Part 12

Trixie coughed and felt water fall out of her mouth as she was rolled onto her side. She coughed a couple more times and then took several ragged breaths.

“Keep breathing, Trix,” came a muffled voice. “Keep breathing. You’re all right.”

She reached for a hand and with all the strength she had, she gave it a squeeze.

“I’m here, Trix. I’m right here” The voice was getting clearer as each second passed. It was Jim.

Trixie resumed coughing and Jim said, “Give me your jackets.”

Trixie’s body shook as she realized how close she came to dying.

“I’m right here,” Jim said. “I’m staying right here. You’re going to be all right.”

Trixie tried to focus on her breathing, but she heard a voice yelling in the distance.

“She tried to kill me! She’s the one who pushed me in the water! She wants me dead! I’m going to press charges!”

It was Amelia.

Her body shook even more. She felt Jim kiss her head. “Tune her out. You’re okay. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m right here and I’m not leaving. Ever.”

Sirens filled the air.

“Help is here,” Jim said. “Just hang tight.”

Within minutes, several medical personnel were at her side. She heard them ask Jim to step back, but he declined.

She was exhausted and paid little attention to what was going on around her. She was asked questions, but she didn’t have the strength to respond.

Trixie opened her eyes when she was lifted off the ground. She became aware of the mask on her face and that she was snugly bundled under several blankets. She looked over and saw that Jim was watching her. His hair was wet and matted to his head. There was water dripping from his clothes.

She reached her hand out from under the blankets toward him. He stepped forward and grabbed her hand.

“I’m here, Trix,” Jim said. “You’re not alone.”

Trixie felt the tears form in the corner of her eyes.

“We should go,” an unfamiliar voice said.

Trixie was suddenly fearful and Jim said, “I’m coming too. I will not leave your side, okay?”

Trixie nodded.

As she was carried along, she could hear Amelia’s cries. “Why is she getting all the attention? She’s trying to kill me because she stole my boyfriend.”

Trixie closed her eyes, in disbelief that Amelia was trying to turn this on her. She knew her time in Sleepyside was really over.

The first thing Trixie was aware of as she woke was the strong hand holding onto her left one. She knew she was on her right side. She took inventory of her body before opening her eyes. She could feel the mask on her face and knew she was getting oxygen. There was a tightness on the back of her hand and figured she was on an IV. She could feel several blankets piled on her, keeping her warm.

She heard a chair squeak and felt a hand squeeze hers. Her curiosity trumped her urge to go back to sleep. Slowly she forced her eyes open to look into a familiar green gaze and the smiling face of Jim.

Jim leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

She squeezed his hand in return.

He used his left hand and brushed the curls back from her face as she stared into her blue eyes. He said, “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I’d lost you.”

Trixie stared at Jim. She had no idea what he was talking about. She knew it was serious if she was in the hospital, but she wasn’t scared because Jim was there.

“I should go get your parents and the doctor,” Jim said. “They need to know you’re awake.”

Trixie squeezed his hand again.

He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

Jim let go of her hand and walked around the foot of the bed out of her sight. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. She coughed and her chest hurt. She got her breathing under control and knew not to take deep breaths.

She heard the door open and then footsteps approach the bed. She saw a man in blue surgical scrubs and a white lab coat round the foot of the bed. He settled in the chair Jim had vacated.

“I’m Dr. Richards,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

Trixie lifted her hand and used the signal for OK.

“I am going to keep you on oxygen for a while longer since you took in a lot of water,” Dr. Richards said. “You don’t seem to have any other serious injuries. You have some cuts and bruises, but they should heal in time.”

Trixie nodded.

“Do you have any questions for me?”

“No,” Trixie mouthed.

“All right,” Dr. Richards said. “I’m going to let your family know you’re ready for visitors. Just make sure you rest.”

Dr. Richards patted her arm and got to his feet. He left the room and before the door had fully closed, numerous footsteps were heard coming over to the bed.

She saw her mother and father move to her side as Jim stayed back.

“We’re so glad you’re all right,” Helen said, taking her hand. “We were so worried.”

“I’m sorry,” Trixie mouthed.

“You do not need to apologize,” Helen said. “We’re just grateful you’re all right.”

“And you are all that matters,’ Peter said.

Trixie felt her eyes start to close and forced them back open.

“Go ahead and rest, Trixie,” Helen said. “We’ll go talk with the doctor to see when you can be released.”

“We love you,” Peter said.

Her eyes began to droop. She heard two sets of footsteps leave the room. She opened her eyes to see Jim moving silently closer to the bed and regaining his seat.

