Текст книги "The Missing One "

Автор книги: Liz Lovelock

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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Chapter Four

Abby

Sitting in Melodi’s room like a ball of nerves is wreaking havoc with my stomach. All I can hear is a bunch of loud girls, and can only hope that none of them come barging into the room needing something. I begin to pace around the room glancing down at Katie sitting on the floor playing with her raggy doll she carries everywhere. She’s had that thing since she was born and won’t go anywhere without it. There have been many tears, on occasion, over leaving her doll at home. There’s tension rolling off Blake as he’s in protection mode ready to pounce if the need arises. I love him for his protective streak and his watchful eye over Katie and me.

Walking over to him by the door, he waits and listens not noticing me approach. When I reach out and lightly touch his arm he turns so fast, he frightens me a little and I jump back a step. Quickly, he wraps me in his arms and immediately I’m in the one place where I feel calmness, serenity and security.

“Sorry, Abs. I’m a little on edge. Just the thought of that deluded man hanging around, the thought of you hurt…” He stops; the emotion in his words causes a lump to form in my throat.

“It’s okay, Blake. I know you’ll protect us,” I assure him, lightly pressing my lips to his cheek. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, relishing in the small gesture of my soft kiss.

“I’m sorry I let you down before, and now Melodi is in danger. I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to you, Katie, Melodi, or her babies.”

So much weight is in those words. It shatters my heart to think he’s carrying that guilt around and that he thinks he’s let me down. He tried so hard, he put his job on the line, and he was ready to give everything up for me.

Our very first meeting comes to my mind bringing a smile to my face…

Jacob and I had been together for six months. I had bruises up my arms, and I ached all over. Last night was the worst he’d been in the last few months. I should have listened to those damn alarm bells that had rung three months ago. Where did things go so wrong?

Sitting on the bench at my favourite park across the road from the dress shop I worked in, I was draped in clothing from head to toe, feeling saddened by the fact that I could hardly wear the type of clothes I wanted to lately. I had to always choose wisely the kinds of clothes I wore when out and about, mainly because of the dark purple and yellow marks that stained my skin. Even the bright round hickeys that he forced on my neck were on show for all to see if I didn’t cover them up. In the middle of summer, I still found myself having to wear a scarf to hide them, along with long sleeved shirts that caused me to overheat. I didn’t know or understand, why he felt the need to do this to me. Every time I’d say I’m leaving, he stopped and showed me his kind side. The one I fell for in the first place. Then, of course, I believed him. However, he would revert back to his old ways and I’d always ended up back at square one.

Abused. Hurt. Unloved.

I looked out across the park watching the old couples walking their dogs, holding hands, and I began to seriously wonder if I’d ever get that with Jacob. Was he my happily ever after? He always told me that no one would ever love me or care for me like he did. I felt the warmth of my tears as they slid down my face, pooling at my chin.

“Excuse me, Miss?” A warm, inviting voice that sent a shiver down my spine pulled me from my deepest darkest thoughts. Quickly wiping those tears away, I looked up into the most vibrant green eyes. Eyes you could easily get lost in. I took in the rest of this man’s features. He had black hair and a fit looking body I could easily wrap myself around. Then I took in his appearance, he was a police officer.

“Can I help you?” I queried quickly wrapping my coat around me to hide the marks up my arms, but I thought perhaps it was too late for that. I could already see the concern etched in his eyes.

“Are you all right?” he asked as he took a seat on the bench beside me. I moved away slightly, feeling rather exposed all of a sudden.

“Yes, thank you. It’s just one of those days,” I nervously giggled.

He didn’t look convinced.

“You know you don’t need to deal with that abuse.” He nodded toward me, gesturing at my arms.

I crossed them over my chest wishing I could crawl away and hide. “It’s not any of your business,” I snapped at him.

“Whoa, easy. I’m only giving you some advice. I’ve seen you here before and noticed how things have slowly begun to change.”

He noticed me?

I didn’t speak. I don’t know why this man, whom I didn’t even know, was paying attention to me.

He continued, “I know I sound like a crazy stalker, but I do my rounds in here at least once a day when I’m working day shift. I saw you about two or three months ago and you were happy. You had lunch with your friend’s right here on this bench.” He looked out onto the park as if he was thinking about what to say next. “Then it all stopped, and you began to come here on your own. Not long after, I noticed the marks appearing on your arms had started to increase—”

“Why are you paying attention to me? I’m nobody. No one will love me like he does,” I cut him off. I even heard the lie, the quivering in my own voice. Could someone else love me differently?

