Part 3
"Trixie!"
"What," she asked, looking into Mart's concerned face.
"Are you all right? You seemed miles away."
"I'm okay." She looked at Brian and saw he was no longer talking on the phone. "You'll probably want to sleep in your own bed tonight. I'll get my stuff out of here."
"You don't have to do that," Brian said.
"It's all right," Trixie said, feeling she would never sleep again. She gathered her comforter and made her way back to her bedroom.
Trixie dropped the comforter on the floor and closed the door before heading downstairs. As Trixie stepped into the kitchen, her mother came from the kitchen door. She had several envelopes in her hand. Helen saw her and said, "The officer was kind enough to get the mail."
Trixie nodded as her mother started flipping through the mail. She stopped. "There's one here for you."
Trixie took the envelope and looked at her name written in blue ink. She flipped it over and broke the seal. She reached in and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
She stared at the writing.
"You know I have something that means a lot to you. At midnight, come to the place where you'll find rope and seed or I'll destroy it and come for something else. If you think hard enough, you'll figure it out."
He does have Jim, she thought. He does.
"Who is it from?" Helen asked.
"Jim," Trixie said refolding the page.
"That's what I thought," Helen said. "Does he know about the new developments?"
"He does," Trixie said. "Is there anything you need me to do?"
"I think we're all set," Helen said. "Dinner will be ready as soon as your father gets back."
"All right," Trixie said, noticing her homework sitting on the kitchen table. "I may as well get started on this."
Trixie left the kitchen and made her way into the living room. She sat down on the couch knowing she needed to figure a way to the old schoolhouse. Even though she realized it was a trap, she knew she had to go. She had gotten Jim into this situation, and she was the one to get him out.
* * * * *
After dinner, Trixie settled in the living room with her family. There was no talk of Britten, but they all were thinking about him. Around ten-thirty, her parents went to bed and left the three older children alone.
As more time passed, Trixie slid down on the couch giving the appearance that she had fallen asleep. She could hear the television and strained to hear the whispered conversation between her brothers. But she was unsuccessful since they were on the other side of the room.
A little while later, she felt a blanket get draped over her before the television was shut off. She could hear soft snores and knew Mart was asleep.
Trixie heard footsteps heading up the stairs and knew Brian was going to bed. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the lamp casting a soft glow from its spot on the table beside Mart. She watched him for a few minutes to make sure he was really asleep. Once she was certain, she slipped out from under the blanket.
As quietly as she could, Trixie made her way to the guest bedroom. She lifted the window and made her way out of the house. She stayed in the shadows of Crabapple Farm until she could make a beeline for the preserve.
Moving as quickly, but as carefully as possible, she made her way toward the old schoolhouse, hoping to be there before midnight, guided by the small amount of light being cast by the moon.
Trixie felt her body trembling as she crept along. She was worried about Jim. She had listened to all of Britten's threats and was certain he would follow through. Trixie knew she couldn't let that happen. No matter what, she was going to make sure Jim was safe. That was all that mattered to her.
Trixie neared the schoolhouse and saw a dim light glowing inside. She took a deep breath and moved forward.
She reached the door and pushed it open. As she stepped inside, she saw Jim was tied up in a metal chair. There was duct tape covering his mouth. She could see bruises on his face and his left eye was swollen shut.
"Oh, Jim," Trixie said as she hurried toward him. She pulled the tape off. "I'm so sorry."
"You shouldn't have come," Jim whispered, wetting his lips. "You should have stayed home."
"I had to."
"Of course you did," a voice said behind her.
Trixie turned around and saw Roger Britten standing against the closed door. He looked pale and his hair was straggly, but there was anger in his eyes.
"Let him go," Trixie said. "He's done nothing to you."
"That's where you're wrong," Britten said. "He got involved when he should have minded his own business."
"Just let him go," Trixie said. "You are angry with me because of what happened to your son. This all goes back to that and doesn't involve Jim. Just let him go."
"I don't think I should," Britten said, an evil grin filling his face. "I had thought to use him just as a lure, but you are acting extremely cooperative. Maybe I should keep him around as insurance that you won't double cross me."