He took her hand as he rested his arms on the bed. “Go ahead and sleep like Moms said. I will be right here when you open your eyes.”

Trixie squeezed his hand and he smiled. Trixie succumbed to the call of dreamland and closed her eyes.

When she woke again, she was aware that her hand was still being held. A smile filled her face as she opened her eyes. She turned her head slightly and looked at Jim.

He smiled in return. “Did you sleep okay?”

Trixie nodded. She looked around for a clock to tell her what time it was. Glancing back at Jim, she tapped her wrist.

“It’s about three in the afternoon,” Jim said. “You slept through lunch and dinner should be delivered soon.”

Jim handed her a pen and paper.

“Have you been here all day?” she wrote.

Jim nodded. “I didn’t want you to be alone after what happened.”

“I don’t remember,” she wrote.

“What is the last thing you do recall?” Jim asked.

“We were dancing at prom.”

“Nothing else?” Jim asked.

Trixie shook her head.

Jim sighed. “I’m not sure of all the details. All I know is that you ended up in one of the ponds on the golf course. There were yells and I knew you were involved. I charged into the water and pulled you to shore. You started breathing and the paramedics arrived.”

“I don’t remember.”

“You shouldn’t worry about it,” Jim said. “The most important thing is that you’re all right. That’s all that matters to me and for you too.”

Trixie looked at him and got the feeling he was keeping something from her.

Before she could ask, there was a knock at the door.

Trixie nodded to Jim.

“Come in,” he said.

The door opened and Sergeant Molinson came into the room. “Jim, Trixie, it’s good to see you both.”

“Hi, Sergeant Molinson,” Jim said.

“How are you feeling, Trixie?” the officer asked.

“Okay,” Trixie wrote.

“That’s good to hear.”

The door opened and Trixie’s parents stepped inside. From the look on their faces, she was worried about what was to come.

“We got the message to meet you here,” Peter said. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve…I need to ask Trixie some questions about what happened.”

“Trixie doesn’t remember,” Jim said. “She remembers dancing with me at the prom, but anything after that is gone.”

“You don’t remember a scuffle with another student?” Sergeant Molinson asked.

Trixie shook her head.

“There had better be charges pressed against her,” Peter said. “She almost killed Trixie. She was lucky Jim got to her in time.”

“I’ve had someone approach me to have assault charges pressed against Trixie,” the officer said.

“What!” Jim exclaimed. “She was the victim!”

“That’s outrageous,” Helen said.

“Unfortunately, without Trixie telling me what happened, I only have the other story to go on,” Sergeant Molinson said, sadly.

There was a knock on the door before it opened slightly. Dan’s head popped in. “Can we come in?”

Trixie nodded.

Dan pushed the door open and Charity entered the room in front of him.

“Sergeant Molinson, we were hoping to see you,” Dan said. “Charity wanted to talk to you.”

“Can it wait until I’m done getting a statement from Trixie?” he asked.

“It has to do with what happened,” Charity said.

“Did you see what happened?” he asked.

Charity nodded. “I was at the refreshment table when I saw Trixie walk down the path. A moment later, Amelia followed her. Amelia came up behind Trixie and spun her around. Amelia was speaking to her, but Trixie just tried to walk away. Trixie continued walking, but Amelia followed. Amelia grabbed her again. I signaled Principal Stratton to come see. I knew something was wrong. He came over and we watched as Amelia went after Trixie. They tumbled down the hill. Trixie never surfaced until Jim pulled her up.”

“I want charges pressed against that girl immediately.” A new voice came from the door.

They all looked to see Trixie’s lawyer, Drew Richmond, standing there.

“How did you find out?” Peter asked.

“I called him,” Jim said.

“Why, Jim?” Peter asked.

“I figured the police would want to talk to her and she should have legal representation present.”

“And from what this young lady said as an eyewitness there is enough grounds to have Amelia charged with assault,” Drew said. “I also want a restraining order to keep that girl away from my client.”

“Now, wait a minute…”

“I have waited, but nothing has been done to protect my client,” Drew said. “The lawsuit against the school district is going forward. And if charges are not brought against her, be prepared to lose your badge.”

Sergeant Molinson stared at Drew for a moment. He then looked at Charity. “If you have a few minutes after visiting with Trixie, could you come to the station and give us an accounting of what you saw?”

“Of course,” Charity said.

Sergeant Molinson stared at each of them for a moment before leaving the room.

“Trixie, I need you to tell me what happened,” Drew said.

