“Good job Buttercup.” I lean over and double check to make sure it’s secured properly. She bats my hands away causing me to laugh at her.
“I did it, Uncle Sammy. Let’s go I need ice cream.” She is turning into a mini version of my mom. I put the truck in drive and start driving. “Uncle Sammy when can I see Winter?” I sigh because I really don’t know, Winter won’t chance being around Katelynn while that asshole is still around.
“Soon Buttercup.” I hope I’m not lying to her. I’m desperate for this bastard to be caught. I turn the radio on and some pop song comes on, Winter had put on this station on the way to Steven house and Katelynn starts dancing in her seat. If you can call wiggling her arms and legs dancing, it actually looks like she’s having some sort of fit. I laugh at her and she sulks. We make it to the ice cream shop. I park and walk around to open the passenger’s side door and see the little minx has unbuckled herself.
“Katelynn don’t unbuckle yourself, it’s dangerous.” She nods and has tears in her eyes, she hates being told no. “Come on, it’s ice cream time.” She perks up and I realize what people say is true, children are resilient. We order the ice cream and Katelynn gets what she wanted, loads of chocolate. We sit down and I check my phone, nothing from Winter, I hope she’s sleeping. She’s been through so much. I text Oscar to get an update on Ryder. He’s fine and still grouchy and complaining, he wants to get out. Thank fuck he’s alright. I look up and see Katelynn’s face smeared in chocolate, she’s even got it in her hair, how the hell did she do that?
“Are you finished yet?” She nods and smiles. I look down and it’s all over her hands. Damn. “Come on, we need to clean you up.” She stands and comes to the bathroom with me, where it takes me twenty minutes to clean her up, except her hair, it’s still covered in chocolate.
On the way back to mom’s Katelynn starts her funny dancing again, I just shake my head at her, she’s having fun that’s the main thing. We make it back to mom’s and as soon as we’re in the door I can smell the food she’s been cooking; I know I can smell a lasagna. I’ve missed her cooking. Mom takes one look at Katelynn and starts laughing.
“You gave her chocolate ice-cream. She should never be given it. She always gets messy.” I laugh as mom rushes Katelynn into the bathroom to clean her up. I pull out my phone and call Winter, it just rings out. She must still be asleep which is weird, she never sleeps that long even at night. I call Soph, and hers does the same, maybe they’re together? Mom comes back into the kitchen with Katelynn.
“Uncle Sammy, I was telling grandma about going to gymnastics and she told me that I could be an Olympian.” I laugh at her pronunciation of gymnastics and Olympian.
“You want to be an Olympian Buttercup?” She nods and mom laughs at her.
“I’m going to be famous.” Katelynn tells me putting her hands on her hips, I laugh at her antics. My phone starts ringing and I don’t look at who’s calling, I presume its Winter calling me back.
“Hey, have a good sleep?” I ask and the next words make me feel as if the world is slipping away.
“Hey, it’s Luke, Winter’s gone.” I blink.
“Gone? What do you mean gone?” I can hear someone talking in the background.
“Fuck! She wanted to rest after the shit Maddie said. Soph went to check on her a few minutes ago and the room was empty. We’ve searched the whole house. She’s gone. We’ve called the cops and they are on the way.” I see Mom and Katelynn watching me. Mom’s face is etched with worry.
“What? You're not telling me everything. Put Sophia on the phone.” I’m really worried, Winter told me she wouldn’t go anywhere. Something's happened.
“Hello? Sam, where are you?” I hear the edge to her tone of her voice. Something has happened.
“I’m at my mom’s. What the fuck happened Soph? Where the hell is she?” I’m furious. She was meant to be safe there.
“He’s got her Sam. She’s hurt. That fucker took my best friend. I’m going to fucking kill him.” FUCK!
“How do you know she’s hurt?” I turn when I hear a gasp and see mom has tears streaming down her face and Katelynn is white as a sheet.
“There’s blood in the bedroom. I’m not going to lie to you, there’s a lot of blood. She must be really injured. Fuck.” I don’t stop the tear that falls as I listen to her speak.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m leaving now.” I tell her and start walking towards the front door.