"I will not be a bargaining chip," Jim said angrily as he struggled against the ropes holding him to the chair.
"Watch that temper," Britten said. "We wouldn't want to give her a repeat performance of what happened earlier, now would we?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Jim countered.
"Want to try me?" Britten asked as he stepped away from the door, taking a step closer to Jim. "I won't stop this time."
Jim grew silent.
"Good," Britten said. "I knew you'd see it my way."
"So, what do you want me to do?" Trixie asked.
"Trixie, no," Jim begged.
She ignored him as she stared Britten in the eye. She knew whatever he had planned wasn't going to be good, and that luck would be on her side if she did survive. But making sure Jim got back to his family outweighed the risk to her. The safety of her friends and family counted more than anything else in the world.
"I see you remembered," Britten said. "I wasn't sure if you would."
"What do you want me to do?" Trixie repeated, feeling the light that came from being with her family and friends slowly fading in the darkness.
"We're leaving."
"NO!" Jim yelled. "NO!"
"Shut up!" Britten yelled.
"You're not taking her!" Jim yelled.
Trixie steadied herself as she turned to face Jim. "Please, Jim. Don't make this any harder."
"You want to go with him?" Jim asked incredulously.
"I have to go with him," Trixie said quietly. "I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice, Trixie. Don't do this."
"I have to," Trixie said, tears filling her eyes as she looked at her best friend, knowing this would be the last time she would ever see him again.
She saw the tears fill his eyes at the realization as to what was to come. He shook his head as he whispered, "You can't."
"We need to go," Britten said. "I've got what I came for."
"Let me say good-bye," Trixie said.
"Hurry up."
Trixie moved close to Jim and place her hand on his cheek as their eyes locked. The tears were falling freely from both their eyes.
"Trixie, you can't. I can't let you do this for me."
"I'm not doing this just for you," Trixie said quietly. "He keeps his promises and I can't let that happen." She took a deep breath and the tears fell faster. "Please remember me."
"Always," Jim said, his voice cracking from emotion. "I love you, Trixie."
She offered him a small smile. "I love you, too."
At that moment Britten grabbed her arm. "Enough of the mushy stuff. We need to go."
"NO!" Jim yelled as she was dragged out of the old schoolhouse.
Trixie was terrified at what was to come. She knew her time was limited. When Britten had take her the first time, he had warned her that should she ever escape, he would catch her and kill her, but not before hurting those she loved.
With the injuries she seen on Jim, she knew for certain that he would keep his promise. She just hoped no one else she cared for would suffer.
They trudged their way through the dark preserve. Trixie tried to figure out where they were going, but Britten kept switching directions. After a little while, she realized they were nearing the bluffs. Trixie realized what was to come and she couldn't let that happen.
The strength and determination she feared had been lost since the moment she was taken from her family, with the thought of never seeing them again, seemed to return and she wasn't going to let anyone hurt those she cared about.
Trixie pulled away from Britten and stared at him. He said angrily, "Get a move on or I'll go back and kill that boy."
"No, you won't," Trixie said. "Going back there would be a suicide mission."
"Really?"
"Of course," Trixie said. "Jim's family knows he's missing and they've probably already pieced it together that you are the one who took him. Do you really think it'll be that difficult for them to find you? You brought him back to Sleepyside where his best friends are."
"No one is going to find him," Britten said, a grin filling his face again. "I figured you would try something like this, so I created something that would guarantee your cooperation, willingly."
"And what's that?" Trixie asked, dread filling her.
Britten looked at his watch and then at her. "In about 10 minutes there will be an explosion that will level that building, leaving absolutely nothing."
Trixie felt the blood drain from her face as she sank to her knees, being violently ill. She thought she had preserved his safety, but she had just helped sentence him to death.
Britten grabbed her by the back of her neck and hauled her to her feet. He dragged her toward the edge of the bluffs.
"You have been a nuisance in my life for too long and now I will make sure you don't bother anyone ever again."
