The warm weather was making the trek a challenge, but reaching the destination was most important. For the teenager, the opportunity came to get away from her abusive guardian, and nothing was going to keep her from her goal.

She knew her life hung in the balance. She was certain that if she reached her great uncle she would never have to live with that evil man again. She knew her great uncle lived in Sleepyside and hoped she got their first.

She had been walking nonstop for two days knowing she could easily be found if she slept.  She took breaks when her body started to give out, but they didn’t last long.

Reaching the outskirts of the small town where the sign welcomed travelers, she felt a surge of excitement course through her body; her nightmare was nearing its end.

The tree line continued to be her friend as she made her way around the edge of town to the road she needed. Glen Road. A worn path away from the road weaved its way along the tree line that followed Glen Road.

The path opened near the edge of the driveway with a single mailbox. Looking closely, she read her great uncle’s name and knew her family was close by. Turning around she made her way quickly down the overgrown driveway, pushing branches out of her way in spots.

She stopped when the house came into view and she felt sick to her stomach. The exterior was heavily weathered, covered with mold and mildew. The roof had shingles missing and a couple gaping holes. The entire dwelling looked as if no one had lived there in years.

Rushing up the rickety porch steps, she knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she moved to the window and wiped off some of the grime. The interior was dark, but of what she could see, the house was a mess.

“No,” she said.

She heard the crunching on the gravel driveway. She spun around just in time to see two people on horseback riding up to the house.

The teenage girl said, “I told you I saw some movement over here.”

“You shouldn’t be here,” the teenage boy said. “You’re trespassing.”

“I could say the same about you,” she shot back.

“Well, our families were asked to keep an eye on the property since the owner passed away,” the boy said.

“What?” she asked, grasping the porch railing. She felt she had heard him wrong.

“It’s true,” he said, dismounting. “He passed away two days ago.”

She felt her head begin to swim. The devastating news following her exhausting journey was too much for her. She slipped to the side and darkness surrounded her.

“She looks so malnourished,” came an unfamiliar female voice. “And there are healing bruises on her arms.

“Will she be all right?” came the teenage boy’s voice.

“I think she will be with some rest and proper nutrition,” the older female said. “Did she mention her name or why she was next door?”

“She didn’t say anything,” he answered. “Although she looked sick to her stomach when we told her.”

She moved slightly and knew she was resting on something soft. She let out a sigh.

“Why don’t you pour her some juice and bring in some freshly baked cookies?”

“All right.”

She heard the footsteps move away from the room. She then felt a gentle hand take hold of her own.

“It’s all right,” came the voice. “You are safe. No one is going to hurt you.”

Her eyes opened and she saw a beautiful woman with curly blond hair staring down at her with a smile on her face.

“Don’t be afraid. My son brought you home after you collapsed.”

“Your son?” she asked softly.

“He was the red-headed young man you saw on horseback,” she said.

“I need to go,” she said, struggling to sit up.

“Just relax,” the woman said, putting her hands on the girls shoulders. You are exhausted and need some food inside you. Jim has gone to get that right now.”

“I can’t stay here,” she said.

“No one will hurt you,” she repeated. “How about you just try to eat something and afterward, I will take you wherever you want to go. I promise.”

She looked at the woman with caution. She wasn’t sure if she could trust her.

“I’m Katje Frayne and you are in our home,” the woman said.

“Here is the food, Mom,” Jim said, entering the room carrying a tray.

“Thank you, Jim,” Katje said, taking the tray from him. “Try to eat something. I’m sure you will feel better.”

She reluctantly set the tray on her lap and picked up the glass of juice. She could feel her stomach rumbling. It had been a while since she had had some real food.

There was a sound of tires on gravel. Katje said. “It sounds like your father is home.” She stood up. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Katje left the room and Jim settled into the chair she had just vacated.

She stared at the plate of cookies. She picked up one of the chocolate chips and took a little bite.

“I didn’t mean to sound so gruff earlier,” Jim said. “We all know that the house is unsafe and I sometimes get a little overprotective. I do hope you will forgive me.”

