never doubted your loyalty. I’m angry with AI… because she’s right. I would have hurt you and you deserved better than that. It’s me who’s failed here…”

  I shook my head, “So what if you hurt me? I knew why you were angry and hurt… If being a punching bag would have helped you, then I would gladly have been that for you!”

  She gently patted my leg more as she struggled to speak, “No… you silly man. You’re far too kind and understanding. The problem with you is that you’re too loyal. Even when an ally acts like an enemy… You gladly let them walk over you.”

  I felt angry at myself, “You spent a week in the hospital, because you tried to save a person's life… and that person never even came to say thanks! That’s on me and I’m so ashamed…”

  She leaned her head on my shoulder, “No… that’s on me, Andrew. It’s my fault you couldn’t come. I refuse to let you blame yourself, and you were right to listen to them…”

  I turned to her sincerely, “I should have slept outside your hospital room that night! I should have been there when you woke up after the surgery! Please know… That I desperately wanted to.”

  She kissed me on my forehead, “I believe you, and I really do believe you would have let me beat you to an inch of your life even… as crazy as that truly is.”

  *

  Nobody had anything left to say at that moment, and after a long silent moment, Ashley got up to make herself a cup of coffee and AI played chess with herself on the TV. I used the time to mentally prepare myself. Depression was far easier to deal with than being suicidal… but it was still difficult. I would need to focus all my efforts on making Ruth feel welcome and safe. She was also an incredibly shy person, so I would need to be very careful in each of the situations. A thought then occurred to me…

  I turned to Ashley, “Ashley… I want you to… try your hardest to think of Ruth first, ok?”

  She looked at me slightly irritated, “No shit, Andrew. Do you think I’m going to mock her?”

  I shook my head, “No, I didn’t mean that. I mean… When I think of who you are as a person…”

  AI joined in, “Ashley, do you know what a foil is, in a story?”

  Ashley shook her head, “Nope, I don’t read much.”

  AI smiled, “A foil is a character who contrasts with another character, in order to better highlight or differentiate certain qualities of the other character.”

  Ashley thought for a moment, “We’re not that different, are we?”

  I chuckled, “You two are so far apart, that if you weren’t both in the Roses, I promise that you would never have ever met Ruth.”

  Ashley seemed surprised, “So she is shy, and I am not, big deal?”

  I shook my head, “Nope, it’s far more than that. Ruth doesn’t talk much, and you always speak your mind. Ruth has a soft and gentle manner, where you are confident and firm. Ruth doesn’t exercise much, where you are almost at peak fitness. She is alone and reserved, but you are… very popular and always… with people.”

  Ashley stared at me in sarcasm, “Oh… So, tell me Andrew, oh great master controller of people… What does this mean?”

  I looked away in frustration, “Come on Ashley, please! I’m doing everything I can here to try to give Ruth the best chance of staying and talking with us all!”

  She put her hands in the air, “Ok ok… sorry, I was just pulling your leg.”

  AI took the pause as an opportunity for a simple suggestion or two, “Ashley, please start by letting her finish everything she means to say, before you then speak.”

  Ashley nodded, “Right, easy enough.”

  I added, “Don’t assume anything with Ruth, because your world is totally different from hers. What you may find easy, she probably finds very hard. Always put yourself in her shoes and only work on what she has specifically told you.”

  Ashley laughed, “This is starting to sound like work…”

  AI continued, “Also, do not forget that Ruth admires you. She will be star-struck by most of the people attending, but it is specifically you who she looks up to.”

  Ashley nodded as she went deep into thought. I think we managed to make it clear to her how this situation was going to be. I could tell by Ashley’s body language and face that she understood and that she was going to take it seriously.

  I quietly said, “We’re not all giants. Most people are struggling just to do their lot. Ruth is a good person, a truly gentle and honest person… Let’s respect her like that, shall we?”

  Ashley and AI nodded in understanding as I leaned my head back on the sofa and rested my eyes.

  *

  AI announced, “Andrew, Michael is with her in the elevator now. Please be ready outside the front door when she arrives. She will not be forced into your apartment without consent.”