Britten turned Trixie to face him when they reached the edge, his one hand still firmly holding onto her neck. Trixie's eyes were wide and she was terrified.
I don't want to die, she thought as her body began trembling uncontrollably. I want to be back with my family and friends. I don't want to die. I have so much to life for. I want everyone I care about to be safe.
"You are a troublesome girl. I guarantee anyone who has come in contact with you in the past will be applauding. Now there will be no one to interfere with them. The nuisance will be silenced."
Trixie knew at that moment that he wasn't going to win without a fight. She had to do something. She needed to see if she could get past him and back to Jim before the explosion occurred.
"You may silence me, but there will be people who will take the reins and make sure people like your son get what they deserve," Trixie said, her voice loud with as much strength as she could muster. "And I know you will get what's coming to you."
"I will, and it will all be pleasure when you die."
Trixie pushed against Britten, trying to get him to break his hold on her neck, but his grasp was too strong.
"I warned you," Britten sneered as he backed her closer to the edge.
Trixie couldn't fight back. He was much stronger than her. She could feel the ground crumbling beneath her feet. She knew it was a very long way to the bottom.
"So long," Britten said.
Just as he was about to push her over the edge, a voice yelled, "Let her go!"
Britten was startled, turning slightly. Before Trixie could react, they were both falling over the edge of the bluffs.
"AHHHHH!" Trixie screamed as she fell, her eyes closed. Instinctively she reached her hands above her head, praying she could grab something. She pictured her family and their smiling faces. She saw the friends who meant everything in the world to her. She couldn't believe this was the end.
She suddenly jerked to a stop. She struggled to get her breath as she held on. She tightened her hold and hoped she could hang on. Once she could breathe, Trixie opened her yes and saw she had a tight grasp on a tree root.
She was had been given a reprieve.
"TRIXIE!"
Looking upward, she saw a face peering down at her.
"Brian!" Trixie cried.
"Just don't let go," he said, his face in the moonlight. "We'll have you up in a minute."
"Hurry."
"We will."
Within minutes, a rope was lowered down to her. Trixie released the root with her left hand and slid the rope under her arm. She grabbed the root with her left hand and used her right hand to secure the rope around herself.
"Okay!" Trixie yelled and she was slowly pulled up. She held onto the rope and avoided looking down.
When she was finally pulled over the edge, she felt a pair of strong arms pull her close. She broke into tears, grateful she was now safe.
"You're all right," Brian said, kissing the top of her head. "You're safe."
"Oh, Brian," Trixie cried, unable to stop the tears from falling.
He pulled her closer and she welcomed the embrace.
It took a couple minutes but she was finally able to calm down. She was stunned she had survived. She had really believed that she was going to die.
Trixie slowly lifted her head from Brian's chest and looked around. She saw Mart was there, as well as Dan and Regan. They were all white-faced with relief.
"Are you hurt?" Brian asked.
Trixie shook her head.
She looked back at the edge of the bluffs. She asked, "Did he…?"
"He went right down," Dan said quietly.
Trixie closed her eyes as a lump formed in her throat. She knew that could've been her.
"But it wasn't you," Mart said coming up behind her as if he had read her thoughts. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"Trixie," Brian said after a moment. She looked at her older brother and he continued, "Did he say anything about Jim?"
Trixie's eyes went wide. Their time was almost up. She looked at all of them. "He's in the old schoolhouse. Britten set some explosives to go off."
"Let's move," Regan said.
Brian pulled Trixie to her feet and they all took off running. They had just entered the preserve when a loud explosion echoed through the woods. They ground trembled under their feet, knocking all of them down.
"No," Trixie cried as she buried her head into the ground.
I killed him, she thought. Jim had done everything he could to help me, but in the end, I got him gilled. This isn't fair. This so isn't fair.
"Come on, Trix," Brian said, tugging on her arm. "We've got to go."
"I can't," Trixie cried.
"You can."
Unsure of where the strength came from, she got to her feet and followed the others as they pulled her along. She didn't want to go to the old schoolhouse. She couldn't look at the building, knowing her hest friend was gone.
