“You people are bat shit crazy. If you think I’m going to marry some guy I don’t know and raise my baby with him, you’re seriously unhinged. The hell with you all, I’m leaving.” I get up from the table and make my way to the front door.
Before reaching it, I gasp as pain radiates up my arm. My father has a firm hold just above my elbow. “You will sit back down and listen. Don’t force me to punish you.” The tone of his voice has me cowering. If I stick it out and go along with the plan, I know eventually someone will find me. At least I hope so.
We enter into the dining room and I figure I need to get as much information as possible. “Why did I get promised to this guy? I don’t get it. There has to be someone better suited for him. Like I don’t know…someone that’s grown up here?”
“You really don’t remember dear? The commitment circle?” My mother asks.
The look I’m giving her must be a good indicator that I have no freaking clue. “After Mr. Caldwell was born, we knew that he was the future leader of our community. His father was running things at that point, god bless his soul. The leaders always have a betrothed and that sweetie, is you. When you were both infants we had something called a commitment circle. We were there as representative for you and his parents for him. It’s binding and shall be enforced. You’re both coming up on your 25th birthdays and must be married as soon as possible. By law, he has to be married by the time he turns 25 and he has waited for you. It’s such an honor.”
“You people are certifiable.”
“Well the truth of the situation is that we’re your family. You should have never been taken away from us and it won’t happen again.” Gwen seethes.
“Why was I taken away from you?” I question.
“Well you see dear…” My mom starts the story.
*****
Josh
On the way to Gran’s house, Savvy calls her dad and asks him to meet us. He’s the only father figure she’s ever had in her life so he deserves to hear what’s going on too. Honestly, the more people trying to figure this out the better. I just need my girls back.
“Weird, he hung up on me.” Savvy says.
That’s definitely out of Jack’s character, but he can be erratic sometimes.
Zander pulls us down a long driveway after Savvy directs him to take it. I’ve never been here before and it surprises me that she owns a cute little cottage.
Once we stop, I jump out and it seems like I’m at the front door in two steps. My feet meet cushion and look down at the welcome mat. Come back with a warrant. I knock and think to myself I’d be laughing my ass off in any other situation. We’re here to save Ash not laugh at doormats.
Gran opens the door after a minute wearing a robe. She pulls it closed at the top all the way to her neck. “Well, I wasn’t expecting you guys today.”
“We need to talk about Ashlyn’s parents.” She gets a serious look on her face and ushers us in. Right after I sit down on the couch an older man in his tighty whities comes walking into the living room with his hands out in front of him and a blind fold on his eyes. Christ. I look at the ceiling wishing I can just throw him outside. We don’t have time for this, Ash doesn’t have time for this.
“Bill get your clothes on and scram. Family emergency.” Gran deadpans.
Bill pulls his mask off looking like a deer in headlights and runs out of the room.
Savvy speaks first. “Gran, Ash has been taken. She said we need to talk to you about her parents, that you know where she’ll be.”
“No, it can’t be.” She raises her shaking hand to her mouth in horror.
I get on my knees in front of her and take her hands in mine. “Please, I need my girls back. Any information you have on them can help, even the littlest detail.”
“Let me start from the beginning.” Gran sighs.
“My daughter Gerty was only 18 when she found out she was pregnant. And I know what you’re thinking Savannah, how did a hip woman like me name my daughter Gertrude? It was a family name, there was no way around it. Ashlyn’s father was 25 and quite strange, that’s saying something coming from me.” She lets go of my hands and smiles down at me before getting up to pace the room. “Gregory was…straight laced. I was really surprised when they came to me saying they were expecting a baby. He was very into his religion and at the time, I had no idea he was a polygamist. He convinced Gerty to move with him to Utah. We lived on the border in Idaho so it wasn’t that far away. At first it was great, then I found out that my daughter would be his second wife, that he already had someone at home. The bastard acted like it was no big deal and the night I found out I kicked the shit out of him. I went ham on that man.”
