Chapter 2
"What happened?" Jim asked.
"I can't, Jim. I just can't," Trixie said.
"It's okay."
"Trixie, I can see you're uncomfortable," Regan said. "But you need to remember how much Susie means to you and how much you mean to her."
"I know that, Regan," Trixie said quietly.
Regan pulled out a carrot and handed it to Trixie. "Maybe you need to take a small step and get reacquainted."
Trixie took the carrot and watched as Regan returned to the stable. She looked over at Susie and saw that her ears had perked up after smelling the carrot.
"You know, I always loved watching you ride," Jim said, leaning against the corral fence. "I still have images of you hanging on to Jupiter when he took you for that ride."
"I remember that," Trixie said as she leaned against the corral fence beside him. "I know that wasn't one of my smartest moves, but I wanted to ride Jupiter so much. At least I learned my lesson."
"And you became a beautiful and graceful rider. It almost seems as if you were born to ride."
"I loved to ride," Trixie said, looking down at the ground.
"Why not now?" Jim asked gently.
Trixie could fee the tears forming. She blinked her eyes furiously, trying to keep the tears at bay. She felt herself begin to tremble and wished once again that the nightmare had never happened. But with all she had been through, those months away from her family and friends, all the threats she had heard came back to her.
"You ever sneak away from me, or somehow get rescued, I will go back and kill everyone you were ever close to," Roger Britten said as he released her from the ropes so she could eat. "I would first start with your family: your brother who looks so much like you will be first. Your little brother would be next on my list. I'll take out your parents and then get your oldest brother when he comes home and sees the carnage.
"From there I would move on to those neighbors and kill both of the kids. I think the easiest way would be to start a fire after all the smoke detectors are disabled. I will make sure that should a fire start, they are unable to get out of the house at all. I would even make certain the flames reached the stables to destroy those nasty beasts, especially the one you love so much. Susie, I think her name is. It wouldn't matter because everyone who would have taken her for a ride would be gone anyway.
"I will not go down without a fight. If you disobey me at any point, I swear that everyone you care about will be killed."
"You're safe," Jim said, breaking through the voices swimming in her head. "You don't need to be afraid."
"I can't help it."
Trixie wished her fear would go away.
She felt the pull on the carrot. Turning, she saw Susie had moved behind her and was nibbling on the carrot in her hand, tired of waiting for Trixie to offer it to her.
With a shaking hand, Trixie reached up and patted Susie's neck slowly, being cautious not to get too close.
"I think Susie missed you," Jim said gently.
"I missed her too," Trixie said quietly.
Susie turned her head so that Trixie could pat her nose. Trixie did as the horse wanted, but couldn't shake the unease she felt.
"Let's go for a walk," Jim suggested. "We can take the horses with us. We don't have to ride."
Trixie looked at Susie. The horse nudged her hand again and knew this was what they needed to do.
"Okay."
Trixie and Jim gathered the reins in their hands and made their way along the driveway that would take them to one of the trails.
"I like this," Trixie said after a while of walking.
"So do I," Jim admitted. "It's a shame that the weather will be putting a damper on things in the next week. The forecasters are predicting snow by next weekend with freezing temperatures."
"I guess winter is coming."
"But then spring will follow and everything will start blooming again."
"Spring is definitely a time for rebirth and changes. You'll be in college with your classes."
"I won't be so busy that I won't be here for you," Jim said. "College is important, but so are you. All you have to do is call me. I will help you any way I can."
"I know, Jim. I appreciate it. I really do."
* * * * *
When they returned to the stable, they saw the others had just arrived from their ride. They were dismounting as they walked up.
"How was it?" Jim asked as they led the horses into the stable to get them comfortable and then clean the tack.
"It was nice," Honey said. "There are still some areas that have bright colors from the fall leaves. It was a sight to see."
"There are some beautiful spots," Di agreed.
"So, what's next?" Mart asked, putting Starlight's saddle where it belonged.
"Well, we do have some time until we need to help Moms with dinner," Brian said.
"What do you have in mind?" Jim asked.
"I'm not sure," Brian said. "We only have a couple hours of daylight left."
"What if we played basketball?" Mart suggested. "We really haven't done that in a while."
"Basketball?" Di asked.
"Sure," Mart said. "It'll be fun."
"But basketball?" Di asked.
"It'll be great," Dan said.
"And it's something we can all do together," Honey said.
"I guess I'm in then," Di said.
"Then let's get finished here and head down to the farm," Brian said.
When they finally reached the farm, Mart got the basketball out of the garage and the game began. As they began taking shots, Trixie moved back, trying to stay out of the way. She had loved playing before, but she just couldn't get her heart into it. She had shot hoops in the past couple weeks by herself and her game was off. She couldn't get the ball to go into the basket. She didn't want to make a fool of herself.
"Trixie! Catch!" Dan yelled.
She caught the ball and then passed it to Brian. She wasn't even going to try and shoot.
"Come on, Trix," Honey said moving over to her. "Get in the game."
