Chapter 2

Dad was right as usual. My terminator nightmares significantly changed. I no longer saw the terminator as a person who was sent to kill me. Instead, I pictured Bucky as the terminator who was sent to rescue me. Kind of like the movie where he helps Sarah Connor in the end. Unlike the movie, I will not be having sex with my terminator hero. Bucky is more like an over protective older brother or uncle.

I never saw him again, but I always felt his presence. True to his word, he was watching and protecting me. On my seventeenth birthday, a mysterious gift arrived while we were eating dinner. It was a small rectangular box. A brand new cell phone was nestled in the box. "Dad, where did this come from?" I wondered.

"There's a note folded into the top of the box. You should read it first," he offered.

Opening the note, I saw the messy scrawl matching Bucky's handwriting. I carefully tucked the note into my pocket before leaving the room. "I'll just go to my room for a few minutes." Dad nodded, wordlessly excusing me from the table.

The minute I was secured in my room, I removed the letter from my pocket to read. 'This is a top of the line secure phone. Untraceable and can't be hacked. The phone number will be blocked whenever you place calls. My number is already preprogrammed in speed dial 1. Always keep it with you. Only use it to contact people you trust. I'm covering all expenses for your phone. Stay safe. B'

I read through the instructions to set up a finger print scan to unlock the phone. After much deliberation, I decided to only program Daddy's mobile number into my phone. Mary Lou and Eddie didn't have cell phones yet. Eddie will receive his when he graduates high school.

Eddie, Mary Lou, Lenny and I received our college acceptance letters. I readily accepted my offer for Business Administration at Rutgers University. Mary Lou also received an offer to attend Rutgers for Accounting, but she decided to stay closer to home and attend the local community college. "Why didn't you accept the offer at Rutgers?" I asked.

"My parents can't really afford housing and tuition. If I stay here, I can still live at home and earn my diploma. Besides, Lenny will be attending the same community college. He's taking plumbing courses and working an apprenticeship with his dad's company," she explained.

"Oh. So what you meant to say was 'Lenny is attending the local college and since I want to see him as much as possible, I can't afford the travel expenses if I attend Rutgers'." She started laughing.

"You know me too well." She showed me her left hand. "He proposed last night. We're getting married once I graduate."

I took a closer look at her. "That's not all that happened last night," I wiggled my eyebrows. "How was it? I heard the first time is painful."

Her face flushed bright pink as she divulged the details. "It didn't hurt too much. A bit of pressure and a slight pinching sensation. He was very gentle. But mostly, it was awkward. We didn't really know what to do. Lenny's older brother Mark gave him condoms to use. They smelled kind of funny, but Mark said they always smell that way. He made sure Lenny knew how to put one on a banana. I was so embarrassed."

"I'm sure Mark was making sure you two knew how to use them properly. I've heard stories about the guy putting it on wrong and the girl getting pregnant," I wisely said.

"I heard that rumour too. We did it 3 times," she whispered. "The third time was amazing. My legs got wobbly and my body shook after I felt pressure from my doodah. I think I had an orgasm."

"From what Valerie told me, that's what happens when you have an orgasm." My sister Valerie, or Saint Valerie as I like to call her, was one of the few women who had 2 romantic soulmates. I often wondered why she had more than one. Does something happen to the first guy? I shrugged off my thoughts. She moved to California last year after marrying Steven Parker. Mom told me Valerie was expecting her first child next month.

I'm honestly happy for Valerie, but having children was not on my radar. I could barely tolerate babysitting those slobbering, crying mini humans. Mom assures me my opinion will change once I have my own. I seriously doubt it.

A few weeks after I accepted the offer to attend Rutgers, I received a receipt indicating tuition and housing fees have been paid in full. I contacted the Financial Aid department to ask if I received some type of scholarship I was unaware of applying for. "I'm sorry, but I don't have that information in your file. All I can see is your fees have been paid. I have a preauthorized payment form indicating the bank, branch and account number to withdraw the funds. Your file also contains a note to transfer money to your personal banking account for food and text books. Are you certain your family didn't set up this account for you? There is no personal information attached to the bank account," the woman explained.

