Hide and Seek

Chapter Two

”You aren’t eighteen,” He pointed out, “You’re going to have to make up your mind quickly. You’re father doesn’t seem to be patient.”

Speaking of the devil; a man who I’ve never had the displeasure of meeting before strolled in unwanted. It was clear, I thought irritated, that he was my father. He had dark tousled hair and light blue eyes. I had gotten my eyes from him, but my hair was a few shades lighter brown. Not chocolate like his.

“Annabelle.” He breathed in as he stood in front of me for the first time in seventeen years, “I’m Henry…Your father”

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Chapter Two

My fists clenched beside me, “Get out.”

“But I came all the way here…” He reflected, “I know I wasn’t there much—“

The Doctor headed out with the nurse, not wanting to interrupt. They closed the door behind them and I glared at my ‘father’.

“So what, Father,” I sneered at the word, “Did you seriously think showing up for the first time in my life—seventeen years if you didn’t know—I was automatically going to love you? Sorry to get your hopes up, but I want nothing to do with you. You may be my father, but you will never be my Dad.”

His lips pressed together, “I know I haven’t been here, but at least giving me the chance to make up for it would mean a lot. Live with me, instead of foster care. At least with me you’ll be able to keep your personal items.”

“What makes you think you’re better,” I snapped, stubbornly crossing my arms together, “What makes you think that I want anything to do with you, never mind live with you?”

“The fact that you haven’t kicked me out yet.” A faint smile toyed on his lips.

Doctor Wesley knocked before walking in, “I have good news. You can be discharged at any time as long as you promise to be on bed rest for a week.”

“When can I sign papers?” Henry inquired.

”I can have Nurse Lynn get the papers.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Nurse Lynn left the room, “Oh and Evelyn is giving this to you. She thinks you’ll change your mind if you read it again. And apparently, it’s ruined. Follow me Henry and I’ll lead you to social services. They just came and are wondering what Annabelle’s living accommodations will be.”

I paid no attention and opened the book to a random page. It happened to be page 206.

“You’re not sitting with us today, are you?” She guessed.

”I don’t think so.” I couldn’t be sure that he wouldn’t disappear inconveniently again.

But outside the door to our Spanish class, leaning against the wall—looking more like a Greek god than anyone had a right to—Edward was waiting for me.

There was handwriting all over the page. It was quick little witty insults written on the sides of the page. I read the first one, next to the paragraph.

‘Or he’s stalking you and hoping for a quickie. Last time I checked necrophilia was frowned upon in modern society’

I laughed at that. Evelyn’s brother was funny, I had to admit that. I hope I’ll get to meet him. He’s around Evelyn’s age I bet or maybe a year or two older. I flipped to another random page eager for another laugh. This time I happened to flip to page 345.

 

I didn’t see him leap at me—it was much to fast. I only found myself suddenly airborne, and then we crashed onto the sofa, knowing it into the wall. All the while, his arms formed an iron cage of protection around me—I was barely jostled. But I was still gasping as I tried to right myself.

He wasn’t having that. He curled me into a ball against his chest, holding me more securely than iron chains. I glared at him in alarm, but he seemed well in control, his jaw relaxed as he grinned, his eyes bright only with humor.

I read the little writing beside this.

‘See, if I was thrown against a sofa with an overpowering man over me, I’d be yelling rape.’

I laughed harder at that. Seriously, what goes through this little boys mind? I couldn’t resist. I haven’t laughed since the news of my parents’ death. Honestly, I needed to laugh. I was sick of crying to myself when no one was around. Flipping more pages into the book, I came upon page 498.

I touched his face, “Look,” I said, “I love you more than everything else in the world combined. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yes it is enough,” he answered smiling, “Enough for forever.”

And he leaned down to press his cold lips once more to my throat.

He wrote a bit more this time.

‘Saying I love you so soon? She’s going to have sex and die isn’t she? A cliché novel—after all—getting it on at a school dance is so 1970’s. Did you know Edward and Christmas lights have something in common? His balls just like lights are for decoration.’

I couldn’t help it. I laughed so hard, I wouldn’t be surprised if a tear fell. I read a few more excerpts and laughed a lot more. Some of his jokes were funny, and others were down right hilarious. He was really funny, I’d give him that. Just as I put the book down, Henry along with Doctor Wesley sauntered in. I glanced over at Henry with dislike evident on my face. It was getting dark. How long had I been reading?

“Social services have agreed for Henry to be your legal guardian until you reach the age of eighteen. Until then, you’ll be under his care and live with him.” Dr. Wesley informed as he cautiously took out my IV.

”How’s her liver?” Henry asked, genuinely concerned.

I glanced over at him annoyed. He didn’t care about me. Hell, he left my mom. He never knew me—he didn’t even send her money to help raise me. He didn’t care then, he doesn’t care now.

“Healing quite nicely to be honest, she should be healed in a few days of complete bed rest.” He admitted.

I smiled thankfully, “Thank you for everything Doctor Wesley. Where do you live anyway Henry?”

“I live in LA.” Henry said shortly.

I sighed in relief. Being a city girl, seeing that I lived in Manhattan, I didn’t want to be forced into the middle of no where. I let out a small smile.

”I’m looking forward to it.” I muttered.

Doctor Wesley glanced over at Henry interested, “Where do you live in LA? I have family there.”

“Monroe,” Henry replied, “I used to live inNew Orleans, but I found the better away from the city and closer to the fresh air is better.”

I blinked confused, “You said you lived in LA. That’s Los Angelos, right?”

“No,” Henry replied amused, “L.A.is the initials for the state ofLouisiana. I live inMonroe,Louisiana.”

“I can’t live there!” I exclaimed, “It’s all back country isn’t it?”

“Not really,” Doctor Wesley piped up, “My brother lives there with his wife and children. He has a son around your age.”

Interesting…okay not really…I didn’t want to live in some backcountry place. I know I sound spoiled, but I’ve grown up in the city. This is normal, this is my life, and this is where I grew up. I don’t want to leave this place for some small town. Apparently, I had no choice. It was either this or foster care.

“We’ll leave tomorrow morning.” Henry informed, “I’ll discharge you aroundnoon. The flight’s at eight and we’ll have plenty of time. Get some rest.”

I sighed, knowing I had no choice. After a few murmurs of goodnight, I laid down. Thoughts and doubts racing across my mind made it hard for me to sleep. But looking outside the window, the city was awake. Car headlights flashing, sirens in the streets, and busy people with a place to be roamed the street. It was a lullaby only a city girl would understand. And tomorrow it would be gone, replaced with whatever sounds small town girls heard at night…probably only crickets…or wolves. Shivering, I pulled the blanket closer.  Tomorrow was going to be hell.