Missing Piece [COMPLETED]

Chapter Ten

The smell of iced Cinnabon's crept into my room, alerting me that was time to get up. I could already hear my little brother excitingly shouting about something, probably a toy in his stocking.

I sleepily walked downstairs, greeting my family with a smile followed by a yawn.

Our Christmas morning tradition was nibbling Cinnabon's while opening our stockings, slowly starting the gift-unwrapping process.

As my mother would call it, "savoring the Christmas spirit", and she was right, the longer we stretched it out the better it was.

My little brother was still fun to shop for too, he always had more presents than me but I didn't mind. He excitedly ripped each one open, shouted that Santa got it exactly right, and moved on to the next one.

My mother had generously spent time wrapping my gifts, a lovely yearly prank. I'd spend ten minutes trying to open one box and I'd have to grab scissors and stab it open.

It was the box set of Star Wars, and as nerdy as I was I beamed.

"Thanks Mom, I wanted this a while back."

She playfully laughed, "You're just like your Dad."

I suddenly grew quiet, remembering Dad all those years ago on Christmas.

He had died of pancreatic cancer five years back. Painful as it was losing a Dad, my Mom was left without a husband.

We had adjusted, over time.

Although I could tell Mom was lonely from time to time.

After Dad, Mom found friends to come over on Christmas and join us for dinner. I didn't mind, one of the ladies always brought her little dachshund.

After all the gifts were opened I helped Mom clean up, and start making dinner as Ben piled his toys and sat in the middle completely happy.

The house soon smelled like stuffing and sweet potatoes, and my mom was yet again playing her Christmas CD although today I wasn't bothered as much due to it being Christmas.

"Ellie I've got something for you," my mom piped.

Another present? I smiled, giving my mom a silly look.

She left the kitchen and returned holding a white envelope, she reached out and motioned for me to take it.

Surprised, I looked down to see who the envelope was from.

It read, 'Florida State' on it.

I took a big breath, my mom winked at me and turned back to the cooking.

I took a deep breath, whatever was in this envelope would determine my future. I had applied a while back, even with my grades the way they were they counted the last and final grades I received officially.

I applied to a few other schools but living in Ohio in the cold was not for me.

I wanted warm, sunny days.

I proceeded to carefully rip the flap and pull out the paper inside.

My eyes quickly scanning, reaching the words, "We are pleased to inform you that you are accepted..."

I tried to suppress a scream but I let go and excitedly hopped up and down.

Working hard really pays off!

My mom hugged me and pecked my cheek.

I can't believe it, all this time I was so worried and now my future was planned!

The doorbell suddenly rang, causing my heart to skip. My mom opened it, revealing a tall police officer.

He looked between the two of us and cleared his throat, "Which one of you is Ellie Riding?"

"Me," I piped, curious to know why an officer was here.

"We found Alyssa Kingsley."

I ran over to the door, my eyes large in surprise, "Oh my god, really??"

He nodded in reply.

My mother offered him inside for a cup of tea, and for him to tell us what had transpired.

He started by saying Alyssa was knocked out when she left school, unconscious, so it was easier to take her away.

I fought back a tear, knowing the feeling of being taken against your will.

He explained how they had tracked all the kidnappings to an area downtown, and found the guy responsible, although he got away they now knew his identity. They found all the missing girls in an abandoned house, in the downtown area.

I shuddered at the thought of this man's plans.

"So Alyssa is home?" I questioned, and the officer dipped his head in response.

He finished his tea, thanked us by tipping his hat and added, "Don't worry, we'll catch this guy."

Tears tickled my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away reaching for my phone.

It rang a few times before a timid "Hello" was heard from the other side.

"Alyssa! Oh my god I'm so glad you're safe," with tears threatening to fall.

"I'm okay...mostly.." She responded, she sounded hoarse, and tired.

"Can I come tomorrow and see you, bring you your favorite banana bread?" Smiling at the thought.

"That'd be nice El, yeah I'll see ya tomorrow."

"Noon?"

"That's fine." And she briskly hung up.

I breathed a sigh of relief, it had been five weeks with no sign of her.

But finally, she was home safe.

Although this guy was still out there and that thought sent shivers down my spine.

But the door rang once more, distracting me, and I picked myself up and welcomed in mother's friends. One side-hugging me as she entered.

"Oh Loranne, this house is lovely!" Her friend named Jane called, bringing my mother out of the kitchen to greet her guests.

"Mmm smells delicious," her friend Betty gabbed, licking her lips, "what's on the menu this year?"

"Roast turkey of course, mashed sweet potato, green bean casserole and a pumpkin pie for dessert!" My mom piped, proud of her cooking expertise.

"Has Ellie helped you at all dear?" Jane asked winking at me, and my mother nodded in my direction, "Who do you think made the pie?"

They ladies chuckled, and started gossiping.

I turned to leave but my mother asked me to fetch Ben since dinner was ready.

I found my brother still in his mass of toys, "Super's ready bud," and he turned and beamed at me.

"You better eat all your veggies or Mom won't let you have pie," I warned.

Ben pouted, but he knew I was right.

We all sat down, said our thanks and dug into the delicious feast.

The ladies talked and talked about things that didn't interest me, and Ben was playing with his food.

I was just about to excuse myself when the door rang again.

Who could that be? I pondered, and all the ladies turned their heads as I neared the door.

As I swung it open my mouth dropped in shock, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cody was here.

He was right outside my house, wanting to come in.