“After that, I was shunned. I wasn’t allowed to see Gerty or Ashlyn after she was born. My daughter would sometimes sneak out to my house for a few minutes, but that’s not nearly enough time to get to know your only granddaughter.” She looks sad as she remembers the memory. She walks over to the window and looks out, deep in thought.
“When Ash was four, I got a call from the police. Their compound was busted for abuse and illegal practices. My heart broke. My grandbaby needed me so I rushed to her. My life started again the day I saw my little Ashlyn sitting in that police station. I remember walking in and seeing this beautiful girl look over and smile up at me. It had been a while since I saw her, but she remembered me. She ran over and I pulled her into the biggest hug. I didn’t want to let go. She cried so hard. At four she had no idea what was going on and her whole life was about to be uprooted.” A tear slides down her cheek and Savvy asks if she wants a glass of water.
She shakes her head. “Let me continue honey. From that day on Ashlyn was placed in my care. I legally adopted her because her parents got thrown in jail. When they were up for parole three years after they were sentenced, I panicked. We had already changed our names so it would be harder to find us, but that didn’t stop the letters from coming in the mail. They knew where we lived, but Jack found them and made sure to let them know to leave us be. The letters stopped so we went about our lives. I had no idea they would be plotting to get her back this whole time. Ash used to have the worst nightmares at night. The poor thing would wake up screaming numerous times a week and that lasted about two years. Then she just… forgot. It was easier to tell her that the parents she didn’t remember were drug addicts who couldn’t take care of her, didn’t want her.”
“My dad knew about all of this?” Savvy questions.
“Oh yes. When he saw the bond you two shared, he promised me nothing would ever happen to Ashlyn.”
“Where did they take her?” I ask. The story has not eased my nerves in the least.
“The last I knew their little “community” was dismantled and most of the members went to jail. I didn’t hear about them starting up anywhere else. But…wait a minute, don’t move.” She walked out of the room in a hurry.
“I need to find them.” I yell.
Zander places his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll find them Josh. I’ll call in the best guys to find her. She’ll be home before you know it.”
I nod my head unable to say anything else. Gran rushes back into the room holding a piece of paper.
“I saved all of the letters they sent me. Now I’m glad I did. It says right here it was sent from somewhere in Tennessee.”
I look over to Zander. “Looks like I’m going to Tennessee.”
“We’re going to Tennessee.” Savvy corrects me.
CHAPTER 22
Ashlyn
Ugh. Never in my life did I think I’d step into Little House on the Prairie. I look at myself through the mirror and can’t keep the look of disgust off my face. I’ve been here for two days and I’ve been wearing the same clothes the whole time. The old turn your underwear inside out trick has only gotten me so far. My father gave me a pile of clothes after I woke up this morning and ordered me to go change out of my sinful garments. How sinful can you get when you’re pregnant, really?
&nb
sp; I’m wearing a hideous red floral dress that shows absolutely nothing. It’s freaking humid as hell outside and I’m going to have pit stains in two minutes tops. It has long sleeves and is buttoned all the way up to my neck. The skirt swoops down to the ground and hides my feet, so along with pit stains, I’ll also be sweating in all of my crevices. Fabulous!
I leave the bathroom and silently scream when I see Georgette standing right outside the door. The type of scream where you’re so freaked out all you do is gulp in air. Yeah, that type of scream.
She smiles at me and holds up a matching bonnet to my outfit. I groan. “Can’t forget the most important part now can we Genny?”
“Please for the love of all that is holy don’t call me that when we’re by ourselves. Please call me Ashlyn, or Ash.”
“Or sis?” She asks shyly.
“Or sis.” I smile back.
When my parents were telling me the story about how I came to live with my Gran, they mentioned that Georgette is my sister. Full blood. Apparently, Gwen can’t have kids. My mother is the only one that was able to produce spawn with my father, resulting in the two of us. I’ve always considered Savvy my sister, finding out that I have another is freaking awesome. Well, if we can get out of this situation unscathed. At least we both are fighting for the same end game.