"I think I'll stay back here," Trixie said. "If I try to take a shot, I'll probably break a window."
"I doubt it," Honey said. "I think with some practice, your game will come back."
"Maybe."
"How have you been doing? Really?" Honey asked. "We haven't talked in almost two weeks."
"I'm all right," Trixie answered. "It was weird going back to school after all this time."
"I bet," Honey said. "How are your classes? Are you understanding what is going on?"
"I'm doing all right in my classes. Some stuff has been confusing, but the teachers have been great about helping me."
"That's good," Honey said.
"How are your classes?" Di asked, moving over to them.
"They are going all right," Honey said. "But everyday I wish I was back here. I miss going to school with you guys."
"We miss having you here too," Di said. "It just doesn't feel right without you."
"Thanks, Di."
Di smiled. "You're welcome. So, tell us what your school is like. I'm really curious."
"It's an all-girls school. We wear plaid, pleated skirts with white blouses and black blazers. We have classes from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon everyday. And then there's three hours of homework at least every night."
"Ouch," Di said.
"Yeah," Honey said. "But I'm plugging away."
"I guess that's all you can do," Di said.
"True."
"Are you three going to play or are you going to talk?" Dan asked.
"Can't we do both?" Di asked.
"Not really," Mart said. "You need to focus on the game if you're playing."
"We'll be there in a minute," Di said.
As the game resumed, Honey said quietly, "Maybe we'll be there in a minute."
Trixie smiled. She was glad Honey and Di were there.
"So, fill me in on some of the gossip," Honey said. "With me living in the city, I'm missing out."
"Well, the rumor going around right now is that Emily Nelson is trying to become the Winter Queen at this year's winter formal. She's hoping to win the crown and go with Anthony Richards."
"The quarterback of the football team?" Honey asked.
"Exactly," Di said. "She's assuming she will get it and that no one will run against her."
"She's delusional," Honey said. "There are so many others who would make a better queen than her."
"Well, she thinks she's the only true queen," Di said. "And she is going to fight for it all the way until the queen is crowned."
"That sounds like Emily," Honey said. "Are you two thinking about going to the formal?"
"I was thinking about it," Di admitted. "But we'll see what happens."
"What about you, Trixie?" Honey asked.
"I don't know. But probably not."
"Why not?" Honey asked.
"It would be fun," Di added.
"I just don't think so. I'm not into formal dresses and I'm already the topic of everyone's discussions. Going to the dance in a gown would make me stand out even more. I don't need anyone else gawking at me."
"I understand," Honey said.
"Let's just say that my return to school was a spectacle and that it wasn't a welcoming experience, thanks to some people."
"Oh, Trixie," Honey said, putting a hand on her friend's arm. "I'm sorry. I wish I had been there."
Trixie offered Honey a small smile. "Thanks, Honey. And you were with me in spirit because you are my friend. That's what matters."
Honey squeezed Trixie's arm. "I will always be your friend."
"Me too," Di said.
"And I will always be both of yours," Trixie said.
"Weren't you girls going to join us?" Jim asked as he approached them.
"Sorry," Di said. "We had more important things to discuss."
"Oh, really?" Dan asked as he came over.
"Really," Di said. "We were discussing what our dates to the winter formal should wear." She winked at Trixie and Honey. "We were thinking that our dates would look great in pale blue tuxedos."
"They would definitely go with the theme," Trixie added.
"I'm not wearing that," Mart said.
"Who said you were going to be my date?" Di countered.
"What?"
"Dinner is almost ready!" Helen yelled. "Come on in and help get the table set."
"Let's go," Dan said. "I'm hungry."
The seven of them made their way to the kitchen door and went inside. Once they washed their hands, they quickly set the table and placed the heaping dishes in the middle, ready for them to eat.
* * * * *
Later that evening, once the dishes had been washed and put away, the elder Beldens went to bed, leaving the Bob-Whites to settle themselves in the living room. They put in a movie to watch and talked about the scenes appearing on the screen.
Around midnight, they decided to change into their pajamas and get ready for bed, since they all had yawned at least once during the movie. They all figured it wouldn't be too long before they fell asleep.
The girls went up to Trixie's room while the guys headed to Brian and Mart's room. Once inside, Trixie quickly changed and stood by the door, waiting for Honey and Di to hurry up. She was tapping her foot, wanting to get out of there.
"You don't know how happy I am that I could come out this weekend," Honey said, settling on Trixie's bed, with her legs underneath her. "I'm so glad we were able to convince Mother to let me come."
"We're glad you're here as well," Di said, sitting on the bed beside Honey. "I hate that you are so far away. I've missed the days when we could always talk to one another between classes, at lunch and on the bus to and from school."
"Believe me, I miss it too," Honey said. "The girls at my new school are so wrapped up in themselves. They would rather talk on their cell phones, or about their nails and makeup, or their weekend in Europe. They have no care in the world about the things that are really important."
"That's a shame," Di said.
"And what's even worse is that our social studies teacher wanted us to do a community service project. I thought this was going to be great, but my other classmates brushed it off because it didn't focus on them."
