Obsession

Chapter 38

*Flashback continued*

I'm not sure how far I actually make it before the tire completely blows. I spin out of control and crash into the ditch next to the road. It's so early, there's hardly any cars around, so I hop out and make a run for it. I don't have time to explain to police why I'm driving a stolen car.

I go a few miles on foot before I'm just too exhausted to make it any farther. I have no idea where I am or what direction I'm headed in. I'll have to figure that out soon though.

I start to hear the sounds of a busy highway up ahead. I start towards it, ready to hitchhike my way back to Anaheim, but then I remember I look a mess. I'm dirty, my hair is matted up and I probably smell pretty bad too. No one is gonna want to pick me up looking like this.

I sigh and look around, not sure what else to do. That's when I notice a bus station in the distance. I don't have any cash or cards on me, but I memorized my credit card number and if I can get to the terminal, I can purchase a ticket online.

I run as fast as I can, arriving in only minutes. I'm panting, sweaty and faint from exhaustion, but I can't give up now. I have to find my mom. I have to know she's there. I need to see her for myself.

I purchase my ticket and board a bus that will take me back to Anaheim. I take a seat in the very back, as far away from everyone else as I can get. I hug my arms around my body as I stare out the window. Everything that's happened over the last few weeks is starting to catch up with me, dragging me down into a deep, dark place. My body is tired and wants to give up, but my mind is determined to end this. I'm gonna find my mom. And if Kai isn't dead already, I'm gonna make sure he pays for what he did to her.

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I'm startled awake when the bus comes to a screeching stop. I look up and realize I've arrived at my destination. I wait until everyone else has exited the bus before I stand and make my way to the front. The driver gives me a strange look as I walk past him, as if he's wondering why I look so disheveled. He doesn't say anything though.

After I get off the bus, I hurry towards the Canyon Park entrance. It's too early for people to be out and about, so I don't have to worry about being seen.

I know my way around this place pretty well. Mom and I used to hike the trails here before I started college. It's beautiful, with lush, green trees, a crystal clear river and spectacular waterfalls. Being here again brings back so many memories. It also brings back that familiar aching in my heart; the one that's been there since the day my mom disappeared. I'm not sure what I'm gonna find here, but I'm prepared for anything. I just need answers.

Desperately.

I start down the trail that will take me to our favorite waterfall. It's at least a two mile hike from here across the river and through a thick forest. I remember complaining to my mom that it took so long to get there, but it was always worth it. Once we made it, she'd unpack our picnic lunch and we'd sit there just enjoying the view for hours.

I wonder how Kai knew about this place? Did he ever follow us here? After all that's happened, I wouldn't be surprised if he did. There's no telling just how many times he was lurking around, watching us. A shiver runs down my spine at just the thought of it and I become paranoid, feeling him lurking around again. I stop and look around, but I don't see anyone else out here.

I continue on, hoping to find some sign of her. My heart pounds harder with every step I take, knowing I'm getting closer and closer to the truth about what happened to her.

I stop again to look around. I feel someone's eyes on me and somehow, I know; I just know it's Kai. "Just tell me where she is!" I call out. "I know you're out there! Just tell me where to find her!"