“You’ve lived here your whole life; how did you get out before? Maybe we can do the same thing? No freaking way am I hanging around to be married off to some freak show.”
“He’s actually quite handsome, but that’s all he has going for him. He has the personality of a pencil and so incredibly awkward, especially around girls. He hasn’t dated because he was convinced you’d be back. Lucky you. I’m surprised he hasn’t barged in yet to claim his bride. I had my money on two hours not two days.”
I groan. “What are the odds that he’ll forget about it? The whole betrothed thing?”
“Fat chance. That’s why we need to figure out how to make a break for it. The way I got out before was pretty simple. We seem self-sufficient here, but we have to go get some supplies in a town not too far from here. I convinced Victor, one of my best friends, to hide me in the bed of his truck. Nobody even suspected anything. Well I hope not, otherwise Victor would have gotten in a lot of trouble.”
“How hard would it be to do that again?” I ask feeling hopeful.
“Considering you’re the prodigal daughter and the future bride of the leader, very difficult. Our parents also know you’re hesitant to be here, so they’ll be watching you like a hawk.”
I throw my arms around her and whisper in her ear. “We’ll figure something out.”
“It looks like you two troublemakers are becoming fast friends.” Gwen says as she rounds the corner. Something about this woman rubs me the wrong way.
“Just getting to know my long-lost sister mom.” Georgette emphasizes. I can tell they don’t get along and I’ve yet to figure out their relationship. My father asked earlier how she got the bruises on her face and she lied, said one of her male roommates roughed her up.
We hear a knock at the door and the three of us face the direction of the sound.
“Well, this isn’t ideal, but I guess now is the time for you to meet your future husband Genevieve.”
“What? Now? No… no I can’t.” I wave my hands in front of my face in a panic.
“You have no choice. Do remember he’s the leader and should be treated with the utmost respect. His punishments will be harsher than a back hand to the face.” She smiles and walks away.
“Georgette what do I do? I’m not ready, I haven’t had time to prepare for this. I thought I’d be gone by now.” For the umpteenth time today I wonder where the hell Josh is.
“He isn’t going to do anything. I told you he’s awkward, he’ll probably shake your hand and leave. But she’s right, don’t do anything to stick out or get punished.”
“You have to explain to me this whole punishment thing later.”
“Later.” She promises as we make our way towards the living room together.
As I enter the room I see our parents sitting on the couch together. Another man is seated on a chair off to the side and when he notices me, he stands up and smiles.
“Genevieve.”
It dawns on my I have no idea what his real name is. Everyone refers to him as Mr. Caldwell and nobody told me how I’m supposed to address him. I mean, you can’t go wrong with a curtsy, right?
I bow down and pull the skirt of my dress wide. “Mr. Caldwell.”
Georgie snickers quietly so only I can hear her. Guess I went the wrong path.
“Come here.” He commands.
I walk over to him and he pulls me in for a hug and I can hear him sniffing my hair. Oh no, we forgot to put my bonnet on. I hope this isn’t something that will get me in trouble. He holds onto me for a while. I’d say a good three minutes all while sniffing my hair. It’s taking everything inside of me not to pull away from him.
Finally, he pulls back and smiles at me. Damn this guy is handsome. He has dark brown hair, almost black, bright green eyes and a smooth, strong jaw line. He doesn’t hold a candle to Josh though.
“Grab your things, I figured after we move your stuff in with me we’ll hold the ceremony tonight.”
“The ceremony?” I question hoping it’s not the ceremony.
“Our marriage.”
I take a gulp and look over at my parents who are nodding in agreement. Seriously, they just got their long-lost daughter back and they’re suddenly eager to get rid of me? This is bullshit.