“It’s all right.”

“I’m Jim, by the way. What’s your name?”

She took another bite of the cookie. She really didn’t want to tell. She was certain once she got the chance, she would be gone. She knew if they got her name and her guardian met up with them, they would easily give away her plans.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Jim said. “But I am a good listener if you do want to talk.”

“Well, what do we have here?”

She looked up to see a redheaded man, who was an older version of Jim, standing in the doorway beside Katje. He moved into the room and sat down on the far end of the couch.

“I’m Winthrop Frayne. My wife told me you were up at the Johnson place,” he said. “No one has been to visit that house in years and we all thought Mr. Belden didn’t have any kin left.”

“We lost contact with him,” she responded quietly.

“And you are?” Winthrop asked.

“His great-niece,” she answered. “My father was his nephew.”

“You’re Trixie?”

She nodded.

“Where are your parents?” Winthrop asked.

Trixie lowered the mug and the cookie she had been nibbling on to the tray.

“Are they the ones responsible for those bruises?”

“NO!” Trixie exclaimed. “They’d never hurt me!”

“Do they know where you are?” Katje asked. “They’re bound to be worried.”

“They aren’t,” Trixie said.

Before anyone could say anything, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Katje said and left the room.

“Trixie, your parents need to know you are here,” Winthrop said. “They are probably terrified that they will never see you again.”

“They won’t,” Trixie said quietly.

“Why not?” Win asked.

“They’re dead,” Trixie whispered, fighting to keep the tears in.

“Oh, Trixie,” Jim said.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Winthrop said.

“We have a visitor,” Katje said.

Trixie’s head shot up, fear in her eyes that her stepfather had found her. But it wasn’t him, but the girl Jim had been riding with.

“Hi,” she said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I thought I’d stop by to see how you were doing. You scared both of us when you collapsed.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Trixie said.

“It’s all right,” the girl said.

“I’m going to let all of you talk,” Winthrop said getting to his feet and leaving the room.

The girl settled where Winthrop had been sitting. “I’m Honey. My real name is Madeleine, but everyone calls me Honey.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Trixie said.

“Are you feeling better?” Honey asked.

“I’m okay,” Trixie said. “I should probably get out of here so you guys can talk.”

“You don’t have to go anywhere,” Honey said. “I came to talk to you.”

Trixie moved the tray out of her way. She started to get up. “I need to go.”

She put her feet on the floor and pushed herself up. The entire room swam before her eyes. Then nothing.

She slowly moved her head, feeling the softness under her head and the light cover above her. She was aware of the silence in the room.

Her eyelids slowly lifted and she took a moment to focus. The shadows were lengthening and she realized night was falling.

Trixie knew she needed to go. Without her great uncle, she had no one. She also knew she wasn’t going back to her stepfather. She would do whatever it took to make it on her own. She was not going to live that way.

Trixie pushed the covers off and rolled to her side. She lowered her feet to the floor and slowly sat up. When her head stopped spinning, she stood up.

She exited the room and saw a light coming from the stairway to her left. She slowly went down the steps, her knees quivering with each step. Her body wanted her to rest, but she knew she had been in Sleepyside too long. There was a world waiting for her and she just needed to walk through the door.

With both feet hitting the first floor, she took a couple steps toward the door.

“Trixie!”

She spun quickly and felt her equilibrium go away. A pair of strong arms steadied her.

“Sorry, Trixie. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Winthrop said.

“It’s okay,” Trixie said. “I want to thank you for your hospitality, but I should be going.”

“You don’t have to,” Winthrop said, releasing his hold on her.

“I do,” Trixie said.

“Where are you planning to go?” Winthrop asked.

“It’s better that you don’t know. I do appreciate everything, but it’s better that I go.”

“Does any of this have anything to do with your stepfather?”

Trixie looked up at Winthrop. She didn’t like that he knew about him.

“Goodbye, Mr. Frayne.”

Trixie headed for the door and left the house. Darkness was falling and knew the shadows would be her salvation. She crossed the yard, heading for the woods.

“Trixie! Wait!”

