Survival

Chapter Two

What felt like forever they all came rushing back in. "Alright, Miss Woods, family services agreed. Officer Jones will serve as your protection until these men are caught, whilst under said protection, he will be your guardian for one week until you turn 18. After that you are legally an adult and it is your decision to live in a different home and use him as a bodyguard of sorts. Party A and Party B, do you agree?" I met his deep stare knocking all my thoughts away. "Yes ma'am." A throat cleared getting my attention. "Uh yes, it's really my only option, I'm a- uh okay with it." I cut myself off from saying alone when Officer Jones eyebrows raised as if reminding me of our conversation.

"Well then let's get both signatures and then we have news for you Madeline. It's the reason we took so long." We signed and I frowned looking at them waiting. "Do you mind if I tell her?" The lawyers give him a slight nod telling it was alright. He sat down beside me and gave me a small smile. "Madeline, it's good news I promise. The men on the scene called and we followed up with the hospital. Madeline, your youngest brother is alive. He's in surgery as we speak." I felt like a bus hit me. Wait, what?

"Noah? Noah's alive? Where? I need to be there." Jumping out of my chair scrambling to grab my items, struggling a little more knowing that everyone's eyes were on mine. Large warm hands grabbed mine holding me still. I couldn't help but notice how warm his hands made me. "Madeline, stop. He is in surgery, calm down. I've already cleared it with everyone and we have officers stationed around the hospital. I'm taking you there now." He had a quick conversation with other officers

Not being able to focus on them talking, only on my three year old brother who's in the middle of surgery. I sat next to Officer Jones while he was driving his truck to the hospital.

"Off-" he instantly cut me off. "Mason. You can call me Mason." I nod making eye contact with his green eyes. "Mason, I'm sorry you got dragged into all this." He furrowed his eyebrows giving me a side glance. " I'm not. Plus, none of this is your fault at all. You didn't murder your family and you didn't volunteer me." He looked over accessing me to make sure his words didn't hurt me, once satisfied with what he found he put his attention on the road.

After interrogating the nurse she finally led me to Noah's room so we can wait until he's out. I sat there staring at the wall biting on my fingernails bouncing my leg anxiously waiting while Mason sat beside me scrolling through his phone. He absentmindedly grabbed the hand I was currently chewing on and held it while continuing to scroll. His hand is on me. It's holding mine. What. I froze and look at him causing him to speak. "Madeline, it's not good to chew on your fingernails"

I brush in embarrassment. "I-uh yeah, sorry." What the hell? Did I just have a stroke? "Mason?" He hummed in response. "What's going to happen to Noah? Is he going into the system?" He shot his head to look at me and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I took him in too. That's what took so long earlier I was filling out forms to be approved to take him in." I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "Why are you doing this for us??" He looked down at me blinking before masking his face one again and standing up. "I'm going to use the restroom. I'll be back, there's an officer posted at the door, you're safe."