The Footsteps to Freedom

Chapter 14

It was a long car ride. Alice was sitting in the back of the car, trying to decide what to do. She didn't know these people, but this man had kind eyes. For some reason, she thought she could trust him. Ever since they started driving, they didn't stop once. Despite this, the man tried to make her comfortable. He removed the duct tape from her mouth and gave her food and water in case she was hungry. She didn't accept it though, since she didn't know if there was anything in it.

Alice was getting really tired, and she didn't know how she would be able to resist them if she needed to. She still didn't know what she was going to do. She was still trying to make a decision when the man stopped the car. Alice looked at the time. 5:00 A.M. They were in the car for three hours.

"We're here," the man said.

"Where's here?" Alice asked as she looked out of the window. She could see a little, as the first rays of the sun were still beginning to peek out.

"This house is where you will be staying for a few days. The house is packed with all the people on our side, so you won't be too lonely," the man said. "I'm not staying. I have to get back soon."

Alice looked out of the window. "Do you just expect me to walk up to the door and sit in this house filled with strangers?" Alice looked at him as if he was crazy.

"They aren't strangers. You all have something in common. You are all united for the same cause, defeating the king," the man told her.

"Don't forget that you're talking about my father," Alice said sharply.

"Of course. Now if you will please get going, I need to leave," the man told her.

Alice sat still for a minute and then slowly got out of the car. The man sat in the running car, waiting for her to enter the house. Alice went up to the door, and rang the bell. After a minute, the door opened and a woman smiled at her.

"Alice! I am so glad you made it!" she welcomed her in. she waved to the man in the car as he drove away. Alice walked in hesitantly. She looked around the house, not sure where to go.

"Where do I go? What do I do now?" Alice asked her.

"Oh don't worry much," the woman smiled kindly. "Everyone is starting to wake. Would you like to help me with breakfast? Unless you want to go to sleep."

"No I'll help you," Alice said.

"I was hoping you would say that," the woman's eyes twinkled. "That way you can get your surprise earlier."

"Surprise?" Alice asked, confused.

"You'll see," the woman told her mysteriously. She walked towards the kitchen. "I'm Gretchen, by the way."

Alice followed her into the kitchen. She did what Gretchen asked her to do, and between the two of them breakfast was prepared quickly. The dining room filled up with all sorts of people, both men and women alike. As Alice entered the dining room with a few plates, everyone turned to welcome her. She set the plates down on the table and smiled at them, though her smile was fake. As, she faced everyone, a figure suddenly attacked her, knocking her down. Alice hit the floor, the figure on top of her. "Alice!" a familiar voice cried.

Alice lifted her head and screamed. "Oh my God it's Thomas!" Alice hugged him back as tears began to flow down her face. Thomas wrapped his arms around her and tightened his grip.

"I missed you, darling," he whispered into her hair.

Alice couldn't reply as she swallowed her sobs. Alice looked up into his face and took him in. His blue eyes were filled with tears and his lips formed a smile. This was her Thomas, the one and only Thomas Byrne. She threw her arms around him again. "Thomas, how did you get here?"