Solitude

Part Thirteen

At the headquarters, Timiteo admitted Adlyn and the others to a group of secluded rooms. Everyone sat down on the couches in one of the rooms and Mom turned on the television.

"Ooo, let's watch Mexican Independence Day," Eve said.

"Yeah!" Adlyn said.

So they did. It was fun watching them dance and celebrate around the Angel of Independence.

"I've been there," Eve said.

"I want to go there one day," Adlyn said.

"One day you will," Eve said.

Adlyn moved closer to Eve and curled against her body like a little kid. Eve didn't object. It had been so long since Adlyn had been shown love. She just put her arm around Adlyn and didn't let go, she would never let go...

"Adlyn, who's supposed to have custody of you right now?" Eve inquired softly.

Adlyn buried deeper into the couch and said into Eve's shoulder, "Mom."

Eve glanced at Timiteo. " Obtenga su número de teléfono y llamarla. Dígale que venga aquí y encontrarás Adlyn arriba," she said.

"Estoy en ello," he responded.

"Gracias," she said.

"De nada," he said.

Adlyn only understood her name, the thank you and the you're welcome, and something about calling someone. She said nothing as Timiteo got up and left the room.

Suddenly, Adlyn began to cry.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm scared! If he gets his hands on me somehow -" She flinched as Eve touched her shoulder, and she started crying harder. "It hurts..."

"He's not going to hurt you anymore, Adlyn. He can't get you here. I promise."

"I want to go to bed," Adlyn said.

"Okay, let's go," Eve said, standing up.

"Do any of the rooms have two beds?"

"No, but I can sleep in an arm chair," Eve said.

"All night?"

"All night."

Eve let Adlyn choose a room, and she sat on the edge of the bed as Adlyn curled up, pressing her cheek into the pillow, tears on her cheeks. She stroked the girl and then she said, "Adlyn, what kept you going?"

"I don't know.... I wanted to get rescued but I was super depressed... I was going to let him kill me..."

Eve said, "Adlyn... God is always with you..."

She felt Adlyn flinch. "He betrayed me years ago!" she said.

"No, Adlyn..."

She was met with silence.

"Give him another chance," Eve said. "Do you want me to pray for you now?"

Adlyn shrugged. "I guess."

"Dear Lord, I thank You for bringing Adlyn into my life, and for letting me help her out of the rut of abuse she has been stuck in... I pray that you will help her find You and know that You do not betray... In Your name, Amen."

"Amen," she heard Adlyn whisper. And then Adlyn said, "Will you play some music?"

"Sure." Eve turned on her Enrique Iglesias album and the first song that played was I Will Survive... Adlyn never stopped crying... Eve stroked her hair and then Timiteo came in.

"Está ella aquí?"

"Sí."

"Adlyn, your mom is here."

Adlyn sprang up. "Where... Where... Bring her to me," she said.

"Alia!" Timiteo called over his shoulder.

Alia walked in and saw Adlyn. Adlyn saw Alia and they ran to each other's arms...