The crackling of the fire got louder as they neared the old schoolhouse. Trixie stepped out of Mart and Brian's grasp, unable to go any further. She just couldn't. It was too hard. She could smell the smoke and felt like she was going to be sick.
"Oh no," Mart said.
Trixie turned her back toward the direction of the building. She closed her eyes and let the tears continue to fall as she listened to the others call out for Jim.
I wish I had never been rescued, Trixie thought as she sank to her knees. If Jim hadn't found me, we wouldn't be here now. I've just brought misery and pain to everyone I care about. And now Jim is gone. He was one of my best friends and now he's dead. This is all my fault. I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. His parents and Honey are going to be so devastated. They are going to hate me forever and I wouldn't blame them. I've ruined their family. I brought Jim to them and now I'm the reason he's gone. It should have been me.
Trixie wasn't sure how long she had been sitting there crying when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Trixie?"
"I can't, Mart," Trixie whispered. "I can't."
"It's all right," Mart said. "Please, Trix. I need you to come with me."
Trixie shook her head as the tears continued down her cheeks. "I can't."
"Trust me, Trixie." He paused. "Please."
Trixie reluctantly got to her feet and took hold of Mart's hand. She could still hear the crackling of fire and her stomach turned even more. They slowly made their way toward the ruins that were smoldering.
She kept her eyes focused on the ground. She couldn't look. As they moved through the preserve, Trixie could hear voices getting louder as they neared them.
"I would agree with you, but it's too risky," Brian was saying. "With the way those timbers are smoldering, it's not safe. None of us are safe. We really need to get out of here and call in the authorities."
"I agree," Regan said.
"We can go to my place," a new voice said. "It's much closer."
"Thanks, Mr. Maypenny," Brian said. "But the sooner we get back to the farm, the better off we'll all be."
"I found her," Mart said.
"Good," Brian said. "We need to get out of here and get Jim to a hospital."
"Jim?!"
Trixie's head shot up and she stared at her eldest brother.
Just past him, sitting on the ground was Jim. His face was pale beneath the bruises and he had his right arm cradling his ribs.
Trixie feared she was hallucinating. They explosion had destroyed the schoolhouse. There was no way Jim had gotten out of there on his own.
Jim lifted his head and looked at her. There was pain and weariness in his right eye, but there was also relief. He whispered, "Trixie."
She sprang forward and wrapped her arms around Jim, relishing in the feel of his body as he put his left arm around her and held her close.
"Oh, Jim."
"It's okay," Jim whispered. "It's okay."
"Trixie, we need to get him back to the house," Brian said. "He needs medical attention."
"It's okay," Jim said softly. "I'm not leaving you. I promise."
Trixie gave him a gently squeeze and slowly leaned back. She saw the pain and exhaustion on his face and knew her brother was right.
"Let's go," Trixie said.
Regan and Brian moved to Jim, and as gently as possible, helped him to his feet. He grimaced in pain and kept his right arm around his chest. Regan put Jim's left arm around his shoulder and they began the slow walk back to Crabapple Farm.
Trixie fell in step beside Mart who wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She was so overwhelmed. Her brain seemed to shut down and she was unaware of anything going on around her.
* * * * *
Silence. There was not a single sound around her. She let out a breath and sank into the softness. She was tired and was looking forward to going back to sleep. But there was something nagging at her, keeping her from returning to the dreamless slumber.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and blinked against the brightness. She stared at an unfamiliar ceiling.
"Trixie?"
She turned her head to the left and saw Helen sitting beside the bed. Her mother's hair was a mess and there were bags under her eyes.
"Moms?"
"How are you feeling?" Helen asked as she moved from the chair to the bed. She took Trixie's left hand in both of hers.
Trixie took a moment before she answered. Her gaze glanced around the room and from the furniture, she knew she was in the guest bedroom of Crabapple Farm. She looked back at her mother.
"What am I doing here?" Trixie asked softly.
"What do you remember?" Helen asked.
