“I just realized I don’t have anything for Ben. I mean, he hasn’t mentioned anything about Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t get him something. I suck at this dating thing.”
Shay smiled at her. “No, you don’t, it’s just new. I have an idea about how to fix your problem but I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
Alix knew the twinkle in Shay’s eyes meant they were probably going to get in trouble, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to know what Shay had in mind.
“Okay, tell me,” Alix said.
“We go shopping,” Shay said grinning.
“You always want to go shopping. Why wouldn’t I like that?”
“Because I think we should use the blue door and go shopping in another place.”
Now Alix understood what wasn’t to like. “They’ll kill us if we get caught.”
“So, we don’t get caught,” Shay said. “I notice you didn’t say no, though.”
“I’ll admit I’d really like to get out of here, but I’m not sure that’s really the best idea.”
“Come on Alix, you know you want to.”
Alix did want to and that was the problem. Shay could tell she was close to giving up so she added, “You could change your appearance, and no one would know it was you.”
It only took a minute for Alix to decide to do it. Shay squealed a little, and hugged her best friend.
“Now all we have to do is get to the room of rooms without being seen. Then you can change your appearance and we can go shopping.”
Alix opened her bedroom door and peeked out. The hallway was empty, so she stepped out with Shay right behind her. They quickly went to the small door at the end of the hallway and were down the stone staircase in no time. By the time they reached the blue door they were both giggling so hard they could barely walk.
“It feels like we’re kids again trying to sneak cookies from the kitchen,” Alix said when she could talk.
“I know,” Shay said, still giggling. “Isn’t it fun?”
Alix had to admit she was having fun, something that hadn’t happened a lot over the last couple of weeks.
“Okay,” Shay said, “Now it’s time to change your appearance. I think you should be blond like me and make your eyes brown. That way we can look like sisters.”
That sounded good to Alix, so she thought about making those changes. It was a lot easier than last time but still took a minute or so.
“Wow,” Shay said. “That was so cool to watch.”
“How do I look?” Alix asked.
“Super cute. I mean, I know it’s you but no one else would if you just passed them on the street.”
“Perfect,” Alix said. “Now, where should we go?”
“Can we go to Miami?” Shay asked.
“The stores will be closed there right now.”
“Crap. What about Hawaii? Is there a safe house there?”
“I’m not sure, but let’s find out,” Alix said grinning.
She thought about Hawaii and tried the handle. She was pleased when she opened the door and didn’t see a brick wall. The girls walked down the short hallway and went through the door at the other end. Alix’s whole face was smiling when she looked out the window they were closest to. She could see a beach and the ocean.
“We did it,” Shay said. “This is awesome. I wonder where we are exactly.”
“The first time I did this Ben told me to check on my phone for the location. Crap. Ben. I forgot he’ll know I’m not there. So much for being sneaky. I’m expecting my phone to ring any second.”
“Oh yeah,” Shay said. “I forgot he can do that too. Oh well. Until he calls you, I suggest we find a store or two.” She took out her phone and went to her map app. “We’re in Honolulu. So cool. Let’s go outside and see what’s around us.”
Alix agreed and they left the safe house. The first thing they noticed was the air. It smelled like the ocean, that made both of them smile. They walked to the end of a short driveway and out a gate. The safe house appeared to be surrounded by a few other houses, much like the one at Sunset Creek.
“I’m glad we’re not in the middle of nowhere,” Shay said. “I think we need to go this way.” She pointed left.
Since Alix didn’t know which direction was better, she went with Shay’s suggestion. A few blocks later they came to a bigger street. There was a woman waiting at the light, so Shay decided to ask her for directions.
“Excuse me, can you tell us where the closest clothing store is?”
“Here on vacation?” the woman asked.
“Yes, and we just got here.”
“There’s a few stores about three blocks that way. That’s the closest you’re going to get to something unless you have a car.”
“Great. Thank you,” Shay told her.
“You girls have fun,” the woman said and crossed the street.
Shay and Alix went in the direction she told them and soon came to the stores the lady told them about. They looked like surf shops. The girls went into the first one and it was all surfboards. The next one was bathing suits and the third one was a place to get smoothies and snacks. The last store on the block made Shay jump up and down a little. It was a woman’s clothing store. She practically ran in. Alix laughed and followed her.
“Um, Shay,” Alix said, after a minute or so, “you know we’re supposed to be shopping for something for Ben, right? I don’t think sundresses are really his thing.”
“I don’t know, I think he’d look cute in this one,” Shay said, holding up a light blue dress.
Alix giggled. “I’ll agree it’s cute, for you, not Ben. Tell you what, you look here, and I’ll go back to the surfboard place. Maybe I can find something cool in there.”
“Okay, see you in a few,” Shay said, and went back to looking at the other dresses.
Alix went back down the block and into the first store. She looked around for a few minutes but had no idea what to get him.
“Can I help you?” a guy said to her.
She looked at him and blushed. He wasn’t much older than her and hot. He smiled at her and that made her blush harder. Finally, she found her words.
