The Beginning to Our End

Chapter 9

Song: 'Empty Gold' by Halsey

RPOV

Tuesday 1:00 AM 5 more days to find Ally

I'm worried, for multiple reasons. My first reason is the kids, from what I can gather their scared and feel somewhat abandoned. I'm not sure if they'll keep believing the girls are on a business meeting and I don't know when they'll figure out what happened, but I'll cross that bridge if and when I get to it. My worries only get stronger when I think about Stevie. Can she really bring Ally back in one piece? And if she can't then what? They've been together for years now and I honestly don't know how Stevie will handle not being able to have Ally around-if it ever came to that of course. I was pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of my phone vibrating.

R- Hello?
??- We have a problem.
R- What are you talking about?
??- You know how you said the package has to be secured for the surprise?
R- Get to the point.
??- We lost the package.
R- You what?!?!?!
??- Well it wa-
R- I don't want to hear excuses I want to hear 'We found it!'

There was a silence interrupted by slight murmurs in the background.

R- Well????
??- W-We can't tell you that yet.
R- Then why are you still talking to me? I don't want to hear from you until you've gotten me the package intact and safe.

I hung up the phone and sighed. I walked outside feeling the cool morning air surround me. I scrolled through my contacts and decided to call Stevie just to see how she's doing. The phone rang for a bit before there was an answer.

S- Hey Ruby, everything alright?
R- Yeah just calling to see how the search is going.
S- Things are starting to look up. We've found where they're keeping Ally and we're on our way there now.
R- We?
S- Oh yeah, I made a couple of friends and snagged the help of an old enemy. I befriended this cool guy named Troye and his hacker friend John. Then I went to get the only person with connects, Alex.
R- Sounds like you've been busy.
S- Yeah.

There was a silence, a mix of comforting and calm with a hint of anxiety and uncomfort, Stevie eventually broke the silence with a question that made my heart practically jump into my throat.

S- How are the kids?

What do I tell her? Oh your kids are just feeling abandoned and wondering if you and Ally really want them let alone love them? That'll break her heart and she's dealing with enough as it is. I don't want to add more stress, I love her too much.

S- Rubes, you still there?
R- Yeah uh, I was just distracted. Did you say something?

Stevie giggled and I swear I could hear the angels singing.

S- I asked you how the kids are doing.
R- They're great. I'd say they're pretty happy as always.

I could tell she was smiling at the thought of her kids running around being their purest selves. I could also tell she was saddened being away from her children for so long and I knew my next sentence would only make her feel worse.

R- They asked me again, about you guys. About when you guys would be back.

What seemed like the thousandth silence happened again and I decided I'd keep going.

R- I told them the business meeting is running a little longer than intended, and you'd be back soon. They understand that you have a business to run and they respect that.
S- Thanks Ruby, for everything you're doing.
R- No problem.
S- Where's Shacam?
R- Some family stuff came up so they had to go. They'll be back on Saturday.
S- Ok.... I gotta go my flight is boarding. Thanks again Ruby, love you to pieces for this.
R- Anytime, stay safe out there.