Jim was following her and she knew she couldn’t let him reach her.

Disappearing behind the trees, she sought a very dark shadow so Jim wouldn’t find her. She felt he was kind and caring, but if they became close and her stepfather found out, the consequences would be severe.

She found a spot and sank into the darkness. She hated doing this, but she didn’t want to see anyone get hurt on her account.

“Trixie! Where are you?” Jim asked. “Please answer me, Trixie. You don’t have to leave. A solution can be found. You can’t keep running.”

She remained like a statue as Jim neared her hiding place. She could hear the motional plea in his voice.

“Please, Trixie. We can find a solution.”

“I can’t,” Trixie said.

A moment later Jim sank to the ground in front of her. “Trixie, my parents will find a way to help you. You can’t just disappear.”

“I can’t stay here,” Trixie said.

“It can’t be that bad.”

“Jim, I would not have left if life with him was tolerable. I had the opportunity and I took it. I’m not going back.”

“Then stay here,” Jim offered. “My parents won’t mind.”

“Jim, I can’t. As much as I want to, I need to go. Please don’t ask again.”

Jim was quiet for a moment. “All right. I won’t ask again. But would you reconsider leaving tonight? I mean, I know you are still tired and hungry. Maybe you could stick around for a couple days until you get your strength back.”

“I really should go,” Trixie said. “He knows about my great uncle. He will come looking for me.”

“My parents won’t say anything,” Jim said. “You know you need to rest or you won’t be able to continue on your journey.”

Trixie could make out Jim’s face in the darkness and saw the hopefulness in his eyes. She didn’t understand why he didn’t want her to go. No one, beside her parents when they were alive, had cared so deeply about her.

“Why do you care?” Trixie asked. “You don’t know me.”

“You’re right, I don’t know you, but I’ve seen enough other kids in similar situations,” Jim said. “You see, my dad runs a school for boys who have difficulties living at home or would end up in a juvenile detention center when all they need is someone who really cares.”

“That’s all well and good, but I do think you know I’m not a boy,” Trixie said.

“I am aware of that, but my dad knows people,” Jim said. “Things could get better.”

“Thanks for the offer, Jim, but there’s no need,” Trixie said. “I’ll be okay.”

Trixie stood up and the world spun around her again. She felt her body falling and then nothing.

The sound of birds singing greeted her. Trixie turned her head and slowly opened her eyes. She was once again in the Frayne house in the guest bedroom.

Part of her wanted to get up, but her body just wanted to stay where she was. The bedroom door opened and Katje came in with a steaming mug.

“Good afternoon, Trixie,” Katje said.  “How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” Trixie admitted.

“I’m not surprised,” Katje said. “I’ve got some soup here. It should help you regain your strength.”

Trixie took the offered mug. “Thank you.”

“There are some clothes in the bathroom if you want to shower,” Katje said.

“I really appreciate all you’ve done.”

“I’m just glad we are here to help you,” Katje said. “And if you are feeling up to joining us, dinner should be ready shortly.”

“I’ll think about it,” Trixie said.

Katje smiled. “That’s fine.” She turned to head for the door. “If you need anything, just give me a holler.”

“Thank you,” Trixie said.

Katje left the room and Trixie sipped the soup. She was still confused about the generosity and hospitality she was being shown.

For the past several years, she had been told time and again that people didn’t really care about others. It had been ingrained in her head that if people showed kindness, they were actually after something. And that made her cautious around everyone she came in contact with.

She was certain the sooner she was on her way, the better off she would be.

After taking advantage of the shower and clean clothes, Trixie made sure she had her belongings.

She moved to the window and was grateful the guest bedroom was on the first floor. She felt bad she was leaving, but she didn’t want to see any of them get hurt. They were nice people and didn’t need the trouble that always followed her.

Trixie slid the window screen up and climbed out. She put the screen back in place before checking her surroundings.

She knew is she made a straight run for the woods anyone in the house would see her. She figured if she went around to the other side of the house and then made her way along the driveway, she would be in the clear.

