The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) (14 page)

I was
awakened by the sound of thunder.  Stirring around, I think this is the best time for me to leave.  No one could smell me and the rain would help.  No one would be out in this downpour.  I climbed out of the moldy hay.  I was startled by the freaking barn owl. 

“Stupid owl” I huff
ed. 

My heart race
d and I broke out in goose bumps.  I didn’t think I’ve been so scared. I ran my hands over my arms and legs trying to get rid of the tingling sensation.  Climbing down the ladder I headed towards the backdoor.  The front barn door made a horrible screeching sound as someone slid it open. I wasted no time and hid behind a large beam in a stall. 

O
h please I am so close to getting out of here please don’t let them find me.
Covering my mouth again with my shirt, I breathed in slowly. 

I hear
d a familiar voice ask, “How did she escape?” 

A woman
responded, “She broke the upper window and climbed out.  No one can find her.  Caleb is furious.” 

Taking a chance I look
ed carefully around the beam and was surprised to see Chloe and Jason conversing.  They were standing close together and dripping wet. 

Chloe start
ed to cry, “Why did he have to kill Ben, he was a good kid.  He didn’t deserve to die.  And the other night he killed that woman, just to control her.  You should have seen her she was devastated.  I couldn’t do anything.  I hate him.” 

I watch
ed as Jason wrapped his muscular arms around her small shoulders.  “Caleb is getting careless; we need to be more cautious.  You know what he will do if he finds out about us, right?” 

“I know but…” 

“There are no buts Chloe, you are my priority and I will keep you safe.”  There was so much emotion and tenderness behind those words.  The next words surprised me. 

“I love you Chloe
you know that.  Don’t worry we will get through this, okay?” 

I watch
ed as he kissed her forehead and rubbed her back.  I watched as Chloe cried into his dark shirt.  I turned around not wanting to watch anymore.  Great, Grace was right he was using me.  How could I be so stupid?  To think I trusted him.  He lied to me! Ugh, this is so freaking fantastic, not!  Right now I just need to think about getting back home to my dad’s. 

Once again I was
startled by a deep voice coming from the barn door. 

“Jason you need to get back inside
. Caleb's looking for you.” 

I turn
ed to see them hug one more time as Jason yelled out, “I am coming.” 

He turned to Chloe
, “Go to our room and don’t leave until I get back, ok.” 

She
and he left out in the pouring rain. 

I wait
ed for about ten minutes. I just couldn’t wait anymore, I was out of here.  I didn’t know exactly which way to go.  I just couldn’t stay here any longer.  It was hard to see and the rain was cold but I just kept running.  It didn’t take but a few seconds and I was drenched.  My hair stuck to my back and my jeans suctioned to my legs.  I ran for as long as I could, and then I walked some more.  The rain had lessened and I was able to look up into the sky and see the bright moon. 

The lullaby c
ame to my mind and I started singing softly. 
“I see the moon and the moon sees me.  The moon sees the one that I long to see.  So God bless the moon and God bless me.  And God bless the one that I long to see.”
 

My thoughts drift
ed to my father, Enoc, Amber and my new friends.  By now every breath I took floated in the air.  I hoped I would make it to a road.  I wasn’t sure how much longer I could do this in the freezing rain. I decided to start looking for a place to hide.  Just when I felt like I couldn’t go anymore I saw a light in the distance.  I headed towards it praying that I hadn’t gone in a circle straight back to Caleb’s pack.   I watched as the light shone and then disappeared.  Thank goodness it was just a light drizzle.  I watched again as I saw another light.  I headed in the direction towards the light.  I soon realized they were headlights.  I let out a breath of relief.  If I could make it to the road someone might be able to help me. 

I reach
ed up to touch my necklace, I let it warm me.  I just wanted to fall apart.  I was so tired of running. 

I g
ave myself a pep talk, “You can do it, just think you will be able to see Amber and Dad and Enoc.” Oh how my heart ached for Enoc.

Finally I climb
ed a small incline and reached the black paved road.  My flip-flops were gone and I probably looked like a mess.  Waving my arms I flagged down a car.  The little Honda pulled over and the window rolled down.  The light inside the car turned on and I let out a breath of relief, a woman. 

“Can you help me
please?”  She hits the unlock button and I opened the door and climbed in rolling up the window. 

“Do you have a phone I c
ould use?”  Reaching in her purse she pulled out a phone.

“Here ya go sugar, you doin’ alright?” 

“Yes, I was hiking but got lost and I just want to let my
dad and friends know where I am and that I am okay.” 

She turn
ed her blinker on and pulled back onto the paved road. 

“
Honey, my name is Ivy.   I live about forty-five minutes away.  If you need a place to stay I’ve got one.  Just let me know what ya decide ok.” 

