Strip Love

Part 22

"What do you mean Mario is dead?"

"You can't be meaning my brother?"

"Are you kidding me right now Toby? How could you let such thing happen?"

"NOOOOooooo!" I screamed into the phone, hurling it against the wall in frustration, desperately wishing this was all a nightmare.

"Aunty Rose, is everything okay?" Ariel asked, her wide eyes filled with concern.

I looked down at her, a surge of anger welling up inside me, wishing I could just throw her aside as payback for what her parents had done to my only family member, my brother.

"I'm fine, sweetheart. Aunty Rose is just having a moment. Why don't you go back to your room and finish your homework, okay?" I assured her.

"I already finished! It was too easy," she replied, plopping down beside me on the couch. "Where's Mommy? Why hasn't she called me?"

"I don't know, but I'm going to take you to her really soon, okay? Just pack your bag when you're done eating," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

If Asia thinks she can just kill my brother and then waltz back into Ariel's life, she's in for a rude awakening. My brother may have made some mistakes, but he did what he had to do to survive. He took care of me my entire life, he was my only family. Now, I feel completely alone. Jason and Asia are going to pay for this.

***
"Is mommy hurt?" Asked Ariel.

I ignored her question as I continued to drive away as fast as I can. I needed to get out of town as fast as possible. Knowing that they killed my brother only means that Asia is free and is probably on her way back home right now. I knew it was her trying to reach me on some unknown number earlier, trying to get in contact with her daughter I figured.

"How much longer before we get to mommy" she whined.

I sucked my teeth and kept my focus on the road. I don't have time to answer every question this little brat has. "Many more hours to go, just try get some sleep in the meantime"

Ariel sighed and slumped back in her seat, confusion written all over her small face. I could feel my heart racing, a storm of grief and rage swirling inside me. Each mile away from our old life felt like a step closer to the reckoning I craved.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow, I glanced in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see Jason's car tailing us. But it was just darkness. I needed a plan.

"Listen, Ariel," I said, my voice low, "if anyone comes looking for us, you need to stay quiet. No questions, okay?"

"Okay," she mumbled, though I could see she didn't fully understand.

"Good. Now, let's keep moving." I pressed the gas pedal harder, the engine roaring in response. The highway stretched out before us, a ribbon of asphalt leading to uncertainty. I was determined to put as much distance between us and them as possible before anyone noticed we were missing.

The night deepened around us, and I felt the weight of the darkness pressing in. I switched on the radio, scanning through channels to drown out my thoughts. The familiar songs reminded me of happier times moments with Mario when life felt stable and safe. But that was over now.

"What's going to happen when we get to Mommy?" Ariel asked, her voice small.

I shot her a quick glance. "We'll find her, sweetie. Just hold tight." My words felt hollow, but I had to keep her calm. I had no intention of letting Asia anywhere near her. Instead, I needed to find a place where I could regroup, gather my strength, and plot my revenge.

I continued driving, the road unspooling beneath us as I calculated my next move. I'd already mapped out a route to a small town in the next state far enough from our past that we could disappear for a while. I'd find a cheap motel, lay low, and wait for the right moment to strike.

"Are we almost there?" Ariel asked, peering out the window at the passing trees.

"Soon," I said, forcing a smile. I could feel her trust in me, a flicker of innocence that reminded me of what was at stake. But it only fueled my anger. They had taken everything from me, and I wasn't going to let them have Ariel too.

After what felt like hours, I finally spotted a motel sign glowing in the distance. I pulled into the gravel lot, heart racing with anticipation. The place looked rundown, but it would do. I parked the car and turned to Ariel.

"Stay close to me, okay? We're just going to check in, and then we'll get some rest."

Ariel nodded, still unaware of my true intentions. I stepped out into the cool night air, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. The office was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of old smoke and stale coffee.

After securing the room, I returned to the car and helped Ariel inside. "This will be our little secret hideout," I said, forcing a bright tone. "We can watch movies and eat snacks, just like a sleepover!"

"Yay!" Ariel cheered, momentarily forgetting her worries.

As I settled her into the tiny room, I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was just the beginning. I would use this time to gather information, plan my next steps, and wait for the moment when I could make them pay. For Mario. For everything they had done.

As she drifted off to sleep, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window into the dark expanse beyond. I felt the familiar rush of anger building inside me. I was done playing nice. They had taken my brother from me, and now I would take back what was mine. Ariel was just a pawn in my game, but she'd never know.

I glanced at her sleeping figure, innocence resting on her face. I would make sure she was safe, but not from me. The reckoning was coming, and nothing would stand in my way.