“But, but…shouldn’t we wait to move in together until after we’re married? And shouldn’t we plan a ceremony, so it’s special?” I need to buy as much time as I can.
“Silly girl, I’ve been planning our wedding for years. It’s all planned, you just have to show up.” He leans in and goes to kiss my cheek and I pull back. He gives me a stern look.
“I’m old fashioned?” It comes out more as a question.
“I’m sure you are.” He places his hands on my baby bump. “This shows how old fashioned you are.” He leans in and takes me by surprise when he forces his lips upon mine. It’s all kinds of wrong and I want to pull away, but I endure it not wanting to anger him. He pulls me tighter and I can feel his penis erecting in his pants against my hip. My instincts are screaming at me to get away from him.
Thankfully there is no tongue. He just kind of keeps his lips on mine and doesn’t move. This guy really is inexperienced. Finally, he pulls back from the kiss but moves his lips to my ear. “There’s more where that came from later tonight.”
I cringe inwardly trying to conceal my disgust. “Can’t wait.”
“You have some time, I’ll be back to retrieve you before the ceremony.”
“Sounds good…babe?” God, why is everything coming out as a question?
He takes my hand and kisses the back of it. I can feel his tongue poke out and lick my hand as he makes crazy eyes at me. He’s clearly going for sultry but if I’m being honest, it’s more creeper. If this situation wasn’t so fucked up, I’d think he was adorable.
He leaves the room without a backwards glance and a few moments later I hear the door slam shut.
“A hand shake?” I say in disbelief to my sister.
“Hey, I’m just as surprised as you are.” She comes over throwing her arm around my shoulders. I’ve only known her for a few days but I feel like we’ve known each other our whole lives.
“Alright girls, you’re to go upstairs and get ready for the ceremony. Genevieve you’ll find a wedding dress in your closet. Georgette you know what needs to be done.” Is my dad ever happy? You’d think a dude with two wives wouldn’t be so grumpy.
She nods her head and we leave them. Once we get in the room I know I have to ask her about something I have a lot of questions about. “Tell me about punishments.”
Georgette sighs. “God, where do I even start? Everyone here goes about their business and we are
almost self-sufficient in how we run this place, like I’ve explained before. That being said, we don’t have normal rules. There’s no police force or a small-town sheriff and no trials in front of a judge. Here, Mr. Caldwell is the law. His word is the final verdict. If you commit a crime or do something that gets reported, you plead your case to him and only him.”
“Have you ever been punished?”
A shiver races through her body. This doesn’t sound like it’s gonna be something I’d want to hear but I need to know.
“Once. My best friend Victor and I snuck into Mr. Caldwell’s office when we were 16 thinking we’d get away with it. We were two teenagers dying to get out of here and willing to do whatever it took to get there. Well long story short, we got caught, or I should say, I got caught. I pushed Victor out the window and took the blame. He sentenced me to the crate for two weeks.”
“What the hell’s the crate?” I ask in outrage. The name doesn’t bode well.
“It’s a shed no bigger than a dog house that’s only big enough to sit in. They bring you bread and water three times a day and give you a bed pan to use as a toilet. It was awful, something you don’t ever want to experience twice.”
“And our parents did nothing?” I whisper shout.
“They couldn’t, not that they would have done anything given the chance.”
“Fuck them all. We’re getting out of here one way or another.”
“Hopefully before you get married.” She mumbles.
There is so much going through my head. How am I going to get us out of here? Am I really going to be forced to marry this strange creepy virginal guy? Then it hits me. Is he going to expect me to devirginize him? I need to figure something out!
CHAPTER 23
Jack Jenks
When Savvy told me Ash was missing I knew what I had to do. Go rogue. Jack Jenks works best alone. Josh and Zander are skilled fighters but they’re too inexperienced and they’ll only hold me back. Josh’s emotions are too raw to be thinking clearly and Zander has quite the temper himself. I know exactly where Ashlyn is and I’m going to use it to my advantage.
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