One Step at a Time

Chapter four: Figuring out the future

"We've been here two days already, are you sure it's okay for us to stay?" "Of course, and your always going to be welcome, if you ever need a home in the future." Marcie stated with a mothering look in her eyes. "Thank you, it means a lot to hear that coming from you." "Any friend of Kaleb's is welcome at anytime. We enjoy the company." "Thank you, I must check on Jacob, he's taking a nap, and I just want to make sure he's still breathing."
I walked into the guest room where the to of us had been staying the last two days, and checked on Jacob. I saw him laying on the bed just how I left him, he looked okay, but to make sure I walked over to the bed.
"Pulse is good.. Still breathing.. He seems okay.. Good." I whispered to myself.
As I walked into the family room, I saw Kaleb sitting on the couch watching TV. I sat down next to him.
"What are you watching?" "I'm watching Dexter." "Oh. I've only seen a few of those." "That's okay, I can catch you up on it later." Kaleb stated seeming excited. "Okay."
We sat there for a while, watching Dexter, waiting for someone to say something. The show was interrupted by a news broadcast.
"We would now like to interrupt this program, and inform everyone in the Los Angeles by state area, that an Amber Alert has been issued for Jacob Timmons age three, and his sister Ava Timmons age seventeen. We have received notice from their social worker that they were last seen at their parents funeral, on November 21. Both children have auburn hair, and blue eyes. Jacob is 3'4" and 45 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black suit, he does have glasses. Ava is 5'6" and 125 pounds. She was last seen wearing a short black dress, and 2" heals, she does not have glasses, nor braces. We have reason to believe that they are being housed. If you have any information about the children's whereabouts please notify the L.A.P.D as soon as possible."
Kaleb looked at me puzzled, and asked, "What are you going to do? They know you're being housed, and there's an Amber Alert out for both of you. I'm not going to call them, and tell them you are here, because I don't want you to have to leave, but what are we going to do?"
I looked at him, and began to cry. "This is the only place I've felt safe. My brother can sleep and he doesn't have nightmares or ask for mom and dad. I'm not sure what my life is going to bring now, but I'm scared for the life that lies ahead. I wish we could stay here, but it would be endangering you and your mother. I can't do that."
We looked at each other for a long time. I kept crying, not sure what to say or do next. He stood up, and grabbed my hand so we were both standing. He wrapped his arms around me in a soothing hug. It was the first time in almost ten days I had been hugged by someone other than my brother.
"Follow me, we need to figure something out for the two of you, and we won't be able to without my mothers help." He grabbed my hand, and led me to the laundry room.
"Marcie? Can you help us with something?" We stood there hand in hand as I spoke. "Yeah sweetheart, what is it?"
"My social worker has issued an Amber Alert for Jacob and I. She believes that we are being house but does not know where. Kaleb and I don't know what to do, and I don't want Jacob to know that there's any problems right now." We all stood there puzzled.
"For starters, did the Amber Alert state what you are wearing, and your hair color?" "Yes ma'am." "Okay. Well since we are about the same size, I have some clothes you can wear, we will have to change your hair color. What color do you want?"
"I don't know. Kaleb, what color should I dye my hair?" "Brown, you have beautiful blue eyes, and brown hair would make your eyes pop." "Awe, you're so sweet." I stated not knowing why I felt the way I did when he complemented me.
Something's seemed weird as Kaleb and I began to spend more time together, as the days progressed. We started talking a lot more than we had been.
"I know this seems weird, but Ava would you want to maybe go out with me?" Kaleb asked terrified.
I thought about it a minute leaned over toward him, and kissed him lightly. "Of course, why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know I just thought you might say no, because we can't leave the house together."
I sat quietly waiting for a response to come to mind. Jacob came running towards me, I stood up catching him in my arms.
"Hey sweetheart, what's wrong?" "I'm scared." He said crying. "Awe, baby. It's okay, whatever it is we will protect you." "It's a monster. It's in the room." Kaleb and I looked at each other. While holding Jacob tightly in my arms, I waited until Kaleb was fully standing.
The three of us went into the guest room. "Where did you see the monster buddy?" I asked Jacob, waiting for a childish response.
"Outside. It was by the window." He pointed towards the window, then hid his face in my chest.
Kaleb and I looked at each other, then at the window. "Let's find out what this monster wants."
Kaleb slowly opened the curtain. Behind it was a man, standing outside the window. He was facing us, but had on a ski mask.
"Kaleb it's the man, the man from before. The one with a the gun." I studdered , as I spoke.
"I'll handle it don't worry. For now take Jacob into the living room and get my mom." Kaleb sternly stated.
Jacob and I went into the living room. I sat him on the couch, then ran into the dining room, and poked Marcie.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" Marcie stood as she spoke following me into the guest room.
"It's the man I told you about from before. The one I saw the day of my parents funeral, the man that had the gun."
It had been six days from the first time I had seen the man. But I could still feel the fear I had holding my baby brother in my arms.