Trixie tried to curb her impatience. She wanted to talk with Honey and Di, but she wanted to do it anywhere but there.
"Trixie, come over here," Di said, patting the comforter. "We don't have to go down right away. It's good that it's just us and we can have some quality girl time."
She realized both her friends were staring at her, waiting for her to move. Trixie felt like she was going to be sick. She felt this overwhelming urge to run.
"Trixie, what is it?" Honey asked. "You're awfully pale."
"What's wrong?" Di asked.
"Are you all right?" Honey asked.
Trixie stared at them. She wasn't sure what she could tell them. She wasn't sure she could explain it.
Honey got off the bed and moved to Trixie. She put her arm around Trixie's shoulder. "Trixie, you can talk to us. We can help, but only if you tell us what's wrong."
Trixie opened her mouth and then closed it. She tried again with the same result.
"You don't have to talk if you don't want to," Di said, moving over to them. "But we're here if you need us."
"Let's go downstairs," Trixie whispered. "Please, let's just go."
"Of course."
Trixie grabbed the doorknob and pulled it open. She flew out of the bedroom and hurried down the stairs. Going into the living room, she saw she was the only one there and settled in the recliner. She pulled her knees to her chest and tried to calm down. She could feel the tremors trying to take over, but she tried to keep them at bay. She didn't want the others to see how upset she was.
Honey and Di entered the living room and resumed their places on the floor, never commenting about Trixie's behavior.
"So, what movie should we watch?" Honey asked.
"Whatever it is, we should put it in before the guys get down here," Di said. "You know if we wait for them, we'll be watching something we really don't want to."
"I got it," Honey said and placed a movie in the player.
Just as she was getting comfortable on the floor, the guys came into the living room.
"Who said we were watching a chick flick?" Dan asked as he sat down.
"If you wanted to choose, you should have been the first one back here," Honey said.
"She's got you there, Dan," Jim said.
"Don't worry," Mart said. "As soon as they fall asleep, we'll put in a movie we'll enjoy."
"And who said we were going to fall asleep first?" Di asked.
"We'll just see," Mart said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Do we need anything from the kitchen?" Brian asked.
"I think we have everything," Jim said.
"All right," Brian said.
As the movie progressed, one by one the Bob-Whites fell asleep, leaving only Jim and Trixie awake. When the movie ended, Jim shut off the television and turned to Trixie.
He said softly, "You look tired."
"I'm all right."
"Liar," Jim said with a smile.
"You look tired too," Trixie countered. "You also have that long drive back to the city tomorrow."
"I'll be fine." He reached up from his position on the floor next to the recliner and took her hand in his. "What do you want to do, Trix? Do you want to talk? Do you want to sleep?"
"I guess I should try to sleep."
"Come on." Jim pulled her hand and she sat down on the floor beside him. He grabbed one of the pillows and placed it on his lap. "Rest your head on this."
"Jim, you'll be stuck sitting up if I do fall asleep," Trixie said.
"That's all right."
"No, it isn't." Trixie took the pillow from his lap and set it on the floor. "If you stretch out there, I can rest here."
"Will you at least try to get some sleep?"
"I'll try."
"Okay."
They both got settled in their positions, facing one another. Jim reached over and closed his hand around hers.
"Go ahead and close your eyes," Jim said quietly. "I'll be right here if you need me."
"Okay."
Trixie reluctantly closed her eyes and tightened her hold on Jim's hand. She hoped she could go to sleep.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she heard whispering. Keeping still, she tried to place it.
"I honestly think she is terrified to be in her room," a soft female voice said.
"Really, Honey?"
"Really," Honey said. "Brian, she did not want to stay in there. We were all set to have girl time, but she wouldn't move away from the door. She wouldn't say anything except to ask us to come back down here."
"We should have realized it," Brian said. "But we didn't."
"What can we do now?"
"I'm not sure. But we'll think of something. I just wish I would've seen it sooner."
"You can't beat yourself up about this," Honey said. "You couldn't have known."
"I know, but I should be here" Brian said. "She needs support and I'm at college, only getting home every couple weeks, if at all."
"She is getting support," Honey said. "She's got your Mom and Dad, Mart, Bobby, Dan and Di. She even has Jim."
"But I'm her big brother. I'm supposed to protect her."
"And you have protected her. You've also nurtured her as you all were growing up. Brian, you can't be everywhere at once."
"Maybe I need to take a semester off."
"That will go over really well," Honey said sarcastically. "Brian, you can't throw away your education. That scholarship you won meant the world to you last spring. This is a dream you have been wanting for as long as I've known you. I know you don't want to toss your dreams in the trash."
"I don't, but I don't think I can leave here again."
"You never truly leave," Honey said. "Crabapple Farm is a part of you, and everyone who lives here. No matter where you go, you'll always have everyone with you."
"I know," Brian sighed. "I just wish there was more I could do."
"So do I," Honey said. "I hate being in the city and missing out on everything here. Hopefully things will get better."
