A New Journey (Second Chance #3)

by Christina Escue

  “Oh, I know what I want already.” Kiara said and picked up a different magazine from the pile on the bed. She sat at her desk and opened the magazine to a page that was folded in half. “This is the dress I want, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford it.” She said and turned the magazine so they could all see it.

  “Oh my gosh.” Callie said as her eyes grew wide.

  “It’s beautiful.” Rylee said in awe.

  “It’s perfect.” Karla said. “But why do you think you won’t be able to afford it?”

  “Look at the price.” Kiara said and her face lost a little of the light that was in it just moment before.

  “Wow.” Karla said as she noticed the price. “That isn’t unattainable though. I bet we could raise the money for it.”

  “I bet we could too.” Rylee agreed and a gleam came into her eyes. “I have an idea.”

  ****

  As the girls discussed ways to raise money for Kiara’s dress and Manuel talked to Rosa, Jake, Conner and Daniel were talking about the wedding too.

  “I can’t marry her without her grandmother’s blessing.” Jake insisted for about the fifteenth time.

  “I understand that.” Conner replied, “But my girl sent me to talk to you so here I am.”

  “Man you are so whipped.” Daniel teased him, but in reality he wished he had someone to boss him around.

  “I may be whipped, but I’m also loved and that means more than anything. Jake, man, Kiara loves you. You need to go talk to Manuel and maybe he can reason with Rosa.”

  “I will talk to Manuel, but unless we get Mrs. Malendez’s blessing there won’t be a wedding.” Jake said firmly. “Conner, if it were you and Karla, which it will be someday, would you be able to marry her if Dr. and Mrs. Peterson were against it?”

  “Okay, I see your point. No, I wouldn’t.” Conner answered and then thought about it for a minute. “But, if they wanted Karla happy they wouldn’t stand in the way of that happiness. No matter where it came from.”

  Jake looked at Conner and shook his head. “This isn’t the same thing, but I get what you’re saying. I just hope they see it that way.”

  “Me too, man. I don’t know what I would do if someone tried to stand in the way of Karla’s happiness.”

  “You two are saps.” Daniel said with a laugh. “Con, you’re sixteen and talking about your future with Karla. How can you be sure you’ll be with Karla next year, much less years in the future?”

  “Daniel, you’ve seen the movies and read the books that depict a love to end all loves, a love that makes time stand still right?” Conner asked and when Daniel nodded he continued. “That’s the kind of love I have for Karla. I have made some really stupid decisions and some really idiotic mistakes, but in the end Karla is the one everything comes back to. She is my everything and I would do anything and everything to make sure she stays safe and happy.”

  “I feel the same way about Kiara.” Jake told them. “But I cannot go against the wishes of her grandmother. If it were just Manuel then it’d be different, but I just can’t go against the woman who raised her. As much as I love Kiara, I won’t disrespect her family and if we go through with the wedding without her grandmother’s consent I’m afraid she’ll resent me for it later. I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.”

  Before anyone could say anything else there was a knock on Jake’s bedroom door. When he opened it he was surprised to see who was there. “May I came in?” Manuel asked and Jake stepped to the side to allow him to enter.

  “Manuel,” Conner greeted him with a smile. He knew why Manuel was here, but he refused to give anything away.

  “Conner,” Manuel replied. “I’m surprised you aren’t with my sister.” He added with a grin.

  “I’m just hanging out with the guys while they do their girl stuff.”

  Manuel laughed and turned to face Jake. “May I speak with you a moment?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Jake said and nodded to Daniel and Conner.

  “They can stay. This will only take a moment.” Manuel said and Conner sat back down on the table he’d been sitting on.

  “Jake, I came here to tell you that you and Kiara have my blessing to get married. I have talked with Abuela and she has given her blessing as well. I am going to tell you that I still think you’re both too young, but I will not let my stubbornness stand in the way of Kiara’s happiness.”

  “May I ask what made you change your mind?”