"Oh. That's alright. I think I know who paid my expenses for me. It definitely wasn't my family, but it is someone I'm close to," I replied, knowing Bucky was my financier. After we ended the call I sent him a text. 'Thank you. It was unnecessary, but very much appreciated. ~S'

'My pleasure. You shouldn't have to worry about money. I have plenty to share. ~B' Yes! I was right. Bucky, my amazing platonic soulmate paid for my education.

Dad helped me move into my dorm. My roommate and I instantly became best friends. She has a few platonic soulmate markings. "Hey Steph, can you take a look at this? I can see something there, but I can't get the proper angle to read it." I entered the bathroom to find my roommate attempting to read the words spread across her asscheeks where they connect to her thighs.

"Sure Stacey. Where is the soul mark located?" I asked as I inspected her back.

"You'll need to go on your knees or I'll need to bend over the edge of the tub."

"Seriously? Fine. Bend over the tub so I can read it. You owe me at least 2 drinks tonight," I bargained.

"Deal." She bent over the tub, forcing her ass further into the air.

"It says 'My prayers have been answered. I have my own Angel to love.'" I started laughing. "That has got to be the cheesiest pickup line ever. We should get ready to go. You just may meet your guy tonight."

She fell into the tub, losing her balance as she attempted to stand up. I laughed harder and pulled her from the tub. We dressed in tight, short dresses with 4 inch heels. The Delta Lambda Phi fraternity was having a mixer. We'll be meeting their sorority partner Delta Phi Omega. I wasn't sure if I wanted to join a sorority. It wasn't easy to receive an invitation to these mixers. I guess Stacey and I were in the right place at the right time.

We agreed to attend the mixer, but we would need to learn more about the sorority before we decided to pledge. The party was in full swing when we arrived. I was immediately greeted my a man who introduced himself as Dickie. Who would willingly call themselves Dickie? Something about him gave me the creeps.

"Keep your greasy paws to yourself." I spat out.

"You know you want me baby," he slurred.

"Not even if you were the last man on earth. If you don't back off, I'll call my buddy," I threatened. He kept harassing me. When the opportunity presented itself, I messaged Bucky.

'Some creep named Dickie keeps harassing me. Stacey and I want to leave but we know he'll follow. ~S'

'Give me 5. ~B'

"Hey Stacey, are you ready to head back home?" I asked as I looped my arm through hers.

"Ya," she heavily slurred. "I don't feel too good. "My drink tastes funny." She fell over and landed on the man crawling past her.

"My prayers have been answered. I have my own Angel to love," he slurred.

Stacey started laughing, "Steph says that's the cheesiest pick up line she's ever heard." The man quickly sobered. He helped Stacey to her feet and lowered his pants to his pubic bone.

"These are your words. Where are mine?" he asked. I squeaked when I saw Stacey lifting her dress to show him the words.

I looped my right arm through Stacey's and my left through her soulmate's and dragged them to the door. "You need more privacy before she can show you. Come with me."

Dickie grabbed my arm as I crossed the threshold. "You're not going anywhere Steph."

"Let go of my arm Dickie!" I demanded.

"You're going to come back to my room with me," he insisted. I was grateful when Bucky arrived.

"I believe the lady asked you to let her go." Bucky snarled.

"Stay out of it buddy. This doesn't concern you. I extended the invitation on her mother's insistence. The least she could do is service me to say thank you." I was shocked. Dickie was none other than Richard Orr Jr. How did I miss the connection earlier?

"Taking care of my platonic soulmate's well being absolutely concerns me." Bucky showed Dickie his metal arm. Wisely, he released me from his grasp.

With Bucky's assistance, we arrived home safely. He waited in the shadows all night long to ensure we didn't have any unwanted guests. Stacey and her romantic soulmate crashed as soon as they laid on her bed.

I had a strong feeling I hadn't heard the last of Dickie Orr. Dad will need to know what Mom has done. I can't understand why she's still interfering in my life. Hopefully Dad can reign her in. I have lots of time to meet my romantic soulmate. What was the hurry? I understand she didn't want me to attend College, but this is my life not hers.

