Take On Me

by Stacy Claflin

  He squeezed her leg. “She’s family. Of course she can stay. And like you told Alex, we have a room ready. It’s the perfect solution—as long as it doesn’t drive a wedge between you and him.”

  “I think we both want the same thing, and that’s what’s best for Ayla. And if she’s hitting Alex, then being here might be it.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Do you want me to get you anything? Some coffee? Warm up the car?”

  Macy kissed his forehead. “I just want you to sleep. You have a busy day at work tomorrow.”

  “But I want to help.”

  “I’ll nap with Caden tomorrow. Get some sleep.” She scurried out of bed and into the bathroom before he could protest any more. By the time she came out, he was already snoring. “Told you so,” she teased.

  While she was driving over, Alex called her again.

  She put it on speaker. “I’m almost there. How is she now?”

  “No better. Well, she does start to calm down when she can’t see me, but the moment I come into view, she freaks out again.”

  “She hasn’t told Zoey why she’s acting like this?”

  “Nope. Not saying a thing.”

  “I’ll try. Give me about three minutes, then I’ll be there.”

  Alex opened the front door before Macy had a chance to knock. “Sorry again for blaming you.”

  She gave him a hug. “Don’t worry about it. It’s a stressful situation. I deal with kids melting down a lot, and even with all my training, it can get to me.”

  He led her to the apartment. Zoey sat on the hide-a-bed with Ayla, who clung to a doll.

  Macy gave her a sympathetic smile. “Hi, Ayla. Do you remember me?”

  She scooted back and kicked her feet but didn’t reply.

  “I enjoyed getting to know you in my office earlier.” Macy stepped slowly toward the bed. “I know you don’t remember, but we’ve talked a lot at family reunions. You’re a really kind and smart girl.”

  Ayla frowned then looked behind Macy. “Why’d you bring him?”

  Macy sat at the far edge of the bed. “He brought me. Uncle Alex called me, thinking you might want to talk to me, so I came over. Do you want to talk?”

  She shook her head.

  “Did you have a bad dream?”

  Ayla closed her eyes and scrunched her face.

  Zoey threw Macy an exasperated expression.

  Macy moved closer to Ayla. “You liked listening to the ringing bowls earlier. Do you want me to find some of that music? It might help you to relax, like before.”

  Ayla shook her head again, keeping her eyes closed.

  “You don’t like music?” Macy asked.

  The girl didn’t respond.

  “Maybe we could let Uncle Alex listen.” Macy pulled out her phone and found a soundtrack with the Tibetan bowls. The sounds immediately relaxed her, as she often used them when she was stressed. “You know what I like best about Uncle Alex?”

  Ayla opened one eye.

  Macy pushed the phone closer to her. “He’s so helpful. My brother has always been one to take care of others. Do you know that’s why he drove all the way over to Spokane to pick you up from the hospital? He didn’t have to, but he did. You know why?”

  Ayla opened her other eye, but said nothing.

  “Because he cares about you. You two have a special relationship. So special that you remembered him and knew he would take care of you. Am I right?”

  She frowned, but didn’t deny it.

  Macy scooted closer. “Why don’t you tell us what has you so upset? Did you remember something in a dream?”

  Ayla didn’t budge, didn’t even blink.

  “We all want to help you. That’s why I came over in the middle of the night. If you tell us about your dream, we can help. It might not seem like it, but we can.”

  She glanced back and forth between all three adults before shaking her head no.

  Zoey put her arm around Ayla. “Would you prefer to tell just one of us? Uncle Alex, maybe?”

  Ayla shook her head vehemently, whipping hair into her eyes.

  “Me? Or Aunt Macy?”

  Tears shone in her eyes. She blinked and they spilled onto her face.

  Macy scooted a little closer. “Why don’t you tell Uncle Alex? He’s the one you feel most comfortable with, right?” She waved her brother over.

  He took two steps before Ayla screamed at the top of her lungs.