“I don’t remember anything,” Trixie wrote, her hand shaking.

“Does this have to be done now?” Jim asked. “She’s really supposed to be resting.”

“We’re going to head out,” Dan said reaching over and squeezing her free hand. “I’ll be back later.”

Trixie nodded and Dan left with Charity.

“Do you think the judge will approve the restraining order?” Peter asked.

“If he doesn’t, I’m going to the governor and the state supreme court,” Drew said. “This behavior is unacceptable, especially when there are laws on the books to protect students from one another.”

“Her father believes I publicly humiliated her at the prom because I told her we were never a couple, but he thinks we’ve been dating for a while,” Jim said. “I expect he’s going to make things really difficult.”

“He will try to stay within the lines of the law,” Drew said. “But if he feels his daughter has been wrong, he may cross them.”

Trixie closed her eyes. She felt so overwhelmed at all that had happened. She couldn’t believe she had almost drowned at Amelia’s hands.

“Trixie?”

She opened her eyes with a sleepy gaze.

“We’re going to head to the waiting room with Drew,” Peter said. “You rest and we’ll be back later.”

Trixie nodded.

She watched the three of them leave the room and then turned her gaze to Jim.

“I’m sorry I ruined your prom,” Trixie wrote.

Jim sat down on the bed beside her. He took her hand as he said, “You did not ruin it. My night would’ve been ruined if you hadn’t agreed to be my date. You gave me a memory that will be locked away inside me forever. You looked amazing and when I took you into my arms, it was perfect.”

“If I wouldn’t have gone, I wouldn’t be here now.”

“You are not responsible for this,” Jim said. “From what Charity said, you didn’t do anything to deserve this treatment. You tried to walk away, but she came after you. She has to take responsibility for her actions.”

Trixie wrote with a shaky hand, “Jim, I’m scared.”

“I know you’re scared,” Jim said. “I was scared.” He took her hand in his and held it tight. “When I got you to the surface and realized you weren’t breathing, I thought my life was coming to an end. In that instant, I thought I would be alone forever. I need you, Trixie, and I will always need you.”

“Hold me.”

“With pleasure.”

Jim moved to the edge of the bed and settled beside her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she cuddled in close as they leaned back on the bed. Jim kissed the top of her head. She felt some relief, but she wasn’t sure how long that comfort would last. She would enjoy it while she could.

The next day Trixie was released from the hospital with instructions to rest and not to return to school until Wednesday at the earliest. She had an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday to make sure she was doing all right.

Trixie was grateful to be home, but the knowledge of what she had been subjected to made her very uneasy. She had never done anything to Amelia and to try to kill her just because Jim wanted her instead didn’t really make sense.

“Well, if it isn’t little Miss Trixie Belden,” Amelia said.

Trixie turned and headed down the path. She figured there was another path close by that would get her to the parking lot. She had no idea what Amelia was planning, but felt the more distance between them the better.

“What’s wrong, little Miss Do-Gooder?” Amelia asked. “Starting to realize everything my father said was the truth?”

Trixie kept walking. She had a mission to get to the Wheeler’s and nothing was going to stop her.

She felt Amelia grab her arm and spin her around so they were face to face.

“You and I need to talk,” Amelia said. “Or I need to talk and you need to listen.”

Trixie pulled her arm away and resumed her trek.

“I’m talking to you,” Amelia said loudly as she grabbed Trixie’s hair and gave it a yank.

She fell back and landed hard on the concrete walk path. She stared up as Amelia stood over her.

“You need to listen and listen good,” Amelia said. “Jim is out of your league. He may think you two have a connection, but he is wrong. You need to break up with him and stay away from him. You know he belongs with me forever. You know I can truly help him get in the right mindset to adjust to the life he should be living.”

Trixie pushed herself up and slowly got to her feet. She turned away from Amelia and continued on.

“I’m not done with you,” Amelia said.

She kept walking. She was not going to do what Amelia wanted. She knew if she broke up with Jim, he would be devastated. They had been best friends since the day they met and she would not hurt him that way.

Amelia grabbed her a second time and spun her around.

“You better do this or I can guarantee you will not like what happens.”

“No,” Trixie mouthed.

“You are going to defy me?”

Trixie nodded.

Before Amelia could say anything, Trixie walked past her picking up her pace. She was halfway up the small incline when she was shoved from behind. She fell forward down the rocky edge of the eighth fairway, the stones cutting into her hands.

“You will do as I say!” Amelia yelled.

