Free

It's been a month since she had been grounded by her so called husband. No phone, no college, just staying home all day and night. She was getting sick of it. For a month, its just too much. She wasn't a kid. She was going nuts. During the days everything changed, her schedules and the way she spend her days. She became more close to Miss Hannah. Except for her husband, everything else changed. He still ignores her. Left every morning before she could even wakeup. At night too, the same. But on some days by accident, she would get a chance to see him. Other than those, Eric tries his level best to avoid Adrienne. She didn't know why Eric despised her so much. If Hannah hadn't been around, she couldn't even imagine what she would have gone through.

"Good morning, dear." Hannah greeted as she saw Adrienne coming into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Miss Hannah." She smiled, nearing towards her, giving her a warm hug and started helping her out as usual.

After they both had their breakfast, Hannah started doing her daily morning chore on the garden as Adrienne followed her. She was sitting on a bench nearby as she watched Miss Hannah work. As she stared more, she started to daydream. She missed her friends a lot. She missed the eating and chatting in the canteen after class. The times she spent in the library. And what not. Suddenly, out of the blue. A pair of green orbs came into her mind, which were blazing with anger as he glared at her. She was terrified of Eric. He was her nightmare. He terrified her more than her father ever could.

"Adrienne!" Her thoughts were cut off by her name being called out. She lifted her face and looked at the source of the voice. "What are you thinking about? I've been calling you for hours." Miss Hannah inquired as she stood their with worry.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you." She stood up, strolling towards her. "I was just thinking about my friends."

"Oh dear, you miss them so much don't you.. " Hannah gave her a motherly hug before advancing her towards the mansion. They were now seated on the hall as Miss Hannah stared at Adrienne before opening her mouth to speak. "A few days ago, I asked sir if I could take you out for shopping on Sunday." Adrienne's eyes widened with hope. But before she could get into her own conclusion, she asked.

"Then.. What did he say?"

"At first, he was a bit reluctant but eventually, he agreed." Hannah's eyes lit up with a smile as she saw Adrienne's excitement.

"Hannah! Thank you so much!" Adrienne rushed towards Hannah with an attacking hug before retreating. "Hold up.. today is Sunday. So, are we going out today!?"

"Yes! So, go on. Get ready. We don't wanna be late. Quick!" Hannah said chuckling as she pushed Adrienne towards her room.

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Adrienne was mesmerized by her surroundings. She was delighted to be outside. To be free. They both were spending hours in the mall. Laying hands on whatever their eyes met with. The poor driver had to bore the burden of all their shopping bags. He dreaded every time they entered a new stall. After they had put an end to it, they both stopped by a pastry shop.

"Hannah! the cake here is so good. How do you know of this place?" Adrienne uttered while munching over her strawberry shortcake.

"Well. When I was little, I used to come here often. My mother always brought me here whenever I was feeling down. She knew very well, that a little piece of cake would lighten me up." They both laughed and chattered until they finished and got back, driving home. Adrienne looked depressed. She was very sad at the thought of going back to her prison of a house. Observing her through the ride, Hannah asked.

"I don't wanna go back yet. I know that there won't come a day like this anytime soon." She sounded a bit sad- resigned.

"Adrienne.. dear. Look at me." Hannah was sad to see her unhappy eyes. Today wasn't enough to subside her sadness. "Do you know of a place where you would like to go?"

"But-"

"-do you?" She pressured.

"Um.. I do know a place, I would love to go to."

"And where would that be?"

After a bit of hesitation, she told Hannah. "To an amusement park." She muttered in a low tone, if not for Hannah seated nearby, she wouldn't have caught up on what she just said.

"Amusement park?"

"Yeah.. "

"You want to?"

"Mhm. I do. I was never able to because of dad. He never let me. He said it was only meant for kids and not for grown ups like me." Hannah smiled.

"Jacob, can you take us to six flags?"

"Yes, ma'am."

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Adrienne felt like she was flying. She was overjoyed. At first, she showed a bit of hesitation on arriving here. Since she was a married women she didn't know in what sense, Miss Hannah would have taken it. But as always, Hannah understood her. She know her too well. Adrienne could share anything and everything with her. She always understood her and her situations and never pitied her once, which she was grateful for. She saw her demised Grandma in her. Sweet, lovely, friendly and she knew miss Hannah loved her so much. But she didn't know much about her. She never shared much enough to get to know her better. And Adrienne know it's not her place to ask, so she never enquired. We shouldn't interfere in anyone's life just like that. Maybe she wasn't comfortable enough to share about her problems or life with her yet. But it was okay. Since Hannah has been always there for her, she only needed that and nothing more. She is happy with that alone.

Miss Hannah had tried to withdraw from the rides, but seeing Adrienne's pleading eyes, she just couldn't. It was already past 4:00 when they reached home. They both were extremely tired. After getting back Adrienne immediately rushed to her room for taking a bath. She was drenched in sweat. The day had been super hot, which made them both tired. She just badly wanted a bath. While relaxing on her bathtub, She reminisced over the day. She had never been this happy in her life. Maybe she felt this way because of her one month of imprisonment, not being able to see the outside. She felt amazing that she finally got out and was able to enjoy her day with Miss Hannah. If it wasn't for her, she would have died of loneliness. She can never imagine what she would have ended up being like in this palace like place, all alone. Not even a single person to talk to. She would have ended up being a mute.

After getting out of her refreshing bath, she got dressed and walked downstairs in search of Miss Hannah. But before she could take the last step, she heard a loud thud and some clattering inside the kitchen. Adrienne's heart skipped a beat and dashed towards the kitchen, panicked.