Chapter 39: Phone Call

Riley’s POV

Today Luke and I decided to go shopping for shoes. We went into the Nike store and bought two pairs. Sounds simple? Hell no, Luke found the shoe he wanted but decided to try on 20 more just in case he liked something else. From a 20 minute trip we ended up leaving after an hour and a half.

We bought a fruit juice before returning home, only problem is Luke decided to park on the other end of the mall. I was so lazy to walk if only I had a trolley I’d make him push me- okay never mind that idea is terrible he’d end up racing and I’ll break my neck.

We were talking about our dream vacation spot before my phone starting ringing.

“Found you.” I cut the call the same time

I had a cold shiver run down my spine. I had no time to react; to say I was scared shitless was an understatement. Luke looked at me with concern all I did was shake my head, that’s all it took. He said something into the earpiece I didn’t even know he was wearing one until now. I think he alerted Wade; I turned to my right and saw each security guard at each store turned towards me and was looking around.

“Don’t worry they work for Wade they’re extra protection.” I just nodded, I was full on panic. If Fred is here he’s definitely watching me

I couldn’t recognise Luke his whole goofy demeanour was no where in sight. His jaw was clenched and had an angry expression plastered on his face. He grabbed my hand and ran to the nearest exit we jumped into a security guards car, I insisted on driving.

Staying here for a few months allowed me to learn the fastest route to the house. Once we were two roads away I slowed the car, I came to a halt at the stop street. I glanced over and saw Luke vigorously typing away on his phone.

My window was wide open, I didn’t realise until I felt something cold on my neck. It was a gun but no one was anywhere near the stop street, now how all of a sudden I’m in this situation.

“Give me your values!” He demanded

I looked at Luke through the corner of my eye. We burst out laughing, that guy quickly retreated and ran away. As he was running down the street I screamed: “Its valuables not values.” I ended with a snort

Poor guy he ran away in embarrassment. Bottom line is- MOST EPIC ROBBERY FAIL EVER!

I drove home laughing but everyone else didn’t find anything amusing about what just happened. Instead we got lectures but on the bright side we’re safe! Everyone was in the basement drawing up plans for our next move. I had Emily with me we were in her room; I was making a French braid for her while she played with her dolls. Wade had to leave for some important work. I wonder what it was that he didn’t even tell he was leaving.  He’d be back after 3 days…

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Wades POV

I didn’t want to leave without telling Riley what I was busy doing. But I don’t know how she would react; I took a risk by leaving her there. But she’s with my family she’ll be more than safe. I was on a flight back to Durban it takes 20+ hours to get there.

Tired was an understatement but I was determined to do what I planned. I have to at least try.

I reached my destination before lunch time; I can see two cars parked out front. Jumping out I grabbed a folder and proceeded towards the door.

“Hi I’m Wade I contacted you a few days ago.” I greeted

“Please come in I’m Tina. She’s sitting in the lounge.” The lady greeted and ushered towards her left

I walked into the lounge and saw a lady lounging on the sofa. She noticed me and sat up.

“Hi I’m Wade, Riley’s boyfriend.” I smile. I just hope she’s friendly

“Hello… I’m Diane.” Riley’s mom was hesitant but greeted

“I needed to speak to you about something. I’m not here to anger you or anything, just listen to what I have to say.” I clung onto my file and phone. She glanced at it but didn’t say anything

“Is Riley pregnant?” She asks bluntly. Tina’s eyes widened. I asked Diane’s cousin to be present while I spoke

“No.” I chuckled. “We have been dating for a couple months; we don’t plan on having kids anytime soon…” I noticed she sighed in relief

“Then what’s wrong? I haven’t seen her since last year.” I noticed the pain that was surfacing in her eyes

“Riley has been living with my family. I’ll explain the reason just now, she’s safe so don’t worry.”

“I-I want to see her, she’s my child. But I know I haven’t been the best mother…” I was hesitant but I showed her a picture of Riley laughing amongst the bubbles. Diane wore a sad yet happy smile.

I think by her staying with her cousin she’s had time to think about things. And without having Fred to poison her mind she could have time to herself

“I need to speak to you about your… husband.” I looked up at her and saw her whole demeanour changed

“He hasn’t spoken to me in a month. If you are here to accuse him of something you should rather leave now.” She says calmly with a sharpness to her tone

“I just need to know a couple of things; it’s about your daughter’s safety. I have proof to support all of which I’m going to tell you about.” Both ladies were confused

“That time you sent Riley to Fred’s parent house things didn’t go smoothly at all. She asked me to go with her because she was afraid something may go wrong.”