Trixie crept along the house, hearing laughter coming from Jim and his father. A pang of guilt washed over her. She really didn’t want to leave, but she knew what would happen if she stayed.

As she moved around the front corner of the house, she took a moment to glance back at the warm, loving environment ensconced in the small farmhouse walls. She knew Jim was lucky to have that.

Just as Trixie was about to turn and continue on her way, Trixie felt a hand grip her arm tightly.

Trixie let out a yelp and spun around to see her stepfather.

“I knew I’d find you here, girl,” he sneered as he tightened his hold on her arm. “Did you really think you’d get away from me?”

“Let go of me,” Trixie said, trying to yank her arm away from him.

He yanked her arm, pulling her close to him. “I can do whatever I want because I am your guardian.”

“You’re hurting me,” Trixie said.

“You’re going to hurt worse when we get home,” he said as he twisted her arm.

“Let her go!”

Trixie lifted her head to see Jim coming down the porch steps, anger clearly written on his face as his father followed him.

“Mind your own business, boy,” her stepfather said. “This doesn’t concern you.”

“You’re hurting her,” Winthrop said as he approached.

“I’m not hurting her. I’m holding onto her because she loves to run away.”

Winthrop stepped up beside Jim. “Maybe you could explain why there are bruises on her arms.”

“She’s a klutz and that’s why she has those bruises.”

“Those bruises are not from being a klutz and you know it,” Winthrop said.

Her stepfather tightened his hold on her arm, twisting it more to the point where it brought tears to her eyes. Trixie lowered her eyes to hide the pain.

“You don’t know anything,” her stepfather said. He yanked her arm as he started to back away. “We’re leaving.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t let you leave,” Winthrop said.

“And why not?”

“I’m duty bound to report any instances of abuse,” Winthrop said.

“You’re insane and we’re not staying.” He turned and started dragging her down the driveway.

Trixie heard Winthrop say, “Jim, go call the police.”

Her stepfathers pace picked up to reach the road and she struggled to keep up, slipping several times on the gravel driveway.

“If you can honestly tell me how she got those bruises, then it isn’t an issue,” Winthrop said. “But you and I both know those bruises are from physical abuse.”

“We’re out of here.”

Trixie stumbled again, but this time she was released and fell to the driveway.

“Get up, girl!”

He reached down to pull her up, but Winthrop stepped up between the two of them. “You aren’t taking her anywhere.”

“You can’t stop me. I’m her legal guardian.”

“That doesn’t mean anything to me when a child’s welfare is at stake.”

“You are interfering in our lives and I won’t allow it.” He pushed past Winthrop. “Get out of my way.”

Trixie was hauled to her feet after being pulled along the gravel, which cut into her hands and knees.

She looked pleadingly at Winthrop. She didn’t want to go with her stepfather, but she knew the lies he would use to cover himself. They had worked before and she knew they would work again.

Before they could exit the driveway, a limousine pulled across the way, blocking their path. The back door opened and another redheaded man stepped out.

“Win, I was hoping to catch you,” the man said.

Trixie saw he was dressed in a black business suit with a white shirt and a green tie. She was stunned because this new man and Winthrop Frayne could be brothers.

“Hello, Matt,” Winthrop said.

“I’m sorry to just drop by,” Matt said. “I didn’t realize you had company.”

“We were just leaving,” he stepfather said as he tried to pull her around the front of the car.

“James Jones?” Matt asked.

Her stepfather spun around to stare at the man.

“It is you, Jonesy,” Matt said angrily. “You lying, cheating, filthy…”

“Matt, no,” Winthrop said.

“Do you have any idea who he is?” Matt asked. “Do you have any idea what he has done?”

“He hasn’t said much except that he is Trixie’s legal guardian,” Winthrop said.

“He doesn’t have any children,” Matt said. “He’s been single for as long as I’ve known him. Unless he convinced some unsuspecting woman he could be her lifesaver and that he truly loved her.”

“I found love,” Jonesy said. “A beautiful woman who was taken from me too soon.”

“You couldn’t have loved her,” Matt said. “The only thing you love is money and most women walk away when they see you because they see you are just greedy, not one to truly love.”

