by Angel Rose
I glanced over at the empty hallway. No life in this house either. No children. The silence unforgiving. A new home to be tortured in. A new home where the darkness overshadowed the light. Living with a man so evil like Andrew meant I wouldn’t leave this house alive. How did I get there? There…without my children. Alone, without Stone. I felt sick.
I managed to walk down the stairs without feeling light-headed. The stillness in the house sickened my soul. As I walked towards the living room, I glanced out of the window and watched the sun. The only noise I heard was two birds chirping outside, playing in a small mud puddle that was forming by the garden hose.
The sunlight peeked through the venetian blinds. The wind blew in the early morning hours. I was having one nightmare after the next. I missed the kids. I had a dream Andrew killed them. I noticed my hair was plastered against my forehead. I was drenched in sweat. I got up quickly and walked towards the bathroom. I stopped when I heard Jackson’s voice. I sat at the top of the steps and tried to listen to the conversation carefully.
“I think you’re right Jackson. I have no need for Madison anymore. I thought I loved her, but it’s a battle that’s not worth fighting anymore.”
“I told you to stop wasting your time on that hillbilly trailer trash. Isn’t Alessandra just perfect? She’s beautiful, smart, educated, and she’s willing to have kids…and you don’t have to rape her to get fucked.” He cackled so loudly it ripped through my ears like a blow horn.
“I don’t have to rape anyone to get fucked, you asshole,” Andrew replied angrily.
“Well, get rid of her, Andrew. She’s a thorn in your ass. You don’t need her anymore. Whatever childish bullshit you were going through, it’s over,” Jackson said.
The hairs in the back of my neck stood up. I got up slowly from the top step and walked over to the bathroom. I didn’t want to hear another word. It was very clear they were planning to kill me and now I had no one to turn to. I was completely alone.
I looked in the mirror as I was ready to brush my teeth and started to gag. Then I ran to the toilet and threw up. My entire body was shaking. I was never so scared in my life. I was all alone. Completely alone and terrified. As I finished puking my brains out, I wiped my mouth with my hand and sat on the floor. Suddenly, a bang on the door made me jump up from the floor and lean against the door.
“Who is it?” I asked anxiously.
“It’s me. Jackson.” My heart hammered against my chest.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“I’m leaving. Andrew is going to take Alessandra to Ocean City tomorrow. He’s leaving you with me. I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon around one.”
I gasped for air. My hands trembled as I reached for the towel to wipe the sweat off of my brow.
“Did you hear me?” He banged on the door ferociously.
“Yes…yes. I heard you,” I whispered.
“Good. Pack some clothes. I don’t know how long I’ll have to babysit your ass.” He gave the door one last bang, then walked away. I stood with my back against the door, then started pacing back and forth across the bathroom.
“I have to get out of here,” I whispered to myself. “Tonight. Now.”
I opened the bathroom door and walked to the bedroom and locked the door. I put on my sweatpants and as I placed the t-shirt over my head, I heard a knock on the door.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Andrew.” I felt nauseous.
“Hold on,” I shouted.
I cracked the door open slowly.
“Yes.”
“Open the door, Madison.” He pushed the door all the way open. “I don’t know if Jackson told you but I’m driving to Ocean City tomorrow with Alessandra.”
“Yes…he did.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“I know you don’t care.”
“Andrew please…I know what you think about me. But you’re wrong.”
“Then prove it…You’re already my wife. I want to have children, Madison. Our children.” His voice sounded sincere.
“Don’t you understand? I never meant to hurt you. I loved you at one point, but you knew all along I killed your brother and you made me believe otherwise. You built this relationship based on a lie. No matter what I say or do, I will always be wrong. So, there is nothing left to say. I love Stone. I love Daniel and Alyssa. I can never be with you as husband and wife. I don’t love you. I don’t love anyone but Stone.” The fear of being smacked into next Tuesday made me take two steps back towards the window. I was expecting him to blow his stack, but he didn’t.