  “My other sister can be very persuasive when she wants her way.” Manuel said with a chuckle. Then he turned al looked at Conner. “You’re going to have your hands full with that one.” He said with a grin.

  “I already do.” Conner grinned back. “But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

  “Manuel, can I ask you something?” Jake asked tentatively.

  “Yes,” Manuel answered.

  “Conner and Daniel have agreed to stand with me at the wedding, but I need a third. Would you want to fill that position? I know Kiara is going to ask Andrew to walk her down the aisle.”

  “I will stand with you.” Manuel answered with a grin. “I hope we can one day be friends.” Manuel added.

  “I hope we can be brothers.” Jake responded and held out his hand. When Manuel shook Jake’s hand Conner grinned.

  “Now,” Conner said with a pointed look at Manuel. “What’s this I hear about a steamy kiss you shared with my sister?” He asked and all four of them burst out laughing.

  Chapter Four

  “Andrew,” Elliot said from behind him. When Andrew turned around he saw Malinda and Madison standing beside Elliot.

  “What do you need, Elliot?” He asked with a smile. The boy rarely asked for anything.

  “Could you possibly take us to the movies?” Elliot asked tentatively.

  “Sure,” Andrew answered and stood from his place at the bar. “Just let me grab my keys.”

  Elliot grinned and led Mallie and Maddie out the garage door. They were standing beside the SUV when Andrew stepped out the door. He noticed Mallie and Elliot holding hands and he smiled. “You guys ready?”

  “Yep,” Maddie answered with a smile. “We’re meeting a few more friends there and we’re all going to watch a movie together.”

  “That sounds like fun. Which friends are you meeting?” Andrew asked cautiously. He didn’t want Elliot to think he was questioning him or that he didn’t trust him.

  “Jason, Dana and Nathan are meeting us there.” Maddie answered and Mallie giggled.

  “Maddie likes Nathan.” Mallie said and giggled again.

  Andrew grinned and watched them in the rearview mirror. Elliot had been with them for just a little over a year now and even though he still had his bad days, he seemed to be adjusting well. “Are the six of you going to hang out at the mall after the movie or do you need Leslie to pick you up in a couple of hours?”

  “We’re going to hang out for a while. I’ll call Leslie when we’re ready to leave.” Elliot answered.

  Andrew nodded as he stopped in front of the mall entrance. “Elliot,” he said as the girls were getting out. “Do you need some money?” When Elliot looked at the ground Andrew shook his head. “Never be afraid to ask for what you need. Here.” Andrew handed him three twenty dollar bills and Elliot looked at him in surprise. “Buy Malinda some popcorn.”

  “I have enough for my movie ticket.” Elliot said, not wanting Andrew to think he didn’t have any money.

  “Okay, but this gives you some cash in case you want to get something later. Elliot, look at me.” When Elliot looked up Andrew continued. “You are my son now and as my son you can have whatever you need. Do you understand that?”

  “Yes, sir.” Elliot said with a small smile.

  “Now go have fun with your friends.” Andrew told him with a wink. “Call Leslie when you’re ready to leave. My shift starts in about an hour so I won’t be home.”

  “Thank you, Andrew.” Elliot said with a grin before he joined h
is friends on the sidewalk.

  When Andrew pulled away he looked back in his mirror and saw Elliot holding Malinda’s hand again and he grinned.

  ****

  “Karla, isn’t that Elliot?” Kiara asked with a nod toward the theater.

  Karla looked up and saw her younger brother standing with a group of his friends outside the theater. “Yeah, that’s Elliot. He’s with Malinda, Madison, Jason, Nathan and Dana. Andrew sent me a text and told me they were here. I don’t want to bother him and his friends though.”

  “Let’s go this way.” Rylee pointed to the left. “The dress shop we were wanting to go to is down here anyway.”

  “Lead the way.” Kiara said with a grin and they all headed down the hall behind Rylee.

