Unbreakable

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Alexis snuggled deeply against Lynn’s chest when they exited John’s Pizzeria. Lynn’s hand remained tightly locked with Calista’s; making certain their daughter could not dart into the congested streets. Alexis, Lynn, and Calista had been living in New York for the past five months. It was nice to reside in a state where their marriage was legal. Even though the move proved to be a major adjustment for everyone, life in the Big Apple was going well so far. Calista attended a private school on the outskirts of Manhattan. Already she had made several new friends and was excelling in her classes, to her parents’ sheer delight. Calista was as chatty as ever, if not more so, and her curiosity grew in leaps and bounds with each passing day.

For Lynn, the only drawback from the move to New York was the fact she did not get to spend time with her sister every day. Katie and Aimee flew up to the city frequently on weekends, always bringing Shania along with them. For Katie and Aimee, one child was more than enough. Shania kept the both of them on their toes with her playful antics. Lynn missed seeing her niece on a daily basis. Shania held a very special place in her heart. Lynn had been with Katie and Aimee when Shania first entered into the world. Shania belted out a high-pitched scream with those powerful little lungs within a few seconds of birth. It was truly a magical moment. However, the best part came when she saw the look of sheer adoration on her sister’s exhausted face. Lynn desperately wanted to feel that elation. More than anything, she wanted to be able to hold a newborn child of her own.

Lynn dearly loved Florida, and it too would always hold a special place in her heart. After all, it was where she had met the love of her life. Moving to New York had been the right choice since it allowed her to be closer to the studio and not have to spend unnecessary time away from Alexis and Calista. After the move, Alexis had taken on the daunting task of acting as Lynn’s personal assistant and bodyguard. Lynn frequently received threats against her life, especially after she and Alexis were married. It seemed some of her more rabid fans were jealous that she was now permanently off the market. Alexis insisted on taking over the bodyguard position when Lynn’s long-term guard retired to spend time with his grandchildren. Lynn was certainly not complaining about Alexis’s new found position. It had proven to be a perfect arrangement since it also allowed them to spend even more time with one another. Still, it wasn’t enjoyable having to look over her shoulder constantly when she was in public. She worried about Alexis too, since her wife tended to overreact as a bodyguard, a lot.

“Momma,” Calista asked when she looked up at Lynn, blinking those persuasive eyes. “Can we go to Toys ’R’ Us?”

“Sure.” Lynn grinned when she heard Alexis groan next to her. Alexis insisted that Lynn spoiled Calista far too much, indulging her in luxuries anytime she asked for them. It was only recently that Calista had begged Lynn for an iPhone. Lynn of course had gave in and bought her one, despite Alexis’s protests. She knew she spoiled Calista but how did Alexis expect her to resist those pleading blue eyes? Besides, she didn’t see the harm in spoiling their daughter. It wasn’t as if Calista was the only one who’d become spoiled. Since they’d been together, she’d also spoiled Alexis quite a bit. It wasn’t that Lynn put all of her emphasis on material items, but she did want her family to feel cherished. Over the years, Lynn had witnessed so many men and women take their family for granted. Taking either of her girls for granted was simply out of the question. Now that she had love in her life she wasn’t about to let it slip away due to ignorance. “Oh come on, Mommy. They don’t stay little forever.”

Alexis shook her head. “Are you sure about that? You still have a fondness for toys, dear.”

Lynn snorted. “So do you,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes. “Especially the toys that use Double A batteries.”

“Lynn!” Alexis pressed her head against the center of Lynn’s chest, flushed with embarrassment.”Shh! Don’t let her hear you say that.”

Calista looked up. “Momma, why is Mommy’s face all red again?” Calista shook her head when she watched her parents’ peculiar antics, once again rolling her eyes.

Lynn tried to stifle her giggles when she looked down at Alexis and then to Calista. An evil smile materialized when she said. “Because your mommy just remembered how much she likes toys too. In fact, she loves toys.” Lynn was unable to contain her laughter when Alexis pinched her arm so hard she yelped, causing a couple walking past to turn and stare.

