Part 17 (1/2)

Sneak Peek...Coming in 2015

Prologue.

Alexis ”Mommy, I'm hungry,” Maddison spoke out from behind me. The sound of her sweet voice only made my heart ache more intensely.

”I know, baby, mommy will find you something real soon. I promise.” I slowed the car to a stop and reached for the bag in the pa.s.senger seat beside me. Digging around, I pulled out the package of crackers I took from our last stop.

Turning around, looking back at my little girl, I forced a smile. She looked so tired, and seeing that in her eyes made me feel like a worthless mother.

Tearing the package open, I handed her the two crackers. ”Here, sweet pea, eat these for now. I know it's not much, but I'll get ya something real soon, okay?”

Maddison nodded her head and took the crackers from me. ”You still have juice in your cup?” I asked, and she nodded her sleepy little head once again. ”Good, we'll be stopping real soon.”

Turning back to face forward, I took in a deep breath and began looking around. I had pa.s.sed a sign that read 'Welcome to Brooklet' about a mile back-I found myself wondering if they even had a hotel, here in this small town. It was a big change from San Diego.

With only a little over two hundred dollars left to my name, I knew I had to make it last. The thought of not being able to take care of Maddison made me sick to my stomach.

I had no choice, I couldn't go back. I had to leave, had to hide out. He had crossed a line that could never be fixed. A life like we were living, it had to stop.

I knew I was taking a chance by going back home to Fort Myers, but I needed my family more than ever. I knew it would be the first place he would look, but it was the only place I had to go.

Keeping Maddi safe came first. It was my job, and for the last six months, I had failed her and the memory of Troy.

So the choice to leave in the middle of the night, when Seth least expected me too, was an easy one to make-a choice I would never regret, no matter how much I had to sacrifice.

Maddi needing stability. When she had all she needed, then my needs would come.

”I need to potty, Mommy,” Maddison spoke again.

The decision had just been made. It looked like Brooklet would be our stop for now. At least for tonight.

I pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was just after seven at night and the lot appeared deserted. Two cars parked up close to the entrance.

Holding Maddison's hand securely in mine, we walked side by side toward the entrance.

The smell of grease engulfed me once the door opened, and it smelled amazing. It had been hours since I last ate anything.

”Is it just the two of you?” an older woman with a genuine smile asked. I nodded my head as she led us to a small booth in the back.

”Do you have a restroom my little girl can use?” I asked as I looked around the small dining area.

”Just down that hall. Can I get anything started for you?” she questioned.

”Yeah, um, a grilled cheese and chocolate milk if ya got it?” I told her as I led Maddi toward the bathrooms.

”What are you having, darlin'?” she hollered after me.

”Nothing thanks, I'm not hungry.” I forced a smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.