“Can you read me Sleeping Beauty?”
Dylan chuckled, “That reminds me of your mother.”
When Jessica finally fell asleep, Dylan turned out the light and walked into the living room with the others.
“You are really good with her, son.” Mr. Carlisle smiled.
“She is a wonderful young lady. They both are.”
Dylan looked at the clock, “Bradley and I have to go, but here is where we are staying if you need anything. If you hear or see anything suspicious, call 911. I know that Nicole had been sending you money to help with Jess before all this took place.” Dylan handed Mr. Carlisle an envelope.
“I can’t accept your money, son.”
“You need to. It’s for Jessica. I love that little girl. Please, it’s the least I can do. I really love your daughter, sir. I can’t even begin to tell you what she means to me. And I know you have done a lot to keep Jessica safe. If Nicole was working she would insist you take it. Please, we have been so worried about Jess and you have taken such good care of her. I know you just met me, and that you barely know me, but I’m hoping to get your blessing, sir. I want to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“That is honorable of you, son, but Nicole may have complications. Who knows what the trauma did to her.”
“I assure you, Mr. Carlisle. It is not honorable. It is selfish. She is everything to me, and want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
“I can’t even begin to tell you boys,” Mr. Carlisle’s voice creaked. “I can’t begin to tell you boys…” tears filled his eyes. “My daughter is alive…Thank you.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “My daughter is alive.”
Chapter 67
*Dylan*
When they got to the hotel room they began trying to figure out the best way to keep Jessica safe. Knowing that Steve was there made them uneasy. And knowing he had been watching her on the playground really scared them. They informed the police and Dylan called the hotel to talk to Nicole.
“She checked out last night, sir.”
“What do you mean she checked out last night? Room 342. Nicole Carlisle.”
“Yes sir, there is no mistake. She checked out last night.”
Dylan hung up the phone and dialed his father.
“Dad, where is Nicole? What happened to Nicole? I called the hotel and…”
“I guess you haven’t checked your messages yet. Nicole is in the house with us. There was a little incident and I felt it would be safer for her.”
“Incident? What do you mean, Dad? What happened?”
“I think that fellow you are worried about is here in town. I don’t know how he found her, but someone sent her a bottle of wine with Cyanide in it. She was about to drink it and we noticed the yellow carnation. I had the wine tested and it was poisoned. Somehow he got into her hotel room in the two hours we had gone to dinner. She is fine. Everything is fine. But I do not think he is on the east coast. I think he’s here in New Orleans now.”
“Dad, is there any way you can have someone fly her here tomorrow? We found her daughter. It’s better if she is here with her family at least for a few days until we have to get back to the rehabilitation center for her tests and physical therapy.”
“I will have her there by tomorrow afternoon, son. Dylan, you know your mother. I can’t change her mind. But I do like her, son. I am proud of you.”
“That means a lot to me, Dad. Thank you for everything.” As he hung up the phone, Dylan stared into space. He hadn’t heard those words come out of his father’s mouth since junior high. He remembered how his dad would rustle his hair when he won his karate tournaments and pat him on the back. I’m proud of you son. I’m proud of you.
Chapter 68
*Nicole*
I had asked not to have anyone come to the airport to get me except Dylan and Bradley. I was worried I wouldn’t recognize anyone and didn’t want to hurt their feelings. They picked me up and Bradley dropped Dylan and me off at the school to see Jess during recess. Dylan grabbed the gun out of the glove box and stuck it in his pants under his shirt. Bradley had to make a couple phone calls to sure the club was running smoothly.
I stood behind a tree, hoping not to be noticed. We saw the officer on the playground, it made us hope she was safe. Then Dylan put his arm around me and pointed. “That’s her, that’s Jessica.”
I inched my way to a closer tree and soon made my way to one even closer. She was beautiful, this little girl with long brown hair that flowed all the way down her back. Her porcelain skin made her blue eyes stand out. “I want to go closer.” I snuck behind a tree that was almost out of the woods.
“That is my Jessica?” No memories flooded my mind the way I hoped they would. A tear formed in my eye and shame overcame me. “Why don’t I remember?” I squeezed Dylan’s hand as if that would somehow make the memories come back the way it helped relieve the pain when they were giving me injections in the rehabilitation center. “Dylan, why don’t I remember?” I rested my head on his chest.
I watched as the girl played, fascinated that she was my child and searching for something that would bring back a surge of memories. When the recess bell rang and Jessica went inside, I did not want to leave. I wanted to be near. I wanted to be near my daughter even though I was too ashamed to face her.
“She understands, baby.”
“How? How does a little girl understand her mother can’t remember who she is?”
“You remembered enough to create that painting.”
“But Dylan, I don’t remember anything. What is her favorite color? What is her…”
“Ask her. You can’t be afraid, baby. I’ll be right here. I promise you will fall in love with her all over again.”
Dylan picked up the phone. “Hey Brad, when you finish everything you need to do with the club, stop by the school. She is really nervous. Nicole could use the support.”