“How dare you?” Jonesy demanded, releasing his hold on Trixie’s arm. “You don’t know me and you sure didn’t know my wife.”

“I may not have known your wife, but I’ve seen you around enough to know how you tick,” Matt said. “You know something that no one else does and that is why you got married.”

Trixie jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned slightly and saw Jim beckoning her to follow him. She took his hand and he guided her away from Jonesy.

“She loved me,” Jonesy said. “And I loved her. No amount of money could change that.”

“Whose inheritance are you waiting on?” Matt asked.

“Her uncle,” Jonesy said and then his face went white at revealing the news.

“There’s no money,” Trixie said, stepping up beside Winthrop.

“What?” Jonesy asked, staring at her.

“He had no money when he died,” Trixie said. “I saw his house. It was in shambles. No one would live that way if they had money.”

“You’re lying,” Jonesy said.

“He’s dead and there’s no money for you or me,” Trixie said.

“You rotten, little brat.”

Jonesy charged at her and she screamed.

Trixie took off running as Jonesy darted past Matt, Winthrop and Jim. As old and scraggly that Jonesy looked, he still had speed.

She made her way toward the woods surrounding the house. She hoped she could outrun him and find a place to hide.

His swearing and curses reached her ears, but they were getting softer. She kept pushing herself knowing more distance between them gave her a chance. Trixie knew in the back of her mind that he had not loved her mother. There had been an ulterior motive and now she knew what it was. That had been the only reason he married her. He didn’t love her.

Trixie burst through the tree line and slide to a stop at the edge of the cliff. She was breathing hard as she stared at the drop before her. She was certain if anyone fell over the edge, there would be no coming back.

“You rotten brat,” Jonesy gasped as he entered the small clearing. “You were nothing but trouble and are worth nothing.”

Trixie turned and stared at her stepfather.

Jonesy leaned forward with his hands on his knees, breathing deeply. “You had to have done something to guarantee there was no money.”

“I didn’t know there was any money. All I knew was that I had a great uncle.”

“He probably heard how much of a failure you were and was certain that if you were left an inheritance, it would be wasted on pointless things,” Jonesy said. “And because of that, I won’t get the money that I deserve.”

“I didn’t know,” Trixie said.

“You knew,” Jonesy said, making his way slowly toward her. “Your mother kept you on a pedestal and I am certain she told you there was money coming when your great uncle died.”

Trixie looked at the ground and saw she was very close to the edge.

“She never told me anything except where he lived. I swear that’s all she told me.”

“You liar!” Jonesy yelled. “You just didn’t want me to get what is rightfully mine.”

“I didn’t know,” Trixie cried. “I swear I didn’t.”

“You should’ve been the one to die, not your mother.”

“I’ve wished that every day,” Trixie said. “I’ve hated living with you because of how you’ve treated me.”

“You deserved everything you got, you spoiled brat,” Jonesy said. “Your mother coddled you so much. You asked and she gave you everything you wanted.”

“If I wanted something I had to work for it,” Trixie countered. “I never got anything for free.”

“You’re going to get something for free now,” Jonesy said and charged at her.

Trixie attempted to push herself off with her right foot to get away from Jonesy. But her foot slid behind her and as she fell, she knew she was closer to the edge that she had thought.

She screamed as she slid down the cliff wall, tree roots and rocks slicing her hands, arms and face.

She knew it was the end.

Suddenly her hands came in contact with something and she grabbed hold. Her fall came to a jarring halt. She gasped in pain and then felt a jolt as something grabbed her ankles, dragging her down more.

“You’re going with me,” came a voice below her.

“Trixie!”

She looped up at the top and saw Jim was peering down at her. His face was pale as he looked at her.

“Just hang on!” Jim yelled. “We’ll have you up in a minute.”

“The only way she is going is down!” Jonesy yelled.

Trixie felt Jonesy wiggling beneath her, trying to dislodge her grasp. She closed her eyes. She tightened her grasp, but felt it slipping. She could see the blood beginning to spread down her arms. She was certain this wasn’t going to turn out right.