Amelia suddenly jumped on Trixie, forcing her to the grass. They clung to one another as they rolled across the green. Trixie would have Amelia pinned one moment and then the next she would be down. She tried to break Amelia’s grasp, but she had a strength Trixie never expected.

The rolling continued and Trixie released a silent scream as they tumbled into the small pond.

They broke apart for just a moment and Trixie attempted to reach the side and climb out. She had just begun to climb out when her feet were yanked under the water. She slide back in and a moment later her head was being pushed below the surface.

Trixie reached up to get the hands off her head, but she couldn’t get free. Her frantic movements slowed as she could no longer hold her breath.

Trixie silently screamed as she sat up in bed. Her eyes were wide and her heart pounded in her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She glanced wildly around her darkened bedroom, praying Amelia wasn’t there. She glanced at the door, hoping someone would come, but the door remained closed.

She sank back against the headboard as her body began to shake. She was alone.

I’m okay, Trixie thought. I’m okay. I’m safe in the house. Moms and Dad are just down the hall. Nothing will happen to me. I’m okay.

It took several minutes, but she finally calmed down. She took deep, cleansing breaths and felt she was ready to go back to sleep. She slid under the covers and closed her eyes.

“Well, if it isn’t little Miss Trixie Belden,” Amelia said.

Trixie turned and headed down the path. She figured there was another path close by that would get her to the parking lot. She had no idea what Amelia was planning, but felt the more distance between them the better.

“What’s wrong, little Miss Do-Gooder?” Amelia asked. “Starting to realize everything my father said was the truth?”

Trixie kept walking. She had a mission to get to the Wheeler’s and nothing was going to stop her.

She felt Amelia grab her arm and spin her around so they were face to face.

“You and I need to talk,” Amelia said. “Or I need to talk and you need to listen.”

Trixie pulled her arm away and resumed her trek.

“I’m talking to you,” Amelia said loudly as she grabbed Trixie’s hair and gave it a yank.

She fell back and landed hard on the concrete walk path. She stared up as Amelia stood over her.

“You need to listen and listen good,” Amelia said. “Jim is out of your league. He may think you two have a connection, but he is wrong. You need to break up with him and stay away from him. You know he belongs with me forever. You know I can truly help him get in the right mindset to adjust to the life he should be living.”

Trixie pushed herself up and slowly got to her feet. She turned away from Amelia and continued on.

“I’m not done with you,” Amelia said.

She kept walking. She was not going to do what Amelia wanted. She knew if she broke up with Jim, he would be devastated. They had been best friends since the day they met and she would not hurt him that way.

Amelia grabbed her a second time and spun her around.

“You better do this or I can guarantee you will not like what happens.”

“No,” Trixie mouthed.

“You are going to defy me?”

Trixie nodded.

Before Amelia could say anything, Trixie walked past her picking up her pace. She was halfway up the small incline when she was shoved from behind. She fell forward down the rocky edge of the eighth fairway, the stones cutting into her hands.

“You will do as I say!” Amelia yelled.

Amelia suddenly jumped on Trixie, forcing her to the grass. They clung to one another as they rolled across the green. Trixie would have Amelia pinned one moment and then the next she would be down. She tried to break Amelia’s grasp, but she had a strength Trixie never expected.

The rolling continued and Trixie released a silent scream as they tumbled into the small pond.

They broke apart for just a moment and Trixie attempted to reach the side and climb out. She had just begun to climb out when her feet were yanked under the water. She slid back in and a moment later her head was being pushed below the surface.

Trixie reached up to get the hands off her head, but she couldn’t get free. Her frantic movements slowed as she could no longer hold her breath.

Trixie sat up again, her heart hammering. It happened again, she thought.

She scooted back against the headboard with her knees to her chest, clutching her comforter tightly. Her entire body trembled as she relived the moments. She wished she never remembered what had happened.

When the sun came up, Trixie had been awake for several hours. She had been afraid to fall asleep and have the nightmare again. Trixie listened as her parents got up and went downstairs to start their morning routine. She didn’t want to worry them.

As the day dragged on, Trixie caught cat naps on the couch in the living room. There was enough movement and noise to keep her from falling into a deep sleep. She was exhausted, but would do anything she could so she wouldn’t have to see that image in her mind again.

Jim spent the entire day with her, even though he was supposed to be in class. He had said, “It’s being taken care of.”

Trixie knew finals were starting the following week and teachers were preparing the students to do well. Trixie really didn’t care about the finals. She didn’t care if she got held back a year. She figured it was bound to happen since she’d missed so much school.

