He Did This To Me

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

My arm was grabbed before I could get all the way under. The hands were warm.

I pulled myself above the water so that I could face my savior. I expected Brayden or Salvatore to be on the other side of the arm. It wasn't either of them.

"Mommy!" Ella cried as I climbed into the boat with her. Once I got in, I could see where she had been; hiding in the pile of lifejackets. Smart kid, I thought, as I pulled her into my arms.

"Ella! Baby you're okay!" I whispered into her blond hair. We were both crying tears of joy.

"Mommy the water is scary! And so is your friend!" she whimpered. I petted her lightly as I wandered into my thoughts.

Today proved something important. I was causing danger to Ella. If she had drowned today I would've died emotionally and physically.She was my pride and joy and if these men were causing her danger, I had just the plan.

"Ella, we've got to do something. Will you help Mommy?" she nodded slowly. "I need you to get in the van the second we are back on land, you hear?"

"Yes Mommy." Ella whispered and rubbed her eyes. She had missed her naps today and was probably exhausted. When I started paddling to shore, Ella drifted off.

Being a mother meant everything to me. If I stuck with my plan she could live a normal life. We could both be free.

If only we could do this right.

Brayden didn't notice us coming onto shore until I had to wake up Ella. Salvatore noticed, but he just watched as I ushered her toward the van.

Once I knew she was safe inside, I walked over to them. Brayden looked up and started to rise but I pushed him back down.

"I'm done. I don't want Ella to ever have to go through this again. I thought I loved you Sal, but I don't know anymore. And Brayden, I'm sorry but I think you're insane." I turned around and walked to the van. Brayden caught my arm just as I was about to open the door.

He spun me around and pressed his lips to mine. It was just like it used to be. The way he moved his lips perfectly in sync with mine. The way my hands came up and held his cheeks so that he couldn't pull away. Even the way his hands laced together on my lower back. It was as if we were one again.

When we came apart, I noticed I was crying. His finger came up to my eye as he wiped away a tear. "You're right Adrianna, I am crazy. Love makes you do insane things. I hope you'll forgive me."

I gave him a hug then jerked open the door to the van and hopped in. When I sped away, Brayden just stood there staring into my eyes. I felt like he understood my hurt, and for that, I couldn't hate him. No matter what he did to my flesh and blood.

"Mommy, where are we going?" Ella whispered as she began to fall asleep. I looked back at her and smiled. For the first time in five years, I felt at peace. Maybe it was knowing Ella was safe, and maybe it was knowing I was loved. I didn't know, but I liked the feeling.

"Somewhere safe baby. Somewhere safe."

I couldn't go home. My parents would make me go to the police about where I've been. There was only one other place I could go that I would never be found.

I pulled up the gravel driveway into the little farm on the east of town. The cows were out and eating, so she couldn't have gone to bed, despite the dusk beginning to settle. When I plopped out of the van, she came out.

"Now I don't get visitors very often... but I know a new face when I see one! Are you new to town?" Chrissy said in a cheerful voice. She tossed her brunette hair over her shoulder and I saw that she dyed the ends purple - it always was her favorite color.