“If I go, you’re going,” Jonesy said as he increased his struggles, loosening her grip.

Trixie felt the tears course down her cheeks. She didn’t want to die. But she didn’t think there was any way to get out of her current predicament. She didn’t think she could hold on much longer.

“Trixie! I’m coming down!”

She opened her eyes and glanced up again.

She saw Jim was creeping over the edge and down the cliff face toward her.

“Jim, it’s too dangerous,” Trixie cried. “Don’t do this. Your life is too valuable.”

“So is yours,” Jim said. “Just stay still and I will come to you.”

“The only way you will reach her is when she hits the bottom!” Jonesy yelled. “Say goodbye.”

His efforts increased and she was bounced against the rocks and tree toots. Her body suffered more cuts.

“Get me lower!” Jim yelled.

Trixie felt her bloody hands slowly begin to slide down the tree root. She tried to adjust her hold, but it wasn’t meant to be.

The instant she released her hold, her other hand slipped.

Trixie screamed knowing her death was coming.

She felt a jolt upward and looked to see Jim’s red, straining face, just a few feet above her. He had a hold of her wrists.

Trixie turned her hands and grasped Jim’s wrists.

“Pull us up!” Jim yelled.

Trixie kept her focus on Jim’s face as they were slowly pulled back to the top. Jim was pulled over the edge, but he did not let go.

Two more sets of hands reached over and pulled her over the edge. She collapsed on the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably. She had almost died.

She was vaguely away of the loud voices around her. She knew there were questions being directed toward her, but she couldn’t think or respond. A shell seemed to cover her, blocking all the noise out.

Quiet. That was the first thing she noticed as she started to wake. There were no voices. No sounds. Just silence.

Staying still with her eyes closed, she tried to figure out what happened. She recalled her plans to leave. She knew she had climbed out the window and had made her way around the house.

And then Jonesy was there, she thought and the memories, or nightmare, of what happened came rushing back.

“I almost died,” Trixie whispered, feeling the tears forming in her eyes.

“But you didn’t,” came a female voice. “You survived and that’s amazing.”

Trixie opened her eyes and saw Katje was sitting on the edge of the bed beside her. Katje reached over with a tissue and dried her tears.

“You are safe and alive,” Katje said. “You have nothing to fear.”

“He’ll be back,” Trixie said, fear making her voice crack.

Katje took hold of her hand in both of hers. “Trixie, you don’t have to worry about him ever again. He is permanently out of your life.”

“Really?” Trixie asked, unsure if she could fully trust Jim’s mom.

“I will never lie to you,” Katje said. “I know you have struggled these last few years, but I will be straightforward with you.”

“He won’t bother me again?”

“Never,” Katje said. “Now, tell me how you are feeling. Are you hurting anywhere?”

Trixie took inventory of her body. There was mild pain with some throbbing in her hands, but that was about it.

“Not really,” Trixie said. “There is some throbbing in my hands, but there really isn’t any pain.”

“That’s good, but if you start to feel any pain, let me know because the doctor left some painkillers to help take the edge off,” Katje said.

“I will.”

“Are you hungry at all?”

“Not really,” Trixie said. “I’m just tired.”

“Then go ahead and rest. I will bring you some food in a little bit.”

“Thank you so much,” Trixie said.

Katje smiled. “It was our pleasure.”

Katje left the room and Trixie closed her eyes, allowing her body to really relax for the first time in years.

Trixie woke a while later to the throbbing in her hands. She looked around the guest room and saw she was alone.

She pushed the covers off and slowly got to her feet. She felt dizzy due to the change of position, but the sensation passed after a couple minutes. She took her time in the bathroom, swallowing a cup of cold water.

Trixie then left the bedroom, heading for the kitchen. Her steps were slow, but steady. She still felt a little shaky, but was certain once she had something to eat, that feeling would go away.

As she stepped through the doorway, Trixie saw Jim was seated at the table with his parents. But they weren’t alone. Honey and the other redheaded man, Matt, were at the table along with a woman who could be an older version of Honey.

