Tiny's Sweet Obsession

45: A New Hope

Lily POV

"Unfortunately, we asked for a pure, untouched girl, and the Disciples failed to deliver. As a result, through no fault of your own, you are unfit for our purposes, and therefore, we are dismissing you."

Their words rang in my ear as they tossed me a shirt, which I barely threw over myself before Grumpy grabbed my arm and yanked me downstairs. These men weren't just mad. They were seeping with venom for me and the Devil's Disciples. So it wasn't a surprise when they walked me out the door, down the long driveway, and left me outside their gate before walking away.

I stood barefoot, clutching my thin t-shirt for warmth against the chilly February air, and held back my tears. The street was dark in both directions, so I went left and prayed I would run into someone willing to help me out. Or a place with a phone.

My feet ached along the pavement, stepping on stones and sticks, but I kept going. Refusing to beg those disgusting pigs for help. However, they seemed mad enough to go after the Disciples and Sean, and I wouldn't mind that one bit. Not after what they did to me and their lack of respect for women in general. I don't condone death, but someone needs to hold them responsible for their actions, or they will continue to buy, sell, and use women however they see fit.

As I walked, I tried to think about my life with Tiny and the Phoenix Riders before I made the choice to leave. They had given me everything without a second thought, and I threw it away. Now, I don't know if I messed up so badly, they will take me back. I can't go back to Sean. Not that I want to or will. But I have no one and nothing except the Phoenix Riders.

I guess there is only one way to find out.

*****

After forty minutes of walking, I saw lights in the distance and cried with joy. I picked the right direction!

The closer I got, I realized it was the outskirts of a small town, and a tall "Diner" sign lit up high above the others. Hopefully, it's a twenty-four hour diner, and they don't mind a barefoot customer coming in the middle of the night. Otherwise, I'm back to being lost and cold.

I could see lights on and a few people inside as I got closer, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Opening the door, the waitress paused at the counter and looked me over. She then nodded to a booth in the corner, away from the other two diners, and gave me a glass of water and a menu."

"Hi sweetheart. What can I do for you? Do you want me to call someone?" she kindly asked.

"Um...I..."

Noticing my hesitancy, she smiled and nodded. "Let me get you something warm to eat, and then we can talk," she said, and gave the cook my non-existent order.

What do I need? I could call Tiger, but I'm sure she's asleep, even with the time change. I didn't memorize Tiny's number. Even if I had, I wouldn't know what to say. The only other numbers I know are Sean and Redemption Diners.

The waitress returned with some hot chocolate and some clothes. "Here," she said, placing the clothes on the table. "There's a bathroom down that hall. Unfortunately, I don't have any shoes that would fit you, but there is a pair of socks in there."

"Thank you," I whispered, tears forming in my eyes.

She smiled and left, giving me time to change. In the bathroom, I changed out of the lingerie, throwing it away, and into a large long sleeve shirt and basketball shorts, with some long white socks. Thankfully, the shirt was a dark blue, and it was baggy enough to hide that I wasn't wearing any undergarments.

When I returned to my table, a steaming hot bowl of chicken and dumplings waited for me. I've heard the South has the best food, especially their southern comforts, and now I understand why. This is the best chicken and dumplings I've ever had. But I will never tell Pops that.

I licked the bowl clean, and the waitress came over and laughed. "I'm guessing you're not from around here. You licked the bowl clean!"

I could feel my cheeks reddening and her comment, and she noticed. "Oh honey, nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, before I get you another bowl, who can I call for you?" she asked.

"Well, I only know one number, but I don't know if they'll answer," I admitted.

"All we can do is try, and if they don't answer, then you call again in an hour. You're welcome to wait here until they come, or I'm off the clock, and we can go back to my place. And no, I'm not a serial killer," she laughed, handing me her cell phone before taking my bowl and walking away.

My hands shook as I dialed the familiar number. It rang six times before someone answered.

"Redemption Diner, this is Hope."

"Hope? It's Lily."

"LILY!" she yelled. "Lily, where are you?! Everyone has been looking for you! The Phoenix Rider's have looked for you since the day you left, and Tiny..." she stopped herself. "Tell me you're safe."

"I'm safe for now. I'm in Atlanta-"

"As in Georgia!" Hope shrieked.

"Yes, it's a long story. I'm at a place called," I looked at the menu and found the name of the diner, "Southern Charm Diner. Can you tell the Riders where I am?"

"Of course! Do you have a number they can call you at?" Hop asked.

"Um, no. It's the waitress' cell phone, and I don't know her number or how long I'll be here, but just let them know," I said, hoping they would find me.

"I will. Lily, stay safe. We all need you," Hope whispered, and she hung up.

My waitress returned with a fresh bowl of chicken and dumplings. "They'll be here as soon as they can, but it probably won't be until tomorrow. I told them I would be here," I said, handing her the phone.

"Well, I'm not off till 7 a.m., but we can go to my place and get you a shower and some better fitting clothes before we come back here," she offered.

"That would be great. Thank you so much," I sighed.

One more day. When tomorrow comes, my life starts over again, and hopefully, with the people I've come to call my family.