Trixie put her right hand to her forehead and tried to think back. She recalled the phone call from Detective Matthews that Britten had escaped. She also remembered the letter regarding Jim.
"Jim!"
"He's all right," Helen said reminded her. "He's at the hospital getting treated by the doctors."
Trixie let out a breath. "What time is it?"
"About two-thirty," Helen answered. "You've been asleep since you fell into bed."
"I don't remember that."
"Let me get Brian and he can explain it. I'm not sure of all the details."
"All right," Trixie said and Helen left the room.
Trixie pushed herself up in the bed and winced. Her arms were sore. Looking down at her hands, she saw there were bandages wrapped around them. She had no clue as to why they were covered.
"How are you feeling?' a voice asked.
She saw Brian come into the room and move over to the bed. She said, "Confused." She looked him in the eye. "Tell me what happened."
"Well, we received word that Britten was released and we all were on our guard," Brian began. "Yesterday afternoon we learned from Honey that Jim was missing. Things seemed kind of normal last night until you left the house. Mart woke to you leaving and then he woke me. We headed into the preserve trying to find you. We called Dan and Regan to help us."
"You followed me?"
"We were worried," Brian admitted. "We lost track of you before meeting up with Dan and Regan. Together we continued on and that's when we heard footsteps. We came out near the bluffs and saw that Britten had you."
"You startled him and we both went over the edge," Trixie said, the night coming back to her.
"Sorry about that," Brian said. "We were only trying to distract him so you could get away."
"I appreciate it. And then what happened."
"After we pulled you up, you told us that Jim was in the old schoolhouse. We ran, but then there was an explosion."
"We all were knocked to the ground. I was afraid Jim was dead."
"But he's not," Brian said, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Mr. Maypenney headed out to help search for you after my call. He checked out the old schoolhouse and found Jim. He was able to get him out before the explosion."
"What a relief," Trixie said.
"Do you remember finding Jim?" Brian asked gently. "You were in shock and kind of out of it." Trixie nodded and Brian continued. "We took both of you to the hospital. The doctor released you after they treated those nasty rope burns and the scrapes on your hands. He also gave you a sedative so that you could get some uninterrupted sleep."
"I can't believe all that happened."
"But luckily, it is all over," Helen said. "That man will never be able to hurt you again."
Trixie knew that was true. Britten couldn't physically hurt her again. But he had hurt her and those memories would never go away. She knew she would never get back the life she had before. Her life was going to be completely different.
"Do you feel like going for a ride?" Brian asked.
"Where?"
"Chief Molinson wants to get your statement and then I figured we'd stop by the hospital."
"All right. I just need to get dressed."
"I put your clothes on the dresser," Helen said.
"Thanks, Moms."
Brian stood up. "I'll wait for you in the kitchen."
"Okay," Trixie said, and the two of them left the room.
* * * * *
About two hours later, Brian and Trixie made their way into the hospital. It had taken time, giving her statement to the police chief. Molinson wanted to be thorough and he was. He also gave her a lecture about not informing him of the letter regarding Jim's disappearance. Trixie, knowing she should have shared the letter, apologized profusely, and promised she would never withhold information again.
The chief chuckled at that and said, "We'll see how long you can keep that promise."
When they finished at the police station, they headed directly for the hospital. Trixie was anxious to see how Jim was doing with her own eyes.
Together they made their way up to the third floor and were surprised to see the other Bob-Whites in the waiting room. Dan and Mart looked as if they hadn't slept in days.
Mart saw her first and moved over to them. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. He whispered, "I'm do glad you're all right."
"Thank you for coming after me," Trixie whispered, giving him a squeeze.
"You're welcome."
The others came over as Mart released his hold on her. Dan asked, "You all right?"
Trixie nodded. "I'm okay."
Honey stepped forward and gave Trixie a hug. "Thank you for finding Jim."
"I didn't find him," Trixie said. "I put him in danger. If he hadn't rescued me, we wouldn't be here now."
"We're all grateful he did rescue you," Brian said. "And I think Jim would say the same thing."
"I doubt it," Trixie said. "I got him hurt."
