C8 SAYING GOODBYE

Mr. McKenney reached for his phone and dialed Annette's number. As the phone rang on the other end, he waited patiently. After a brief pause, Annette's voice came through, "Hello?"

"Good afternoon, my lovely Goldilocks," Mr. McKenney's warm voice greeted through the phone. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, not at all. How can I assist you?" Annette responded, though her lack of genuine interest was evident in her tone.

"I wanted to let you know that everything's ready for our upcoming trip to Greece," Mr. McKenney's enthusiasm was evident. "A car will pick you up from your place in two days and take you to the airport."

"I understand. I'll prepare accordingly, Mr. McKenney," Annette's response was composed, her voice lacking emotion.

"I must say, you could show a touch more enthusiasm about the prospect of spending extra time with me, considering I am compensating you," Mr. McKenney chuckled. "I assure you, Goldilocks, it's going to be an enjoyable experience. Ensure all your travel documents and essentials are in order; we're scheduled for an early morning departure."

"I'll do my best, Mr. McKenney. Given that I have little choice in the matter, I'll make sure everything is prepared," Annette replied, a hint of resignation in her voice. The line went silent briefly before he spoke again his tone slightly irritated.

"Do you know how many girls would like to be in your position, Miss Annette?" Mr McKenney said in an harsh tone," I could have any woman I want in this city but I chose you because you look like a good fuck. But don't let that get to your head, I feel nothing, absolutely nothing for you so you better start behaving properly. Understood?"

Annette had to take a deep breath to refrain from insulting him for his recent comment. She recognized that responding negatively would only escalate his anger, and she genuinely wished to avoid any unnecessary drama this evening.

"I apologize for my behavior, sir. I'm grateful that you took an interest in me," Annette lied, her voice strained as she hoped he would believe her and end the call.

"I see. I accept your apology. Just be ready when the driver comes; I don't like to be kept waiting."

"Yes, sir. I will be on time," Annette replied, tension evident in her voice. The call ended, and as she dropped her phone onto the desk, she let out a frustrated scream into her pillow. All her pent-up frustration surfaced – she wanted nothing more than to express her anger at his disrespectful attitude. Annette wondered how she would manage his behavior during her time with him.

Once her emotions had settled, Annette made her way to the kitchen, where she discovered Cassie in the midst of taking her medication. Annette pondered silently, "I suppose it's time to let her know I'm departing." With a sigh, she positioned herself at the table opposite Cassie, who looked up and greeted her with a gentle smile.

Summoning her courage, Annette took a deep breath and took a seat across from Cassie at the kitchen table. Meeting Cassie's warm smile, a wave of guilt washed over Annette as she prepared to speak.

"Cassie," Annette began, her voice soft but determined, "there's something I need to talk to you about."

Cassie's smile faltered slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. "Sure, Annette. What's on your mind?"

Annette hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I–uhm..." She trailed off, wondering how to start it. A second or two whistled by, and then she started again, "I've been offered a job opportunity in another city," she said, watching Cassie's expression closely. "It's a really good opportunity, and I've been thinking about it a lot."

Cassie's brow furrowed as she processed the news. "Another city? But what about us? What about living together?"

Annette's heart ached at the concern in Cassie's voice. "I've been thinking about that too," she admitted. "It's not an easy decision, Cassie. But this job could be a turning point in my career, and I feel like I need to explore it."

Cassie looked down, her fingers tracing patterns on the table. Annette could tell that Cassie was trying to hold back her emotions. Finally, Cassie looked up, her eyes a mix of sadness and understanding. "I don't want to hold you back, Annette. If this is something important to you, I wouldn't want you to miss out."

Annette fought back tears as she struggled to prevent herself from breaking down; deceiving her sister was agonizing, but revealing the true reason for her trip to Greece wasn't an option. Her hand reached across the table, gently covering Cassie's. "Cassie, you mean the world to me. This choice is incredibly tough, but please believe that my feelings for you remain unchanged."

Cassie managed a faint smile, her grasp on Annette's hand providing comfort. "I understand, Annette. I would never want to stop you from going after your dreams."

Annette squeezed Cassie's hand, her heart heavy but grateful for Cassie's understanding. "Thank you, Cassie. Your support means the world to me."

"But i can't stay alone," Cassie said, gazing up at her sister.

"I've got that covered. Jane offered to look after you while I'm away, and remember, I'll be back before you know it."

"Okay, I guess..."

"What's wrong? You don't want to stay with Jane?"

"It's not that. I love Jane, but it just won't be the same without you," Cassie confessed, her words tugging at Annette's heart. Annette didn't want to subject her sister to the pain of separation, but her hands were tied.

"I understand, kiddo. I'll miss you like crazy when I'm in Greece, but this trip is necessary for us to sustain our life here."

"I know you have to go, so don't worry. Just promise you'll call and text every day," Cassie said, extending her pinky and interlocking it with Annette's. "Pinky promise?"

"Pinky promise." Annette echoed, sealing the promise with a gentle kiss on Cassie's forehead. "Now, how about we watch some Law and Order episodes?"

Amid the echoes of Cassie's exuberant shout, Annette found herself breaking into laughter, mirroring her sister's infectious enthusiasm. "You're really something, Cassie," she chuckled, following her sister into the cozy living room.

As the evening gently unfolded and night cast its soothing veil, Annette assisted Cassie in preparing for bed, wrapping up the episode of Law and Order they had saved.

"Come on, sleepyhead, time for bed," Annette said, guiding Cassie with a gentle smile. The medication had already started to take effect, causing Cassie to yawn and nestle into her covers. "Let's get you to bed, sis," Annette whispered, her heart a mix of warmth and a tinge of sadness.

Annette sat on the edge of the bed, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Cassie's face. "You know, Cassie, I love you so much. You're my inspiration, my little artist."

Cassie's eyes twinkled with affection. "I love you too, Annette. And I'm really happy for you, even though you'll be far away."

Tears welled up in Annette's eyes again as she hugged Cassie tightly. "Being apart from you is going to be the hardest part. But we'll stay connected, okay? We'll talk all the time, and I'll be back before you know it."

Cassie nodded, her embrace returning the sentiment. "I know, Annette. And I'll be cheering you on from here, always."

Annette planted a soft kiss on Cassie's soft cheeks. "You're my rock, Cassie. Remember that."

With a final smile, Annette got up and left Cassie's room, her heart heavy with the upcoming separation. As she settled into her own room, she looked around at the familiar surroundings, knowing that change was on the horizon. With a sigh, she whispered to herself, "We'll get through this, one step at a time."