Stolen

Chapter 2

Hi? Seriously. You haven't seen your family in 7 years and the best you can do is hi.

My eyes travel from the three people sat with Detective Wellingsworth.

The first set of eyes I meet are Jason's. My brother. The greenish tint to his eyes glisten as they water over, but will not let those tears break free. His blonde hair is longish with slight curls, coming down on his forehead but not far enough to inhibit his eyesight. His shoulders are broad, and arms muscular suggesting he is some sort of athlete. 

My eyes switch to the man sat beside him. My dad. His hair is dark, in contrast to the rest of ours but his green eyes match those of Jason's. But unlike Jason, he allows a single tear to be released as he lays his eyes on me, moving from the tip of my head to my toes, as if committing every detail to memory. 

I look down at the table to see my father's hand grasping another. 

My eyes follow the hand until they reach the face of my mother. Her tears are flowing freely, as she places her other hand over her mouth, almost in disbelief. Like my father's, her hair has started to grey and thin out in places. The look in her ocean blue eyes is indescribable. A mix of relief, joy, sadness, confusion and anger all swirled into one. 

"Kelsie?" My dad's says has he breaks the silence. His voice laced with hope and sadness. 

"Yeah Dad" I whisper, "It's me" 

I finally manage to make my feet move again as I move forward at the same time the three of them stand up slowly

My mom approaches me first, slow as if you would a small frightened animal. She stops in front of me as her eyes flicker across every detail of my face. She starts to bring her hands up towards my face, and I will myself not to move, knowing she has no cruel intentions. 

Her palms land either side of my face, making me sigh and lean into one of them, almost instinctively.

"Mom" I whisper, causing her to gasp and more tears to fall. 

"It is you" she whispers, making me nod my head.

Almost instantly, she brings me into a huge hug and pulls my head to her chest. I feel two more sets of arms join as we all just enjoy the moment. 

I feel my shirt dampening from the tears from my mother, but I don't cry. I think I've forgotten how. 

After what feels too short, I'm released from the hug and we sit at the table, my parents sitting either side of me. 

"So, what happens now?" I question, looking at an emotional looking Sally for some sort of guidance. 

"Now, we have a few things to discuss" Detective Wellingsworth said, "As you know, this case was one of the biggest in the state. And we want you to know that your safety is our number one priority" 

He shares a look with Sally, prompting her to speak, 

"Kelsie honey, we don't know where he is" 

I immediately stiffen up 

"What do you mean" Jason speaks up, anger lacing his voice, "You let him get away!"

His raised voice makes me flinch

"Jason, calm down" my father says sternly

"I understand your anger Mr Hardings, and I assure you finding this guy is our number one priority, but in the meantime we recommend taking rather extreme measures to make sure you stay safe" Detective Wellingsworth continues. 

"What kind of measures?" my mother asks, concern in her voice

"We recommend that no one finds out that your back"