Miracles

Chapter 17

~Eloise's View~

Finding Avisha is all that's on my mind. That's why I'm going to see Amanda Frick; Paris' stepsister.
"I don't think we should be here. We're going to get into so much trouble." Cadmus says holding my hand tightly.
"We won't get into trouble if you keep watch like a mommy eagle." I roll my eyes at him. Alright, I'm scared and know that there's a ninety-nine percent chance of us getting caught.
"Whatever you say," He rolls his eyes at me.
I quickly peck his lips. "I'll be back soon." I adjust my hoodie and sneak into Amanda's room.

"W-who's there?" A small voice laced with fear asks.
"I won't hurt you. I'm Eloise, your niece."

...

~Stewart's View~

"Have you made any friends?" I ask Kim as we walk down the park to meet the boss.

"Yeah, just one. He's called Eli, he's the brother of the missing baby. He's nice and very handsome." She smiles dreamily. I frown and pinch her arm.
"Ow! We're just friends." She snaps. I knew it but once the boss says she wants to see Kim, there's no turning back. "Now, will you tell me where you're taking me to?"
"Please promise me that you won't freak out," I say and she stops walking, looking at me suspiciously.
"It depends on what happens."
"It's nothing bad," I sigh, spotting the boss' car.
"Come on. My boss is waiting for us in that car." I hold her hand and walk towards the black car.
"Why is your boss here?" She asks.
"You'll find out soon." I silently pray, opening the door to the backseat of the car. "Wait here," I say to Kim.

"Why is your sister standing out?" The boss asks, looking annoyed.
"The boy is only a friend of hers," I say to her.
"That's also good, both the boy and your sister won't get broken-hearted. Now let her in." She commands, putting on some shades.
I sigh and let my little sister in the car.

"Hi, Kim." Boss pulls Kim's cheeks. "Hi, Stewart's boss," Kim says nervously.
"Oh call me, Lisa." She says cheerily.
"Okay, Lisa." Kim forces a smile and looks at me with confusion written all over her face.
"You must be wondering why you're here and all but it's nothing serious. Well, it's very serious to me because it's business and business brings money and money is important to me. I'll just get to the point." Boss says. "I need your help." 
Kim chuckles. "What could I possibly help you with?"
"My dear, never underestimate yourself. Kimberly Short, you are the key to my success. With you, I can make a lot of money and if I'm making money, your brother makes money and you can take care of your poor mother at home."
"What do I have to do?" Kim asks.
"Do you really want to do this?" I ask Kim.
"I'm doing it for mom, just like you." Kim smiles at me and faces the boss.

"Do you know this guy?" Boss shows Kim a picture of Eli.
"Yeah, that's my friend. I'm going to see him after here." Kim says happily.
"Okay, I want you to bring him to me," Boss says.
Kim frowns, "Umm, may I know why?"
"Do you want to help your dear mom?" Boss asks.
"Yes." Kim nods.
"Good. Then you'll do as I say. Bring the boy here tomorrow, I'll be waiting for you. If you don't come, I know where to find you and I won't be so nice. Tell no one about this and you're safe, your mom is safe, your big brother gets the money and you live happily ever after. You can go and visit your friend now. Have fun, dearest Kim. Hold onto Eli well. Don't let any bitch snatch him from you. He's a keeper, just like me." Boss gives Kim a sickly sweet smile.

I get out of the car with Kim as the boss drives away.
"What just happened?" Kim shudders.
"Just do as she tells you. It's best for everyone." I say assuringly.
"I'm gonna go now." She says and walks away hurriedly.
"I'm sorry Kim."

...

~Eli's View~

"Have any of you seen Eloise or Cadmus?" I ask.
"Nope." They all answer.
"When is your girl coming?" Elliot asks teasingly.
"Soon," I say as the bell rings. I smile.
Amen, Elliot and Hee stare at me with wide eyes.
"Is it her?" Hee asks excitedly.
"Only one way to find out." I run to the door with Snowball barking behind me.

"Hi." The girl with shoulder-length platinum-blonde hair, azure eyes, rosy lips, and smells like honey waves at me.
"Hi, umm you can come in." I step aside as she enters.
"You have a lovely home." She admires the place. "And a cute dog."
"Thanks," I say as she picks Snowball up.
"Let's go meet the others." I lead her to the hall where the others are busily watching tv.

"Are your parents around?" She asks.
"No. It's just me, my brother and two friends. We don't know where our sister and her boyfriend are."
"Okay." She sighs. I chuckle and take her hand. "Don't be shy. They are cool."
She nods as we enter the sitting room.
"Guys, this is Kimberly Short," I smirk at their surprised faces.
"Kim, that is Elliot; my immature brother, his girlfriend; Hee and that is Amen the friendly tech guy." I introduce them.
"Hello." Kim waves. "Hi." They also wave.
"My little brother brought a girl home." Elliot chuckles. Hee scowls at him.
"You're very pretty." Amen compliments Kim, making her smile. I can't help but feel a tiny pang of jealousy and possession. She belongs in my world.
"Thank you," Kim says.

"Eli told us you just moved here." Hee shoves Elliot to Amen making space for Kim.
She smiles in appreciation and sits beside Hee, petting Snowball.
"Yes, I'm new here."
"Where are you from?" Elliot asks. "I'm from Switzerland." She says.
"Do you like it here?" Amen asks. She turns to him and answers the question.
"Yes, this place is beautiful," Kim says in admiration, still smiling at Amen. Don't be surprised if you see this any moment from now.
Amen, was a good friend but he just couldn't stop making googly eyes at my girl.
"Okay. Enough chit-chat. Let's watch movies to pass time." I suggest.
"Kim can choose." Amen and I both say at the same time. Oh, it's on, bro.

"Why don't you go and get the snacks?"

...

~Eloise's View~

"Thanks for telling me everything you know. I'll come and visit soon."
"N-no," Amanda says weakly. "I won't be here when you come back. I'm going to be free and you're going to find Avisha."
"Why won't you be here? Are they changing your room?" I ask.
"I'll be free. Now, please leave before you get into trouble." She kisses my hand softly and her heartbeat quickens.
"Bye, aunt." I smile at her and leave her dimly lit room. I spot a nurse with a clipboard coming in our direction.

"Run!"