I pick
ed up the phone and dialed Amber’s number.  Glancing at the clock on the dash I realized it was about one in the morning.    The phone just rang and rang, then Amber’s voice message popped up, “Hey this is Amber leave me a message.  I may or may not call you back.”

“Uh Amber this is Olivia when you get this could you please call this number back.  A friend of mine
, Ivy, is taking me to her house until you can come get me.  Please call me back soon.  Love you.” 

Closing the phone shut I
couldn’t help but notice the way my hands shook. 

I hand
ed it back to Ivy, “Thanks.”

I lean
ed back against the seat and let the heat in the car warm my bones. 

“Hey love if you’re cold there is a blanket in the back.  You can use it to warm up.” 

Reaching behind my seat I grabbed the fleece cheetah print blanket.  I pulled the blanket up to my chin surprised by how quickly it starts warming my body up. I think I will just close my eyes for a moment.  I was too tired physically and mentally to go on. 

“Ivy tha
nk you for helping,” I said as I yawned.  “I think I will take you up on your offer, if that is still okay?”

She s
at a manicured hand on my shoulder, “Sure love you can stay.  Ya sure you’re okay? Ya look like you’ve been picked up by a tornado and dragged through the mud.” 

I stifled a small laugh
, “Yeah, you could say that I am just so tired.  I am just gonna close my eyes for a bit.”

“Well don’t you worry about a thing suga
r, I’ll take good care of ya.” 

Just as I
was falling asleep I heard. “Man! I feel like a woman, let’s go girls. I'm going out tonight-I'm feelin' alright. Gonna let it all hang out.”

“Hi, this is Ivy.
”  Silence and then, “No problem love, she is right here.”

Wow!
I think, Shania Twain.  Ivy reached over and shook my shoulder and then held the phone in front of my face.

“Hey darlin’
it’s your friend you just called, Amber.  She wants to talk to ya.” 

After coming to my senses I realize
d Shania Twain singing was coming from Ivy’s phone it was her ringtone.  “Hello, Amber?” I asked. 

I c
ould hear her breath of relief over the phone. “Olivia is that really you?” 

“
Yeah, it is can you come get me?”  I couldn’t help the small whimper that came out of my mouth. 

I blink
ed away the tears trying not to break down in front of a stranger.  After getting Ivy’s address and giving it to Amber I regretfully said, “Bye, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Amber respond
ed, “We will be there as soon as we can.  Stay safe Olivia, love you.” 

Wiping tears from my
eyes I said, “Love you too Amber.”

After hanging up I
handed the phone back.  Just as I about fell asleep Ivy announced we’re here.  I felt like a zombie climbing out of the car. Ivy helped me into the house and into a guest room.  I stripped out of my wet clothes and climbed into bed with just my bra and underwear.  As soon as my head rested on the pillow I was out.

C
hapter 12

Once again I aw
oke to find myself lying not on a nasty mattress but a soft one.  The smell of roses was rich and delightful.  The sheets were soft as I wiggled my toes and felt the muscles in my legs stretch.  I raised my arms above my head and yawned.   I then rested them on top of the white down comforter.  I couldn’t help but think about everything that had thus transpired.  I was so happy Ivy happened to be driving home last night when she found me.  I was relieved to be able to escape Caleb.  I was still worried about Amber and if she was okay.  I knew she had to be somewhat okay because I had spoken to her last night.  I didn’t have the energy to ask about Ryan and Ruth. I knew they would be mourning Grace’s death. 

I knew Amber would be coming soon but I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed.  I leaned over to look at the clock sitting on the nightstand.  It read ten o’ clock.
  There was a vase full of red, yellow and pink roses sitting on the stand.  They were beautiful and brought a sense of comfort.  The smell of bacon and eggs reached my nose and my stomach grumbled in response.  I guess food was a good enough reason to get out of bed.  I got out looking around the room for my clothes but couldn’t find them, that is so weird.  A hot pink fluffy robe hung on the back of the door so I slipped it on.  I let the aroma of fresh bacon and eggs guide me to the kitchen, which I remembered vaguely stumbling through last night.  The yellow walls and smell of vanilla was comforting. 

I stuck my head
through the walkway and saw Ivy standing in a silky black robe by the stove cracking an egg into the pan.  She was swaying her hips to the country song playing from the radio sitting on the counter.  Ivy flipped the bacon in the other pan.  It sizzled and the room was enveloped with the smell.  My stomach grumbled again.

Ivy turned
and said, “Good you’re awake. I was about to come and get ya darling.” 

Yawning
I reached my hand up to cover my mouth.  Talking through my fingers, “Ivy the food smells delicious.” 

“Here sit down and I will get you a plate.” 

