Fire and Ice

Chapter 25

Kaden

Sunday morning.

I drove through Saturday night, with no luck in spotting anything that could help. And now I felt sick. It was raining last night. If she was out in that...

I pulled over and closed my eyes, pressing my head against the steering wheel. The weak morning sun was mocking me. It was cheerful, while I was struggling to hold on to hope.

Myla and Mike had gone to the police while I went looking for Alyssa.

I had no idea who could have her. I had no idea where she could have been taken. She disappeared on Friday evening according to her neighbors. It must have been right after I talked to her. And I couldn't help but be angry at myself. I could have done something different and she would be with me, safe.

But I screwed up again. I lost Ellie. Now I was going to lose Alyssa, if I didn't already.

I rubbed my face and took a deep breath. I couldn't give up on her already. She could take care of herself.

I was exhausted, but I wasn't about to stop my search.

My eyes landed on the side of the road several feet in front of me. A crowbar was laying on the wet road. That was a bit odd. I was about to pull the car into drive when I spotted a shoe barely peeking up from the ditch.

My body shot into action. I threw my seat belt off and jumped out of the car. I ran over and my blood went cold at what I saw.

Alyssa was laying in the shallow ditch covered in mud. Her jeans were torn at her right leg and the material was tied around her calf. Dried blood covered her leg.

"Alyssa!" I dropped to my knees and pulled her up to my lap. She was ice cold, her lips blue, her skin pale. Dread filled my body. "Shorty, can you hear me?" I touched her face. "Shorty? Come on." She was breathing. Barely.

I shrugged my jacket off and wrapped it around her. I picked her up, holding her close to me. "Hold on, I've got you."

I carried her small frame to my car and laid her down in the back seat. I made sure she was secure and then ran around to the driver's side.

I pulled onto the road and called Myla.

"Kaden? Please tell me you found something."

"I found her, but she's in bad shape. I'm taking her to the hospital."

"Oh my gosh." Myla breathed. "I'll meet you there."

I hung up and glanced at Alyssa through the mirror. I had no idea how she got away from whoever had her. It probably had something to do with that crowbar I saw. Either way, I was relieved that she was able to get away. If she didn't, I wouldn't have found her.

* * *

I paced the too white hallway. I ran my hand through my hair for the hundredth time.

The doctors didn't bother telling me anything after they took Alyssa back. I didn't know if she was sick, if she was hurt beyond the cut on her leg.

Myla was sitting in one of the plastic chairs wringing her hands in worry. Mike sat next to her rubbing her back comfortingly.

I couldn't help but imagine every single thing that could go wrong. Every single thing that could take Alyssa away from me.

I also wanted to kill whoever did this to her. They made the mistake of their life taking her away.

"Kaden, you should sit down." Mike suggested. "You haven't stopped going since Saturday afternoon."

"I'll sit when Alyssa is fine." I snapped. I rubbed my face. "Sorry."

It was silent for another while.

Finally, a nurse stepped out of the double doors near us. "Alyssa is going to be fine. But she'll need time to recover. She was out in the cold rain for at least seven hours from what we can tell and she is also dehydrated."

I could have melted in relief. "Is she awake?"

The nurse shook her head. "She woke up for a few seconds, but all she said was one word before passing out again: 'Kaden.'"

"Can I see her?"

"Are you Kaden?"

I nodded. Why did Alyssa say my name?

"Follow me." The nurse motioned.

I looked at Myla for permission and she nodded with a small smile. I returned the nod and followed the nurse.

After a few long awkward moments, she pointed to a room. "Through there. I don't know how long it'll be until she wakes up."

I nodded and pushed into the dim hospital room.

Alyssa looked so tiny laying in that big hospital bed covered in wires and IVs. I didn't like it.

I closed the door slowly and walked over to the bed. "Hey, Shorty. I'm here." I took her hand carefully and sat in the chair beside the bed. "I don't know why you would want me."

I closed my eyes and kissed her hand. "I'm sorry. I can't help but blame myself for this." Seeing her look so lifeless like this made me feel guilty.

I sat there listening to the heart monitor for some time, not wanting to move.

Her fingers twitched and tightened around my hand ever so slightly. "Ka-"

I looked up at her. Her eyes were closed but she was just barely moving. "Shorty?"

Alyssa flinched. "No. Don't." She whispered hoarsely. Her hand tightened around mind. "Kaden please-"

"It's okay, Alyssa. I'm right here. You're safe."

She tried scrambling back. "No, let go." She was trembling.

I got into her hospital bed and laid next to her. I pulled her against me warmly. "It's okay, Alyssa. I'm here, you're safe. You're safe."

Her little body went still in my arms. Her breathing evened out.

I held her close, feeling her steady breathing, and warming her cold body. I took a deep breath, finally able to relax now that Alyssa was here with me.

---------------

I thought this could use a warm gooey chapter ☺️ with more on the way, of course. Vote if you like it. I appreciate it 😁. Thanks for reading (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)