“She needed to spend time with her-”

“Diane let the boy speak.” Tina cuts her off

“When we were there she was treated like dirt… despite what was happening she cooperated with all of their demands. Blade was with his friends when he hit her with a ball. She was hospitalised and only Freddy was there to help. When we had to leave Blade tripped her by the door and a sharp metal by the door dug into her flesh. She has a scar on her thigh to prove it. Since that day she’s been living with me.”

“It was just an accide-”

“How can it be an accident Diane? I’ve told you from how long something isn’t right with that family!” Tina shouted. Diane sunk into her seat

“We went on a cruise shortly after I asked her out, somehow during the party some guys got onto the ship and kidnapped her. She was taken to Mathew resort where Fred held her captive and wanted to use her for his own benefit.” Diane was in shock she needed some time to let this information sink in, she nodded and I went on

“Have you heard of Bellatrix?” I asked. If she does it’ll make my life easier

“That streetfighter? Everyone knows her. Fred always spoke about her…” She was trying to put the pieces together. I handed her pictures of Riley as Bellatrix.

“It’s Riley, she has been training for the past 4 years. Every time you or Fred had an argument with her she’d train and go to one of the fights. Just recently she spoke out about her past. She explained how she had many instances where she wanted to kill herself because of all that went on at home. Ms Diane, every time Riley had bruises it wasn’t from her falling or whatever excuses she gave at that time. Fred used to beat her up every chance he got he kept her as a maid when you were at work. The marks on him were Riley fighting back.” Diane was crying, I handed her my phone and showed pictures of the room in her house.

“Fred has been stalking Riley for years here’s the proof. We have been living in Spain for a few months just so that she can be safe. We asked Tina if she could keep you for this time because he’ll use you as bait to get to Riley. She got threatening texts recently and Blade was at the airport not far from our safe house. I’m afraid something worse will happen this time. I was able to save her once but this time it’ll be difficult.” Diane was holding her head she was a mess. But she needed to know what was happening

“S-so Fred w-wants to use her to make money?” she was panting heavily

“Yes it was his plan ever since he found out, before he knew Bellatrix he wanted to kill her so he’d get the Mathew Resort.” Tina handed me a glass of water

“Oh my baby.” She cries “I was blinded by love that I believed everything he said to me meanwhile this was his motive. I should have never chosen him over my daughter! I’ll never forgive myself for everything that has happened.” Her face was red from all the crying. There was a long silence.

“Do you want to speak to Riley?” They both needed closure after everything. She looked at me and I could see a bit of hope flashing in the back.

“Yes please.” She whispered. After the call Diane asked me to stay with them until I had to go back. I didn’t know how she was before I met her but I can feel she changed. I overheard her speaking to Tina about wanting to divorce Fred and she was afraid she’d lose her only daughter.

We spoke over dinner about some of the memories she made with Riley. I told her not to mention where we are currently living. I found out that Fred has only called her when he needed money.

I hope this is a start of a new and better relationship between them.

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Riley’s POV

I was lying down on my bed with Jayden when my phone started to ring. It was Wade.

“Wade! When are you coming home??” I whined. I heard a soft chuckle

“I’ll be back soon. I have someone who wants to speak to you.” He says slowly. Who can it be?

“Blossom?” A quiet voice said. My mouth hung open, I haven’t heard her voice in months

“Mom?” I whispered softly. Tears threatened to fall. My parents called me Blossom because they knew how I loved the flower. She last called me that when dad was alive.

“H-How are you my baby?” I knew she was crying I can hear it in her voice. I looked at Jayden as tears started to fall

“I’m okay.” I was speaking so softly I doubt she heard

“I just want to say I’m s-sorry for everything. I wish I was there for you but I was more worried about myself. I’m not asking you to forgive me but please allow me to build a relationship with you. Please.” Her voice cracks and I broke down on the call

“I-I forgive you…” I said softly. “I don’t want to lose you b-but after everything it’s going to take time. And Fred-”

“Wade explained and showed me everything; I’ll never forgive myself or him. I won’t let him hurt you.”

“Oh.” I was hopeful that one day maybe I’d be able to have a bond with her

“Dad would’ve been proud of his little Bellatrix.” She chuckles quietly. I’m surprised she’s not angry.

“Wade’s a good boy I know he’ll keep you happy.”

“Stay safe mom.”

------------End of call-----------

I didn’t know how I should react, I did miss her. There was good days when Fred was sleeping or out somewhere. I just didn’t expect for her to find out everything. But I’m glad Wade told her.

Jayden handed me tissues and later that day the boys all crawled on my bed and fell asleep. Yes the bed was that huge. I fell asleep on the couch while watching Father of the Bride