"Trixie, Jim loves you and nothing will change that," Honey said. "He would walk through fire if he had to."
"We'll wait on that until after I see him," Trixie said.
"Can she go in?" Brian asked.
"Sure," Honey said. "Mother and Dad went to get something to drink from the cafeteria. The drinks in the vending machine are horrible."
"What room is he in?"
"Room 301," Honey answered.
Trixie turned from them and made her way to Room 301. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She was terrified of what Jim was going to say. She feared he was going to tell her to go away and never come back. She knew she would just die if that happened.
Reaching the room, Trixie saw the door was partially open. Peering inside, she sawJim was slightly propped up in the bed. There was an IV running down to his left arm and there were bandages around his wrist. His left eye was purple and she couldn't tell if he was awake or not.
Moving silently, Trixie entered the room and approached the bed. She moved to the end and looked at Jim, surprised to see his right eye was open and he was staring back at her.
"Hey," Trixie said quietly.
"Hey yourself," Jim said. "I was hoping you would come by."
"I had to come see you." Trixie shifted her gaze to the floor. She couldn't look Jim in the face, seeing the injuries and knowing she was responsible for them being there.
"How are you feeling?" Jim asked.
"I'm okay," Trixie answered. "Still a little tired. Brian said the doctor gave me a sedative to help me sleep." She paused. "What about you?"
"I'm all right," Jim said. "The IV is to help get some more fluids into my system and for the antibiotics. The ropes cut into my wrists when I was trying to break free. The doctors just want to be cautious."
"I'm sorry," Trixie said. "I'm so sorry."
"Why are you sorry? You didn't do this to me."
"But I am the cause. If you hadn't rescued me, he wouldn't have taken you and tied you up and left you in a building that was going to explode."
"And you didn't put me there," Jim said. He reached his hand out. "Trixie, come here."
Trixie hesitated for just a moment before moving around to Jim's right side. She put her hand in his.
"Trixie, listen to me. What happened to me is not your fault. That man is the one responsible and he is the only one. He wanted revenge and was determined to do everything in his power to get it." Jim paused. "I hate that he used me as a bargaining chip to get you to come. I so wish that could have been avoided, but we can't change the past. We have gotten through this and we will survive and be so much stronger."
"But this is my fault," Trixie protested.
"No, it's not. You didn't want this. You didn't want to be kidnapped in the first place. All that has happened came from one person's need for revenge. That's not you. You care more about people than any person I know. And because you care, you are always helping people."
"I'm always hurting people."
"Would you stop it," Jim said harshly, pulling himself up to face her. He winced and placed his right hand against his ribs.
Trixie's eyes went wide. "You're hurt more than you said."
"Just three cracked ribs," Jim said quietly, breathing through the pain.
"This is my fault, Jim. You got hurt because of me."
"Trixie, would you stop? I got these injuries because I lost my temper. And I would do it all over again." He reached his right hand out to Trixie again. "Come here."
Letting out a sigh, Trixie moved back to the bed and sat on the edge beside him.
"Trix, I can understand why you felt the need to come to the schoolhouse."
"Jim…"
"Let me finish." He squeezed her hand. "After he grabbed me and I woke up, he started telling me what he planned to do, and who he would go after next if you didn't show."
"Jim, I..."
"I know you were protecting your family, your friends, all of us. And I do appreciate it. But you shouldn't have kept this inside. I could see it in your eyes when you were awake and even when you woke at night that something was being bottled up. But you no longer have to carry that burden. Nothing he threatened to do is going to happen. He can't hurt you ever again."
Trixie stared at Jim. She couldn't believe he knew all Britten had threatened to do. She just couldn't believe it. Her abused psyche was having a hard time grasping the truth in Jim's words. Britten's threats were meaningless, now. There was no way for them to come true. She was free.
"Come here." Jim pulled her hand and she moved closer to him. She sat with her back against the pillow. Jim wrapped his right arm around her shoulder as she nestled her head against him.