Tuesday afternoon Trixie was being checked over by Dr. Ferris. She had another rough night with limited sleep. Trixie could feel the call to dreamland, but just couldn’t answer.

“Well,” Dr. Ferris said as she finished examining her. “It looks like you are recovering nicely. But I’m concerned because you seem so exhausted. Your strength should be returning, not waning.”

Trixie glanced down at the floor.

“What is it, Trixie?” Dr. Ferris asked gently. “Anything you tell me will be kept confidential.”

His comforting tone made the decision for her. She wrote one word. “Nightmares.”

“About what happened?” he asked.

Trixie nodded.

“Tell me about it.”

She looked at him and wrote. “I see it all in my dream. Amelia wins.”

“But she didn’t win,” Dr. Ferris said. “You won because one very special young man jumped into the pond to get to you. Trixie, I know you feel afraid that all of this will happen again, but you can’t let fear rule your life. You need to keep moving forward. If you hide away, she will win. And I know you are much stronger than that. You never allow those who do wrong to win. You always fight for what’s right. Fighting for yourself is what is right.”

“I’m not sure I can do it,” Trixie wrote.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Dr. Ferris said. “I know you don’t like to ask for help, but you can do it. No one will let you down.”

“I’ll try,” Trixie wrote.

“All right,” Dr. Ferris said. “I’m going to give you a doctor’s note to excuse you from classes for the rest of the week. I don’t want you going back to school until you’ve actually gotten some decent sleep.”

Trixie nodded.

Dr. Ferris finished the note and handed it to her. He helped her down from the table and escorted her out to the waiting room. Stepping into the room, Trixie saw that her mother was not alone. Jim was sitting with her.

Trixie smiled at him.

“Go spend time with Jim and talk,” Dr. Ferris said, giving her a gentle nudge.

Trixie’s grin grew as she moved toward him.

Helen said, “I’ll take care of the bill. Jim has offered to give you a ride home so I can go to the store.”

Trixie nodded and gave Helen a hug. She got to Jim’s side and saw a flicker of worry cross his face before he smiled.

“Are you ready to go?” Jim asked.

Trixie nodded.

They headed out of the building and Jim asked, “Have you been cleared to return to school?”

“Next week,” Trixie mouthed.

“That’s probably a good idea,” Jim said. “More rest before finals is probably a good idea.”

They climbed in the car and headed for Crabapple Farm. When they arrived they got out and headed for the kitchen. They stopped short when they heard an angry, raised voice.

“He told Mark that if I wasn’t fired, he would have building code violations charged against the bank,” Peter said angrily. “He said the violations would be enough to close the bank permanently, not only forcing me out, but everyone else.”

“Peter, those violations would be unfounded,” Matthew said. “Unless there was actual proof, those could be fought with a hearing.”

“He has all the Sleepyside employees to do his bidding,” Peter said. “If he says ‘jump’, they will say ‘how high’ because their jobs hang in the balance. They aren’t going to contradict him because he will fire them.”

“Peter, walk away from the bank,” Matthew said. “You don’t need to be there.”

“Matt, I have a mortgage and family to support. I have an attorney to pay when this fiasco comes to an end. I need my job.”

“You need a job where you are rewarded for your service and skills. I know you’ve been with the bank for a long time, but you have not been recognized for your abilities and work ethic.”

“And where would I find that?” Peter asked bitterly. “In the city? Forcing me to leave the family farm and take my children away from the only home they’ve ever known?”

“Peter, don’t jump to conclusions,” Matthew said. “If it came down to it, I would make sure you would never lose Crabapple Farm.”

“This is all spiraling from the bullying in the school. So many people are getting hurt because one girl is holding her father’s power over everyone else.”

“You have to stand your ground,” Matthew said. “If Mark fires you, then you file suit against the bank based on wrongful termination. You’ve done your job with accolades to prove it and the reason for your termination is an abuse of power. You would be reinstated.”

“Then the bank would be shut down,” Peter said.

“Don’t think that way. I know you care about your coworkers, but you and your family need to come first.”

“This is just getting crazier by the day,” Peter said with a sigh.

Trixie entered the kitchen and moved to her father. She quickly gave him a hug.

“Don’t worry, Trixie,” Peter said as he held her close. “Everything will work out all right. I promise.” He leaned back and looked her in the eye. “Did the doctor give you the okay to go back to school?”

“Next week,” Trixie mouthed.

“That’s fine,” Peter said. “If you need more time to recover, you should take it.”

Trixie nodded.

“We didn’t mean to interrupt,” Jim said. “We’ll go into the other room.”

