Reminded

Chapter Five

I woke up in my new bed, warm and comforted. The weak moonlight cracked in through the slightly opened magenta curtains of the early morning. I sat up, looking at my slim figure in the body mirror on the back of my closed door. My ribs violently dug through my shirt, scars and bruises aching all over my arms. I lifted up my shirt, slightly. The nearly fatal scar, a deep, mutilated scar across my stomach. That night...

It's almost fascinating to think about: all the pain, all the memories, all the torturous games, gone within a day. I just can't believe I was safe now, that all it took was a few horrifying attempts to that one lucky phone call, the same one who had moved me from Ireland, from Niall. It had left me with just enough, a caring father, a new friend, and an amazing agent.

Who is leaving today.

I bolted down the stairs, just as Mr. Sheridan was about to walk out the front door. He turned around as I froze on the stair landing. "Top of the morning, Madeline." he smiled.

I stood there, horrified, unable to say a word. Mr. Sheridan took a deep breath, turning around. "Wait, are you sure Mr. Clearwaters can take care of me?" I said, gripping Mr. Sheridan's wrist as he walked towards the door.

"C'mon Madeline!" he chuckled. "You know Mr. Clearwaters is safe. You even told me yesterday that he was a great father."

Mr.Clearwaters' face of worry morphed into one of a light pink. "B- but... but..." I tried.

Mr. Sheridan grabbed my hand and took me outside the house. He knelt down, the morning streetlights illuminating his Aviators just enough so I could see his eyes. "It's gonna be fine. You're safe now, and I know you know that."

I sniffled. "Okay..." I mumble.

"Besides, don't be this upset about me going. I'm just a old man who sits around in stranger's houses all day for a living." he joked.

I smiled a bit. "But you're the last thing I have from Ireland... You made me safe."

Mr. Sheridan got on his knees and hugged me tightly. His huge muscles seemed to completely surround me, refusing to let anything hurt me. "Maybe it's time to forget." he suggested. "Besides, you'll certainly have yourself much more luck here." Mr. Sheridan gestured to Mr. Clearwaters and Hallie standing in the front doorway.

He stood up, taking out his keys. I walked halfway up the stairs before I heard Mr. Sheridan's voice again.

"And, Madeline..."

I turned to face him, almost in the car.

"You were my favorite case. I'm glad I got this one right."

I nodded my head, blinking away tears. Mr. Sheridan started the car, and waved a final hand goodbye. I waved back as he pulled out of the driveway, disappearing down the dimly lit streets.