He paled, raising a hand to cover his gasp. His eyes went wide scowling.

“Is that what he tells you?” he asked gently. He was trying to mask the anger that had crept into his features, but I could hear the strain in his words as he shook his head.

I averted my eyes from his piercing gaze. There was an awkward silence between us for a few moments before he slid closer and whispered, “Please give another guy a chance to show you what love is meant to be like.”

My heart raced at his statement. I met his eyes again, so gentle and inviting. I smiled since I was unsure what to say.

“I…I can’t. I’m sorry, it’s wrong,” I stammered out.

“Please, let me show you. We can just be friends spending time together, get to know each other.”

“I’m not allowed male friends, he becomes jealous, and that’s when this stuff happens,” I gesture to my arms. “I can’t even open up to my sister, my twin sister, someone who I know I’m hurting by shutting her out, but I don’t know what else to do.” My voice caught and tears sprung to my eyes. Why was I telling this stranger my life story?

His hand reached out, wrapping around mine, spreading a fuzzy feeling of warmth throughout me. I used to get this feeling with Jacob at the beginning of our relationship, but now I cower in fear of him or put on a fake smile that keeps him happy. He even forced himself on me when it was our first time, not something I wanted to live through again. It hurt majorly like he was ripping a part of me away, a part that no other man can take now.

The stranger watched me carefully. I didn’t even know his name. Yet, I felt the most comfortable I’d been in a long time in the company of a man that was not my own boyfriend. I knew I needed to break ties with Jacob, but how could I do that?

“Let me take you out this weekend? As friends?” he asked. Before I realised what I was doing, I nodded my head. I already knew that Jacob was going away for work, so perhaps this was what I needed.

“What’s your name?” I figured I’d better find that out first.

“I’m Blake…Blake Johnson, and you are?”

“Abby White. Pleased to meet you, Blake.” As crazy is it seemed considering I’d only just met this man, he’d shown me so much more kindness in the last few moments than what Jacob had shown me in the last six months.

We sat there for another half an hour looking out over the park and talking about our lives. I told him about Melodi and I found myself relaxing a bit, even laughing with Blake. He sent feelings through me, magical feelings. He didn’t bring up my bruises again, but anytime I mentioned Jacob his face became hard and he quickly changed the subject. I found it funny that he could dislike someone so much and not even know them. Just the mention of Jacob’s name made him look uneasy.

 

 

That afternoon was the start of something I never saw coming, and that is still present to this day, three years later. Something I held onto so tightly was the hope that I would see him again and he would be able to meet his daughter. Our daughter.

Standing here in his embrace brings me such relief and comfort. I release him, taking his hand as I sit on the bed and pull him down beside me to try and help him to relax a little. I know Melodi wouldn’t allow one of those people to come into her room unannounced.

“I know you feel as though you let me down, but you didn’t.” I draw a deep breath before continuing, “I didn’t tell you I was leaving because I knew you’d come and I couldn’t pull you out of the life you were living. You helped me enough to disappear and I didn’t want you to come after me in case he was watching you.” He glides his thumb over my sensitive skin which causes a swirling sensation in my chest.

I give him a comforting smile which he only half-heartedly returns. “But I should’ve known you wouldn’t give up.” I reach up running my fingers through his hair, then rest my palm against his cheek.

“I never gave up on you or us after you’d gone. And knowing the fact that you had to go back to see him on your own, I was so sure he’d killed you. There was so much blood, it crushed me. Everything within me died that day, even though I knew what was going on,” he chokes on his last few words. Taking a deep breath, he continues, “Then I found your necklace. I remember you told me it would never leave your neck unless it was ripped away from you. When I inspected it, I concluded that it wasn’t broken at all, but undone and left. Once I saw that I’d never been so relieved.”

I’d been planning my escape in case Jacob decided he wouldn’t let me go. Blake had helped me in more ways than one. I’d been seeing Blake for about two months behind Jacob’s back. I know it’s cheating, but how can it be wrong when your boyfriend treats you no better than the dirt he walks on and makes you feel like there’s nothing in the world for you except to be his punching bag. The abuse never ceased, it only increased over time. Blake begged me every day to leave Jacob, but I couldn’t. I was too afraid. Afraid for my life, but more importantly afraid for the lives of those around me, especially Melodi and my parents.

And now, by coming out of hiding, I’ve put everyone in danger. I should have remained hidden, that way I could keep Katie safe. A comfortable silence falls between us, our hands still connected.

