In the weeks that followed, the two of us played a lot with the kitten. I felt she helped James and I smooth things over. We decided to name her Lucky because he kept saying how lucky the kitten was to receive so much attention. It seemed at least one of us was loving on her at any given time of the day. So, Lucky it was.

And with that olive branch, James was really trying to loosen up. About a week later, James was reading the newspaper during dinner. That was a little uncharacteristic because James usually focused on conversation and didn't bring items such as his cell phone to the dinner table.

After flipping through the pages for a few minutes, James said, "Hm, I wonder what good movies are playing right now?"

I couldn't believe how rude he was being. Was it not enough that James would go without me, he'd have to discuss it in front of me?

"Oh, I see here in the paper that the new Chris Pratt movie just came out. I could go see that. I hear the reviews are really good."

I looked down at my plate of food, wanting to throw it in his face.

James let out a big sigh. "But, I don't know. I think seeing it without you would be pretty depressing."


I looked up to him staring at me with a smirk on his face. I glared at him, crumpled up my napkin and threw it at James's face.

"What an awful trick!" I said. "That was so mean."

He burst out laughing.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," James said.

Then the realization kicked in. I was going to a movie. Out. Out in public. In a theater. In public. With people. Regular non-kidnapped people.

"Wait a minute. I really can go?"

"I think it's time," James said. "But, there are some rules. We're going to the latest show. No snacks or drinks. We just walk in, sit, see the movie, then leave. No bathroom trips, either, or else we'll just leave and use the bathroom here. Understand?"

Wow, so many rules. But I didn't care. Finally! This was such a big step in my plan. Finally.

"I completely understand. And I don't have any problems with that. I'm just so grateful you're willing to give me a chance."

James began clearing the plates into the kitchen.

I cut him off and said, "Thank you."

He gave me a tentative smile, took my plate, and kissed me on the lips.

"Don't blow it," he warned.

"Never. Never."

* * *

I couldn't say if James had fun that night, but I sure did. I didn't plan any big escape for that night. Oh, no. I was going to have to massage this, groom it until the most perfect time when his guard was completely down.

James seemed to be really tense. So much so that when we walked into the theater and he was holding my hand, I had to tell him to loosen his grip. He had subconsciously squeezed so hard, I could feel my fingers going numb.

The tension only got a little better during the movie. We sat in the very last row. And since the movie had been out for a few weeks, we were one of only three other groups of people. So, James was able to relax a bit once the movie began. But I tried not to focus on him. The whole experience was liberating to me, a complete affirmation I was on the right track.

And the movie was fantastic. It was a win-win.

* * *

After our first "date" together, things seemed to get even better between us. I didn't know how it was possible, but our relationship felt more secure, more real. But how could that be when my ultimate goal was to get the hell out of there? How could I still be feeling so much attachment to this asshole? It felt as the weeks went on, I was more complacent and content.

James and I went to another movie the next weekend, only six days after the first one. I had guessed he wouldn't venture out with me for at least a month. Especially with his track record of how long it had taken to get this far. But this was encouraging. Butterflies-in-my-stomach encouraging. Maybe James had really come around. And during the movie, he seemed much more relaxed. He still had the same rules for me, but I didn't care.

The next weekend was the big turning point—James took me to the café he often frequented in town. I was face-to-face with people. Real people. Granted, it wasn't crowded, but what a shock for me to see other non-B.F.O. people physically so close to me. And not in a dark theater, either.

James had warned me that he was going to introduce me as his girlfriend. So when the owner of the café came to take our order and looked quizzically at me, James announced, "Fran, this is my girlfriend, Corrine."

"Nice to meet you, Corrine," she said. "Glad to see he finally has a girlfriend. I was beginning to wonder about you." She winked. She had a thick Midwestern accent. I could tell with her teasing she knew James pretty well.

"OK, give me your order. I ain't got all day. You can see I'm slammed in here."

I looked around to only a few other customers. James and I gave her our orders. I leaned back against the booth and placed my arm at the top behind James's head. Boy, did I feel comfortable and fortunate. I felt like a million bucks, out in the open and living like a normal person. Well, as normal as I had ever been before. I placed my left leg over James's legs. He squeezed my knee and held on tight, smiling at me.

"Thanks again," I said. "This is so much fun. I can't believe it."

"Just don't go ruining it, okay?"

"Of course not. You know you can trust me by now." I crossed my fingers under the table.

***

We went out a few more times within the next couple of weeks. I tried not to show my excitement and put my excess energy into working on the farm. It helped me focus on my goal for freedom. At night I often listened to James play the piano or guitar. Those were moments I would miss once I got home. He had such an ability to transport me to other places through his music.

One night after dinner James played "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers on the piano. I was sitting next to him.

"You know, I'm going to the bar I play at this weekend."

"Oh, yeah? That sounds like fun. Are you playing?"

"No. Just going for fun. It's supposed to be a fantastic night. Trevor Summers is singing."

"Who's that?" I asked.

"He's a local favorite. He's gotten pretty popular, so it's going to be packed. He hasn't been back in his hometown in a couple years."

"Sounds like you'll have fun," I said, wishing I could go.

"Well, would you want to go?" James inquired.

"What? Really? Of course I would."

"Of course, the same rules apply."

"Oh, definitely. I know. No worries."

"I asked Dan to go with us, too."

Oh, great, I thought.

"What about Sarah?"

"She's going to stay home."

James kept playing as I pictured how it would be to sit with Dan. I was sure Dan was going to watch over me.

"I haven't taken you to anything this crowded before," James said. "Which means I'm not fully comfortable with this."

"Is that why Dan's going?"

James hesitated before saying, "He wants to see Trevor play, too."

I sensed he was lying. He began playing The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out." I didn't know if he meant that as a joke, or if it was a coincidence.

Trying to keep the conversation upbeat, I said, "Look at it this way. We've had so many firsts. And I've done well on all of them—the movies, the café, the park. Everything."

"I know, I know," James said. "It's just hard for me, is all."

"I understand. Really. I get it, James. But after tomorrow night, you'll know it was a breeze. Just like the other times. I promise."

Was this to be the night? The opportunity I'd been waiting for this whole time?

"It better be," James said. He winked.

I looked away.

After we went to bed in James's room, I couldn't fall asleep. All I could think of was tomorrow night and how I could get home. I didn't think I'd run into a better opportunity. Then I became obsessed with escaping. The more I thought about it, the more I realized there wouldn't be a better chance. It'll be crowded. Loud. Distracting.

I finally fell asleep around 3:30 a.m. after figuring out how I was going to execute my plan. James set so many limitations on me. No bathroom. I had to stay with him at all times. Pulling this off was going to be more difficult than I could ever imagine.

And there was no going back.

What do you think of Corrine's plan? Is she taking it too slowly, or is it better to do it right once? Please feel free to give me any feedback, vote for the chapters, and follow me. I hope you enjoy the next chapter. :)