She shooed me over to the small wooden table, pulling a chair out for me to sit.  A glass vase full of yellow daisies sat in the center of the table.  I watched Ivy as she walked over to the bright yellow cupboard.  She pulled out two plates and two glasses and then reached in the drawer pulling out some silverware.  The kitchen was warm and inviting.  I leaned over and smelled the flowers.  Ivy came over and set two glasses down on the table along with the silverware.  I watched as she reached in the fridge pulling out a container of Orange juice. 

“Can I help you with anything, I fe
el like a bum just sitting here.” 

“No, don’t worry
about it,” she replied while setting the juice on the kitchen table.

Heading over to the stove she
filled the plates with food.  On her way back she set my plate down in front of me.  Ivy sat in the chair across from me while setting her plate down. 

“Thank you for cooking
, it smells wonderful. I really appreciate it. I hope I am not being a burden?”

“No problem honey, I was just glad I could help.  Plus I don’t mind the company.” 

I grab
bed the orange juice. “Ivy you want some orange juice?” 

“Ye
s,” she replied as she handed me her glass.  After I filled it I set it down carefully making sure not to spill.  I then filled my own glass.  Ivy shifted in her chair while cutting into her over hard egg. 

“Well don’t just sit there
dig in and eat love, before it gets cold.” 

She didn’t have to tell me twice.  I
took my cup of orange juice and drank, enjoying the way it made my tongue tingle.  I took a piece of bacon and started chewing.  It was perfect a little crispy but just the way I liked it. 

“Ivy
, this is so good.  Thanks again for letting me stay.” 

She slap
ped the air with her hand. “No worries.  After you’re done eating you can take a shower if you want. You can also use the phone to call your friend and make sure she isn’t lost or anything.” 

“Yeah t
hat sounds like a good idea.  My clothes are missing do you know where they are?”  I had to wait for her to finish taking a drink to respond. 

O
nce she set her glass down she spoke, “Yes, they were dirty so I threw them in the washing machine.  I hope that is okay.  I just put them in the dryer a while ago.  They should be done drying by the time you’re done with your shower.  I hope you don’t mind, darling.” 

“No don’t worry, that
is thoughtful.  You have already done so much for me, thank you.”

Her comment about my clothes being dirty made me remember last night and then I knew I had to look a mess.
I was going to excuse myself but Ivy kept asking questions and she was so easy to talk to I forgot and we sat eating, talking and laughing.  Ivy was so funny.  I couldn’t help but really like her.  She looked like Dolly Parton but without the big boobs.  I mean she still had them they just weren’t the focus of who she was.  Her hair was a honey blonde with natural curls.  She had big beautiful blue eyes.  She was tiny and petite.  I almost felt like a giant sitting by her but she was so friendly it made me forget my insecurities.  I found out that she was a widower and that her husband had died five years ago.  She was a waitress at the local restaurant just so she could get some socialization.  She just got done working the night shift and was heading home when she found me. 

After I was done eating I pushed my plate away a
nd rubbed my belly.  “That was good, thank you so much.  Since you cooked, let me clean.”

I reach
ed for the plates but Ivy slapped my hand away, “Uh, I can do that love you go and take a shower.  I will set the clothes in your room on your bed.’ 

I was so overwhelmed by her kindness that I just grabbed her and hugged her.
  It made me think about all the times my mom cooked breakfast for me and we would just talk and laugh.  I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now.  Ivy was strong for a little one and hugged me right back.  I winced as her grip tightened around my ribs and back. 

“Git now
love and don’t forget to call your friend.” 

I nod
ded and headed out towards the bathroom.   I called Amber and found out she was only an hour away.  The water was so hot but made the muscles in my body relax. I didn’t want to get out but I did because I couldn’twait to see Amber
.

St
anding in front of the mirror I couldn’t ignore my eye.  I forgot about my eye earlier while trying to escape.  At least I could open it now.  It still looked purple and yellow, but it wasn’t nearly as swollen as it was in the farmhouse.  I was surprised Ivy hadn’t questioned me about it.  I was nervous anticipating if and when Ivy would question me about it.  After I dried off I slipped the pink robe back on.  I heard a soft tap on the door.

“Olivia love.”  I open
ed the door and Ivy was standing there. “Hey I thought you might need some things,” she said as she handed me some toiletries. 

“Ivy, thank you I don’t know where I would be if you hadn’t picked me u
p.  Thank you so much.” 

“
No problem sweetie, I’m glad I was there to help.  Now hurry up and finish, your friend should be here soon.” 

She walk
ed away pulling the door closed behind her.  Looking through the toiletries I found a new toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste and medicine. I applied some ointment around my cheek and eye.  Even on my lower back and ribs.    I brushed my hair and teeth and then headed to my bedroom to get dressed.

