Page 8 of Stay With Me
I can’t do this alone. “Please come with me.”
She pulls me into a hug. “You go. You know that if we both leave, they’ll figure it out within the next hour instead of giving you at least until morning. It’s not goodbye. I’ll find a way to get Jess and me away and to meet you somewhere.”
I know she’s right, but I’m scared. I squeeze her tighter, not knowing if I’ll ever see her again. “Remember the mailbox we set up in the next town for emergencies. I’ll send you updates, telling you where I am. I’ll find a place to get us set up so you and Jess can join me.”
We were sent into town because Father needed a mailing address. He didn’t want anyone coming to The Family’s land, so that was when we learned about PO boxes. We set one up for The Family, so the workers didn’t ask too many questions when we opened a second one under a random name.
She pulls back and looks me in the eyes. “I will find a way to get us out of here to meet you. Now go. Please, before it’s too late. I’ll distract them somehow.”
She lets go of me, and I turn and run through the woods to the path that leads to town. Branches scratch my arms as tears blur my vision.
One of us has to go, but I feel like I’m failing them.
Not only would it be harder for me to leave after getting married, but as the chosen female, I would never be without someone watching me closer than they already do.
After what feels like forever, streetlights appear in the distance.
Freedom is so close.
I can do this. I have to. I have to start a life so I can help Aspen and Jess when they follow me.
Someone yells my name, and I panic, thinking Matthew found me.
I run faster.
There is no way he found me.
“Luna! I need you to open your eyes. You’re safe, but I need you to open your eyes.”
Opening my eyes, I’m met with Noah’s crystal blue gaze staring back at me, full of concern.
“Hey?.?.?. Are you okay? Do I need to take you to the hospital?”
Shaking my head, I look over his shoulder to see if I imagined the sight in front of me.
I didn’t.
There before me is a smaller carbon copy of me, which means it can only be my baby sister. The same one I haven’t seen since she was ten months old.
With a sigh, he says, “Okay, well, let’s get up off the ground. I’m sure it’s gross down here.”
He helps me stand, and I walk over to Jess and freeze.
Should I hug her?
“Why don’t we take this into one of the conference rooms to try and sort out what is going on, okay?” Noah suggests.
He brushes his hand against mine, and I look down, then back up at him. He gives me a warm smile. That smile makes my heart race in a way I’ve tried to ignore, but knowing he’s here gives me a little peace.
“Okay.”
Walking down a hall, we come to a room, and Noah lets us in, followed by Mike, the town’s sheriff.
“Let’s take a seat to figure out what’s going on and how this sweet girl got to town on her own.”
FOUR
Luna