“See you soon Sam, I’ll keep you updated on the way. Be safe.” With that Soph hangs up. I make it to the door and turn and see Mom and Katelynn coming towards me. I walk up and hug them both.
“Go and bring her home, Samuel.” Mom tells me and I know that no matter what happens, I won’t stop until she’s home.
“I will Mom. Katelynn I’ve got to go but I will talk to you soon.” She looks at me and I see fear in her eyes.
“Will Winter be okay?” I look at her and hope the pain and fear I see in her eyes isn’t reflected in mine. I don’t want to worry her anymore.
“You know what Buttercup? Winter is the strongest woman I know. She’s a fighter and I’m going to find her. So I have to go now okay?”She gives me one last hug and kisses my cheek and nods.
“Go and get her Uncle Sammy.” I do as she says. I open the front door and sprint out to my car, get in and put it in reverse, then I drive off. I’m going to break every speed limit known to man.
Chapter Sixteen
Winter
I watch as Sammy drives off, I feel a chill go down my spine, and I wrap my arms around my waist. I wish he would stop and let me come with him. I have a bad feeling again. I feel an arm go around my shoulders and I tense.
“You’re safe here Winter. I won't let anything happen to you. We’ve got you covered sweetheart.” I turn to Steven and relax.
“I know, I just have a feeling that something bad's going to happen. It sounds so stupid when I say it out loud.” He pulls me to him and gives me a hug.
“Sweetheart, I’ve learned long ago to always trust your gut. If your’s is screaming at you, then listen to it. Do everything you can to stay safe. Trust us to keep you safe.” I nod into his chest and put my arms around his waist. It’s been a long time since I’ve hugged him. Steven is like my father, he was always there for me. Both Lydia and himself made sure that I didn't lack any parental love or encouragement. “Come on Wints. Let's get you inside. Nathan had dropped Sophia and the kids off a few minutes before you arrived. She’s inside waiting.” I smile. I get to see those sweet boys.
“Thanks, Steven.” He frowns. It’s his way of letting us all know that his not happy.
“Don’t ever thank me. That is one thing you never have to do. You are like my daughter Winter, I’ve watched you grow since you were five years old. You have been a big part of this family.” I’m going to cry.
“Stop it! Don’t you dare make me cry!” He looks around, and I notice that we are the only ones left out here.
“I thought I told you and Soph when you were at school there were to be no more tears. I can’t handle them.” I laugh at him and link my arm through his and walk into the house. As soon as we hit the hall, I hear the laughter. I walk towards the sitting room and see the cutest boy ever. George sees me and smiles, I may not have been here physically, but I’ve spoken to them loads on Skype. I haven’t had a chance to see them since I’ve been back in New York, every time I think I may get to see them something has come up.
“Aunty Wints. You’re here!” George runs over to me, and I scoop him up into a massive hug and spin him around listening to him giggling. I feel my pant leg being tugged and look down at Liam. I put George down and pick up Liam and spin him around. Once I’m finished I finally walk into the living room and Soph stands and gives me a hug.
“The boys aren’t staying, Nathan is going to have them today, he’s going to see Emma, Connor’s sister. She has a seven year old daughter, Clara. So he thought bringing the boys might be
good for them.” Fuck, Connor was a really nice guy. He checked up on me when I lived in Maui. First, it was once a day, when I wouldn’t text him back, he started texting me five times a day. Until I finally told him to fuck off. His reply was, you text me back that every time and I’ll know your okay. Then he would text once a week, just to let me know that I wasn’t alone and that he was there if I needed him. He may have come across as a douchebag, but he was honestly such a nice guy. I’m going to miss him.
“What time are the boys going?” Giving Liam a kiss on his cheek, making him giggle.
“Soon. He wanted to ensure that you saw them first.” That surprises me.
“Really?” You can hear the shock in my voice.
“Yes. Why did you think he wouldn’t?” I look to the ground and swallow the lump in my throat.
“Because I got his best friend killed,” I say in the tiniest voice, it’s filled with guilt and sadness.
