Zero to Infinity

It was dark and cold. The matriarch sat in the corner of her cell awaiting to hear more from Jenny. But today would be different. Instead, she had a visit from none other than Gordon.

“I see Jenny’s been coming to visit you,” he said mischievously.

“She’s a sweet girl Gordon. Don’t do anything to hurt her. She doesn’t really understand what’s going on here.”

“Maybe not but I can let her know”

“Let her know what. Leave her out of this. When zero finds out where we are, he will not stand for this. She is his so he will come for her!”

“Really now...”

The matriarch realized at that moment she had made a big mistake. She accidentally informed Gordon that zero was her betrothed. Theorians will fight to the death for their betrothed. With this, he knew for sure that zero would find a way to rescue Jenny. He now had what was necessary. Leverage. And with that leverage, Zero would come along.

Gordon now had a secret Jenny did not know.

That night, Gordon made a special meal. He had grabbed the ingredients to create the perfect spotlight dinner for him and Jenny. He purchased a beautiful gown and decorated the table for dinner date.

Placing a note on Jenny’s pillow before leaving the house, Gordon wrote:

Jenny. My time with you has been more than I had expected. I’d like to talk with you tonight. I know you have no reason to care about what I would like to talk to you about. But I hope that you just give me the opportunity. I placed some clothes for you please meet me downstairs for dinner at 8:00.

Sincerely,

Gordon

Jenny read the letter. With true suspicion, she questioned every line and every word. Was Gordon really trying to make nice. Why did she need to get dressed up for him. It was as if he had forgotten she was one of his captives.

Jenny’s eyes open wide when she saw the beautiful dress sitting on the bed. It was a short sleeve peach colored knee-high cocktail dress with matching shoes. He had picked the right size too.

Jenny sat at the front of her bed confused. She wondered if she should put the dress on and have dinner with Gordon. She wondered if it was some kind of trap or a ploy to get her to do something. He had no idea what she wanted, but she would use this as an opportunity for herself. Jenny figured she could ask him for a little favor tonight. He was asking her for once so why not allow it the opportunity to reciprocate.

Dressed and ready to impress, Jenny decided she would have dinner with Gordon. Arriving promptly downstairs, Jenny saw a beautiful table set for two. There was a rose in the middle with finely decorated utensils and plates on the table. They were perfectly stemmed wine glasses and a shining chandelier above. She did not ever recall saying this room or it decorated as it was. In fact, this was the first time she really paid attention to Gordon’s house. Being a prisoner, or captive, Jenny never really paid much attention to her surroundings because it was not home. It was not what she wanted or where she was supposed to be. Enjoying the scenery would be a bit much.

Jenny sat at the table and waited for Gordon to arrive. He entered the room and a dark blue suit with a matching peach shirt. If they were out in the city, one would know for sure that they were together.

He looks good, Jenny thoughts were so. Shocked that she could find him attractive as he was. It was such a perfect setup that Jenny almost forgot where she was and what her plan was. Gordon could tell by the look in her eyes that she was just as mesmerized at him as he was with her. She looked stunning, he thought. He also felt a bit jealous that Zero was really her betrothed. But nevertheless, he took his place at the table across from Jenny.

“You look beautiful tonight”

“Oh uh thank you”, Jenny said with confusion as to whether or not she should accept his compliments.

Gordon gave Jenny chills. It was hard for her to sit across from him as she wanted to make so much eye contact. She wanted to look him over and stare him down. He was extremely handsome in his suit. Sitting there, she felt as though she were on a real day and was the luckiest girl alive.

“I know you’re probably wondering why I asked you here for dinner”

“Uh yeah!“, Jenny commented with a bit of sarcasm.

“Having to go around over these past few days has really opened my eyes. I’ve had time to think about some of the things you have said.”

“Oh really”

“Yes and frankly, as embarrassed as I am to admit it, you are right”

“I am?” Jenny replied with a concerned look on her face.

“Yes. I’ve been going about this all wrong. And it’s taken you, you Jenny, to set me straight”

“Oh, well that’s great news”

“Listen, I know I have you here against your wishes. But I am having a hard time letting you go now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well you see, I never intended for this to happen with you. I just wanted to keep the matriarch here so I could get her to understand that what they’re doing is not right”

He paused for a moment as if he were thinking.

“And then, You show up making me second-guess my decisions”

“Show up?“, Jenny scowled with an attitude. “I didn’t ask to be here.”

“No you’re right. That’s not what I meant. It’s just...”

Gordon dropped his head as if he were reluctant and his words and actions.

“I wanted to ask you something Jenny. And you might not want to hear it.”

“Yeah ok?”

“Jenny I... Well, I”

“Well come on now, don’t have me waiting all day!” Jenny said agitated and eager to get it over with.

“Jenny if you marry me, I will let the matriarch go”

“Wow that’s a big request.”

“I know I just feel, I’ve never met anyone like you. And I’ve been thinking that maybe it’s the reason why I been so focused on stopping all Theorians”

“You’ll just let her go with no repercussions?”

“None. Jenny,“... Gordon reached across the table as he continued “If you promise to marry me I promise to leave all Theorians alone”

“Forever?”

“And ever!” Gordon replied.

Jenny was hesitant. It all seemed a bit too easy. Her goal tonight was to get him to release the matriarch and she would stay. His goal tonight was to get her to stay to release the matriarch. Were they that in sync. As odd as it was, she couldn’t find anything wrong with it.

She began thinking about her experience there. How she enjoyed reading with him and walking out on the grounds. He would make her food and treat her well. She really didn’t feel like a prisoner throughout her time there. And he gave her all the freedom she wanted. What harm would it be and marrying Gordon for the sake of the safety of an entire species. She actually enjoyed his company and could see herself getting used to being there.

“So then you let her go immediately?” Jenny questioned.

“First thing in the morning I’ll send message to zero. She’s an older woman and her skills to shift aren’t quite where they should be. So I’ll make sure that zero gets her home safely”, Gordon said with compassion and peace in his eyes.

“And you mean it? No funny business? No take backs...?”

“No. I promise”

“Ok” Jenny said, thinking she had won this battle. Jenny felt really mature about her decision. She was going to get the matriarch freed.

Jenny jump from the table. She was so happy, she wanted to run and tell the matriarch of the good news. But before she could get two steps away from the table, Gordon responds.

“Please. Jenny. let’s finish our meal first. ”

Realizing that he had just done her a favor by agreeing to let the matriarch go, she decided she would stay and finish her meal. It was delicious. It was so delicious that she didn’t actually remember finishing it.