I put the food tray aside and give her my full attention. “So… uh, now what?”
Ronnie scrunches her features. “We could watch a movie.”
My gaze slides to the large screen hanging on the wall in front of us. It’s one of the many comforts surrounding me. The room I’ve been put up in reminds me of a luxury suite. It’s all expensive furnishings in complimentary tones. My fingers slide over the sheets that are a higher thread count than I’ve ever felt. Wouldn’t expect anything less in a Benson house, even for the hired help.
“What movie?” I scan the numerous glossy surfaces in search of the remote.
Ronnie frees herself from the sheets, leaping to her feet like she just downed a shot of espresso. “KPop Demon Hunters!”
A dull throb strikes my temples as the springs creak from her nonstop motion. I need several sips of the energy tonic she’s obviously guzzled. It takes my sluggish brain a moment to process the name of the movie she suggested.
“Are you allowed to watch that?”
She stops bouncing long enough to gawk at me. “Uh, duh. It’s my most favorite everrrrrr!”
“Right, of course.”
I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s clear Ronnie rules the roost, which now includes me. I’m here to do her bidding, but she’ll get tired of me soon enough. When that happens, her tyrannical father will let me go. Until then, I’ll play the part she’s cast for me.
That means I need to find the freaking remote. Maybe there isn’t one. “Do you know how to turn on the TV?”
“Yep!” She tumbles off the mattress in an acrobatic move that would break my hip.
I wince at the phantom ache. “What time is it?”
Ronnie shrugs while grabbing a tablet from the nightstand drawer. “I dunno.”
“Feels early,” I mumble.
Especially with this mental gymnastics routine I’m performing before coffee. Ronnie is already dressed and ready for the day. Meanwhile, I’m barely functioning and a shag carpet has replaced my tongue.
“No more sleepin’. Get outta bed.” She tugs at my arm.
“I thought we were watching the demon movie.”
“Oh, yeah!”
The little girl stabs at the device in her hands, bringing the television to life. Her fingers glide over the tablet screen withpracticed motions. It doesn’t take longer than ten seconds for her favorite film to start playing. Kids and their technology.
A pressure in my bladder presents itself as the opening scene kicks things off. Ronnie’s focus is glued to the TV. That allows me to creep over to the bathroom unnoticed. At least until the light turns on automatically.
Her head whips toward me. “Where are you going?”
“Nature calls,” I explain.
She gives me a blank stare.
“Potty,” I reiterate.
“Do you want privacy?”
Now it’s my turn to gape at her. Would she actually watch me pee? “Yes, I need privacy.”
“Close the door, but don’t lock it.” That statement sounds like one she’s heard a time or two. “And don’t forget to flush.”
“Got it.”
I go about my business, taking a few extra minutes to brush my teeth. A glance in the mirror is a mistake. The reflection staring back at me is a wreck. My hair is a tangle of red knots and dark circles sit heavy under my eyes.