“You didn’t kill my best friend. It’s not your fault. Winter, please don’t put that on yourself. I don’t blame you and neither does Emma. I know Connor wouldn’t blame you either.” I hear Nathan say from behind me. I turn and see him looking at me with so much sadness in his eyes that I have to look away. “Winter look at me, please.”
I do as he asks, my head snaps up, and I look at his face while avoiding his eyes. “I’m so sorry. I never wanted anyone to be hurt. I just wanted him stopped.” I swallow back the tears as I look at the floor and blink them away. I feel arms around me and it’s the first time other than Sammy that I don’t flinch. I look up and see Nathan’s teary eyes. I sink into his embrace.
“He really did care about you. He told me he always texted you. He laughed when he received your reply telling him to fuck off. But every time you replied he looked relieved. He told me you were like his sister.” Nathan whispers to me.
I laugh. “Damn, he was annoying like a brother. He didn’t know when to leave me the hell alone.” I’m going to miss him so much.
“I’m begging you Winter, don’t blame yourself. You know Con would have jumped in front of that bullet for you any day of the week.” He says it loud enough for everyone to hear. I know what he’s saying is true, but it doesn’t take away the guilt. Knowing if I hadn’t said anything, then Connor would still be with us.
“We all would take that bullet for you Wints. Take that look from your face Wints. You are our family. I’d do it for any of the other assholes so what makes you so special? We love you Winter and we want to make sure you stay safe.” Scott says from behind me. I step out of Nath’s embrace and look at Scott, who looks as though he could go twelve rounds with Tyson. His face looks so fierce.
“You're safe with us Wints. We’ll make sure nothing can hurt you today.” Steven says and I remember how much I loved being in this house. I love my mom but she wasn’t exactly motherly, whereas, Lydia was the epitome of the word. So graceful and so loving to all of us. I hug them all and know that as soon as I go home, I’m going to call my mom. It’s been too long since we last spoke.
********
Nathan takes George and Liam, and he hasn’t even been gone half an hour when there is a knock on the front door. I’m dreading what’s about to happen. Steven goes to the door, and I get up from the chair I was sitting on and go and sit on the sofa. Just as I sit I’m flanked by Luke and Scott. My heart fills with so much love for these two. I can hear talking in the hall but can’t make out the words. I can feel someone in the room and I feel a hand take mine. I look down and see Luke holding my hand. I send him a grateful smile and a squeeze, he squeezes back.
“Hey Hailey. I didn’t realize you were coming as well.” I turn at the sound of Scott’s voice and see a nervous looking Hailey standing in the doorway. “Come on in and sit down, none of us bite unless you want us too.”
She walks in and sits on the chair I vacated. I take a closer look at her, something seems off. That is when I notice the bruise around her wrist, it looks as if someone had a tight grip on it. Also, she has heavy makeup on which is extremely unlike Hails since she normally wears subtle makeup. I try and figure out why she is and I’m looking for bruises. Don’t ask me why it’s just a gut feeling. She senses me staring at her and gives me a look. I know what that look means, she doesn’t want to talk about it. I know when Maddie has entered the room everyone turns their heads including Hails. I, however, don’t. I don’t want to. What she said to me the last time I saw her, made me lose the tiny bit of progress I had made. I watch as she walks over to the other sofa and I wait for her to tell me why she’s here.
“I came here to ask for forgiveness. What I did was wrong.” I finally look at her and I’m shocked. She’s lost a lot of weight. She looks as though she’s been living on the streets. Her clothes are filthy, her once blonde hair is now bright red and looks in need of a good wash. Her pupils look dilated and she looks like a mess.
“Why should she forgive you? You haven’t even given her a reason. Fuck you haven’t even apologized properly.” Scott says making me gasp. I see Soph is looking just as shocked. I turn to Hailey who is looking down at her hands. Not even paying attention to anything going on around her.