  More

  Macy placed a plate of eggs in front of Ayla then gave Caden some in a little bowl before downing the rest of her coffee. She and Ayla had hardly gotten any sleep at all. Macy had sat with Ayla in the bedroom waiting for her to sleep but the girl would hardly close her eyes.

  She’d asked if Ayla was afraid to go back to sleep, but she wouldn’t respond. She’d tried various types of soothing music and telling her stories, but nothing had worked. Ayla had been determined not to sleep, but finally did—only about an hour before Caden woke.

  Hopefully, they would all have a long nap after lunch—if Macy could stay awake that long. She might have to see if her parents or in-laws could watch Caden. They all loved to, but it was a matter of scheduling. She couldn’t even remember if Lottie and Wayne were even in town. Those two traveled like their lives depended on it.

  Luke raced into the kitchen, kissed Macy, then poured himself some coffee in a to-go mug.

  “Do you want eggs?” Macy asked.

  Ayla ran from the room.

  Luke glanced after her. “Is she okay?”

  Macy poured herself some more coffee. “We’re all tired.”

  “Do you want me to see about staying home today?”

  She shook her head. “You have a lot going on at work. I’ll be fine. Here, have some breakfast.”

  He glanced at the time. “I should get going.”

  “You should eat.” Macy gave him a knowing look.

  Luke chuckled. “I know better than to argue with you.”

  The corners of her mouth twitched. “You do need the most important meal of the day, even if I pack it for you to eat there.”

  “I’ll have it here. Thanks, babe.” He kissed her cheek.

  She gave him a squeeze then headed into the living room to find Ayla. She sat on the couch, clinging to a blanket.

  “Your eggs are going to get cold.”

  Ayla shrugged.

  “Warm eggs taste so much better than cold. Come on.” Macy waved her over.

  She didn’t move.

  “Why don’t you want to eat? Aren’t you hungry?”

  Ayla looked away.

  Macy stepped closer. “You don’t have to talk about anything. Just eat. It’ll give you the energy you need. I promise.” She held out her hand.

  Ayla looked at it for a moment before taking it. Macy helped her up and into the kitchen. Ayla took one look at Luke then yelled.

  Caden’s eyes widened, then he burst into tears.

  Luke looked at her. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  Ayla screamed louder before bolting from the room.

  “Was it something I said?” he asked.

  Macy sighed in defeat before taking Caden from his high chair and snuggling him. Ayla was still hollering in the other room.

  Luke set his fork down. “I’d offer to help with her, but I have a feeling that wouldn’t go over very well.”

  Macy handed Caden to him before returning to Ayla. “You don’t like Uncle Luke?”

  She clutched the blanket so tightly, her knuckles turned white.

  “He’s really nice. Every kid I know likes him.”

  Ayla shook her head.

  “You should give him a chance.”

  She pulled the blanket over her head.

  Macy sighed. “I’ll be right back.”

  Ayla didn’t respond.

  In the kitchen, Luke handed Caden back to her. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay home?”

  “I’m sure. After everything she’s been through, it’s g
oing to take some time to work with her.”

  “What about Caden?”

  “I’ll have my parents or yours watch him if necessary.”

  “Mom and Wayne are in Haiti, helping with relief efforts, remember?”

  “Right.” Macy put Caden back in his high chair. “Well, my parents might, and if they can’t I’m sure Zoey will help out. It’ll work out one way or another.”

  He gave her a quick kiss. “Or you can call me.”

  They said goodbye, and Luke left. Macy watched Caden happily eating his eggs. She peeked into the living room, where Ayla was flipping through a photo album. At least she wasn’t having a meltdown.

  Macy split the last of the eggs between her and Caden, and she ate to her fill. She would need the sustenance, if the morning was any indication of how the rest of the day would go. After she cleaned up Caden, she set him down where his toys were then joined Ayla on the couch.