  Once they were in the shop they spread out and started looking at dresses. About ten minutes after entering the shop Karla spotted the perfect dress. It was a sleeveless satin dress in a soft yellow color with dark blue trim.

  “Hey, come here everyone.” She called out to her friends, “I think I found it.”

  When they all joined her Kiara grinned. “I love it,” she said and looked at Callie and Rylee. “What do you two think?”

  “It’s beautiful.” Callie answered with a grin as she reached out and stroked her hand down the material.

  “I think it’s perfect.” Rylee said just as Karla’s cell phone rang.

  “It’s Mom.” She told the girls after she looked at the screen.

  “Karla,” Leslie said in a panicked voice as soon as Karla answered.

  “Mom, what’s wrong?”

  “Are you still at the mall?”

  “I am.” Karla answered, worry over what happened lacing her voice.

  “Can you get to the theater quick? Something happened to Elliot, but I don’t know what. He called and was saying something about an explosion and that someone was hurt, but I couldn’t make out what he said. I’ll be there in a few minutes, but I thought if you were close you could get to him quicker than me.”

  Before Leslie finished what she was saying Karla was already running out of the store and toward the theater. Her friends were right behind her. “On my way there now. I’ll call you back when I know what happened.”

  “Be careful, Karla.”

  “I always am, Mom.”

  She hung up the phone just as she rounded the corner. She stopped abruptly when she saw the scene before her. Elliot was sitting on the floor cradling his left arm and Malinda was sitting beside him with blood running down her face from a cut on her forehead.

  “Oh, crap.” Rylee whispered beside her. “It looks like a bomb went off here.”

  Karla tore her gaze from her brother and looked around at the destruction surrounding him. “Yeah it does. I need to get to him.”

  As she approached two mall security officers stepped in front of her. “I’m sorry, miss, but you can’t go this way.” One of them said.

  “My little brother is over there and I am going to him.” Karla said and tried to push past the man.

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her back in front of him. “You can’t go over there. There’s been an explosion and I can’t let you past this barrier.”

  “Fine,” Karla said and jerked her arm out of the man’s grasp. “If that’s how you want to play this then go ahead. Rylee, will you call Leslie and let her know what’s going on please? I’m going to call John and get this straightened out. I need to be with Elliot, and make sure all of his friends are okay.”

  “There’s no need to call me, Karla. I’m already here.” Captain John McGraw said from behind her. She turned and threw her arms around him.

  “I need to get to Elliot.” She told him when she released him. “I need to find his friends too.” She added.

  “Let her and her friends through.” John ordered the security officer.

  “I can’t do that, sir.” The man said as he stepped in front of John.

  “Sir, I am Captain John McGraw, Metro/Davidson County PD and you will let me and these girls pass.” John said and tapped the badge on his belt. “If you don’t I’ll have you arrested for obstruction of justice.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t realize who you were. You may all pass.” He said and stepped aside.

  “Thank you, John. I’m going to check on my brother now.” Karla said and ran to where Elliot was sitting.

  “Karla!” He said when he looked up and saw her. “We can’t find Maddie.”

  Chapter Five

  Elliot was so relieved when he looked up and saw Karla standing there that tears filled his eyes. “What happened?” She asked.

  “We were waiting in line for snacks and drinks, but Maddie had to use the bathroom so she went while we held our place in line. When we got to the counter, before we could order, there was an explosion from somewhere down the hall. Elliot pushed me down, but something hit my head and his arm got pinned under a popcorn machine. They won’t let us go toward the bathrooms to find Maddie.” Malinda told her while tears flowed freely down her face.

  “I’ll go find her.” Kiara said from behind Karla and she started in the direction of the bathrooms.

  “Hold it right there, young lady.” A mall security officer said from behind her.

  Kiara stopped and turned to face him. “Are we really going to do this again?” She asked with a note of sarcasm in her voice.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I can’t let you down that hall. Only emergency personal is allowed down there.”

