ction. We agreed to meet at the house later that afternoon. That way I could check on the pro

, as quickly as my hands would allow me to, I finish bathing and step into fresh clothes. While I do, I plan my day. A pit stop at the cafeteria for some breakfast, a chat with the bank manager, and a few hours of exploring the mountainside, perhaps even the loca

nd by eight p.m., everyone was tucked inside their houses. At first, I attributed this whole early-to-bed routine to the lack of entertainment options. There were no sprawling malls. I didn't quite remember seeing any theaters or movie halls. Restaurants were simple; most served only food. Rarely did I come across one

ies in brilliant hues of colors that I couldn't name aside from vaguely categorizing them as shades of red, blue, orange, pink, purple, black and the likes. But that made them no less treacherous. If you stepped on slippery pine needles, you could go tumbl

perfectly fine with this lifestyle. Yes, I had grown up in London. Yes, I lived amongst throngs of people who deftly made their way about the city. Yes, I had access to the latest in

s intimidated by them. I knew I could be charming by email and during a telephonic conversation. However, could I charm someone

ond hair and blue eyes. The bad-boy charm that left me feeling so on edge and so pumped up on adrenalin was also a massive factor in my budding admiration for Tom. But as it is with all extremely beautiful people, they crave power and dominance. They desire to destroy the

irst thoughts are always along the lines of what does he see in me? But there's also a silent sense of relief that he does see something. And you get so wrapped up in convincing yourself that this business of what's underneath matters, that you miss the first signs. The subtle signs. Then

e. But who in their right mind gives up on a long-term relationship? You attend a party and watch a squabbling couple and thank the stars you don't have it as bad. You convince yourself the little snide remar

mine alone to nurture. However, I had forgotten that. I had forgotten about me. I trusted him, and I listened to him. And he led me down a path that had eventually eroded the skills I needed to be independent. When I ha

as free of Tom, wasn't I? Was I cowardly or courageous? I reminded myself that that was perhaps a debate left for another day. For today, today

orld I knew almost nothing about. I clutched my bag and r

somewhere to be, but because I wanted to see more. From the complete view of the mountain range to the dusty but frequently treaded trail before me to the tiny houses clumped side-by-side with their tin roofs

e crowd. I was not the only blond or fair skinned person. I was not the only one with an accent the locals couldn't understand. I wasn't the only one being stared at

my hunger with. And I was hoping to find something I recognized as food. Don't get me wrong. There was no shortage of food at all. In fact, some stores were overflowing with supplies and ready-to-eat items.

the mountainside is never short of quiet picturesque places, it wasn't long before I found a suitable place; a long straight road flanked on both sides by terraced slopes. On the left, was a chic

eens jogged into the training field and started their daily exercises. I watched with mute fascination as the group ran several circles around the track and then jogged up to the center. I watched as they dropped to the ground and began push-ups. Wit

wed the last of my food, I dusted my hands on the back of my jeans and walked closer to the fence. I found myself mesmerized by their flawles

nauthorized person. However, I had seen no signs that said this area was off limits. I did recall seeing posters that said military personnel had permission to stop and conduct checks on suspicious looki

put make my actions more innocent and tourist-like? My decision was made for me when he smiled. For a brief

ra