To Stefan, Paige's acceptance of the offer might be a loss to him cause who knows whom she'll meet or what she'll experience over there. She might return home wiser than she is presently.
"I thought you said you weren't going?" He asked with a downcast face.
"Was that enough reason for you to tell Veronica and her daughter the history of my life?"
"Omg, Pei, that's not true. I told them cause I thought they would help me discourage you from going. For all we know, that family might be very dangerous. You said it yourself." Said stefan.
"Congratulations Stef. Your little gossip just earned me a whole page of $4,000 needs by Veronica and her daughter. I hope that makes you happy." Paige said throwing the list at him.
"What? You don't have to give them a dime. They don't even care about your well-being. Why would they give you a List for G*d sake. Are you a Money Bank? Stefan asked angrily staring at the long list.
"Why did you tell them? Why didn't you share your thoughts with me? You know what my relationship with them look like. Yet, you went ahead.
Stefan knew she was angry and the best thing to do was calm her down.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think it through. He said
"That's fine. I guess you were just trying to look out for me. Stef, I'll go to Yardstin. I have to. Presently I have lots of Bill all piled up for me. The shop is running down. It needs a little financial push. I'm yet to offset my study loan. And I need to take care of myself a little. I need the money. It will go a long way for me." Paige gave her honest truth.
"But I promised you I'll get a Job. Just give me time. I will get a job that will sustain us. Then I'll take care of all you need. Stefan pleaded.
"I know you said that. But you've been saying the same thing since last year. Stef I need the money. Time is something I don't even have anymore. Just last week I thought of selling off 'Pai-Boxes' Having this offer right now kind of feels like a sign. Maybe G*d is finally saying yes to my prayers. I don't expect him to say it himself. Everything in me tells me that this is G*d. Paige said holding Stefan with pleading eyes.
No matter what happens, Stefan was her Man. He's been there for her since she can remember and she loved him. He's been the only man that actually love her. People seem not to notice her nor want her in a romantic way. Maybe she's not beautiful enough for them. Truth be told, Paige had very little money to spend on cute dress and makeup. But that doesn't stop her from looking her best. As long as Stefan was fine with her looks, she was fine and contented.
"I guess you have it all planned out. I'm not mad at you, No. I just worry that you might be walking into danger. But since you insist on going, I won't stop you." Stefan replied squeezing her hands gently.
"Thank you." Paige mouthed to have Stefan give her a nod.
"Promise me Stef, promise me that you'll take care of 'Pai-Boxes' in my absence. You'll take care of it like it's yours."
"I promise Pei. I'll treat PB like my Baby. That's what it is anyway. Stefan said smiling.
"I'll appreciate that." She stood up and droped a kiss on his forehead.
"I have to go now. I need to get few clothes in preparation. I heard from Bernice my colleague at work that Shein is doing an Auction Sale today. I'll just quickly head to the venue and get few clothes for myself." Paige said told him. Would you want to come with me?
"Nah, I'll pass." He replied.
"Alright. I'll tell Aurora of my upcoming three months absence on my way out.
"Alright. See you tonight?" Stefan asked.
"You bet." Came her reply as she smiled and left the tiny office.