“You’re not my problem anymore, Madison. I’m filing for divorce. Jackson will help you find a place to live.”
“He’s going to kill me and you know it.”
“Well, if he is. He’d better do it fast.” He turned around and walked away.
“Why don’t you do it now?” I demanded. Andrew stopped and turned around to face me.
“What?” he asked stunned.
“Why don’t you just kill me now?” I asked sternly.
“I don’t get my hands dirty, Madison. Besides, you’re not worth it. You’re not worth the two years I’ve spent with you. You’re not worth anything at all. You’re worthless like your junkie, whore of a mother. You belong with that hillbilly. You and your twisted, incest love for one another. You’re sick, you know, that right?”
“Yes…I am and I don’t give a shit.”
“Good bye, Madison.” He turned around and walked towards the staircase. “Oh…and don’t think of trying to leave here. Everyone who works for Jackson has been ordered to shoot to kill if they see you on the run. You know what that means, don’t you, Madison?” He smiled and continued to walk down the stairs.
I stood frozen for a moment. Remembering the day Andrew shot me with no remorse. I thought I had died, but Stone reassured me I was very much alive. I needed to get to him. I needed to get to Montgomery, New York to find him. I could only do one thing. Leave…and leave now.
The moonlight shone brightly through the swaying trees. The wind was blowing into the night and I knew the sound of the trees rustling in the wind would conceal the sounds of my footsteps in the house. It was three a.m. and everyone was asleep. I needed to leave before daylight. Jackson was coming for me. I didn’t pack a bag. I only grabbed a bottle of water and the envelope with the birth certificates and the letter to Stone from my mother. I had kept the envelope hidden underneath my bed.
I opened the door and tip-toed through the hallway and down the steps, then walked to the basement door. All was quiet. I opened the door, flipped on the light, and looked for the basement window. I saw the small window towards the back and turned off the light.
Trying to remember the path, I walked slowly, my arms extended in front of me in case I bumped into something. The moonlight lit the way for me to open the window. I climbed on a plastic crate and pushed my body through. The smell of fresh air hit my nose. Freedom was waiting for me and soon Stone would see me, hear my voice, and kiss my lips. I ran as fast as I could into the back yard. I ran behind the trees and stood perusing the area before continuing to run at lightning speed. I turned around again placing my hands on my knees trying to draw in a deep breath. No one. I kept running into the morning hours. My legs taking me into a direction of complete freedom. I ran and ran until I couldn’t run anymore. I heard the sound of cars…the highway. I saw a gas station, and I ran across the four lanes of traffic, dodging cars and trucks. I ran into a twenty-four-hour gas station, out of breath, sweat dripping from my temples.
“Can I help you miss?” The attendant stared at me suspiciously.
“Bus station. Where is the nearest bus station?” I asked with what felt like my last breath.
“About two blocks down. Make a left and you’ll see the bus station near a Dunkin Donuts. Where are you going?” He glanced at my chest as it was heaving in and out.
“It doesn’t matter. Thank you,” I said breathless.
I walk
ed out of the gas station and took a left. I started to run again. I ran as fast as I could. As if I were being chased by Andrew and Jackson. Then I stopped abruptly. I felt dizzy. I needed to catch my breath. My heart was racing a mile a minute. I glanced up towards the block and saw Dunkin Donuts. I smiled, turned around to look behind me, then turned around again and started to run.
I made it to the bus station and ran up to the window.
“I need to go to Montgomery, New York,” I said.
“Next bus closest to Montgomery leaves at 6:10 this morning.”
“How much?”
“Fifty- two dollars.” I rustled with the money in my pocket and threw it on the counter. I counted all of it. I was two dollars short.
“I’m two dollars short,” I whispered. The attendant looked at me suspiciously. “Please, I need to get to my little brother and sister. They’re in trouble.” I pleaded. The attendant took a deep breath and sighed.