“It’s no problem,” Peter said. “We were done anyway.” He looked at Matthew. “Would you like to join us for dinner? Maddie is welcome, too. We were going to grill chicken.”

“We would love to, but I have some business associates coming for dinner tonight,” Matthew said.

“You do?” Jim asked.

“You’re excused,” Matthew said. “It will be all business tonight.”

Trixie squeezed Peter’s hand who asked, “Jim, would you like to join us?”

“Would you mind?” Jim asked.

“You’re always welcome here,” Peter said.

“Then I accept,” Jim said.

Matthew stood up. “I need to get home. Peter, if you need anything, just call, okay?”

Peter nodded and Matthew left. He turned to Trixie. “Go relax like the doctor wants you to.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Jim asked.

“Keep Trixie company,” Peter said. “That would be the biggest help.” He gave her a grin as he nudged her. “It seems like she’s always getting into trouble.”

Trixie nudged her father back as she smiled at him.

“That’s my Trixie,” Peter said happily.

“No problem,” Jim said. “She needs a lot of monitoring.”

Trixie spun to face Jim, seeing the gleaming twinkle in his eye and knew he was kidding.

Jim took her hand and gave it a tug. “Come one. Let’s get out of your dad’s way so he can get dinner ready.”

Trixie followed Jim into the living room and they settled on the couch together.

“It was nice to see that smile of yours,” Jim said as he draped his arm across the back of the couch behind her shoulder. “I missed seeing it the past couple of days.”

“I’m sorry,” Trixie mouthed.

Jim reached up and brushed the curls from her face. “You don’t need to apologize, Trix. You went through a lot this weekend and I knew I would see your smile when you were ready. This was a terrifying experience and I truly expected to hear that you were having nightmares.” Jim looked at the floor. His voice was soft. “I know I am.”

Trixie was shocked. She put her hand under this chin and lifted his head so he was looking at her.

“You?” Trixie mouthed, as she looked closely at his face.

She really noticed the dark circles under bloodshot eyes that seemed to have lost some of their brightness.

Jim nodded. “I’ve been having nightmares since it happened.” Jim reached down and took her hand in his. “It’s the same each time. I get you out of the water, but each time I can’t get you to breathe.” He choked up. “I try and try and try, but I can’t do it. You counted on me, but I let you down.”

Trixie squeezed his hand as she shook her head.

He looked up and she saw the guilt on his face.

She leaned in and hugged him tight. For the first time in a long time, she wished she had her voice. Jim held her securely and she felt his body tremble. She knew the incident had really affected him as well. Knowing he was struggling as well gave her the strength to admit she was in the same boat.

After a minute she leaned back and saw his eyes were damp with unshed tears. Trixie gently reached up and brushed them away. When she had his attention, she grabbed the notepad and pen. She sat with her back against his chest and started writing.

“You did not let me down,” Trixie wrote. “You kept me alive and I will be forever grateful. There are not enough thank yous in the world to tell you how appreciative I am.” She glanced at Jim to make sure he was reading. She looked back at the paper. “And you aren’t the only one having nightmares.”

Jim squeezed her shoulder.

“I’ve relived what happened several times a night,” Trixie continued.

“You remember now?” Jim asked.

Trixie nodded. “I’m so scared that something is going to happen again. And I’m terrified that one time the dream will be a reality.”

“You already went through all that,” Jim said.

“In the back of my mind, I’m afraid it’ll happen again.”

“Oh, Trixie,” Jim said pulling her close. “I will do everything in my power so that you won’t go through it again.”

“I can’t trust people anymore,” Trixie wrote. “Too many people have turned on me.”

“One thing you can count on is me,” Jim said. “You’re my best friend. I’ll always be wherever you need me. You are not alone in this.”

Trixie turned to look at him and mouthed, “Thank you.” She then tried to stifle a yawn.

“Why don’t you close your eyes and try to sleep?” Jim suggested. “I’ll stay right here.”

“Will you try to sleep too?” Trixie wrote.

“I’ll be able to with you by my side,” Jim said.

Trixie set the paper and pen on the table. She leaned back and cuddled in his arms as he pulled her close.

“Try to sleep,” Jim said. “I’m here.”

Trixie closed her eyes and adjusted her head on Jim’s chest. She pressed her ear close and listened to the beating of Jim’s heart. The security she felt allowed her to relax and within moments, she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Trixie turned her head, wanting to get away from the light being shined in her face. She wanted to go back to sleep because she felt tired, but knew it wasn’t going to happen. She was awake. She propped herself on her elbows.