“Maybe we can find her a toy in Toys ’R’ Us too.” Calista tugged at Lynn’s hand, oblivious to the meaning behind her words. Thankfully. Lynn realized she would soon have to start minding her mouth a bit closer. Sure Calista was curious, but for now, she hadn’t begun to derive a conclusion about the true meaning behind some of her parents’ conversations. She was still too young. Then again, children these days seemed to learn everything in life sooner than when Lynn was young. Sometimes she wondered if Calista knew more than she let on. Still, teasing Alexis had become somewhat of an art form. Lynn had far too much fun relentlessly teasing her wife at the most inappropriate times. Her lips pressed to Alexis’s ear when they stopped to wait for the light to change to ‘walk.’ Yellow cabs zoomed past, and tourists rapidly flashed pictures from either side of the road. “What do you say, Mommy. Do you think Toys ’R’ Us sales your kind of toys?”

“Oh, you are so asking for it,” Alexis growled.

“What are you going to do about it,” Lynn asked with an arched brow. She nibbled Alexis’s ear, kissing the base of her lobe. “Are you going to put me over your knee and spank me?”

“Now there’s an idea!” A twinkle danced in Alexis’s eyes. She briefly glanced up at Lynn when they joined the herd of people that crossed the street.

Lynn turned towards Alexis once they were on the other side, offering up an incredulous stare. “You wouldn’t.”

Alexis shrugged. “I might. Keep it up and we’ll just see about that.” Alexis pinched Lynn’s butt. “If you want to act like a brat then I will treat you like a brat.”

Lynn stared straight ahead, catching a glimpse of Toys ’R’ Us when they approached. It had become Calista’s favorite store since they’d been living in the city. She tried to ignore Alexis’s teasing but the ache between her thighs wasn’t so easy to push away. Damn the hormone shots, she thought. Anything remotely sexy that Alexis said sent her libido into hyper drive. Her mind drifted for a split second when they entered into the upper level of Toys ’R’ Us. A split second was long enough for Calista to break away from Lynn’s grasp, eager to rush towards the indoor Ferris wheel. She bolted over to the Plexiglas and pressed her nose against it, watching when the Ferris wheel slowly rotated. The Ferris wheel, with its flickering lights, and cute carts, was Calista’s favorite aspect of the touristy store. Every time they visited the Times Square location Calista begged to ride.

Lynn rushed across the overcrowded store to catch up with Calista, Alexis following close on her heels. Lynn grasped Calista’s wrist when she caught up to her next to the Plexiglas. “What have I told you about running away from your mom and me?” Lynn scolded, kneeling beside Calista as she shook her head. She was practically yelling when she spoke, “We’ve told you it’s not safe! Especially here in the city.”

“But Momma,” Calista complained. She stomped the floor, her lower lip puckering when she looked up. “You knew where I was!”

“Yes, but that’s still no excuse, young lady!” Lynn grasped both of Calista’s hands, squeezing them when she spoke. “Baby I know how much you like the Ferris wheel but you can’t run away from us, ever. It’s dangerous. Now, I don’t want you to do it again or we are going home and you won’t get to ride the Ferris wheel.” Disciplining Calista wasn’t at the top of her list unless it came to a matter of safety, like this one. Fear gripped her when she thought of what could happen. Her chest constricted simply thinking of the dangers that could occur.

“No,” Calista whined. “I don’t want to go home!” She frowned when she leaned forward, wrapping both arms around Lynn’s neck with a sniffle. “I’m sorry, Momma. I won’t do it again.”

“It’s okay, baby.” Lynn hugged Calista tight, kissing her cheek before looking her in the eye. Calista’s enlarged pupils looked like they were ready to burst as the drops of wetness slipped down her cheeks. “I love you, Cali. That’s why I was angry with you. Running off like that scares your mommy and me. We don’t ever want to see something happen to you. There are bad people in this world. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes, Momma,” Calista whispered. She hung her head, continuing to cry.

“Come here,” Lynn pulled Calista into her arms. She held Calista until her tears subsided and her sobs quieted. Pulling away, she looked up at those puffy red eyes. “Do you think you can hold my hand and not run off if we go ride the Ferris wheel? Because if you can’t, then we will go home,” she sternly quipped. “And if we go home because of this you may not get to come back.”

“Yes!” Calista eagerly nodded, holding tight to Lynn’s hand. “Can we still ride? Please! I won’t run away like that again. Please, Momma!”