“Here.” He gave me the ticket without hesitation. “Go around the back. The bus will leave from back there.”
I grabbed the ticket and began to cry as I walked around the back of the bus depot. I sat with some homeless people that were looking for shelter during this windy morning. The wind blew hard as the sun came up, throwing the loose papers scattered about the depot up into the air. My eyes were closing as I waited for the bus to arrive.
Finally, the bus pulled up in front of me. The freedom bus. The bus that was going to take me to the man I loved. That I had longed for. The bus doors opened and I walk up the tiny steps. I glanced over at the bus driver and smiled. I walked all the way to the back where the sun wasn’t shining as the tears of Joy trickled down my face.
The rest of the passengers boarded the bus as the bright blue sunrise turned into a dark grey massive cloud of rain. The rain tapped ferociously against the window, sending shivers down my spine. The ending to a horror story I had lived for the last two years. As the doors were about to close, they re-opened again.
“Can I help you, sir?” the driver asked
“I am Special agent, Jackson.” I heard the last voice I wanted to hear bark out.
“Did you see this woman?” he asked.
“No sir, just a bunch of men boarded this bus.” The bus driver answered.
“Are you sure?” Jackson asked again.
“I’m positive. They’re just a bunch of derelicts trying to get to New York.” He chuckled. The rain pounded the windows this time, making me choke on my tears as I slid down to the floor in front of my seat.
Much to my relief, I felt the bus moving. I sat on the dirty floor, curled into a ball, until I heard the bus driver announce we had arrived in New York. I glanced out into the aisle looking to see if it was safe to sit up. No one was on the bus except for me and the driver. I walked to the front of the bus.
“Thank you,” I said.
“He looked like a mean man. I wasn’t about to give you up,” he said with a smile.
I walked back down the aisle to my seat and sat there on the floor until we reached our destination. I didn’t want Jackson to see me…not a hair on my head. I feared for my life. I feared that if I didn’t make it to Montgomery, New York, this would be the end of the road for me.
“Last stop sweetie, Montgomery, New York,” he called.
I stood up, grabbed my bottle of water, and checked the envelope I had shoved in my pocket. I walked down the tiny steps off of the bus. The sun was out in New York. I wanted to bend down and kiss the ground, but I didn’t. I needed to find Stone, and I didn’t know where to begin.
Chapter 9
Stone
Joanna walked in. I opened one eye as the kids continued to sleep.
“Let’s go,” She whispered, grabbing Alyssa from my arms. Alyssa woke up screaming. Joanna quickly handed her back to me. Daniel woke up and started to cry, too.
“Daddy!” Alyssa screamed.
“I’m here baby, I’m right here,” I said, trying to comfort her.
“Daddy, momma,” she whimpered, placing her fingers back into her mouth. Joanna stared at me anxiously. I could tell she didn’t have any kids. She was at a loss.
“Let’s go. We can go to my house. My sister has everything set,” she said smiling. I held Daniel and Alyssa and as we walked out of the room, Kevin was walking at a rapid pace towards us.
“Kevin, what is it?” Joanna asked.
“My office…Now,” he demanded.
We turned around and walked back to his office.
“I just got a call from Jackson. He said Madison disappeared. He thinks she might be here…looking for you.” He glanced over at me. My heart was beating out of control. I placed the kids on the couch.
“We have to find her before they find her,” I demanded.
“Look, this shit is getting ridiculous. I’m a doctor. I’m putting my b…” Kevin shouted.
“I know. You’re putting your ass on the line to help four worthless, trailer trash orphans who don’t deserve your help. I get it,” I yelled.
“That’s not what he means…” Joanna interjected.
“What do you mean, then?” I asked, staring at Kevin.
“Stone…this is a very dangerous situation your sister is in right now. Kevin’s been threatened. I’ve been threatened. What do you want us to do?” Joanna asked.
“You offered to help…didn’t you?” I asked angrily.
“For the kids Stone…the kids. You need help.” Joanna pleaded.
