Finding Grace

Chapter 9

After looking for any form of self defense tool. I found a sharp object under the tv stand pulling it out i see its a small sharp pairing knife. Trying the lock on the window but afraid of braking the knife instead i give up. Trying the door next but no luck. Turning on the tv to the news station i listen to any reports on my case. Keeping the volume low from grace I’m not supposed to listen to any other station other then the two channels that play.

“We’ll take you now to the scene of the attack.” One news reporter says. “ It was August 17th Tuesday morning in the Wooten park district that Katarina Macks disappeared. Authorities are working on one lead from an earlier complaint of a break in from Ms. Macks residency. As of yet no one has been arrested or come forward with her whereabouts, but detectives are hopeful to find her. If you have any information please call the number below. A search party is to go underway later today in that same park and in the woods behind it as well. In other news”

Turning the tv off sitting down on the couch i begin to cry. Not knowing how much longer i have. Getting up and going into the bedroom where I’m forced to sleep i hide the knife under the pillow, gaining some security with that. Going over to grace i sit down on the floor with her and start brushing her hair.

“ You’re not happy here are you.” Softly she whispers.

“ No, I’m not.” I state back. “ But I like being with out and making sure you’re okay.” Convincing her as i start to braid her hair.

“ I don’t want you to disappear!” throwing herself on me crying.

“ Oh sweetie, Don’t worry nothing bad will happen to me” I say a lump forming in my throat. “ I promise you and me will leave and have our own little place and adventure.” I add. “ now its time for bed beautiful, we have a busy day tomorrow that’s when our adventure begins.” Kissing her forehead i turn off her princess lamp and as I’m about to close the door.

Grace whispers, “ can you lay down with me?” Pulling the worn down blanket back she makes room for me next to her. Taking off my slippers i get in and scoop her up in my arms and we both fall asleep to each other’s breathing.

Tomorrow cant come fast enough, as I’m rearranging Graces room and grabbing the bear she always carries and placing it next to the door in case we have to leave quickly.

“ Momma, are we doing the surprise today?” Grace questions eating her morning cereal.

Nodding my head i tell her that the plan is being changed and that she wont have to do to much just be ready with Mr. Bear and be in bed.

“I’ll do most of the plan sweetie I don’t want you getting hurt, or being too close to him anymore.” Realizing he could harm her and use her against me i retell the plan.

“ Now remember you tell him goodnight and straight off to bed and if you hear anything me yelling or any loud noises, you stay in your room. Until I come and get you. Understand?” I proclaim.

“ Yes momma, ill be good I want go to the park.”

“ I promise you Grace I’ll get us out and I’ll take you to the park.

Nodding her little head she runs out the tv putting on some cartoons.

Hours pass and its reaching 10pm, he still hasn’t shown up yet.

“I don’t think he’s coming tonight.” Grace admits to me.

“ That’s fine that means i get you all to myself before the crazy of the world gets to you.” Tickling her i giggle. “ Come on its well past your bedtime.”

“ Can you sleep with me again?”

“ Not tonight little one” I reply “ just in case he comes later i have to be in my own little bed.

Rubbing her eyes she pulls the covers up some more and hugs Mr. Bear tighter. Giving her a long kiss and hug i turn away wiping a tear from my eyes.

It’s reaching 11:30 when the door unlocks and he walks in. Sweat dripping down his face. His cloths wet and muddy and his hands dark with soil stains. Walking straight passed me and going to the fridge he grabs a case of beers. Watching him sit down and turn the tv on i walk to my room. Closing the door and pushing the chair that i managed to get loose up the other night with the knife i found, it wedging it tight, so he cant come in. Laying down i pretend I’m asleep waiting and listening to any sound that might come from him.

Hours pass and I’ve had to stop myself from falling asleep countless times. The whole cabin quiet, you could hear a pin drop with the early silence. But then the creak and even more one after the other. Footsteps are being taken and a drawer is being opened and closed. He’s walking back and comes toward the door to my room. Unlocking it he tries to push it open, only to see its stuck. Laughter coming from outside the door.

“You just made a big mistake little one.”