My intuition tells me it will be a few more years before I meet my romantic soulmate. According to the groupings on my body, I'll meet him the same time I meet 2 of the younger ones. If they were born when I turned 10, they would only be 8 now. However, it's possible they are older than 8, depending on what event happens in their life to change the trajectory to cross into my path.

Bucky took Stacey's drink to have tested. She was fortunate to have only taken a small sip. He found the drink was spiked with Rohypnal, the date rape drug. I had a feeling it was the drink I asked her to hold on my way for a washroom break.

The next morning I found Stacey's soulmate in the tiny kitchen cooking breakfast. Our stove was really a 2 burner hot plate. "Is any of that for me?" I asked hopefully.

"Yes. I made coffee too," he said pointing to the coffee maker I've never seen before.

"Where did that come from?" I wondered out loud.

"Read the note attached to the side. I'm Timothy Hastings," he quickly introduced himself.

"Stephanie Plum, but please call me Steph. Your soulmate's name is Stacey Plummer. In case you wanted to know." I grabbed some mugs to pour coffee.

I read the note as I reached for plates. 'Enjoy your coffee Doll.' Short and to the point. Bucky isn't one to waste words.

"My friend Bucky gifted us the coffee brew station," I explained. I grabbed a serving tray and filled it with 2 plates, utensils, toast and coffee. "Take this to Stacey. Trust me, she'll be thankful. Has she shown you your words yet?" I couldn't resist asking.

His face turned beet red. "She has. I understand why you insisted we needed privacy." I walked in front of Tim so I could open Stacey's bedroom door for him. "Thanks for the help Steph," he said before quietly closing the door behind him.

I received so many calls from Dickie over the last few weeks that I had to block his number. After a lengthy discussion, Stacey and I decided we weren't pledging for any sorority. Their parties quickly got out of hand and we heard several girls were raped at the only party we attended. Neither of us wanted to put ourselves into that position. Tim pledged for the fraternity, but when he heard about my laced drink, he quickly withdrew his pledge.

A gorgeous Cuban Adonis was frequently mentioned on campus. Many girls attempted to turn his head but none were successful. He was taking Business Operations and we had 1 class together. I noticed him watching me a few times, but I was more interested in my studies. Something about him had me watching him too. He was around 3 inches taller than me, which would be 5'10".

Before it could register in my mind, I wrote my last exam for the year. It was amazing how fast time flew when you were immersed in your studies. I never did get the chance to talk to that gorgeous man. There's always next year. I registered for summer classes to fast track my education. The desire to avoid moving back home overrode the need to kick back and relax.

Once again, my amazing, generous platonic soulmate Bucky paid all my fees. With his financial backing and desire to keep me happy, I was wanting for nothing. I barely spent the stipend he provided for food and school supplies. My bank account was amassing a nice little nest egg.

Just after first semester ended, Bucky said, "I have to go away for a while. It could be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Use these for anything you need." He gave me a black credit card and a bank card to access his account. Both showed my name in raised letters.

"I'll be alright Bucky. I have more than enough in my account to cover all expenses."

"Humour me. Besides, moving money from my accounts would help me maintain my cover." He knew I would do anything to ensure his safety.

"Okay, I'll do it to keep you safe. I love you, Bucky. Please be careful. It would break my heart to lose you," I said as tears leaked from my eyes.

"I promise to come back to you Doll. Stay on campus as much as possible. I'll work hard to attend your graduation. I love you too Doll." He gently kissed my lips before leaving.

I saw the gorgeous Cuban Adonis a few more times. Today he has his arm wrapped around a busty, skinny blond. As though he could sense me, he found my eyes to give me a slight nod in greeting. I gave him a quick finger wave as we crossed paths. "Do you have to flirt with all the girls Ricki?" she whined. "She's not even pretty."

He sighed, clearly annoyed with jealousy. Apparently he heard enough of her complaints. "Bambi, this isn't working for me anymore. You're too high maintenance for me to tolerate." He shook off his accessory and met up with his friends, giving me a quick wave as he left. I had a strong feeling I'll be seeing Mr Ricki Cuban Adonis again.

Bambi gave me a dirty look as she tossed her long hair over her shoulder and walked towards the football field. Of course she's that type of girl. Great arm candy, vapid personality and zero brains.