Picked Up, As Expected

I awoke earlier than usual to make sure I had enough time to shower and get ready. I barely had enough time to ensure that someone would be around to look after my place and feed my pet goldfish while I am gone. Thankfully, one of my friends, Stephanie lives nearby and is able to help me out. Not wanting to explain exactly what was going on, I just told her that I was taking a semester off to do some volunteer work. I hate lying about things, so that answer is satisfactory given that I'm still telling the truth without giving up too much information.

Mr. Shears arrived shortly after I had finished getting ready. When I saw him, I couldn't hold back and immediately started berating him for not getting back to me and not giving me the information that I had specifically requested for. He apologized and insisted that he told me everything that they had told him. As much as I want to believe him, I get that feeling that he's not telling the truth or at least the full truth. As far as delaying the start date, all Mr. Shears could say was that it was a must otherwise the company was going to pull out of the deal. I reluctantly accept his meager explanation and grab my things.

After loading up his SUV with my suitcase and essential belongings, we get in and hit the road. Interestingly, he doesn't mention the fact that I am bringing my own stuff, despite his email clearly stating not to. The ride is silent the whole way which didn't really bother me. I'm getting fed up with this whole situation and Mr. Shears is one of the last people I would want to socialize with. I decide to check my phone for messages along the way. Dad sent me a text thanking me for what I am doing and that he hopes we can reconnect after it's all over. I don't respond to that one. I am a little disappointed to find that Chloe has still not said anything to me. I tried calling her a few times in between now and the meeting without any luck. Hopefully she comes around once college starts for her and realizes that she is where she needs to be.

We take a turn onto the bridge leading to the cities west side. I thought it was kind of odd that a business such as this would be located in the wealthier side of town, given it's nature. Perhaps it only offers it's services to the wealthier women in the city? We take another turn after the bridge into the rich suburban neighborhood. I have never once been to this area before. All of the homes here go for at least a million dollars and get more expensive the deeper you go. I start to feel nervous once again, as this is not at all what I was expecting.

Finally, we turn off of the main road and pull into a small gated community. Judging by the signage it looks like an adult only neighborhood. After getting clearance we slowly pull inside and drive up the road. The houses are spread out and massive, each of them is comparable in size to the small apartment complex I live in. We come to a stop just outside of the largest one. We get out and Mr. Shears grabs my bag while I admire the sheer size of this place. It is easily four stories tall and is surrounded by a tall metal fence and gate. There is no signage outside that would represent it as a business which I find strange.

"I should let you go on from here. Good luck, Sara." Mr. Shears says insincerely while getting back inside of his vehicle.

I wave goodbye and approach the gate. There is keypad and microphone fixated to the left side. Unsure of what exactly to do, I press the button and speak into the microphone.

"Umm. Hello, this is Sara. The girl here to volunteer for her father's debt."