"I hope so too," Brian said. "I saw that yawn, Honey. Go ahead and get some sleep. We'll come up with a game plan come morning."
"Okay. Night, Brian."
"Night, Honey."
Silence settled over the living room once again. Trixie stared into the darkness, trying to figure out how she was feeling. Part of her was angry that they were talking about her while she was supposedly asleep, but another part felt lucky because they cared. She knew she was going to have to thank them later that morning.
Trixie took a deep breath and closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come.
* * * * *
The sound of movement forced Trixie to roll on to her side and bury her head deeper into the pillow. She was comfortable and didn't want to get up. She grabbed the blanket and pulled it to her chin. The room was quiet and she figured she could fall back to sleep.
But that didn't happen.
"Come on!" Bobby yelled, coming into the living room. "It's time for breakfast."
Groans came from the entire room.
"Bobby, get out of here before you become breakfast," Mart grumbled.
Footsteps were heard leaving the room.
"I'm gonna kill him," Dan said. "I was having the best dream."
"So was I," Honey said. "That was so unfair."
"We might as well get up," Brian said. "I doubt any of us are going to get anymore sleep."
Trixie stayed still as the others moved. She didn't want to get up and wasn't planning to move until she absolutely had to.
"Just be quiet about it," Jim said.
Trixie had a feeling Jim was pointing at her, but she wasn't going to open her eyes to see.
She listened as the others quietly got to their feet and left the living room. Then there was silence. Trixie let out a breath and tried to get back to sleep.
A couple minutes passed and she felt the feather light touch on her face as her hair was brushed back. She smiled and opened her eyes to see Jim peering down at her.
"Morning," Jim said.
"Morning."
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's all right," Trixie said.
"Breakfast is going on the table," Jim said. "The others are getting dressed."
"I guess we should go in then," Trixie said quietly. She knew that once breakfast was over, Jim and Honey would be heading back to the city and Brian would be returning to college. They would be gone.
"We don't have to."
"We should," Trixie said. "I don't want to miss any of the time that we can be together."
Jim offered Trixie his hand. "I don't want to miss it either. Let's go."
They joined the others at the table as the food was being passed around. They all chatted with Peter, Helen and Bobby as they ate. When the meal was over, the Bob-Whites took care of the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen.
Once the work was done, they returned to the living room and began rolling up the sleeping gear to put away until the next time it was needed. They all grew quiet, knowing their time together was nearing an end.
"What time do you have to head out?" Mart asked.
"We need to be back in the city before dinner," Honey said. "Mother wants us to join some of her friends."
"Why don't we try to figure out when we all can get together again?" Di suggested. "I don't want a lot of time to pass until the next time."
"I'm not sure when I can make it back," Honey said quietly. "Mother has been keeping me really busy on the weekends with different events."
"Let's not worry about setting a date right now," Jim said. "It'll happen. It will probably be a spur of the moment event again."
"Exactly," Brian said.
At that moment Jim's cell phone rang. As he pulled it out, Honey said with a sigh, "That's Mother."
"Hello?" Jim answered. He sighed. "Hello, Mother." He paused. "Yes, we know." He paused again. "Don't worry. We'll be back in plenty of time." He sighed. "All right. We'll see you soon." Jim shut the phone off. "Sorry, guys."
"We need to go, don't we?" Honey asked.
"Unfortunately," Jim said.
Honey sighed as she looked at Trixie. "I really wish we could stay longer."
"We understand," Trixie said moving over to Honey. She gave her friend a hug. "And I promise I will give you a call in a couple days."
"I'd like that," Honey said.
"We're glad you both were able to join us," Mart said. "It wouldn't have been any fun without you."
"And we will do this again," Jim said.
"Absolutely," Di said.
"We'll walk you out," Dan said.
Jim and Honey grabbed their bags and the group headed outside. After they tossed their bags in the back, Jim and Honey turned to the rest of the Bob-Whites. The guys all shook Jim's hand and gave Honey a hug. Di gave Jim and Honey each a hug before Trixie moved over to them.
Trixie pulled Honey close and held her tight. "Thank you so much for coming. I've missed you so much, and having you here means the world to me."
"This meant a lot to me as well," Honey said. "And I will always be here for you. You are my best friend. Now and forever."
"I feel the same way." Trixie squeezed Honey tight before stepping back.
She turned to Jim and gave him a hug. She was so glad he had been there. She was feeling better and knew that with her friends by her side, she could face anything.
"Thanks for coming," Trixie said.
"Thanks for having me." Jim gave her a squeeze. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. I will come a-running."
"I know, and I appreciate it."
Trixie leaned back and released her hold on Jim. She stepped back between Brian and Mart.
"We'll talk to you later," Jim said.
"Bye," Honey said.
"Bye," the other five chorused.
Jim and Honey got in and left Crabapple Farm.
Brian wrapped his arm around Trixie's shoulder and pulled her close. "We'll be together again. I promise."
"I know," Trixie said quietly. "It just seems wrong that they have to leave."
"We can't change that," Brian said.
