Whispers of the Heart

Chapter Three: Alisha

Chapter 3 Alisha

            "You won't see me when you get off the plane, but I'll see you. Get your luggage and then find the people who're picking you up." Sean whispered in my ear, careful to not wake the sleeping woman next to him. "You have our numbers so, if you need us, you can get ahold of us." He pulled away and stretched.  

            "Well, that was a good flight, wasn't it?" He said loudly and the woman woke with a squeak. "Morning there, ma'dam. We just landed. I'm surprised you slept through it!"

            "Well, look at me, falling asleep like that." The woman laughed and unbuckled herself. Her grey hair was tied in a bun so that it was away from her wrinkly face. She stood up and Sean slipped out from there.

            "Here, I'll get your bags." He offered and then smiled at me. "Yours too, my dear. As a thanks for keeping me entertained over the flight."

            My eyes looked up at the sky while I made a silent prayer for someone to rescue me from him. I took my bag from him and slung it over my shoulder. I shoved my book into the bag and zipped it up before walking down the aisle. His footsteps were loud as he followed me down the aisle and I knew that it was his way to let me know that he was still there so I wouldn't panic.

            The crowd of people led me over to where I can get my bag. The dark blue suitcase came into view after a few moments and my hand latched onto the handle then I pulled it off the belt. Another crowd led me to the doors and I followed them mindlessly. The sooner I got picked up, the sooner Sean would stop following me like a stalker. I knew that he was just doing his job and I knew that he wanted me to be safe, but I knew the routine. It happened every time I had to be relocated and I hated it. I wanted it to stop. I wanted it all to stop.

            People waved and shouted as they saw their loved ones there. One woman rushed past me and, when I turned around, saw that she was holding the arm of a man, nuzzling into him. A soft smile played on my lips as I studied them. The bright red-headed woman was pregnant and, by the looks of it, would pop any day now. She was probably thrilled to know that she wouldn't be alone when she gave birth.

            A sign caught my attention from the corner of my eye. "Alisha Parks" was written in black sharpie on the white poster board and I rolled my eyes. They never were a subtle family, especially the men. That was one of the things that I loved about them. They were always upfront about what they thought and wanted, something that I would love to be able to do.

            Weaving my way around the people, I dragged my suitcase behind me. My eyes scanned the room, looking for Sean but didn't find him. I didn't expect to. He may be a giant but he's hard to spot if you don't know exactly where he is.

            Finally, I reached the one who was holding the sign, my body tensed. Aaron Stalls, the owner of the ranch and the only man who ever felt like a father to me. His brown hair, dark brown eyes, the stubble on his chin, and the jeans and plaid shirt was all so similar, it took all that I had to not be that little girl again and cry in his arms. Whether I liked it or not, I wasn't that girl anymore. I would never be her again.

            "Are you Alisha?" His deep voice resonated through me and interrupted my thoughts.

            "I am." I held out my hand and we shook. He leaned forward and picked up my suitcase, a small smile on his face.

            "It's nice to meet you, Alisha. I'm Aaron Stalls, the man who hired you." He introduced himself with a small smile.

            "Alisha Parks, your new chef." His eyes lingered on mine for a moment and then shook his head and lifted my suitcase higher.