“Fine, I knew something bad had happened when you stopped calling and texting me. You stopped going out. No one had heard from you. But you know what I thought? Good. Now everyone can focus on me. I was sick of being the third wheel. Anytime we went anywhere it was always about you and Soph. How gorgeous you were, how amazing and talented you both were. Soph being in the Army and Winter owning her own business at such a young age. Nobody cared about me. So yes I was happy that you weren’t around.” She says this in such a bitchy tone that I want to slap her face. Is this meant to make me feel better? Supposed to be an apology? Because to me it sounds as if she wants to put the blame on me. She starts fidgeting, wringing her hands together. She can’t sit still.
“What the fuck! You called asking to speak to Winter, that you had something you wanted to talk about. This better not be what it is.” Steven says in such a harsh tone, and I watch Maddie flinch. Steven has always treated the both of us like family like we were one of his children. So him speaking to her like this has to come as a shock. If he spoke to me like that I’d probably cry.
“What I actually came here to say was I’m sorry, I knew David had done something to you. I thought maybe he got a bit rough with you.” Maddie says in her condescending tone. I have to take a few deep breaths just so I don’t jump out of my seat and start hitting the bitch.
“Oh for fuck sake Maddie, you were meant to make amends not cause more freaking arguments.” Hailey says, and I see Maddie’s eyes narrow at her.
“Is that the only reason you came here? To insult Winter and not take actions for what you have done? And who the fuck told you it was David?” Comes the deadly tone from Soph.
“Look David always had a thing for Winter, he would always go on about her and ask how she was and who she was seeing, if she were seeing someone he’d get mad. I was so sick of coming second best to you. So when I met David that night and he asked about you, it was the third time that night a guy I spoke to asked about you. I was pissed. So I told David that you were single and that we were talking about him the other day and how much you liked him.” She takes a deep breath and looks at me. “You have got to understand I never wanted anything like this to happen. I saw David two days later and he said that you had slept with him, but you hadn’t spoken to him since, I knew you. You weren’t the one for a one-night stand so I knew something was up. I went to your house but got no response. I parked outside your house and I watched as you opened the door to get the newspaper. I’ll never forget the way you looked.”
“And what did you do? Nothing because that fucking asshole is still out there. Still terrorizing her and killing people. He killed Connor.” Scott yells at her.
I have tears streaming down my face as I ask her “Why did you hate me so much?” I need to know how someone can be so cruel.
�
��Don’t you get it yet? I hate you just for being you. I hate that anytime I’m around you I’m pushed to the background, that every time I’m around you I don't exist to a man.” I laugh, I can’t help it. She must be insane. She stares at me with such disdain. Now her true colors are showing.
“Haha, you want my life? Hmm? How about the Mom who doesn’t remember you half the time and the only time she does is to show you off? Or how about not having anyone in your life except for your best friends? Yeah and when one of them goes overseas the other one instigates you being raped, still jealous?” I ask her and I don’t get mad or even raise my voice. I just want this over and done with.
She looks at me with pure unfiltered rage. “So did he actually rape you or are you making that up as an excuse for being a slut?” I get up to walk out. I can’t listen to this bullshit.
I feel someone pull on my arm and look down at Luke. “Don’t leave. Don’t give the bitch the satisfaction of knowing she got to you. She doesn’t deserve it.” I nod and sit down. He’s right, I shouldn’t leave because she’s a bitch.
“I’m so disappointed in you Maddie. I know Mom and Dad would be too. I’m ashamed to call you my Sister.” Hailey tells Maddie her voice cracks as she says it and I see the tears in her eyes.
“Yeah, well I’m disappointed in you, I thought I taught you better than letting a man treat you like shit? Fuck this, I didn’t come here for a big lecture from everyone.” I see Scott’s eyes narrow at the mention of Hailey and another man.
“You stupid bitch! I told you it’s none of your business. What is the reason you came here for? I honestly thought it was to make amends for your selfish behavior. I thought you had finally grown up! But no, you just showed everyone how truly fucking selfish you are. You told a fucking rapist that Winter liked him. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Hailey screams at her causing Maddie to laugh.
“Oh my fucking God! You're high as a mother fucking kite!” Soph says and I see the shock registered on everyone’s face. It must be the same look I have. Maddie and drugs? After what Soph went through when she was just a child, her birth mom was a drug addict as well as being a grade A bitch. She uses to beat Soph.
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