  “My friend was in the bathroom when the explosion happened and I haven’t seen her since. If I can’t go look for her then you get your butt down there and find her because one way or another, I am going to know if she’s alright.” Kiara said in an irritated tone.

  “I’ll go check on her.” Trent said from behind Kiara. “What’s her name?”

  “Madison Carpenter.” Kiara answered him. “She’s Elliot’s friend and they were here together.”

  “Is Karla here?” Trent asked and Kiara pointed to where Karla was sitting on the floor with Elliot and Malinda. “Okay, can you go wait with them? I’ll find her, Kiara. Tell Elliot not to worry.”

  “Like that’ll happen.” Kiara said as Trent walked down the hall towards the restrooms.

  ****

  “Madison?!” Trent yelled out as he approached the restrooms. “Madison Carpenter?!” He stopped moving when he heard a noise that sounded like crying coming from the other side of the ladies restroom door. “Madison?!” He yelled again and strained to listen.

  “Help me! Can someone please help me?!” He heard a small voice say from the other side of the door.

  “Madison? Is that you?” He asked loudly.

  “Yes, my name is Madison and I’m trapped in here.”

  “Okay, Madison. My name is Detective Trent Greeves and I will help you. Can you see the door?”

  “Yes, but part of the ceiling collapsed and is blocking it.”

  “Okay. Are you hurt?” Trent asked, she sounded okay, but that didn’t mean anything.

  “I think my leg is broken.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. You hang tight and we’ll have you out in no time.”

  “Please hurry. I need to find my sister and friends.” She said and he could hear the tears in her voice.

  “Your sister and friends sent me to find you. They’re a little banged up, but they’re okay.” Trent told her as he pulled out his cell phone.

  “Thank God.” He heard her say in a relieved voice as John answered.

  “McGraw.” John said in his usual gruff voice.

  “John, I have a little girl, approximately thirteen years old, trapped in the ladies restroom. The door is blocked and she thinks her leg may be broken, but other than that she sounds like she’s alright. Can you send a crew back here to get her out?”

  “Sure can. They’ll be there in a minute. Her name isn’t Madison Carpenter by chance is it?”

  “Yes it is, why?” Trent asked, although he
had a pretty good idea already.

  “Karla is out here giving the rescue squad hell because they aren’t looking for Madison.”

  “That’s our Karla.” Trent said with a chuckle.

  “Yes it is. A crew is on the way as we speak and should be there in just a few minutes.”

  “Thanks, John.” Trent said and hung up the phone. “Madison?” He called out to her again.

  “I’m here.” She answered back.

  “A rescue crew is coming to get you out. Are you doing alright?”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m great. Just hanging out here on the bathroom floor.” Madison said in a sarcastic voice.

  Trent chuckled and looked over just as the rescue crew stopped beside him. “She’s hanging in there.” He told the leader of the crew. “Madison, the rescue crew is here. I’m gonna stay here until you’re free though.”

  “Ummm… Detective Greeves, I’m not alone in here, but I think the lady with me is dead. Part of the ceiling hit her in the head.”

  “Okay, Madison, we’ll get her too.” Trent told her and nodded to the rescue team to start cutting through the wooden door.

  Five minutes later Trent followed the rescue crew into the bathroom and saw Maddie sitting on the floor beside a shattered toilet. Her blonde hair was streaked with dirt and had pieces of ceiling tile and insulation in it and her face was covered in dust from the collapsed ceiling, but she looked alright.

  “Hey, Madison.” Trent said as he kneeled down beside her. “You have some people really worried about you.”

  “I was here with my sister and our friends Elliot, Jason, Dana and Nathan; are they all okay?”

  Trent nodded as the paramedics came through the opening in the door and started checking Madison for injuries. Once they had her leg stabilized they loaded her on a board and lifted her off the floor. “Detective Greeves?” She asked before they slid her through the opening to the paramedics on the other side. “Thank you for finding me.”

  “You’re very welcome, sweetheart.” He said with a smile and followed behind the group as they took her to the stretcher waiting at the end of the hall.