“I knew you would get it,” I whispered as I shift closer to him. “I did it because I honestly think Jacob knew about us.” The pain of leaving him all those years ago is still fresh in my mind, and the wounds wearing away on my already battered heart. They say a broken heart takes the longest to heal and mine still is still repairing.

His eyes shot up to meet mine, the sadness that was once there is now gone and a wave of panic evident.

“What did he say?”

“Only that he—”

“Sorry to interrupt, guys.” Melodi walks into the room and we both look at her. Blake quickly stands to compose himself. Katie continues to sit on the floor looking between everyone. All these new faces must be so confusing for her.

“Who was out there?” Blake asks.

“It was Flick, Rachel, and Athena, but Athena has left.” She looks down fidgeting her fingers around as though she wants to ask something more.

“What is it, Mel?” I ask softly. She glances up, her eyes meet mine.

“You always knew when I was going to say something.” She smiles. “I was going to see if you would like to meet my best friend, Flick, and Corban’s sis—”

“No!” Blake interjects, shocking both Melodi and myself.

“Excuse me?” Melodi jumps in with her guard up, ready to take on the bull, horns and all. She was always the defensive one. Going to bat for anyone close to her.

“No, she can’t. Don’t you realise the danger this poses to her and you?”

“Don’t start that crap with me, Blake. I lost my sister three years ago, made to believe that she was dead. I know these two girls out there; they are the closest thing to family I have left since I lost Abby.” She’s becoming riled up and doesn’t look like she will back down.

I hop up and move to her side before she majorly stresses herself and her babies out.

“Calm down, Mel,” I whisper so only she can hear me, closing Blake out. She suddenly breaks down, her knees giving out from under her as she sobs. I’m glad I’m close enough to catch her.

Chapter Five

Melodi

I don’t know what’s come over me. Before I realise it, my knees give out from under me and all I can hear is the pulsing in my ears before I fall into Abby’s arms. She carefully lays me on the floor, cradling my head to her chest. My eyes fall on her features. I still find it hard to believe that she’s here. I still think it all must be a dream that I’m unable to wake from.

“Corban!” she screams out, her voice panicked. “Melodi talk to me,” she whispers.

Before I can answer, I sense Corban pulling me into his strong arms. He lifts me up from the floor effortlessly and places me on the bed. Once Corban has placed me down, I see Abby wrapping a frightened Katie in her arms, whispering into her black locks of hair. She sets her gently down beside me. I instantly become protective of her as she moves towards me, curling up under my arm, her warmth calms my rapidly beating heart.

“What’s going on? Who is this?” Flick questions. I’m sure she’s aiming the question at Abby.

After a minute, the room stops spinning and my eyes focus again. I feel a small hand wrap around mine. Turning my head, Katie is there lying beside me, so I give her a weak smile.

“Mommy has nightmares, too.” My stomach clenches upon hearing the words that leave her innocent lips. Her little accent makes me smile.

“Oh, honey, that wasn’t a nightmare,” Abby reassures her.

“What happened?” Corban fires at Blake and Abby.

“Corban, it’s okay, I overreacted.” Reaching my casted hand out, I take his. His features are pained. I can’t begin to imagine how he’s feeling right now. I’ve brought all my family dramas into his life, and now things for him are about to change with the impending birth of our twins. “Handsome, look at me,” I plead, squeezing his hand. His penetrating blue eyes meet mine. “Sit down.”

He does as I ask. The room goes silent, all eyes on us, well except for Flick and Rachel whose eyes glare at Abby. I can see them assessing her, wondering who the hell she is to be causing all this commotion. Abby and I aren’t identical twins but fraternal so I could see the girls’ confusion over who she might be. Katie is still lying on the bed beside.

“Everyone, listen up!” my voice loud to ensure Flick and Rachel’s attention is squarely on me. Their faces turn toward me. “Well, you both know all the details about my sister.” They nod recalling the talks we’ve had about her in the previous months and the pain it has caused me on a daily basis. “Last night when we got home from the hospital, I walked in to discover my sister standing right in front of me.” I swallow the hard lump that’s formed in my throat. It still feels like a dream. I keep wanting to pinch myself until I wake up. I hear the girls suck in a breath, shock and confusion registering on their faces. I take another breath and keep going by gesturing to Abby. “This is my sister, Abby. Abby this is Flick and Rachel. Rachel is Corban’s sister and Flick is one of my best friends.”

Abby nods her head in greeting. “Hey, girls,” she whispers.

