Fire and Ice

Chapter 28

Alyssa

I didn't really want to wake up. Sleeping was a lovely thing that I hated giving up. But Myla's voice woke me up easily.

I stretched and sat up. I grinned as I saw Myla standing at the side of the bed. "Hey babe. Long time no see."

She laughed lightly but quickly hugged me. "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay! I was worried sick! Literally. I barfed several times."

"Aw that's really gross." I laughed as we pulled back.

Myla climbed up onto the bed and sat in front of my cross legged. "So is it true? You pranked the kidnapper?"

I nodded. "Yeah. It worked just enough to get me out of there." I grabbed her hand. "Honestly, I was scared to death, Myla. I didn't know if this guy was going to kill me or what."

She shook her head. "I still can't believe this happened and you're here and safe. I'm glad you're such a badass, or you wouldn't have escaped. I'm super proud of you, babe."

She hugged me again. "Kaden was also very worried. He was the first one looking for you."

I smiled as a light blush grew on my cheeks. "Yeah, he told me. Um... guess what?"

"What?"

I bit my lip. "I kissed Kaden Wolfe."

Myla shrieked like a pterodactyl. "Oh my apple trees!" She grabbed my shoulders. "Girl, that's so awesome! I'm so happy for you! I knew this was going to happen!"

"Knew?" I asked, confused.

"Oh. Mike told me he suspected that Kaden really liked you. His worry over you seemed to confirm it." Myla was grinning from ear to ear. "I'm so happy for you, Alyssa. Really. He's a great guy."

I smiled. "I know."

For two hours Myla and I talked about random things like we usually did. But eventually, she had to go home while I was stuck here for another day or two.

It wasn't until later that night that Kaden stepped into the room again.

I closed the book the nurse had provided me for entertainment. "Hey, what are you doing here? It's late."

"I'm staying with you, Shorty. They found Richard's junky trailer, but they didn't find him. If he decides to drop by, I can be here to protect you."

"Way to make me sound weak." I snorted.

"You know you're far from it." Kaden crawled up onto the bed next to me and laid his head next to mine. "It has been a long weekend." He sighed quietly.

I moved so that my head was on his shoulder. "I'm sorry that you haven't gotten any rest."

"I can now." His arm curled around me and he pulled me close. "Shorty, I think you saved my life."

"What do you mean?" I murmured.

"Without you I never would have escaped my father. I had no reason to. But with you, I did."

"When will you call the police on him? Your dad?"

"I told officer Daniels, actually. They're probably at my house now."

"I'm sorry. That your life has been so rough on you. It's no fun, and I wish no one had to ever go through stuff like that. And... I wish your sister was here with you."

Kaden's hold on me tightened. "Me too. But at least I have you."

* * *

*Two weeks later*

"Richard Crane is her father. I would know his ugly face anywhere." Mom muttered into the phone as she paced the kitchen.

I was sitting at the table watching her nervously. She just got back last night. She didn't react well to the story of my kidnapping. Right now she was talking to officer Daniels about my father.

Once she was finally done with her conversation, she hung up and turned to me.

I looked up at her. "So... is he in jail now?"

"Yes, Alyssa. He's gone." She leaned across the table and grabbed my hands. "And you're okay?"

I didn't think she'd care. I smiled. "I'm fine. Except for the gash on my leg. But it's healing."

Mom smiled softly, which surprised me. "I really could have lost you." She whispered. "I wouldn't live with myself if you were gone."

I stared at her in shock. So she really did care. Deep down, anyway. "At least I'm here with you Mom."

She squeezed my hand and left the kitchen.

That wasn't the best motherly affection, but it was progress. I was becoming hopeful. Maybe I could help her out of whatever darkness had her.

My new phone buzzed with a text and I looked down to see that it was from Kaden.

My father was sentenced to eighty years in prison. His members have yet to know how long they'll be rotting.

Kaden had been busy with all that was now going on in his life, including testifying against his father. Apparently it went well.

I texted back. Hey, come see me, I want to see you in a suit before you change.

Not gonna happen, Shorty. Nice try though.

:-[

Very cute. Not good enough.

Jerk. I'll text Mike to send me a picture.

Alyssa, no.

Too late.

Be glad you're my girlfriend, or I would probably block you. Again.

I shook my head with a smile. At least I was his.

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

This book is probably short compared to most, but whatever. One more chapter! Thanks for reading (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)