Brad got to the school an hour before the afternoon bell rang. I was nervous to be meeting my daughter for the first time.
“Let’s do something to take your mind off of this.” Dylan brought me to a nearby parking lot. “Let’s see if you remember how to drive while we wait for her to get out of school.”
“You think that is a good idea?” Brad joked.
“It is a great idea!” I gave Dylan a big hug. Dylan got out of the car and let me sit at the wheel. While we were still in park, I played with the steering wheel as if I was playing a video game. Dylan got in the passenger’s side and I put it in gear.
“Push the gas lightly, NO! Lightly. We don’t want to take out any cars today,” Dylan coached. They began laughing. The car jolted as I pressed the gas and skidded like I was drag racing.
“Break!”
I pressed the brake and we flew forward.
“I’m not so sure this is a good idea,” Brad joked. “I want to live to see twenty-five!”
“Just do it a little softer. Your legs are stronger than you think, baby.” Dylan smacked Bradley, who had a smile on his face.
“We should practice in bumper cars.” Brad joked again. Before long they had me driving around the parking lot without causing whip-lash. I even drove backwards and parked the car.
“So Nikki, you went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and you never saw a parade.”
“I do feel a little gypped. The nerve of crazy serial killers these days.”
“My dad’s place, the one you stayed at on St. Charles Avenue. We’ll go next year and you can see the parade from the balcony. It’s an awesome parade, you can salute the king of the Rex. I’ll get you to a Mardi Gras parade once we get rid of this psycho.” Dylan leaned over and gave me a peck.
“Can I drive back to the school?” I asked. Brad and Dylan looked at each other. Bradley genuflected and Dylan held back
a smile.
“Sure, you’re doing good. Brad’s just messing with you.”
“I am, I’m just playing around, Nikki. You are doing good.”
I parked the car at the school. “I did it!” I got out of the car confidently. With each step toward the school, however, my confidence diminished a little more. It was different this time. I wouldn’t be hiding in the trees watching Jessica. What if I said something wrong? I squeezed Dylan’s hand hoping it would take away some of my uncertainty.
“What if she doesn’t like me?”
“Why would you say that?” Bradley asked.
“What if she is embarrassed by me? I shouldn’t be here. I mean, we should meet someplace else.” I fidgeted. “Her friends will be here. What if she is embarrassed?”
“You’re just being silly now.”
“No I’m not. Look at me.”
“Exactly. Look at you.” Dylan leaned over and gave me a kiss.
“Nikki. If you weren’t amazing, do you think either of us would be here?”
We watched as the students piled out of the doorway. Dylan hadn’t told Jessica I would be coming to town. He wanted to see how I would handle everything first. We stood to the side.
“There she is, look there she is.” I smiled as Jessica walked out the door. “What should I do? Do I look okay?”
Jessica looked up, and froze in the doorway. She dropped her backpack to the ground and ran at me with all her might. “Mommy!”
I didn’t understand, a wave of emotions flooded me, I couldn’t hold back my tears. The look in Jessica’s eyes, her smile, her excitement overwhelmed me. When Jess jumped into my arms, it was like there was no one else in the world. Time froze. Everything blurred. I held her. I felt her tiny heartbeat against mine and Jessica’s warm breath on my neck. No memories returned but this peace…this joy, this elation.
“My Jessica. My baby.” I couldn’t hold back the tears as I kissed her face over and over. “My Jess.” I held her, just held her, closing my eyes. My legs nagged at me for holding her for so long, but I didn’t listen. I didn’t want to let her go.
“Mommy, mommy, I knew you would remember me! I knew you would.”
A hollow feeling entered me as I put Jessica down. Nothing came back, not her first steps, or her first words or her favorite anything. How could I tell Jess I didn’t remember? I looked into Jessica’s big blue eyes and took her hands in mine and smiled. “I remember the love, Jessica. I remember the love.”
Chapter 69
“Maybe someday, Jess. Maybe someday.”
~Nicole Carlise
Obsession and Sacrifice
Tiffany Carmouché
*Nicole*
Tears filled my parent’s eyes as we embraced. They held me as if I had been raised from the dead, I guess to them I had been. But even as they hugged me, my life story didn’t came back the way I had hoped they would. I didn’t remember. I didn’t remember anything. My eyes moistened. I could tell they were such wonderful people, but only stolen glimpses popped in my mind and quickly vanished as if they were smoke dissipating.
It was hard for them. They could tell something was wrong. Their company filled me with a sweet sadness. Memories didn’t rush into my mind as I studied the surroundings. I went into the kitchen, hoping I could picture them dancing with me as a child to the jazz music like I had remembered in New Orleans. I tried to replay the memory, but nothing came. I saw something in their eyes that filled me with warmth, it was hard to explain, but they were strangers.
“Is this where I grew up?”
“No, you have only been here one time before.” My mom sat me down at the table. “I made your favorite meal, Nicole. I hope you still like it.”
We could smell the aroma as we entered the house but it wasn’t until I took a spoonful, I realized just how amazing it was.
