Make it Through

Family Binds

Gary grabbed hold of Gracie’s reins as we walked back to the stall. He gave me a high five and I laughed.

“That was so much fun!” he grinned.

“Well it should be. You’re getting better every day.” He set Gracie’s harness on the stall door and we brushed her beautiful hair. Mary walked in seeing us laugh and smile.

“What’s so funny?” We both stopped what we were doing and looked at her.”

“Nothing mam. Crystal and I were just getting Gracie all set for the night.” He stood up as he talked to her.

“She’s fine. Come Crystal, let’s get washed up for dinner and afterwards you can see the ‘boy’.” That was a name she gave Cody. I haven’t seen him in a while. I didn’t know why. I was behaving very well, pretending to be her daughter. I even sometimes think of my old life as a dream. A lot changed since my first meeting with Cody. All the clothing in my closet consists of dresses, skirts and riding clothes. I guess I was being punished for my bad behavior. They were strict about what I did or how I acted. They threatened to give me a mean nanny, who would know everything but get paid off. That’s what happens when you’re rich; you could get away with anything. We walked up to the house that was considered my home and opened the door. Jack stood in front of me.

“Hello sister, how was your riding lessons today?”

“Very good, thank you for asking.” They also made me speak like a lady or they threatened to hurt Cody. “I’m going to wash my hands.” He said nothing as I ran up the stairs. I dashed to the bathroom and grabbed my lavender soap. I counted only to twenty before I rinsed my hands off then dried them. I dashed back down the stairs and to the table where I sit.

“Well, aren’t you acting like a little speed devil today.” I only smiled instead of answering Miles. Food was placed in front of me and I dug in. I barely even chewed my food as I ate so fast. The boys joked that I was inhaling my food, we all laughed. Mary told me to slow down but I didn’t want to. I tried to excuse myself but she had me wait till everyone was done. When everyone had finished their food they put their dishes in the dishwasher. We then did our normal routine. Jack blind folded me, Miles picked me up and carried me over his shoulders and the others stayed behind. This was so I didn’t know the location of where they were keeping Cody.

    Soon after a minute walk, Miles Opened a door and sat me down inside. He closed the door with him on the outside and I waited for the word ‘ok’. When he said it I took off my blindfold and saw Cody on his bed. He didn’t know I was here because he had a cloth over his eyes and mouth. I ran over to him and took them both off.

        “Cristal, I was so worried.” I began untying the knots on the rope that he was tied up with.

        “What do you mean?” I asked puzzled.

        “I didn’t do as they said and they said you were going to be punished.” He looked me over like he usually does.

        “Oh so that’s why I have no pants in my closet.” I said jokingly.

        “So you swear they didn’t do anything to you.” He looked me straight in the eyes.

        “Other than that no, but I haven’t seen you in a while.”

        “That could be it.”

        “Probably I really missed you.” We hugged each other.

        “How have they been treating you?” He kept a straight face.

        “They are nothing like Earl and Bobby but they weren’t happy when I tried to escape.”