“Goddamit! Do you actually think I give a fuck about a hit? They’re the only ones I give a fuck about,” I barked pointing at the kids on the couch.
“The withdrawals are going to hit you. They are,” she stressed.
“Please, you don’t understand. Maddie needs me. She’s alone out here. If they find her, they’re going to kill her. Please…” I begged. “Please…help me find her before they do.” I placed my hands over my face. I couldn’t help but cry. My heart was broken in a million pieces knowing that Maddie was out there, alone and scared. She never had anyone to protect her, just me.
“Let’s get these babies to my house and then you can search for her. I’ll stay with the kids,” Joanna said reassuringly.
“I’m not getting mixed up in this shit, Joanna. I’ll lose my license. I’m sorry,” Kevin said.
“I understand Kevin. But, I’m not going to let those kids suffer,” Joanna said as she grabbed Alyssa and kissed her forehead. “Let’s go Stone…now.” She glanced over at Kevin and walked out of his office. Kevin stood there staring at us. I turned around.
“Thanks man, I’m sorry.” I extended my hand to him.
“You will be…if something happens to Joanna.” He turned around and walked away from me. I shook my head and kept walking, holding on to Daniel. We walked towards the elevator as the doors opened. I thought about Maddie on the way down to the lobby. I knew as soon as I left this hospital my battle with my addiction would begin. My battle to save Maddie would never end.
We drove to Joanna’s house. My eyes were pinned on every pedestrian on the street, especially the ones that looked like Maddie. As I sat in the back seat with them, Alyssa and Daniel held me close. Alyssa sucked on her fingers and played with my hair. Daniel held my hand as he looked out of the window.
“Can we pass by the bus depot?”
“Stone…the kids are in the car. We can’t risk something happening to them.”
“You’re right. I just thought I saw someone who looked like Maddie,” I said, staring out of the window.
“I know…everyone is going to look like Maddie, Stone. Don’t worry, we’re going to find her,” she said softly.
We drove up to Joanna’s house over a long, tarred driveway. The house was white with black shutters. A small house, not very fancy, but homely. She opened the back door, and I carried the kids inside the house.
“Sorry it’s a mess. I was in the middle of cleaning out the attic.” Joanna said.
“Hey sis.” A woman dresse
d casually in sweats and a t-shirt said to Joanna.
“Hey Jenna, this is Stone…and these two are Alyssa and Daniel.”
“Hi Stone and look at these two cuties. Hi. I’m Jenna, want to see your room?” she asked happily. Alyssa and Daniel just stared at her.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I said as I knelt down in front of them.
“No daddy. You’re leaving…again” Daniel had tears in his eyes.
“No champ. That’s not true. Daddy’s never leaving you again,” I said.
“I’m scared, daddy. The bad man is coming. Right daddy? Right?”
“What bad man?”
“Andrew daddy…Andrew.” The heat in my face made my blood boil.
“He’s never coming here, Daniel. Never. I promise.”
“He has a mommy. He’s mean to her daddy. He’s mean. I don’t like him.” Daniel shook his head and began to cry. I grabbed him and brought him close to my chest.
“No one’s ever going to hurt momma again,” I whispered. “Not even me.”
“Come on, let’s go check out your room.” I grabbed their hands and followed Jenna to the room.
“Surprise!” Jenna shouted.
“Wow!” Daniel yelled.
“Dolls!” Alyssa shouted.
“You see! Now you can play.” Alyssa and Daniel ran to play with the toys in the room. Jenna sat and played with them. I snuck out of the room and walked down the hall to Joanna.
“I’m leaving. Is that okay?” I asked.
“Be careful…please,” she said nervously.
“I will.” I gave her a hug. A deep hug. A hug that meant I wasn’t coming back without Maddie. “Thank you.”
“Here…take my car.” The tears streamed down her cheeks. “I don’t want Madison to be scared,” she whispered as she handed me the keys.