Jim turned away from his father and a big smile filled his face. “Trixie! You’re awake.”

Everyone turned to look at her. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Trixie said. “I was told if I needed a painkiller…”

“Come sit down, Trixie,” Katje said. “I’ll get it for you and something to eat as you need something in your stomach before you take the medication.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Trixie said. “If you tell me where everything is, I can take care of it myself.”

Katje moved over to Trixie and wrapped her arm around Trixie’s shoulder. “I want to take care of that.” She led Trixie over to the table. “And you need to take it easy.”

Trixie sat down as Katje moved to the refrigerator.

“I’ll help you,” the other woman said.

“Trixie,” Honey said, getting her attention. “I want to introduce my parents, Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Trixie said.

“How are you feeling?” Matt asked.

“I’m doing all right,” Trixie said quietly. “I want to thank you for your help…”

“You’re welcome and don’t have to say anymore,” Matt said. “We’re just sorry you had to go through all that.”

“I guess I should get my things,” Trixie said.

“Why?” Jim asked, looking at the adults.

“Jim, I don’t have any parents or a guardian,” Trixie said. “I don’t even have any living relatives.”

“You can live with me,” Honey said.

“What?” the adults asked as they looked at the teenager.

“Why not?” Honey asked.

“Honey, you don’t know me and neither do your parents,” Trixie said. “You can’t ask them to take in someone they don’t know.”

“That shouldn’t matter,” Honey said.

“Honey, you shouldn’t have made that statement,” Matt said.

“But, Dad…”

“It’s all right,” Trixie said as she slowly stood up. Katje came over with a plate of food. “I’m going to eat this in the bedroom as I’m feeling really tired.”

“That’s fine,” Katje said.

“Excuse me,” Trixie said and left the kitchen.

In the safety of the bedroom with the door closed, Trixie knew she had inconvenienced these people enough. It was her time to go. She wasn’t sure where she was heading, but she knew it didn’t matter. She had survived living with that monster and she was certain she would be fine on her own.

Once darkness set that night and she was certain the other occupants of the house were asleep, she made her move. She snuck out the window again. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she headed for the road.

Trixie did not look back at the house this time. She felt that if she did, she would lose her focus.

As she reached the road and started toward town, a voice said, “You’re leaving without saying goodbye.”

Trixie turned to see Jim and Honey standing at the foot of the driveway.

“Why, Trixie?” Honey asked.

“Honey, I don’t belong here.”

“You don’t have to go,” Honey said. “We can come up with a solution so that you can stay here.”

“I don’t have any parents or even a guardian, Honey. I am alone. And most times kids without parents end up in an orphanage. I’m well aware that teenagers who end up there get shipped off to foster homes. They never really end up with a real family. I’m not going to do that. I will find a way to make it on my own.”

“We really don’t want you to go,” Jim said.

“I will keep you posted as to where I am,” Trixie said. “But this is the best.”

“The best if for you to come back to the house with us,” came a voice through the darkness.

They all turned to see Matthew Wheeler standing there with a flashlight.

“Dad,” Honey said.

“Mr. Wheeler,” Trixie said at the same time.

“Everything is going to be fine,” Matt said. “Come on. Let’s go back to the house.”

“Dad?” Honey asked.

“We were going to talk about this in the morning, but with this turn of events, I think this conversation can’t wait,” Matt said. “Come on. It’ll be fine.”

The three of them made their way down the driveway with Matt bringing up the rear. They entered the Frayne house and stepped into the kitchen. Jim turned the lights on and they sat down at the table.

Matt looked at each one of them in turn. “When we went home, Madeleine and I really thought about what Honey said. Agreeing to take somebody to live with them is a big decision. This would not just affect the person being taken in, but for the new family as well.”

“Dad, we know all this,” Honey said.

“Please let me finish, sweetheart,” Matt said.

“Okay.”

“Now, we thought how this would impact us because we would be bringing in another person and have to adjust to their presence and needs,” Matt continued. “We also thought of what we could offer Trixie if she did come to live with us.”