Lynn smiled. “Then let’s go ride.” Calista squealed and latched onto Lynn’s hip the moment she stood. When Lynn caught Alexis’s amused stare, she tilted her head and looked at her. “Um, do I have something on my face?” A lopsided grin tugged at her lips.

Alexis shook her head in awe. “No. It’s just…” she released a slow breath. “You continue to amaze me every single day that we’re together.” Calista reached up, grasping Alexis’s hand as well. Alexis glanced down at her daughter with a smile. “Are you ready to go ride the Ferris wheel?”

“Yes!” Calista tugged at Alexis and Lynn’s hands, pulling them both towards the escalator.

Alexis was unable to wipe the goofy smile off her face while Calista happily skipped between them. Lynn stepped onto the escalator, moving down one step to allow Alexis and Calista to ride down behind her, although she maintained her grasp on Calista’s hand. Lynn blushed when she looked up and found that Alexis’s gaze remained locked on her. “Are you sure I don’t have something on my face,” she asked with a laugh.

“I’m positive!” Alexis continued to smile when they stepped off the escalator at ground level. Calista obediently walked between them, still maintaining her hold on her both parents’ hands. “When I first met you I would have never pictured you as the family type. Now, look at you.”

“I know. I’m so happy the adoption finally went through!” Lynn’s enthusiastic voice rose louder than she had anticipated. Her cheeks flushed when a couple of customers turned towards her, whispering as they passed. Either they thought she was another fanatical tourist or assumed she was an escapee from Bellevue. “I did not mean to say that so loud.” She laughed when they neared the entrance to the Ferris wheel. She tilted her head, smiling at Alexis. “Thank you.”

“For what,” Alexis asked.

“For…everything,” Lynn answered with a content sigh. “You showed me what true love really was, you married me, you put up with my craziness, and you even allowed me to adopt Calista. So, thank you.”

“I put up with your craziness because I love you,” she whispered. Alexis leaned closer, reveling in a brief kiss when they stopped to stand beside the entrance of the Ferris wheel.

Calista tugged at Alexis’s jacket while continuing to roll her eyes. “Mommy, your lips are going to freeze together if you keep kissing so much.”

Lynn laughed when she and Alexis exchanged an amorous glance. Calista tugged Alexis’s hand, attempting to drag her towards the My Little Pony lift. Lynn paid the associate at the gate before walking over to join her wife and daughter on the ride. The word ‘daughter’ made Lynn smile even brighter. In truth, she had considered Calista to be her daughter from the moment she and Alexis became involved. Calista had instantly found a place within her heart, spurring her desire to have a child.

Lynn watched as Calista scrambled into the lift. Calista had been on the ride so many times that she’d ridden in every single one of the Ferris wheel carts. Her favorite was the My Little Pony cart. Lynn had to admit, it was her favorite too. A brightly painted rainbow stretched across the top of the seats while three lifelike ponies were perched upon the protective green edging. Even the outside of the ride boasted colorful orange and pink flowers. Lynn took a seat across from Alexis and Calista. A chill passed over her arms and she instinctively turned to glance behind her.

For weeks she’d felt as if she were being watched. Lynn hoped it was due to her overactive imagination, maybe it was merely paranoia. Still, the sinking feeling that constantly lingered in the pit of her stomach made her wonder. It had gotten to a point where she honestly dreaded going near public places. Lynn scanned the customers when they rushed past. Were any of them watching her? Despite her worries, the majority seemed to be preoccupied with their own lives, children, or jabbing the buttons on their cell phones. However, there was one man that caught her attention straightaway. He was standing alone on the second level of the toy store, leaning against the protective barrier.

Lynn blinked, attempting to gain a clearer visual of him. Since he wore dark sunglasses and a ball cap, she couldn’t make out his features well enough. Her heart thundered so loudly she could hear it in her own ears. No children were with him. His attire appeared a bit too stylish for a typical Toys ’R’ Us shopper. He wore pressed tan slacks and a pale button-up shirt. Lynn shook her head, knowing she was probably over thinking the situation. The ability to over think everything now seemed like second nature to her. She wanted to believe her sudden paranoia was simply a consequence of her inner drama queen surfacing.

“Are you okay, babe?” Alexis asked when she saw the distress on Lynn’s face.

“I’m fine. My overactive imagination just gets the best of me sometimes.” Lynn shrugged, when the Ferris wheel jerked before slowly lifting into the air.