"It's just something I wish would change."
"You're not the only one," Brian said. "You're not the only one."
"What time do you have to head out?" Mart asked.
"In a few hours," Brian answered.
"Di and I are going to head home," Dan said.
"You don't have to go," Mart said.
"We know," Di said. "But this will give you all some family time before you return to college, Brian. And we will get to hang out when you visit again."
"Definitely," Brian said.
Within a short time, Di and Dan were on their way home. None of the elder Belden children knew what to do, so they settled in the living room, silence around them.
Trixie looked at Brian and broke the silence. "I'm really glad you were here this weekend."
"I'll always be here when you need it," Brian said. "I'm just a phone call away."
"That means a lot, Brian."
"And you have Mart here," Brian said. "I know he can't take my place, but he is here to help."
Trixie looked at Mart with a smile. "He has been very helpful."
"Shhh," Mart said, putting a finger to his lips. "Don't say that too loud. I have a reputation to protect."
Trixie laughed. It felt good to laugh.
* * * * *
Over the next couple weeks, Trixie began to feel more at ease. She was focusing on her classes and getting her assignments completed. She had taken her teachers' offers of assistance a couple times when she really didn't understand what was going on. They had taken their time and kept at it with her until she grasped the concept.
Trixie also heard fewer comments about her return. It seemed as if the other students had found other things that were more interesting to gossip about. People were still staring from time to time, but Trixie didn't care.
And what surprised Trixie even more was that she was sleeping through the night.
On the night that Brian had returned to college, she had had a nightmare that brought Mart to her room. He sat on her bed and held her until she calmed down. When the trembling had subsided, Mart had taken her hand, as well as her comforter, and led her out of the room to his own. Mart had gotten her settled in Brian's bed, and had said, "If you have another nightmare, I won't have far to go."
She had slowly drifted to sleep, afraid of another nightmare. But it didn't come.
The next night had been almost the same. But instead of Mart coming to her, she had grabbed her comforter and made her way to his room. She stood by his bed for just an instant before climbing into Brian's bed and going to sleep.
The third night when she was ready to go to bed, she went directly to the boys' room and settled in Brian's bed. She fell asleep immediately and didn't wake until Helen came knocking on the door.
Things were definitely looking up for her.
As she settled at the table in the cafeteria, she could feel the excitement. The winter formal was three weeks away and everyone was getting hyped up for the event. Many people were already asking members of the opposite sex to be their dates.
Trixie couldn't help but smile at the excitement. From what people were saying, the winter formal was going to be the best.
"I can't believe he asked me," Di said as she sat down at the table beside Trixie.
"Who?" Trixie asked.
"Ugh," Di said. "As if I would even consider going with him. That boy seriously has some brain cells missing."
"Who asked you?" Trixie repeated.
Di looked at her. "Tad Webster."
Trixie's eyes went wide in shock. "You're kidding, right?"
"I wish I was."
"Hasn't Mart already asked you?"
"Of course," Di said. "And all the guys here know that."
"Then why did he ask? It doesn't make sense."
"Sure it does. He said that it would be better if I went with him because Mart would probably stand me up."
"Mart wouldn't do that. If he did, he'd have the world's best reason."
"I know that, and you know that, but Tad doesn't think any reason is a good one."
"Tad needs to get a life."
"I completely agree," Di said. "So, has anyone asked you to the winter formal?"
Trixie shook her head. "No, but that's all right. I wasn't planning to go anyway."
"Why not?"
"I just don't want to go. And that's fine with me. Besides, I've never been one for getting really dressed up. You know that. And to go to the formal, I would need to get an elegant dress, have my hair and nails done. I think I'll avoid all that."
"You'll avoid what?" Dan asked as he sat down at the table with Mart.
"Trixie is not going to the formal winter ball," Di said.
"How come?" Dan asked.
"Dances aren't my thing, especially if I have to get really dressed up."
"I know how you feel," Dan said. "I'm not into the suit and tie thing myself. It seems like cruel and unusual punishment to make someone wear it."
"I absolutely agree," Trixie said.
"But if you don't go, it won't be any fun," Di said.
"I'm sorry, Di, but I honestly wouldn't have any fun if I did go. But you two should go and have a blast. You shouldn't skip it just because I don't want to go. It'll be a fun night and you should enjoy it."
"Are you sure?" Mart asked. "It's not like the winter formal is mandatory."
"Go and have a good time," Trixie said. "I want you to."
Mart smiled at her. "Only if you're sure."
Trixie smiled. "I'm sure."
Di clapped her hands together. "I'm so excited. I can't wait to find a dress."
When the bell rang, they headed off to their classes. Dan and Trixie had to go in the same direction so they walked together.
"Trixie, are you sure you don't want to go?" Dan asked. "I mean, I'm certain Jim would be your escort if you wanted to go."
"I know he would, but I just don't want to go," Trixie said. "Things are finally taking on some normalcy. If I went to the formal, it would be out of character for me, and people would be staring again. They've finally moved on to other gossip and I'd like to stay out of the limelight."