“Pot roast,” a smile sprang to my lips. “How could I ever forget mom’s famous pot roast?” But I didn’t remember. I felt lost. Distant. Ashamed. Broken.
Tears filled her eyes and she put her head on my dad’s shoulder. “Our baby is home.”
I reached under the table and held Dylan’s hand. A nagging entered my stomach. Why can’t I remember?
I wasn’t ready for this. I wasn’t ready. Why the hell don’t I remember them? I got up from the table, feeling like I failed them in some way. They raised me and it was obvious that they were wonderful people but it just made me feel guilty.
“Can you excuse me for a moment?” I squeezed Dylan’s hand and put my napkin on the table. I had to get out of there before they saw me cry. I rushed to the bathroom and closed the door. Staring in the mirror, I watched the tears roll out of my eyes. I took a deep breath in and lowered my head to the sink, splashing cold water on my face. I can do this. They are my parents. One day I will remember.
Someone knocked on the door. “Are you okay, baby?” Dylan sounded worried.
“I’m fine. I’ll be right out.” I took the towel from the wall and dried my face and tried to collect myself. I opened the door, and Dylan put his arm around me and kissed my forehead.
“It’s ganna be alright, baby.”
“I feel so stupid.”
He put his finger over my lips, “Shh. Stop putting yourself down.” He held me. I laid my head on his chest. “They understand, baby. Don’t worry.” He gave me a squeeze and took my hand walking me over to the table. I bit my lip.
“I am sorry.” I looked down at the floor and then back up at them. I don’t remember. I lied, I don’t even remember the pot roast.” Tears began to form in my eyes again and my mom gave me a hug.
“It’s okay sweetheart. We understand. It will take time. We understand.”
My dad put his hand on my back and I turned to hug him as well.
“I just want to remember.”
“You know what I bet would be the perfect idea for you? There is a fair in town.” My dad’s eyes lit up. “I bet Jessica would love for you to bring her. Maybe after dinner you, can go and have a little bit of fun.”
“You think it’ll be safe?” Bradley leaned in and whispered to Dylan.
“I think it will be good for her. It’ll be crowded. I don’t think he will do anything in a crowd. He would be risking his freedom.”
“Would you like that honey? Would you like to go to a fair?”
Jessica ran over to me and gave me a hug. I closed my eyes and let her love fill me.
When we entered the fairground the smell of fresh popcorn filled the air. The lights and the music and all of the colors and noises seemed to beckon us to play. I held Jessica’s hand and gave it a kiss as I watched my daughter’s eyes light up.
“I want to go on that.” Jessica pointed to the Ferris Wheel in the middle of the park. We handed the man the tickets and Jessica and I took our seats in the next empty car. As we ascended to the best view in the park, the gentle breeze blew through our hair and we laughed together, pointing down to the guys watching below. I couldn’t help thinking what would have become of me if I had woken up in that hospital bed alone. I wouldn’t be sitting here with my daughter.
“Do you remember them, Jess?”
“I remember Mr. Dylan mostly. He was my pretend daddy.”
I tilted my head trying to remember. “Your pretend daddy?”
“Yeah, and we made soup.”
I just grinned. “Do you like him, Jess?”
“I want him to be my real daddy.” I put my arm around my angel and kissed her forehead.
“Maybe someday, Jess. Maybe someday.”
We rode various rides throughout the carnival, laughing and enjoying the day together. All of a sudden, I stopped, a familiar sound filled my ears. I looked around. It was so familiar I was consumed with finding out where it was coming from.
The others followed as I made my way through the maze of rides in search of it, finally arriving at a carousel. I closed my eyes and was transported to being in Dylan’s arms as we danced the waltz. It was like the dream morphed. First it was the two of us, then all of a sudden I saw Jessica’s beautiful grin. “I want to dance like a princess.” Eyes closed, I could see Dylan pick Jessica up, her feet dangling as he danced with her.
I smiled. “I remember you dancing like a princess to this song,” I told Jessica.
As if we were all alone, not on a fairground with hundreds of people around, Dylan reached out his hand. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Richardson?”
I felt my cheeks become warm. “I can’t dance, Dylan. Look at all these people. Dance with Jess.”
“You can do it, Mommy.”
I took a deep breath in. Dylan took me in his arms and gently guided me in a waltz. Bradley bowed and asked Jess if she would like to dance with her Uncle Bradley.
“I don’t know how.” She looked up from under her long lashes.
“That’s okay. I have no idea what I’m doing either, but it looks like fun.” He picked her up.
“I feel like a princess.” She beamed from ear to ear.
“I do, too.” I gazed up at Dylan. Blushing from all of the attention we were getting. Soon other couples joined in and before long the grass was filled with people dancing to music.
“Look what you started young lady.”
“No Dylan, it was you. It is you my prince charming who has made all this possible. It is you who taught me how to dance.”
Before long, we made it to the games. “Have you ever shot a gun before, Jess?” Dylan asked when we stopped in front of a shooting game.
Obsession and Sacrifice (Alaska #2) Page 27