“Ohhhh.”

Trixie opened her eyes and saw her elbows were pressing into Jim’s stomach. He was looking at her through sleep-filled eyes.

“Could you move your elbows?” Jim asked. “Please?”

Trixie quickly moved and sat at the other end as Jim sat up, rubbing his stomach.

“Sorry,” Trixie mouthed.

“It’s all right,” Jim said. He ran his hands over his face. When he lowered them, he looked at her.

Trixie saw there was stubble beginning to appear on his face. She hadn’t seen anything before they had fallen asleep and knew she had been more tired than she thought.

“We should go see if your Dad needs any help with dinner,” Jim said.

Trixie nodded.

They both slowly got up and made their way toward the kitchen.

Trixie stopped in the doorway at the scene in front of her. There were two places set at the kitchen table and a folded piece of paper addressed to both of them.

She picked it up and handed it to Jim. He unfolded it and read aloud, “Trixie and Jim. You were both sleeping soundly that we didn’t wake you for dinner or breakfast. Jim, your parents know you are here, so don’t worry. Just give them a call when you wake. There is breakfast warming in the oven. I’ll be back around noon. Moms.”

Trixie moved to the stove and pulled the over door open. Sitting on the rack were two plates, one with scrambled eggs and the other with bacon.

“That looks good,” Jim said. “I’m hungry.”

Trixie nodded in agreement.

As Trixie pulled out the dishes, Jim placed a call to his parents.

“Hello, Mother,” Jim said. “I’m sorry I never made it home last night.” He paused. “Yeah, I think I was tired. We just got up.” Another pause. “Oh, okay. I’ll be home in a bit to get them. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll see you later.”

Jim closed his phone and sat down at the table beside Trixie. They quickly filled their plates and satisfied their hunger.

When they finished, they cleaned up the dishes and made sure the kitchen was spotless for Helen’s return.

“Do you want to go up to the Manor House with me?” Jim asked. “Mother said the pictures from the prom were dropped off late yesterday.”

Trixie nodded. She wrote a quick note so Moms would know where they were.

They left the house through the kitchen and went to make their way across the front of the garage. Jim looked at her. “I’ll race you.”

Trixie smiled. She raised her hand with three fingers showing. She lowered one. Then another. She lowered the last one and they began running.

She had only taken a couple steps when she realized she had forgotten to lock the kitchen door. Paranoia with everything she had been through wanted her to keep her home as secure as possible. She turned around and returned to the door. She quickly flipped the tumbler and started back around the house. As she looked up the path, she saw Jim was standing halfway up the hill looking down at her.

She looked past Jim and saw a car coming over the top right toward Jim. She realized he didn’t see it. He was in danger and she had no way to alert him.

“Look out!” Trixie yelled and her voice reverberated across the property.

Jim looked behind him and quickly dove out of the way.

The car flew down the hill toward her. As it got closer, Trixie saw that Amelia was behind the wheel. Trixie knew she needed to move. She ran back around the house and made a path toward the woods. She knew Amelia couldn’t get the car between the trees. She crossed the yard and slipped between the trees.

All of a sudden there was the crunching of metal.

Trixie slid to a stop and spun around, panting. Amelia’s car had crashed into two of the maple trees that lined the edge of the woods. Smoke billowed from under the hood. Trixie took two steps back toward the car and stopped short when the driver’s door flew open. Amelia climbed out and looked right at her.

Trixie knew this wasn’t over. She spun around again and ran deeper into the woods.

“Run, Trixie!” Jim yelled. “Run!”

She pushed her body to move as fast as it could go. She knew if she was caught, there would be no stopping Amelia.

Zigging and zagging her way through the preserve, grateful that she knew her way around her home turf, Trixie could hear Amelia’s grunts as she followed. Trixie didn’t turn to see where she was. Scanning the area in front of her, she hoped she could find a spot to take cover. Trixie could feel her energy waning. She knew this was too much activity after almost dying over the weekend. Trixie could hear Amelia getting closer; almost feel Amelia’s breath on her neck.

Trixie cut to the right. She risked a glance over her shoulder and saw Amelia was closer than she thought. Trixie’s feet hit something and she tumbled face first to the ground.

“You sure are a loser,” came Amelia’s gasping voice above her. “You think you’re so smart because Jim told everyone I wasn’t his girlfriend at the prom. But in all honesty, all you did was make everyone feel sorry for you because they know Jim will never stay with you.”

Amelia reached down and flipped Trixie onto her back.