Alexis reached across the lift, squeezing Lynn’s hand. “I think you did so much research for your book that it’s gone to your pretty little head.”

“You’re probably right,” Lynn agreed. After all, even she had to admit that writing her latest novel had taken more research than she’d intended. Delving into the world of espionage and terrorism proved to be her most challenging endeavor to date. By the time the novel was finally complete she’d been happy to take a much needed hiatus from writing. After that torment, she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to write another book. Her management was already encouraging her to continue, but she chose to ignore their pleas.

Lynn focused on Calista when she saw the child’s wide-eyed expression. Faint dimples dotted Calista’s cheeks. No matter how many times they rode the ginormous Ferris wheel, Calista was always completely enthralled. Lynn wondered how many more moments like this they would have before Calista decided she was too old for parent time, or the Ferris wheel. She turned, catching the man with sunglasses still staring at them when the My Little Pony cart rose to the tiptop.

“I noticed him too,” Alexis whispered, reading Lynn’s private thoughts. “I don’t want to alarm you, but I also saw him on the street.”

Lynn swallowed the lump in her throat when she focused on Alexis. “So…he’s following us,” she whispered. “I’m not imagining things.”

“I can’t be sure yet.” Alexis discreetly glanced towards where the man still stood before looking back towards Lynn. She kept her voice low even though Calista seemed to be paying more attention to the flashing Ferris wheel lights than their conversation. “Don’t look directly at him. If he is following us I don’t want him to suspect that we realize it, okay?”

“Yeah,” Lynn slowly exhaled. “I’ll try not to,” she frowned. “So when did you first notice him and why didn’t you say anything about it to me?”

“I didn’t want you to worry.” Alexis placed her palm on Calista’s back when the Ferris wheel lurched as it made a full circle turn. “Honey, it could be nothing.”

“Alexis,” Lynn said through clenched teeth. “When,” she demanded.

“I noticed him when we were eating. At first, I didn’t think much of it. That is until he got up and paid right after us. He fell in behind us on the street.”

“Now he’s standing over there watching us.” Lynn shivered. “Great.”

“It could be nothing,” Alexis said in an attempt to reassure Lynn.

“Yeah right, tell that to someone who believes you.” Lynn fought the urge to glance back to where the man stood. As an alternative distraction, she tried to focus all of her attention on Calista. Lynn released a shaky breath, smiling when she thought back on her time spent with the precocious little girl. Not long after she and Alexis moved in together, Calista had started to refer to Lynn as momma and Alexis as mommy. Lynn cried the first time Calista called her ‘Momma.’

Nothing about her life was the same now; everything had changed so much since she’d met Alexis. Sometimes she feared the happiness wouldn’t last. In fact, the nagging voice that lingered in the back of her mind terrified her. Life had been picture-perfect since meeting Alexis, at least for the most part. Lately, the fear within bubbled to a boiling point. She obsessively worried that something would come along and send her life crashing down around her. From the corner of her eye, Lynn caught sight of the man with sunglasses, still standing by the Plexiglas.

“Mommy,” Calista said as she tipped her head back and looked up at Alexis. “Why did that man just wave at me?”

Alexis’s nostrils flared. Her calm demeanor quickly changed, rage taking its place. The man with sunglasses stared back at her, sneering. “Bastard,” she growled. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”

“Alexis,” Lynn hissed. “No. You’re not going to do anything crazy!” The Ferris wheel had not even come to a complete stop when Alexis flung open the door hatch. “Alexis!” Lynn yelled when Alexis tore from the confines of the Ferris wheel and bolted towards the escalator.

“Where’s Mommy going?”

Lynn lifted Calista into her arms with a grunt. “Your mommy has…” Lynn stopped mid-sentence, wondering how to answer that question. She couldn’t very well tell Calista that her mommy had one hell of a temper and that she didn’t seem to grasp the concept of thinking before acting. “Your mommy needed to go the bathroom really bad.” Lynn hated to lie to Calista. In this case, there were things she didn’t need to know. “Let’s go catch up with her.” Lynn cursed her stiletto heels when she tried to walk fast. Between holding Calista, who was far too big to be carried anyways, and the shoes, it was no easy task to make it to the bottom of the escalator. “That woman never listens,” Lynn grumbled when she stepped onto the escalator with Calista.