“I’m looking for something for my boyfriend,” she managed to say.
“Is he a surfer?”
“Um, no, but I’m not from here and this was the closest store.”
“On vacation, I like it. I think I can help you, even if he doesn’t surf. What does he like to do?”
“Um … drawing and playing video games are kind of his hobbies.”
“Okay. Let’s see what we can find.”
She followed him around the store for a few minutes. She looked as she went, but didn’t see anything that looked like something Ben would like. Luckily Shay came into the store. Alix was hoping she could help.
“Find anything?” Shay said, when she saw her.
“No.”
It was then that Shay noticed the guy helping her. “And who do we have here?” Shay asked him.
“You can call me Salamander,” he said, giving Shay his full attention.
“Why would anyone call you Salamander?” she asked.
“It’s a nickname I got as a kid and it stuck. It’s what everyone calls me.”
“Okay, weird but okay. So, we need to find something for her boyfriend. He’s cools so he needs a cool gift.”
“When she said he’s into drawing and video games I assumed he was the nerdy type.”
“Nope, only the best for my girl Ashley here,” Shay said, putting her arm around Alix.
Alix was surprised that Shay had called her Ashley, but was glad she was quick enough to not call her by her real name.
“Okay, let’s find something for the cool boyfriend,” Salamander said winking at Alix. “Are you sure he doesn’t want a surfboard?”
“We live in Montana. That’s a long way from the ocean,” Alix said.
“Maybe he’d like one for his wall. It would make a cool piece for his room.
And, if he ever went to the ocean, he’d be able to use it.”
“I think that’s a fabulous idea,” Shay said. “It’s certainly different.”
Alix wasn’t sure if that was a good idea or not, but since she couldn’t think of anything else, she decided to go ahead and do it. Salamander helped her pick out a board that Ben would be able to ride if he ever decided he wanted to surf.
Alix paid for it and they left the store. It was heavier than she thought it was going to be and awkward to carry. She was lucky she didn’t knock anyone over on the way back to the safe house. They made it back to Sunset Creek without causing themselves or anyone else serious harm.
Shay peeked out the closet door to make sure the hallway was empty. When she saw it was clear, she motioned for Alix to join her. They moved as quietly as they could and went into Shay’s room. As soon as the door closed, Alix changed her appearance back to normal and the girls started giggling. A minute later there was a knock on the door.
“Hide that under the bed,” Shay whispered.
When Alix had it safely tucked under the bed Shay opened the door.
“Oh, hi Ben,” Shay said. “What’s up?”
“Did you two have fun in Hawaii?” he asked them.
“Um …what?” Shay said and looked at Alix.
“Hawaii. You know the tropical state in the middle of the ocean,” he said grinning. “I know you were there.”
“How?” Alix asked.
“I had Logan put trackers on both of your phones in case anything happened to either of you. The minute I felt you leave Sunset Creek I checked where you were. I saw you two were together and I assumed you were okay. So why were you two in Hawaii?”
“Shopping of course,” Shay answered.
“Shopping? Really?” Ben said.
“Yes really,” Shay replied.
“You know it wasn’t safe right? What was so important that you had to go all the way to Hawaii to shop?”
“I changed my appearance and we were only gone for about an hour,” Alix said, defending them. “And, Shay even called me Ashley and the only person we really talked to was Salamander.”
“Who?” Ben asked.
“Salamander,” Alix said. “He was the guy at the store where I was shopping.”
“What kind of name is Salamander?”
“It’s a nickname and he lives in Hawaii. I think that explains everything,” Alix said.
“That’s still weird,” Ben said. “You never answered my question, what was so important that you had to go to Hawaii to shop?”
“You Ben,” Shay said, pointing at him. “She was shopping for you. Any more questions?”
Ben shook his head and Alix had to smile. Shay was using her ‘don’t mess with me’ voice and Ben knew better than to argue with her.
“Um, I think I’m going to head to my room now,” Alix said. “Good night, Shay and thanks for your help. It was fun.”
“Anything for you, Alix. See you in the morning,” Shay said.
Alix left Shay’s room and Ben followed her.
“So,” Ben said smiling, “what did you get me?”
“I’ll never tell,” Alix said, smiling back. She stopped in front of her bedroom and turned to face Ben. “I know it was risky leaving here, but I hadn’t left the house in over a week and Shay’s suggestion made me feel like a teenager again.”
“You should have said something to me,” Ben told her. “We could have gone somewhere and kept you safe at the same time.”
“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere tonight until Shay said something. We felt like little kids and giggled all the way down the stairs. It was a nice break. And I promise I’ll try not to do that again.”
Ben smiled at her wording. “Okay. But just remember that I’m here for you, no matter what you want to do.”
“I know,” Alix said yawning.
“You’d better get to bed,” he told her. “Good night.”
Ben kissed her and she went into her room. She changed and it didn’t take her long to fall asleep.