After getting dressed I
went out looking for Ivy. 

“Ivy?”  I
called out while walking down the hall. 

“In here
darling,” she responded. 

I follow
ed her voice to find her sitting on the rich red sofa in the living room.  She was flipping through the pages of a home interior magazine.  She had on a nice button up gray-blue blouse and blue jeans.  She was very beautiful and her blue eyes were gentle.  I sat in one of the matching ivory plush chairs across from her.  Ivy and I quickly fell into conversation. 

“Honey I don’t mean to pry but are you sure
you’re okay?  I know it isn’t any of my business but I couldn’t help but notice your eye and cheek all bruised.” 

I didn’t know what to say
, so I decided to stick as close to the truth as I could.  “Uh, yeah, I ran into trouble with a guy.  He wanted me to stay with him and I didn’t want to.” 

She nodded and
said, “I understand you don’t have to say anymore love. “ 

We sat in silence for a few minutes
before Ivy started chatting away again.  I learned that when Ivy’s husband passed away she couldn’t stay in their home anymore.  Too many memories she said.  So she bought this little place about four years ago.  She didn’t have any kids but had wanted them.  I knew there was more to the story but the sadness in her eyes stopped me from inquiring. She was kind enough to be considerate of my feelings, I could do the same.  

I knew she was only thirty-eight and the home she lived in was paid off due to a
n inheritance her father had left her when he passed.  It was kind of a sad story.  She said her father raised her alone and he never spoke about her mother.  She didn’t have any living family.  I could understand what that felt like. Remembering when my mom passed and not knowing that my dad was alive, I thought I was alone in the world. I had never felt so lost or sad.  Thank goodness I had Amber to help me.  It sounds like Ivy didn’t have anybody.

Before I knew it I had walked over to Ivy and hugged her. 

Letting go I said, “Ivy I am really sorry. I kind of know how hard that can be.” 

I t
old her about my mom dying and recently a new friend.  How I found out my dad was alive after eight years.  I even told her about Amber, my best friend.  I was surprised how easy and comfortable I felt with her.  I really liked her.  She was so personal and yet very vulnerable.  I relaxed around her which wasn’t normal for me. 

Lost in my thoughts
when I felt Ivy’s fingers grasp my hand and squeeze, bringing me back to reality.  “Well do ya have a boyfriend?”

I shook
my head yes and then no.  “I am not sure,” I said laughing under my breath. 

“That sure is surprising seeing as how
you’re such a pretty little thing.” 

I
blushed. “Thanks Ivy.” 

We
were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. 

“Ohh
h.” I took off walking towards the front door.  I went to open it but Ivy beat me to it.  When the door opened fully I couldn’t help but smile.  Not because of the surprise look on Ivy’s face but because my dad had come.

“Dadd
y!” I went around Ivy and put my arms around him hugging him tightly.  I stiffened and he released his grip. 

“Hey little dove,
are you alright?” 

I wait
ed as he looked me over from head to toe.  I nodded yes, “A lot better now that you’re here.  I didn’t know you were coming to get me.  I thought it was just Amber.” 

He pull
ed me back into his chest. “I didn’t come alone. Amber and Enoc are both with me.” 

I look
ed over his shoulder and was surprised to see Enoc and Amber standing close by.  My dad let go of me and I was immediately pulled into a familiar warm chest.  Enoc always smelled like fresh rain.  It was now a comfort to me.  I enjoyed his large arms as they wrapped me up in a possessive hug.  The current of electricity passing between us was making my body come alive.  His fingers reached into my hair as he twisted it around his palm.  He pulled me closer.  I closed my eyes and remained still; content to be in his arms.  I was so overwhelmed with emotions I couldn’t help it, I started to cry. 

He lean
ed down and whispered in my ear, “Olivia, my love it will be okay.  I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

I
was taken aback by his tender words.  I looked up into his blue gold eyes and saw only sincerity looking back at me.  His eyes turned a bright blue when he reached up to trace the bruise around my left eye, his chest rumble in displeasure.  I reached up and ran my finger down his jaw line.

“I’m better now that
you’re here, really.” 

He leaned
down into my neck breathing in deeply sending shivers down my spine. 

My knees
were shaky but Enoc just wrapped his arms around me tighter.  He loosened his grip when I heard, “Hey Romeo my turn.” 

Amber
interrupted us mock shoving Enoc out of the way.  We reached for each other at the same time.  We hugged and I cried some more. 

“Amber I miss
ed you.  I was so worried about you and the car accident.  Are you okay?” 

“Me too,
but it turns out it was just a mild concussion.  You know me I heal fast,” she said with a wink.  I let go but continued to hold her hand.