"I understand," Dan said. "But if you change your mind..."
"Thanks, Dan, but I don't think so."
"All right," Dan said. "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Dan."
"Bye."
* * * * *
A week later, Trixie was in high spirits. The previous day she had taken a math test that she didn't think she had done too well on. While taking the test, she kept second-guessing herself with the formulas she needed to use. She had finally listened to her gut and pressed on.
And since had listened to her gut, she had gotten a "B" on her math test. She had been stunned. She had never gotten a "B" in math in all her years in school. She felt so proud and happy about her accomplishment. She had shared the news with the Bob-Whites and they were as excited as she was. Trixie was anxious to share the news with the rest of her family.
Arriving home, Trixie hurried inside to find Helen putting a casserole dish in the oven.
"Moms, guess what?" Trixie asked, dropping her backpack on the table.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Helen asked, turning away from the stove.
"Look." Trixie handed Helen the paper.
She watched her mother's face light up when she saw the grade. Helen locked eyes with Trixie, a big smile appearing on her face.
"Trixie, this is so wonderful," Helen said, and gave her a hug. "I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Moms. I just can't believe I got a 'B'. It seems so unreal."
"You've been working hard, and this shows that the hard work has paid off. This is just the start, Trixie. If you keep at it, you'll have more grades like this."
"I hope so," Trixie said.
"Why don't you go get started on your homework?" Helen suggested. "Dinner will be ready when your father gets home."
"All right," Trixie said and headed into the living room.
When Peter got home and the family sat down to dinner, more praises were sent Trixie's way for her academic achievement. Everyone was proud she had done so well on the math test.
They were halfway through dinner when the telephone rang. Trixie moved to the phone and picked up the extension. "Crabapple Farm."
"Miss Belden?"
"May I ask who is calling?" Trixie asked, not recognizing the voice.
"This is Detective Matthews."
"Hi," Trixie said. "I haven't spoken to you in a while."
"I know," the detective said. "I wish there was a better reason for my call."
"What is it?" Trixie asked slowly, fear gripping her entire being.
"I hate to say this, but he got loose."
Trixie closed her eyes and sank to the floor. She didn't need an explanation as to who 'he' was. She knew the peace she had felt the past few days was gone.
"Trixie?" a voice asked in her ear.
"How long?" Trixie asked in a whisper.
"About six hours."
Trixie felt as if her heart stopped. She knew she was dead. He was going to kill her.
"Trixie?"
She opened her eyes and saw her parents, Mart and Bobby, staring at her. She thrust the phone at her father before bolting up the stairs. She went into the bathroom, slammed the door and sank to her knees. She was violently ill. She leaned against the bathtub, staring out at nothing.
"Trixie?" a voice came from the other side of the door.
She couldn't respond.
"I'm coming in."
She saw the door open and Mart step into the bathroom. He settled on the floor beside her and wrapped his arm around her.
"You're all right, Trixie. No one is going to hurt you."
Trixie remained silent. She was numb. She knew that no matter what was done, no one would be able to protect her. Roger Britten had gotten into the house once before. Nothing would stop him this time. She knew for certain that he was going to kill her when he got to her.
"Come on," Mart said. "Let's get out of here."
Trixie reluctantly got to her feet and allowed Mart to lead her out of the bathroom and into his room. Together they sat down on Mart's bed.
He has had six hours to get here, she thought. Why didn't they warn me as soon as they knew he was loose? He could be here in Sleepyside already, just biding his time until he can make his move. It's just a matter of time until he does get me. There's no place for me to go. And I know he will keep the promises he made when he held me before. He's going to come after the people that mean the most to me, and there's nothing I can do to prevent it. I've brought this on everyone.
If I go into hiding, everyone I love becomes a target and they will be killed. I can't believe this is happening. This is all my fault. I started the chain of events by getting his son sent to jail. There's no one else to blame. It's my fault. I've put everyone I love in harm's way. This is all my fault.
Trixie wasn't sure how long she had sat there when she felt a strong pair of hands take hold of hers. She blinked and looked into her father's pale face as he crouched in front of her.
"Trixie, we are not going to let anything to happen to you," Peter said. "He may have gotten into this house once, but it won't happen again."
Trixie opened her mouth to say something, but the words wouldn't come.
"Your father has already starting things rolling," Helen said, crouching beside Peter. "Chief Molinson and Spider are on their way. We're going to get a game plan going so he can't hurt you again."
"We are going to make sure you are safe," Peter said as he squeezed her hand. "No one hurts my little girl. No one."
"We need to call Brian," Mart said.
"There's nothing he can do from school," Helen said.
"He has to know," Mart said. "You forced him to go to college when he didn't want to go and now you want to keep him in the dark because you don't want him to miss any classes. Moms, if it was me, I would throw my education out the window if it meant Trixie was safe. We've been through hell this year and I'm not looking for a repeat performance. We are a family and need to be together."
Peter and Helen were silent as they looked at one another. Finally, Peter sighed. "I will call your brother and fill him in on what's happening."