  They sat in silence for a little bit as Ayla continued flipping through the pages.

  “Do you recognize anyone?” Macy asked.

  Ayla pointed to a picture of Zoey.

  “Anyone else? Like someone you might remember from before?”

  She didn’t say anything as she flipped through more pages.

  Macy took a deep breath and tried to figure out the best way to approach Ayla. It was hard to know what might set her off, and she obviously wanted to avoid another meltdown if possible.

  Her phone rang. It was Alex.

  “Hi there,” Macy answered, careful not to say his name. She watched Ayla for any sign of remembering any of their relatives.

  “How is she?” Alex asked.

  “Hold on.” Macy went into the kitchen and whispered. “She hardly slept and then she had a meltdown during breakfast.”

  “What set her off?”

  “Luke startled her. I should’ve warned her he was here, but I didn’t think about that until it was too late.”

  “Did she tell you anything? A new memory, or what her nightmare was about?”

  Macy took a deep breath. “I’m still working on that.”

  “Mind if I stop by real quick?”

  “Are you going to deal with the outcome?”

  “You mean if she freaks out?”

  “Precisely.”

  “Yeah, of course. Now that she’s had some time to deal with whatever set her off, maybe she’s willing to let me near her again.”

  “Be my guest.”

  Ding-dong!

  Macy stared at the door. “Did you call me from my driveway?”

  “What do you think?”

  “What if I’d said you couldn’t come in?”

  He chuckled. “When have you known me to back down easily? Will you let me in?”

  Macy ended the call then opened the door. “Let me tell her you’re here. That way, she doesn’t respond like she did when Luke walked in and took her by surprise.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Macy motioned for him to stay by the door then hurried over to Ayla. “We have a visitor.” She smiled.

  Ayla didn’t.

  “Aren’t you curious to know who’s here to see you?”

  “Nope.” She turned back to the pictures.

  Maybe this was a bad idea. She forged on. “Uncle Alex is here. He wants to see how you’re doing this morning. Last night was rough, wasn’t it?”

  Nothing.

  “But today’s a new day, and Uncle Alex wants to know that you’re okay.”

  She still didn’t respond.

  “I’m going to invite him to come in here.”

  Ayla just flipped a page.

  “Come on in, Alex!”

  Alex meandered in. “Hi, Ayla.”

  She didn’t look up.

  “Zoey and I have been worried about you. Are you doing better today?”

  Ayla flipped another page, this time humming.

  “Ayla?” Alex stepped closer. “I’ve been taking care of you since I picked you up from the hospital. Do you remember that?”

  She hummed louder.

  He gave Macy a questioning look. She shrugged. Then he stepped closer. “I spoke with one of the police officers from Spokane. They think they’re closer to finding your parents.”

  Ayla looked up at him, her eyes wide and face pale.

  “Isn’t that exciting?” Alex asked.

  She screamed louder than before, threw off the blanket, then ran out of the room into the hall, still yelling.

  Alex frowned. “Sorry, I thought she might feel differently this morning. Apparently not.”

  “I’ll go talk with her. Can you lock the door on your way out?”

  “Yeah. Good luck.” He spun around and left.

  Ayla’s hollering continued.

  It was going to be one long day.

  Tired

  Nick finished off another coffee, not that it helped. He’d barely slept and wouldn’t be able to until he knew Parker was safe. He’d called everyone Parker knew and searched all of his typical hangout spots multiple times. Even with the force running the official search efforts, nobody had so much as a clue to his whereabouts. At least, nobody had said anything. He wasn’t convinced that one of his friends hadn’t heard something. If Parker had told them to stay quiet, they probably would.

  A text came in, and it took him reading it several times before he could make sense of it. News about one of the department’s cases. Nick pulled out a paper from a file and made a note of the update.

  Knock, knock.

  He glanced over and saw Alex, then he waved him in before returning the paper to the file.

  “I can’t believe you’re here today.”

