Saudade

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Matt's POV

Everything is going around and around in circles. I can hardly concentrate on anything. "Kick him up into a walk," I call out absentmindedly.

Hannah looks at me funny. "Umm, Matt?"

"What?"

"I'm still cantering, after you asked me to 10 minutes ago."

I stare at her blankly, has it really been that long, am I really that out if it. "Oh, sorry, you can walk now."

She shoots me a quizzical look before sitting deep in the saddle and asking her horse to walk.

Feeling suddenly tired and overwhelmed, I call out again, "That's it for today, we will jump next time."

She let's out an annoyed groan before heading out of the ring. I follow behind her and walk into the barn. "Listen everyone, lessons are canceled today, I will email or text the schedule for make ups later in the day."

Before anyone can question my decision, I turn on my heel and walk out. On my way out I hear a collection of groans from the dedicated riders, and excitement chatter and change of plans in the rich girl riders.

I head into my house, where I stumble across Georgia on the ground, looking at the wall. She turns her head to me slowly, tears glistening in her eyes. "Where's mommy," her tiny, broken voice breaks my heart.

I walk a few steps towards her before sitting on the ground next to her, and wrapping an arm around her. "She'll be back soon, she's just gone on a relaxing trip to take a break from everything," I say trying to reassure her and myself.

Georgia looks up at me, her bottom lip quivering. "But she's with Nate, and Nate is a mean man. What if he hurts mommy?"

I look at her dumbfounded. She's pretty smart for a young girl. "I don't know, let's just hope for the best."

We stay seated on the floor for who knows how long, saying nothing. I just keep a protective arm around her while my thoughts and worries grow.

What if he's hurting her? What if he killed her? Maybe she's trapped and needs a way out? What if she need's help? How will I know before it's too late if she needs help?

All the "what if's" play through my mind. Before I have a chance to ponder anymore, I hear Georgia take a deep breath. I turn to look at her, only to discover that she's asleep.

Smiling to myself at the beauty of my daughter, I scoop her up in my arms and take her to her room. Just as I tuck her in and kiss her forehead "goodnight". Her little voice calls out to me, "Goodnight, daddy."

With those simple words, she brought me down to my knees. That was the word that I had been craving to hear from her since I first found out the news.

Realizing it wasn't just a dream, I get up and kiss her forehead again before leaving. Just as I shut her door my phone lights up. It's a text from Scarlett.

The words on the phone make my blood run cold, and my face pales.

I'm coming home. Nate's going to kill me. Hopefully I can make it out of here alive. Call the police.