Page 124 of Chaotic Anger
The woman falters, her hesitant smile falling, becoming nervous. Her eyes glisten, with happiness or sadness, I’m not sure.
“It’s me, Ivy.” She presses a hand to her chest.
Her voice plucks at a string in my chest, and my eyes widen. I point at her. “What’s your name?” I ask, stunned.
“It’s me, Katie.” A tear catches on her lid and falls down her cheek. “Do you remember me?”
My shaky hand lifts to my mouth, my heart beats erratically and my eyes fill with tears. “Katie?” I gasp.
She lets out a cry and nods. “Yeah?”
“Oh my God!” I cry, running towards her and wrapping my arms around her. Her tiny frame envelops mine, and I cling to her with everything I have in me.
“How did…?” I gasp, looking at Aziel and back to her. “How did you find me?”
She sniffles, wiping her nose. “Your scary biker boyfriend actually found me.” She laughs, and I chuckle along with her. “How long have you…? What happened?” It seems she has a million questions to say and can’t quite figure out which one to say first.
“It’s a long story.” I wipe my eyes that won’t stop burning. “It’s such a long story.”
“It’s your birthday.” She whispers.
“You remember?” I ask, shocked.
“I never forgot. Your parents… they used to hold a vigil every year on your birthday.”
I frown.
She suddenly looks uncomfortable.
“I know… about my parents.”
She starts crying all over again. “I’m so sorry. It’s been such a tragedy. Home was never the same after their deaths. I mean, everything changed after you went missing, but once your parents died, it’s like our town died along with it.”
I frown. That’s terrible. We lived in such a cute little town where nothing ever went wrong. Thinking about the destruction that’s happened, what Santiago has caused, tears me up.
“Hey, maybe we should go somewhere. You know, where you guys can talk a bit?” Rose comes up behind me.
I nod and look at Aziel. “Can we go up to your room for a bit?”
He nods, wrapping his arm around me and hauling me to him. “Happy birthday.” He whispers.
“Best birthday present ever.” I kiss his neck.
I clutch onto Katie’s hand; afraid she’s going to disappear any second. Rose and Cara follow behind, shocked looks on their faces.
Once we reach Aziel’s room, Rose stops us. “Hey, Ivy. We’ll let you two talk alone for a little while. If I don’t see you the rest of the night, I’ll get your number from Aziel. We will have to talk and make plans to come out here again.”
“You’re going back to Minnesota already?”
“My mom is watching my little devil and Cara’s two children. If the house isn’t burnt down by the time we get back, it’ll be a miracle.”
Cara laughs. “Very true.”
“Well, thanks for coming to my birthday party.” I say, unsure of what else to say.
Cara grabs me and pulls me to her. “I’m glad Aziel saved you. And I’m glad Santiago was taken down. That entire operation was terrible.”
I nod. Words can’t find me. These girls don’t know me, but they’ve struck a chord.