WILDFIRE

CHAPTER FOUR:

CHAPTER FOUR:

TOBY’S POV:

While I was looking at the car, my dad finally caught up to me. "Son, what was all that about? Why did she have all those bruises on her face?" He asked me.

I said "I can't tell you. I promised her that I wouldn’t,".

My dad asked "Do you like this girl?" I nodded my head yes, acknowledging the fact that I

did in fact like her. My dad didn’t say anything, all he did was tap me on the back to know that it was time to go. Once they got home. My mom said “ Hey, guys. How was your day?”

My dad said “ Well, work went fine. But our son has a situation going on. It is about a girl who is getting physically and emotionally abused. But he promised her he wouldn't say anything.”

My mom said “Toby, come talk to us please. We can try to help her.” I reluctantly did what she asked. My dad said “okay son, why don’t you start from the very beginning.” I let out a sigh and I started to tell them everything that I know all about.”

My mom said “ Good god. That poor girl and the police won't do anything?”

I replied, “I don’t know what is going on with that.”

My mom said “we should call because this could get worse expectantly with another younger child in that house. I know you don’t want to break your promise, but you have to understand that these two could end up dead if nothing is done. And it will be on you if you find out they are dead because of this man and apparently their mother and you didn’t do anything to stop and help the situation. We have to call Toby. Just when he looked at his phone about to call the child protective services, his phone rang. On the caller ID it flashed Aria. I picked up that second. I said “Hello?”

Aira said “Toby, I don’t have much time, but I have to tell you something.” I could hear Aria was crying.

I said “Aria, what don’t I understand?”

Aria replied “hold on.” That is when I heard a noise and like a door opening up and then closing again. Aria said “I am back. Meet me at the top of the hill. I will tell you all of it, okay?”

I said “okay. Do you need anything?”

Aria said “eggs, bread. I will let you know what they are for when I see you.”

I replied “ Okay when?”

Aria said, “in like 30 minutes. I have to block my door and stuff.”

I replied “okay, I will be there.” With that, I hung up the phone. I told my parents what the plan was. But that is when I said “dad, can I get you to help with something?”

My dad said “of course what is it?”

I asked “can I borrow your recording equipment, plus can you follow me and be close by just in case something happens?” My dad and my mom both smiled and nodded. They knew I was never going to help, even if it was going to get her mad, but it would save her. I got on my horse and started to ride. I was there before her. I got to the top of the hill. When Aria was arriving, she noticed Toby was waiting there for her. Aria came up to me and told me to follow. But I stopped her and said “come on up here and give me directions.” She did as I said. We eventually got to where she was taking me. I asked “okay, so what don’t I understand?”

Aria replied, “ The thing is, when Jack or his mother is in front of people like his dad or another adult, he acts like he is a nice person and a loving stepfather and mother. But when he is alone, they are really evil. I tried to call the police and CPS. They closed the case because I had to say it was anonymous because it would get really bad. I told you this because I like you a lot. And I hope you don’t run away.”

I said “ Oh my god. So that is why you didn't say anything. Also, I am glad you said you like me, because I like you too, and no I won't run away..” Once I said that, Aria heard something behind her and she saw something and she said “we have to hide.” So we did, in the brushes. I was really close to her, she smelt really good, but I noticed she was shaking. She peeked out of the bushes and said “thank the lord he is gone.”

I said “who?”

Aria replied “my stepdad, Jack.” Aria smiled at me and asked “do you really like me even though I am not the prettiest or hottest?”

I replied “ Yes. I don’t care what you look like. You are strong and caring, as far as I can tell, you care about everyone else besides yourself.”

Aria said “hey, I have to go?”

I asked “hey were the eggs and bread for?”

She replied “ Oh, that was the excuse I used to come out here to meet you. And my mom gave me money for the first time and I am going to save it to leave this place.”

I replied “well, here you go. I am happy I am able to help you. Even if it is really little.” She smiled, I asked “hey can I see you tomorrow?”

Aria replied," Yes, meet me right here tomorrow, we can hang out for a little bit.” I smiled. But I know I have to go a different way, but I really just wanted to keep her safe. I started to ride back to my house. It was smiling like a fool. My dad caught up with me. He said “ So, I followed Jack. He was looking for her. He was pissed he didn’t find her. But something is up. But I am glad you got her to let you know what is going on. Now we can do a lot more now. We got back to the house and I told my mom everything. She looked so sad to hear what Aria had gone through. I knew right there my mom was going to treat her with love and care, even if me and Aria didn’t get together.