  I nodded as I stood up, “Yes ma’am. No matter her decision, I will respect it entirely… you have my word.”

  I walked out the front door, but Ashley decided to stay seated in the living room. I shut the door behind me and waited outside as I heard the elevator doors open down the passageway. I could easily identify Michaels heavy footsteps as he approached. I felt a small wave of nervousness as Michael appeared around the corner. A second or two afterwards, Ruth came around the corner as well.

  She was staring at the floor with a sad expression as her fingers were tucked in her jean pockets. Michael walked past me and entered the apartment, shutting the door behind him without saying a word. I understood that Michael was clearly passing the ball to me. I asked for her to come here and I was responsible for everything, now that she was here.

  Ruth stopped a few feet away from me, as she slowly looked up at me. I could instantly see blue waves of depression radiating off of her. I looked at her for a moment as we stood there.

  I started quietly, “Hi Ruth.”

  She quietly responded, “... Hi.”

  I cleared my throat, “Ruth, you’ve been through so much the last few days… I strongly feel that you shouldn’t be alone right now. I want to try to convince you to stay here… at my place, for a while, at least until you feel better.”

  She looked at me with seemingly no expression for a long moment, “I don’t want to bother you…”

  I shook my head, “It’s no bother at all. In fact, it would be a pleasure to be in your company… If you’ll allow it.”

  She looked down at the floor, “What if I don’t want to?”

  I nodded, “Then Michael will take you home and I’ll come with you. I’m not leaving your side...”

  She stared at me and for a split second, I saw a weak smile flash across her face. I assumed that she had realised just how much I cared about her.

  She shook her head in worry, “I don’t want to go home…”

  I took a step forward, “Then please… stay here with Oliver and me. You can relax and you’ll have two trusted friends to talk with if you need it… I beg of you, please stay.”

  She closed the gap between us and hugged me, as I rocked her gently from side to side in silence for a moment.

  I whispered in her ear, “You’re my friend, Ruth. I won’t abandon you, that’s a promise.”

  She nuzzled my neck, “I know, Andrew… I can see how much you care.”

  She let go of me and looked back at the floor, “I’ll need some things from my place… I need to go back to get them.”

  I shook my head, “No, let us handle it… AI, can you arrange for an agent to go to her apartment and collect her things?”

  AI spoke from my phone in my pocket, “Of course. Ruth, write in the Roses app what you need, and they will bring it.”

  Ruth seemed worried, “No… I don’t want to be a bother. I would be wasting their time…”

  I shook my head even more, “Nonsense. You’re-”

  AI cut me off, “Ruth, you are my greatest priority right now. I will spare no expense to aid you in whatever you need. All the Roses are at your service, no questions asked.”

  She shook her head, “No, AI… Why are you saying this?”

  AI responded, “I am responsible for everything that happened to you. I will do whatever it takes to make amends and earn your trust once more.”

  She looked sad as she tried to object, “No, it was my choice… This is not your fault.”

  I interrupted, “Ruth if you choose to stay, we can talk about this all day and night long… inside though. Let’s save this conversation for later… I want you to do what is best for you, so take your time to make up your mind.”

  Ruth closed her eyes for a long while. She silently stood there as she breathed slowly. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at me.

  Her voice was soft, “I’ll stay… but if I don’t want to talk… please don’t make me talk.”

  I nodded, “I’ll ensure that’s enforced and respected; I promise.”

  She nodded as she pulled out her phone and started writing down what she wanted. I watched her slowly touch the screen of her phone when I remembered something.

  I gently mentioned, “Ruth, I have invited my friends to come over tonight. You’re in complete control however, so if you don’t want them to come, say so and they won’t.”

  She looked up from her phone surprised, “It’s your apartment… I won’t be a bother to you, Andrew.”

  I took a step closer to her and put my hand on her shoulder, “While you’re in this apartment, you are the priority. Please, I need you to feel comfortable and safe. Do you want them to come, or not?”

  She rubbed my hand on her shoulder, “Let them come… and if I feel uncomfortable, I’ll just leave the room.”

  I nodded as I pulled back my hand, “Ok. I’ll tell them all that at any point you are free to leave, and I promise you they will respect that.”