“You don’t need to do this, Mr. Wheeler,” Trixie said. “You don’t need to break this down even more. I understand. Really, I do.”

“Trixie, we want you to live with us.”

Jim, Trixie and Honey stared at Matt with their mouths hanging open. They each thought they were hearing things.

“Dad? Are you serious?” Honey asked slowly.

“We are,” Matt said.

“Oh, Dad. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Honey said as she went around the table and threw her arms around her father, hugging him tightly.

Trixie was in shock. She had no idea why they would agree to take her in. They didn’t know her. They had no clue of what she had been through. She feared they had an ulterior motive for agreeing to this. She knew no one did anything this generous without getting something in return. There was a catch and she needed to know what it was.

“I’m going to have a sister,” Honey said excitedly. “You are giving me something I have really wanted all my life.” She looked at Trixie. “This is so great. You can have the room right next to mine and we can decorate it however you want and we can even go to school together and I be we can have a lot of classes together. It’s going to be so great.”

“It would be great if this conversation wasn’t taking place at one in the morning,” came a voice from the doorway.

They saw Winthrop was standing in the doorway in a pair of pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt. His red hair was tousled.

“Sorry, Win,” Matt said. “We should have gone to the Manor House. I didn’t think we would have gotten really loud.”

“That’s all right,” Win said. “So, what’s been happening? And why aren’t any of you in bed sleeping?”

“My Daddy said he and mother want Trixie to live with us,” Honey said. “She is going to be my sister.”

“What made you decide that?” Win asked, sitting at the table beside Jim.

“We realized this was something we could do to help,” Matt said. “We’ve watched Honey and Jim and how they talked about her. We also are aware she is on her own. We’ve all heard the stories of teens being in the system. Most end up in foster care and a lot of times when they turn 18, they are kicked out.” Matt paused. “We know this is really shocking, but we want to help.”

“That is really generous of you,” Win said.

“I think of it as just following your example,” Matt said and turned his gaze to Trixie. “I’m sorry this was sprung on you this way, Trixie, but we did want to discuss this with you tomorrow morning.”

Trixie remained quiet.

“Trixie, are you all right?” Jim asked.

“I just don’t understand,” Trixie said quietly.

“We could make this a trial run as this is going to be new to all of us,” Matt said. “This is an opportunity for you to be in a stable environment and grow, without having to worry when you may be shuffled off to another family.”

“I don’t understand why you would want to do this,” Trixie said. “No one has ever done anything kind for me except for my parents. Why are you doing this?”

“Because we want to help,” Matt said. “Trixie, I understand if you are unsure about this. You are facing some real big choices and we are offering you an opportunity to maybe regain a lifestyle like before you had to live with that monster. Maddie and I know we can never replace your parents, but we would like to help.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s better than running away and living day to day,” Jim said. “You would have a home and a family.”

Trixie felt so overwhelmed, but everything they were saying made sense. She really wasn’t sure what she should do.

“Trixie, would you at least give it a try?” Honey asked.

She looked at Honey and saw the hopefulness in her eyes. She knew that if things worked out, she would have a family. And if it didn’t, she could head out as she originally planned. She knew it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Trixie looked at Matt. “I would like to give it a try, Mr. Wheeler.”

Matt smiled at Honey said excitedly, “I have a sister!”

Winthrop and Jim chuckled.

“Since this is agreed to, maybe we should all get some sleep,” Winthrop suggested.

“I agree,” Matt said. “We’ll get you moved over to the Manor House tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Honey asked.

Matt looked at his watch. “Actually, later today after sunrise.”

“Okay,” Honey said.

Matt and Honey left a few minutes later as Win headed upstairs.

Jim looked at Trixie when they were along and said, “I’m glad you’re staying around.”

“Really?” Trixie asked, watching him carefully.

Jim nodded. “I think you staying is going to make Honey very happy. She has always wanted a sibling.”

“Oh,” Trixie said.

“And I’m glad you’re staying too,” Jim said. “I think we are going to be very good friends.”

Trixie smiled. “I think so too.”