Trixie was ready and threw a handful of dirt in Amelia’s face. She scrambled back as Amelia brushed the earth from her eyes. Trixie got to her feet and watched Amelia carefully.

Amelia lowered her hands and stared angrily at Trixie. “You probably think getting me suspended from school is funny. But the funny part will be when your father loses his job at the bank and then all of you low life Beldens are out on the street when the bank takes that pathetic farmhouse. You will be living in boxes when my father is done with you.”

Trixie stood tall, not wanting to show Amelia the fear she felt.

“All of this could have been avoided, but you felt Jim had to be your boyfriend. It’s a shame you wouldn’t walk away. You are the one responsible for everything that is happening to your family. I’m surprised that anyone in your family is actually talking to you. You ruin people’s lives and I have to make that stop.”

Amelia charged at Trixie, who spun on her heel and resumed her pace through the woods.

Trixie had no idea where to go. Her strength was vanishing and she didn’t know who would be able to help her. She was shoved from behind and hit the ground again.

Trixie felt Amelia sit on her back and push her face into the dirt.

“Just remember, you asked for all this,” Amelia said.

Trixie struggled to toss Amelia off, but Amelia had her pinned. With the way Amelia was sitting, her arms were pressed to her sides with no wiggle room.

She struggled to breathe and inhaled lots of dirt and leaves. She coughed, trying to clear them out, but it was useless.

“It’s been nice knowing you,” Amelia said sarcastically.

“Get off her,” a male voice ordered.

Trixie felt Amelia’s grasp loosen and she was able to turn her head to the side, gasping in fresh air. She coughed as she tried to get the debris out of her mouth.

“This doesn’t concern you,” Amelia said. “Keep moving.”

“It does concern me because this is my employer’s land and I have the authority to confront trespassers.”

“I wasn’t trespassing,” Amelia said. “I saw her damaging some trees a ways back and confronted her. She didn’t want to own up to what she was doing, so when she ran, I had to follow.”

“I think your story is a little backwards,” the man said.

Trixie was able to open her eyes and saw Mr. Maypenny standing a few feet away.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Amelia asked as she stood up.

“I don’t know you, but I do know Trixie and she is allowed to be here,” Mr. Maypenny said.

“I am welcomed on the property,” Amelia said with a flip of her hair. “I’m Jim’s girlfriend and I can be here.”

“Miss, you are spinning a good tale, but you are not welcome here,” Mr. Maypenny said. “Trixie and Jim are a couple. You’re not involved with Jim. You need to leave this property immediately.”

“Go find a hole and bury yourself in it, old man,” Amelia said. “What I do is none of your business.”

“If you will not leave, I’ll escort you off the property.”

Trixie felt Amelia sit on her again and push her face into the dirt, using all her weight to hold her down.

“If you don’t back off, she will never get up.”

“You’d kill her to get your own way?” Mr. Maypenny asked. “Don’t you realize that if you kill her, any dreams you may have had are gone. You’d be a murderer and would spend quite a bit of time in jail.”

“I would never go to jail,” Amelia said. “My father is mayor. He would make sure nothing happened to me.”

“Your father can’t protect you from a murder charge.”

“It will be your word against mine.”

Trixie used her last bit of energy and quickly pushed up, arching her back, tossing Amelia off. She used the surprise movement to crawl to Mr. Maypenny’s side as she gasped for air.

“You’re all right, Trixie,” Mr. Maypenny said.

“She’s not all right,” Amelia said. “She is nothing but a troublemaker that needs to pay for taking things that don’t belong to her.”

Trixie’s breathing slowly returned to normal. She stood up beside Mr. Maypenny, her movements a little shaky.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You ready to go?”

Trixie nodded.

They turned to walk away. Trixie was grateful for Mr. Maypenny’s arm. The adrenaline rush was dissipating. She felt like she could sleep for a week.

“AHHHHHH!!!” came a yell from behind them.

Trixie looked in time to see Amelia charging at them with a thick tree branch. Trixie shoved Mr. Maypenny out of the way. Amelia’s swing could not be stopped.

The branch hit Trixie in the side of the head. She felt her head snap as she fell to the ground. She heard her name, but her body would not move.

“Trixie, answer me,” Jim’s voice pleaded.

“Amelia, what have you done?” There was another voice.

“She took Jim from me, Daddy,” Amelia whined.

“That is no reason to hit someone,” the mayor said.

“But Daddy...”

Trixie did not hear anything else. She knew it was finally over and allowed her mind to sink into the darkness.

 

To be continued...