“Anyways…” I continue, “As you can see, she’s here with me. But the thing is, Jacob, her ex, is hanging around still. He’s a nasty piece of work, so just be careful. Right now all I ask is that this does not leave these four walls.”

They all nod in agreement, so I keep going because I’m really excited to share the next part with them.

“Now for some good news.” I look up at Corban and nod my head for him to tell them the rest. A giant smile spreads across his face before he speaks. His majestic smile melts my heart every single time.

“Well, we found out last night that we’re going to be parents an—” Before he can continue, screaming erupts in the room and I’m suffocated in hugs. Happiness fills me, as my heart swims.

“And it’s twins,” Corban adds casually.

“What?” Flick squeals.

I nod to answer her unasked question.

“I’m gonna be an aunty! It has to be girls!” she squeals, as Rachel gives my belly a small rub. I guess I’m going to have to get used to the belly rubs. “Do you hear that in there, girls?” Rachel laughs. “Wow! This is crazy,” she says, shaking her head and moving to Corban to give him a hug. “Congratulations, bro.”

“Thanks,” he laughs.

Our eyes meet and love fills them. I see a small tear escape from the corner of his which melts my insides causing them to bubble over with joy.

Flick releases me, holding me at arm’s length as she assesses me. “Are you okay?” The concern is evident in her voice.

“Yeah, I’m good. It’s just been a lot to take in over the last twenty-four hours.” Way too much for one day.

“So, she’s really your sister?” her voice portraying her inability to believe just yet.

“Yeah.”

“Who’s the little girl?” She nods in Katie’s direction who still hasn’t released my other hand as she lies silently beside me.

“This is Katie. She’s my niece. Katie, this is my friend, Flick.”

Katie smiles brightly at Flick. I love the innocence of kids. Their smiles and giggles can brighten anyone’s day. My stomach flutters at the thought of having two little ones of my very own in a few months.

“Babe, do you need anything?” Corban is beside me once again. I love this man. His caring nature swells my heart immensely. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.

“I’m okay, just overwhelmed, but it’s all good now. Where’s Blake?” I look around the room noticing he’s disappeared.

“He went outside to calm down. He looked annoyed about something.”

“He’s probably annoyed at me. I wanted Flick and Rachel to meet Abby, and he got his back up over it. I could see where he was coming from, but I trust those two girls with my life and wanted them to meet another huge part of my existence. One that I was positive I’d lost for all eternity.” A look of empathy flashes over Corban’s face.

“He does seem to be all over the place,” Corban says.

“I think it must be hard for him having Abby and Katie in danger, and now placing us in the firing line. I think he’s feeling a lot of blame for this whole situation.”

“Yeah, not an easy thing to deal with. I might go find him and have a chat.”

I nod. He leans over placing a small delectable kiss upon my lips. No matter how many times I kiss those lips, he still makes me feel giddy. He hops up off the bed and walks out leaving me with the girls. It’s a little awkward as Flick and Rach are unsure how to take this turn of events, or even what to say at a time like this. They are a little lost for words.

“Flick and Rach, do you mind taking Katie into the living area so I can have a chat with Abby? If that’s okay with you?” I look to Abby, who nods.

“Sure, come on Katie. Can you draw me a picture?” Rachel coos at her. She’s going to be an amazing aunt.

Katie scrambles off the bed, taking Rachel’s hand, and they all walk out.

Now it’s time to talk.

Chapter Six

Abby

I knew this moment was coming, but I didn’t expect it so soon. She wants answers. I should have reached out years ago to let her know I was all right. I wasn’t certain how she would take it, and I’m positive she would have come after me. Who knows if Jacob was watching her back then? It seems as though he’s never lost track of my family. Just waiting and watching his prey like a lion on the hunt to see if I show up, and I played right into his hands by coming out of my safe place. But when Blake told me Jacob had contacted Melodi, panic gripped my chest. I know what this devil incarnate is capable of and I didn’t want any harm to come to her. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to her.

“I need answers,” she states in a hard tone. She has a glint in her eye, I know that look means she won’t take no for an answer. I climb on the bed and lay beside her. We turn to each other, something we often did when we were kids, especially when we needed the other for comfort or to just hang out together. I honestly never thought I’d be able to come back to her. She’s my missing puzzle piece. Being twins, there’s always a connection that you never lose.

“Start from the beginning, from where you and Blake began,” she says.

I take a deep breath and prepare myself to give her my story.

To tell her about how Blake and I met on the park bench that day, and then dive into what comes next…