Trixie slowly began to tell Jim how she felt. "I was so scared when we found out he was loose. All I could picture was him hurting the people I loved the most. And then when I realized he had you, it seemed as if my world came crashing down. I knew he was going to keep his word."
Jim kissed the top of her head. "You don't know how relieved I was when Mart pulled you from the woods. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. And then you spoke and I knew you were real."
"I was terrified when I heard the explosion," Trixie admitted. "He told me about the explosives and I had no idea how you were going to get out of there. I thought I had lost you. And when I saw you there, I was so ecstatic. "
"You'll never lose me," Jim said. "I'll always be here for you. Always."
"I owe you a lot. If it wasn't for you..."
"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have a wonderful family or great friends. Trixie, we've done wonderful things for each other and I think we're even."
"So, how long will you be stuck in here?" Trixie asked, switching subjects.
"Probably until tomorrow, but I'm not sure," Jim answered. "The doctor hasn't said."
"I bet your parents hate me," Trixie said quietly as she picked at the lint from the blanket covering Jim.
"They don't hate you. They are just glad that I'm not seriously hurt."
"I'm glad too," Trixie said.
"I'm glad you aren't hurt either. I was scared of what was going to happen to you." He squeezed her shoulder. "Trixie, would you look at me?"
Trixie turned her head and looked Jim in the eye. "What is it?"
"I am glad you are in my life and I wouldn't change a thing," Jim said. "I've told you how much I value you and your friendship and I stand by that. You will always be my best friend and I'm looking forward to see how this friendship continues to grow."
Trixie smiled at Jim and reached for his left hand. "I'm glad you're in my life and I thank you for rescuing me from my nightmare. There is no way I'll ever be able to show my appreciation. I know I've said ‘thank you' several times, but it doesn't seem like enough."
"Your smile is all the thanks I need," Jim said. "And knowing you are back with the people who love you the most is all I need.
Trixie smiled and placed her head back on Jim's shoulder. She felt safe, really safe, for the first time in months.
* * * * *
Trixie stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. She ran her hands along the dark blue satin dress she was wearing. She turned to her left and then to the right to make sure there were no wrinkles in the gown. The three thin straps over her shoulders were spaced perfectly and added a bit of elegance to the tomboy.
As she looked at her reflection, she thought about all the changes that had gone on in the past six weeks.
The first had been her bedroom. She still had a hard time being in that room with all that had happened. Even with Britten gone, it didn't erase the memory. Because of that, Mart and Brian offered to switch rooms with her. She tried protesting at first, but their insistence made her finally agree, especially when they pointed out that she got a better night sleep in the other room.
A part of her felt bad for the switch because her old room was smaller than the boys'. Brian had pointed out that to her that he wasn't home all the time and that he just needed a place to sleep when he did return to Crabapple Farm.
Another change was that she was seeing a therapist twice a week. She was coming to grips with all that happened, starting with her abduction and everything that followed. Talking to someone was helping, but her family still didn't know all the details of what Britten planned to do to her, and she didn't want to burden them with that knowledge or cause them to feel guilty. She realized talking about it kept it out of her dreams and she was able to rest easier.
Trixie also noticed that when someone surprised her, she didn't scream out in terror. There was a squeal of surprise, but it didn't leave her frightened.
One other change was that she was riding again. The first time she had gotten into the saddle, she had been gripped with a paralyzing fear. After some coaxing from Jim and Regan, and the reminder to breathe, she had gotten Susie to move around the corral. It was slow at first, but within minutes, they were flying. It felt wonderful to be riding again.
Trixie was glad she was back with her family and friends. She was grateful her fellow Bob-Whites had stood beside her during the mess and knew there was no way she would be able to truly express her appreciation. The Bob-Whites really showed what good friends they were, and that made her the happiest.
Knock, knock.
"Come in," Trixie said, taking her eyes off the mirror to look at the door.
Helen stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. "You look beautiful, Trixie."
"Thanks, Moms." She looked in the mirror. "But are you sure this is all right? I mean, maybe I should have gone with the light blue dress instead of this one."