Chapter 31
Alix woke up on Tuesday morning with a smile. It was Valentine’s Day and she was anxious to give Ben his gift. She really hoped he liked it. Getting out of bed, she quickly got ready and went to Ben’s room. She knocked but he didn’t answer so she went downstairs.
Everyone was in the kitchen and she could smell pancakes. She smiled when she realized her mom had made the traditional Valentine’s Day pancake breakfast.
“Good morning,” her mom said to her. “And happy Valentine’s Day to you honey.”
“Happy Valentine’s to you too mom. It smells great in here.”
“Everything is ready so help yourself when you’re ready.”
“Thanks mom.”
Alix was making her coffee when a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
“Happy Valentine’s Day beautiful,” Ben said in her ear.
That made her shiver a little, but put a huge smile on her face. “Hey you,” she said. “Happy Valentine’s Day Ben.”
“I have something for you,” he told her. “But it’s upstairs and you can’t have it until after breakfast.”
“Well, I have something for you and maybe you can’t have it until after dinner.”
Ben laughed at that. “Playing hardball, I like it.”
“Okay you two,” Shay said, from behind them. “Enough of the mushy stuff.”
Both Alix and Ben just smiled at her.
“Good morning Shay,” Ben said.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Shay said, trying to hide her smile. “Hey Alix, the thing is on your bed.” Shay attempted to wink, and Alix had to stifle her laugh.
“Thanks Shay, you’re the best.”
“I know. Now if everyone would just realize that things would be right with the world.”
Ben shook his head and let Alix go. Alix smiled at Shay and finished making her coffee. Since the kitchen was a busy place this morning it took awhile for everyone to get done eating. Eventually Heather, Ted and Sharon left for work. Natalie and Rick went to their home office and the kids were left in the kitchen.
Shay was being unusually quiet as they ate. Alix hoped that Logan had at least thought to get a little something for Shay. She didn’t want her feeling bad about Valentine’s all day.
They finished eating and were just about to leave the kitchen when Logan stopped Shay.
“I have something for you,” Logan told her.
“Really?” Shay said, her eyes lighting up.
Logan handed her a box. Shay opened it and beamed. It was a silver chain necklace that she promptly put on her neck.
“I love it, Logan. Thank you,” she said, and hugged him.
He looked a little overwhelmed by the hug and that made Alix smile.
“I have something for you too, but it’s upstairs so I’ll be right back,” Shay said, and left the kitchen in a hurry.
“Do I get my present now?” Alix asked Ben.
“Yes. Come with me,” Ben said, taking her hand.
Ben led her upstairs. They passed Shay on the way and she was still smiling about the present Logan had given her. Alix was really happy for her friend.
A minute later, they were in Ben’s room. Alix was instructed to sit on the couch and close her eyes. She waited and listened while Ben was doing something. She smiled as her curiosity was getting the better of her. Finally, she was told she could open her eyes.
When she did, she saw Ben kneeling in front of her holding a small black box with a ring in it.
“Before you say anything Alix, I want to explain this ring,” Ben told her. “It’s not what you think it is. This ring is a reminder and a promise. A reminder that I will always be there when you need me. And a promise that I’ll always be what you need me to be; Protector, friend or more.”
Alix took in his words and a few tears formed in her eyes. “I’m so lucky to have you,” she told him.
“So, does that mea
n you’ll wear this?’ he asked.
“Of course, I’ll wear it.”
“Oh, good,” Ben said relieved. He took it out of the box and put it on Alix’s right ring finger.
“It’s beautiful,” Alix said, taking a closer look. It was white gold with three small pink stones set in the band. “Actually, it’s perfect. I absolutely love it.”
Alix stood up and hugged him. She’d never received a gift with such a deep meaning behind it and was extremely thankful for it. She pulled back and looked up at him.
“I kinda don’t want to give you your gift now,” she told him.
“Why?”
“Well … it’s nothing like this at all.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it no matter what it is. Can I have it, please?” he said, giving her eyes that were close to Shay’s sad puppy dog look.
“Okay, but if you don’t like it don’t tell me. Close your eyes when we get to my room.”
Ben smiled and they went to Alix’s room. He closed his eyes and Alix led him over to her bed.
“You can open your eyes now.”
When Ben saw the surfboard, he grinned. “You really got me a surfboard?”
“Yeah,” Alix said.
“That’s totally cool Alix. I love it.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Yes really. I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf.”
“Salamander said that you can hang it on your wall or use it for surfing too. He said it’s a good one for you to learn on.”
“So, there really was a guy named Salamander,” Ben said laughing. “I thought you made that up.”
“He worked in the surf shop. I think you’d like him. We’ll have to go back one day and maybe he can teach you to surf.”
Ben picked up the board and stood it next to him. “How do I look?”
“Pretty hot,” Alix admitted.
“Thank you, Alix. It’s one of my most favorite gifts ever.”
Alix was relieved that he seemed to like it so much. They put it away in Ben’s room and continued on with their day.
Chapter 32
The rest of the week was thankfully uneventful. There were no more bombing attacks, but there was also no sign of François or Victor and that was worrying Alix. She still felt like they were up to something big.
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