  “Where else would I be?” Nick picked up his coffee mug. Empty. Right, he’d finished it off again.

  “Out there looking. Are there any new updates?”

  Nick shook his head and rose with his cup. “Nope. I was searching most of last night. Have to be here today—can’t earn a living if I don’t work.”

  Alex arched a brow. “You can’t take a single day off?”

  “Saving my days for the honeymoon.” He headed toward the coffee maker. Both he and Alex filled up on the liquid energy. “What about you? You don’t look like you got much more rest than I did.”

  “I think everything is hitting Ayla. She started acting out last night after a nightmare. Won’t say much and got violent with me. Macy ended up taking her for the night.”

  Nick sipped his drink. “Sorry to hear that. But there is a bit of good news. I’ve been getting updates from Spokane, and they’ve been getting more tips. More sightings of your cousin. She might legitimately be out of the woods.”

  Alex frowned. “I’m not sure I’m convinced. Why hasn’t she called anyone? Sought help? Tried to find Ayla?”

  Nick topped off his coffee. “Not sure, but they’re getting closer to answers.”

  “I hope so. I asked Ariana again if she had any ideas, but she doesn’t.”

  “Neither do my kids or any of Parker’s friends. The kid doesn’t want to be found, but he should know better, being my son. The whole town knows he’s missing and is looking for him.”

  Alex leaned against the wall. “When are you going to take it to social media? I have a post ready to go. All I have to do is hit publish.”

  “I appreciate that—especially with all you have going on.”

  “You know I have your back.”

  Nick started to say something but Officer Grant raced over, her eyes wide. “Captain! They’ve found Parker!”

  He nearly dropped his mug. “Where is he?”

  “At a teen shelter. A volunteer this morning recognized him.”

  “The one on Fifty-Third? I’m going over now!”

  Officer Grant shook her head. “No, it’s not in town. You might want to call Foster. I think it’s in her jurisdiction.”

  Nick exchanged a look with Alex. Would Genevieve pick him up? He rushed into his office, calling her number, which went to
voicemail. He paced his office, suddenly jittery from all the caffeine he’d consumed.

  Alex poked his head in. “Can I do anything?”

  “See what you can find out. I can’t concentrate enough to try and read any reports right now.”

  “I’m on it.” He closed the door.

  Nick’s mind raced. Relief flooded through him while he simultaneously wanted to shake the boy. He also wanted to know what Parker was thinking, going to a shelter. A hundred other questions raced through his mind.

  Alex returned. “Genevieve is at the shelter now. She’s going to bring him here.”

  Nick collapsed on the couch. “Thanks for checking. What was Parker doing all the way over there? Did he take a bus? Did he go there because he wanted to be found? He knows that’s where G works.”

  Alex sat next to him. “You’ll get your answers soon enough.”

  “But then what? Is he going to take off again?” Nick’s stomach tensed. “It’s been twice already since I gave him the news. I can’t keep dealing with this. My family can’t. The girls were worried out of their minds last night. I could hardly get Hanna to sleep and Ava was being pissy. They can’t deal with this on a regular basis. It definitely isn’t anything I can put Tinsley through.”

  “Make an emergency appointment with your family counselor. Get in today.”

  “You’re right! I need to call him now, before Parker gets here.”

  Alex stood. “If you need anything, let me know. I’m going to call Hoffman for an update on Robin.”

  “Let me know if you hear anything.” Nick pulled out his phone and called the therapist, who thankfully told Nick to come in as soon as he could, and they’d work out a time.

  Nick forced himself off the couch and over to his desk. His phone rang. It was Genevieve.

  “Did you get him?” Nick answered.

  “My partner and I just got him,” she said. “I wanted to let you know because I know how worried you’ve been.” The way she emphasized the last part made it clear she said that for Parker’s benefit.

  “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “You think I’d let anyone else do this? We should be there within the half hour.”

  “I’ll see you then.”