Peter left the room.
"Sweetie, everything will be all right," Helen said. "We'll see to it."
Trixie tried to smile, but couldn't. She didn't think anyone would make this all right. She just knew trouble was coming.
* * * * *
All night long, Trixie sat huddled on the bed, the images of what she had been through with him swirling through her head. She felt as if she was already isolated from her family again. She knew they really didn't comprehend what she had been through. Sure, they had heard the details, but they didn't know. They hadn't lived it.
Trixie felt scared. She had never felt scared before, but her strength was gone. She had no idea what to do. She had no answers. All she knew was that her strength and spirit had been taken when she was torn from her family.
She glanced at Mart and saw that he was sleeping. He had fallen asleep an hour earlier. He had stayed with her in the room, giving her a small sense of security. She knew he was scared and worried.
As she leaned back against the wall, she heard movement in the hallway and downstairs. She knew there were police officers stationed around Crabapple Farm, keeping an eye out for Britten. But that didn't alleviate any of her worry. It just increased it. She was scared of what was to come.
"Did you sleep at all?"
She looked and saw Mart staring at her. She shook her head. "No."
Mar propped his head in his arm as he looked at her. "You know we'll do everything in our power to make sure he can't get near you again, right?"
"I know," Trixie said, but she wasn't convinced. There were too many variables that had to be considered. There was no way to figure when or where he would appear.
"Are you hungry?" Mart asked.
Trixie shook her head.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Trixie said quietly.
"Trix, it'll work out. I know it will."
A soft tapping on the door forced them to look. Mart asked, "Who is it?"
"It's Moms."
"Come in," Mart said.
The door opened and Helen stepped into the room. She closed the door behind her, and they could see the tired and worried look in her eyes.
"Should I ask if either of you are going to school?" Helen asked.
"We're not going," Mart said as he sat up, not waiting for Trixie to answer. "There are too many chances for him to get to her."
"That's what your father and I were thinking, but we figured we'd let you two make the ultimate decision." Helen looked at Mart. "Why don't you go eat your breakfast? It's ready in the kitchen."
"But, Trixie..."
"Trixie will be fine," Helen said. "I'll stay with her."
Mart was hesitant and finally left the room, pulling the door closed behind him.
Trixie looked at her mother. Helen asked, "Is it okay for me to sit with you?"
Trixie stared in surprise at her mother's question, but knew why she had asked. She had accepted peoples' touches the previous night, but hadn't wanted to. She knew her mother didn't want to upset her. But now, she needed some familiarity.
"I'd like that."
Helen sat down on the bed and Trixie scooted closer to her. Helen pulled Trixie close and gently rocked her little girl. Trixie felt secure.
"I've missed this," Helen said quietly. "I've missed us doing things together. I've missed us being together."
"I'm sorry, Moms."
"Shh," Helen said. "There's no need to apologize. This is not your fault and you need to remember that. And I can also understand why you like getting out of the house whenever you can. I think I would probably do the same thing."
Trixie closed her eyes as she was held. To her, this moment was more important than any words. She was with someone who truly loved her. For a moment, the craziness that surrounded her was out of sight, out of mind. She was a little girl getting affection from her mother.
After a few minutes of silence, Helen asked, "Are you sure you're not hungry? There is plenty of food downstairs."
"I...I just don't know."
"How about some toast?" Helen suggested. "I know your stomach is probably acting up, but you do need to eat something."
Trixie didn't want to leave the bedroom, but she knew her mother had a point. "All right."
She slipped out of her comforter and allowed Helen to wrap her arm around her shoulder. Together they left the room and made their way down to the kitchen. As they stepped into the room, Trixie saw her father, Mart and Bobby were already at the table. She slid into a sat next to Mart.
"I'll have it ready in a second," Helen said, moving to the counter and putting bread in the toaster.
"Okay."
"How are you doing?" Peter asked.
"I'm here," Trixie answered.
"We'll get through this." Peter reached over and squeezed her hand.
At that moment there was a knock on the door and they all went quiet. Peter said, "Stay put."
Trixie held her breath. She was terrified Britten was there.
A moment later Peter returned to the table with Dan in tow. Dan was looking around, confusion written all over his face.
Trixie was finally able to breathe.
"Morning," Dan said slowly, looking at each one of them in turn. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"It's all right," Mart said. "I was going to call you last night, but things were a little hectic."
"Is everything all right?" Dan asked. "I saw the police car and wondered if something had happened."
"Nothing has happened here," Mart said.
"But?" Dan prompted.
Trixie looked at Dan as he stared at her. She said, "He got loose."
"No way," Dan said in disbelief.
"It's true."
"Are they looking for him?"
Trixie nodded.
"What do you need me to do?" Dan asked. "I want to help."
"We're not going to school today," Mart said. "Maybe you could grab our assignments?"
"Sure," Dan said.
"And keep your eyes open for anyone out of place," Peter sad. "We have no idea where he is and we need to be careful."
"I got it," Dan said.