"This dress is perfect," Helen said, placing her hands on Trixie's shoulders as she stood behind her daughter. "You look like an angel."
Trixie turned and looked at her mother. "Maybe we shouldn't go. Maybe we should just call this whole thing off."
"Why?" Helen asked as she adjusted one of the curls framing her face.
"What?"
"Why should you call this off?" Helen asked. "You have no reason not to go."
"I'm just not sure this is right."
"Sweetheart, you have been through so much this past year. There have been a lot of ups and downs and times when you may have thought things could never get better. But things are improving. You should go and enjoy tonight. You really have earned it. Go have fun."
"I just don't know," Trixie said.
"You'll love it."
"Trixie! Your escort is here!" Peter called up the stairs.
Trixie looked at her mother. "I don't think I can do this."
"Of course you can," Helen said, adjusting another of Trixie's curls so that it hung in front of her shoulder. "You will go and have a great time." She smiled at her daughter. "Now go."
Trixie grabbed the wrap that matched her dress and slid it over her shoulders. She grabbed her purse and took a deep breath. Leaving the bedroom and heading down the stairs, she felt butterflies taking flight in her stomach. She really doubted her decision.
When she reached the first floor, Trixie made her way into the living room. She stopped when she saw the handsome gentleman wearing a crisp dark suit.
Peter cleared his throat and her escort turned around.
Jim's smile grew big as he looked at her. "Trixie, you look beautiful."
"Really?" Trixie asked, glancing down at her dress.
"Really," Jim said as he moved toward her. He reached over and lifted her chin so she would look him n the eye. "I love that color on you."
Trixie blushed. "Thank you."
Jim opened a box to reveal a white orchid. "I think this will go perfectly with your dress."
"It's beautiful," Trixie said.
"Here." Jim took the orchid out of the box and slipped it over her wrist.
"Have a wonderful time," Peter said, his arm wrapped around Helen who had followed Trixie downstairs.
"I'll have Trixie home by midnight," Jim said.
"That's fine."
"Have fun," Helen said.
"We will," Jim said. "Are you ready?"
"I am."
"Then let's go."
Jim retrieved her long coat from the closet and helped Trixie slide her arms into it. With her arm securely intertwined with his, they made their way out to Jim's Jeep and were off.
* * * * *
A while later, Jim and Trixie made their way into Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School. They went into the gymnasium and looked around at the decorations. Light blue and white balloons covered the ceiling. The tables were covered in cloths that matched the balloons. A single candle was set in the middle of each table with flowers around it.
Music was playing through four speakers that were set at each corner of the room. Other attendees to the winter formal were already out on the floor dancing. From where they stood, Trixie could see Mart and Di, as well as Dan and Karen, a girl from the senior class.
A slow song began to play. Jim looked at her. "Would you like to dance?"
"I'd love to."
They moved out on to the dance floor and Trixie wrapped her arms around Jim as she leaned her head against his chest. She felt Jim wrap his arms around her and they swayed to the music.
They danced for several songs before Trixie leaned back and looked up at Jim. "Thank you for coming with me tonight."
"It was my pleasure," Jim said. "You deserve this night."
"I wasn't sure I wanted to come at first, but then I thought about it and realized I did. This is just another step in becoming normal again."
"And you will," Jim said, brushing the curls back from her face. "It'll take time, but things will turn out all right."
"I know they will, because I have my family and the Bob-Whites with me. And that's all I ever wished for."
"That's all any of us need." Jim leaned in and gave Trixie a kiss. "I'm glad you're home, Trixie."
"I'm glad I'm home too."
As another slow song played, they held each other close. They both knew there were still steps Trixie had to face, but with the support of the people who loved her, she would survive and grow even stronger.
The End.
Author's Notes:
My esteemed appreciation goes to Ronda 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.
This is submitted for the 9th Jixaversary celebration. I am honored and privileged to be among some of the best writers out there who also share their love of this series. Jix is definitely home and I love being a part of it. Cathy, you are a gem. It was an honor to meet you and I love that you created this place for all of us to gather from around the world. Thank you so much.
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.
