Saving Cayden

Chapter 1: The Cell

Seeing the flashing lights in the rearview mirror, all I heard was Josh, a new prospect, panicking in the back seat. Being fourteen, he still hadn't had a run in with the cops, lucky bastard. But his older brother, Joker, and I had quite the experience with the pigs.

"Viper, man, we need to get out of here. ASAP!" Slade basically screamed in my ear.

Being the great driver I am swung a hard right into the alley. We sat silently seeing if we had lost the cops. Josh quietly bounced in the back seat; Joker leaned against the window, darkness dancing behind his eyes. I tapped my thumbs quietly against the steering wheel, anxiously awaiting to see if those bright cherries and berries would flash in the mirror. I could hear the sirens getting closer. Soon, they were screaming in my ear as the lights flashed by the entry to the alley way.

"YES!" Josh screamed in happiness at not being caught. Joker had a giant grin forming on his face. I just nodded my head and started the car.

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When I arrived home, the lights were on. I looked into the living room. Bella was asleep on the couch with a full diaper. Mom must be drinking again. As I took Bella upstairs to her crib, my suspicions were confirmed when I heard puking coming from mom's room. Must've started pretty early tonight. Bella stirred in my arms and all I could do was feel guilty. I wish she could have a different life. One that's better than mine. She's just an innocent little girl with no control of how her life will be in the next few years.

"It's okay baby girl," I whispered. "Everything will be okay. Bubby's here now." I rocked her back to sleep after changing her soiled diaper. This little girl already had me wrapped around her little finger and she has no idea. I will do anything to protect her. She deserves it.