"We appreciate this," Helen said.
"No problem," Dan said. "I'll be back after school. And if you need anything, let me know. Or get Uncle Bill. He'll help in a heartbeat."
"Thanks, Dan," Peter said.
"You're welcome," Dan said. "I'll see you later."
"Bye," Trixie and Mart said and their friend left the farm.
Once the door was closed, Trixie leaned back and closed her eyes. She wished this wasn't happening.
"This will be solved and he will be caught," Helen said.
Trixie wanted to be positive, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he would get to her before he was caught.
* * * * *
Through the day, Trixie and Mart stayed in Mart's room. Trixie didn't know what to do, but she felt safer in her brother's room than anywhere else in the house. There wasn't much conversation, they just sat there or read.
It was early afternoon and Trixie couldn't stop the thoughts in her head. She kept reliving the horrible time with Britten and was making herself sick. She so wanted her life to go back to what it was, but she knew that would never happen.
Knock, knock.
"Who is it?" Mart asked, looking up from his book.
"It's me. Brian."
Trixie sprang to her feet and pulled the door open. Before Brian could step into the room, Trixie was in his arms. The tears came as her eldest brother held her tight.
"It's okay," Brian said. "It's okay."
"Don't let go," Trixie whispered. "Please don't."
"I'll never let you go. Ever."
The tears continued to fall. She couldn't stop crying. She allowed Brian to guide her back into the bedroom and they sat down on the bed. After several long minutes, Trixie was able to calm herself and wipe the tears from her eyes.
She looked up at him. "I'm sorry."
"There's no need to be sorry," Brian said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "If you hadn't reacted that way, I would've been worried."
"I'm so glad you're home."
"I'm glad to be home."
"What did your professors say?" Mart asked.
"I'm here," Brian said. "And that's all that matters."
Mart and Trixie exchanged a looked and recognized the no-nonsense tone of Brian's voice and figured that topic was not up for discussion.
"So," Brian continued. "Fill me in on what we know."
"Trixie got a phone call during dinner from Detective Matthews," Mart said. "He told her Britten had escaped and that it had occurred about six hours before he made the call."
"He could've been back in Sleepyside in that time," Brian said.
"That's what Dad thought as well. That's why there's a police car in the driveway. He figured it would deter Britten from coming into the house."
"It won't stop him," Trixie said softly. "It won't."
"Why do you say that, Trix?" Brian asked gently.
"He was in jail because of me, and will do all that he can to get even with me," Trixie said. "The police won't stop him. He will get to me."
"We won't let that happen," Mart said as he crouched on the floor in front of her and took her hands in his. "And he won't get you, unless it's over my dead body."
"Don't say that," Trixie cried, the images of what could happen to her family flashing before her eyes. "Please don't say that. I don't want anything to happen to you."
Mart squeezed her hand. "It won't happen."
"With everyone here, he'd be a fool to come into the house," Brian said. "And with three very angry and overprotective men, it would be a suicide mission."
Her brother's words were meant to be reassuring, but she just grew more worried.
"Did anyone call Jim and let him know what's going on?" Brian asked. "I figured he would be here when I arrived."
"We didn't think about it," Mart said. "We were dealing with the shock of the news."
"I guess I should call him," Trixie said.
"I'll go grab the phone," Mart said.
Within a minute he was back and handing her the cordless phone. She quickly punched in Jim's home number and listened as the phone rang.
"Hello?" a young female voice answered on the third ring.
"Hey, Honey. It's Trixie."
"Oh, Trixie, I'm so glad you called," Honey said breathlessly. "I've been so worried."
Trixie's brow creased. "Why are you worried?"
"We heard the news and Jim flew out of here like a shot," Honey said. "He was going to have you call me when things settled down a bit."
"Jim's not there?"
"No," Honey said. "He left yesterday after dinner when he saw the news report. Isn't he there with you?"
"He's not here," Trixie said. "I haven't seen Jim since we were all together a few weeks ago."
"Oh no!" Honey exclaimed.
Trixie allowed the phone to slide from her grasp as Honey's words spread through her head. She barely saw it when Brian picked up the phone and continued talking to Honey.
He has Jim, she thought. He has Jim and he's going to kill him. Jim helped me get away and now he's in danger because of me. And with him taking Jim, he's showing me how easy it is to get to the people I love the most in the world. He's going to kill them one by one until I'm all alone and then he will kill me. That's the only explanation. And the only way to stop it is to find him and turn myself over to him. If this is the only way I can protect my loved ones, then this is what needs to be done. I can't let anything happen to them. They mean the world to me and need to be safe.
Author's Notes: My esteemed appreciation goes to Kaye for the edit. I really do appreciate all your hard work and catching all my typos. You definitely rock.
I also thank Vivian for hosting my web site and designing the pages for this story. You truly are a gem.
And please don't shoot the writer or throw any tomatoes, I absolutely promise that there will be more soon. :-)
Disclaimer: This is an unauthorized fan fiction site and is not affiliated with Random House in any way. No profit is being made from these pages.
