~ Freya ~
It was night already, but Helena hadn’t arrived home yet. Immediately I called her. She didn’t pick up her phone. So, I texted her. ‘Sweetheart, where are you?’
Five minutes later, my phone rang—Helena. “Helena?”
“Mom, sorry I forgot to call you.”
“It’s okay, sweety. Where are you?”
“I’m with Ethan.”
I frowned. “Didn’t you go with Constantine?”
“It’s a long story, mom. But I promise I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
I took a deep breath. “Okay. Take care.”
“Mom? I’m okay. Don’t worry.”
“I’m glad you are okay, sweetheart, but a mother tends to be worried about her daughter.”
“Oh, mom ….” Then there was the sound of water. “Sorry, mom, I’ll go to the bathroom first.” Then she said, “If I get married to Ethan, will it help you more so you won’t be worried about me?”
“I think so. Why?”
“Mom, we have been through a big thing today, and I realize I don’t want to live without him.”
It was a scary moment in my life. I was happy for my daughter but also sad at the same time since I would let her go soon. “I like Ethan, sweety. If it makes you two happy, then I agree.”
“Thank you, mom. You are the best mother in the world.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. You are the best daughter in the world too. But if I may ask, can it be at least three months from now?”
“Oh? Is there any specific reason, mom?”
“I want to spend more time with you before becoming Mrs. Cross. What do you think?”
“Oh, mom! It’s so sweet! I’ll talk with Ethan about it. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
I walked to my table, opened the drawer, and took Mia and Jack’s picture. I placed the photo on my chest. “Mia, Jack, our daughter will get married soon. I’m so happy, but also sad at the same time. I must be a bad mother.” Then I took a deep breath. “Ethan, our son-in-law, is a great man. He loves Helena. I think he is protective of her, but it’s good. What do you think?”
I knew it was silly to ask things like that. But when I was lonely, sometimes it felt like Mia was still here. I wiped my tears. “Letting a daughter have a new family is the happiest day in a mother’s life. Yet, I’m also sad to lose her. Am I selfish to ask for three months so I can have more time with her? Am I a bad mother?”
That was when the bell rang. I frowned since it was ten at night. Who would visit at a late hour like this?
I walked to the door and checked at the peeping hole. It was a police officer. What’s wrong? I immediately opened the door.
“Good night. Sorry, I know it has been late. Mrs. Ross?”
“Yes. What is it, officer?”
“We received a call that your daughter, Helena Starr, has an accident. She was in a car with her boyfriend, Ethan Cross. Both are in the hospital right now.”
“B-but I just talked with her a few minutes ago.”
The officer shook his head. “I don’t know, ma’am, but I heard it. Miss Starr gave me your address and asked you to meet her.”
“Oh, no! How is her condition?”
“Her head is bleeding a lot, but it’s not as severe as the man. Nevertheless, Mr. Cross’s condition is critical.”
I closed my mouth with my hand since I was about to cry. “Please wait a minute. I want to bring Helena’s clothes for her to change her dress. I won’t be long.”
Later, I ran to Helena’s room, preparing three casual clothes and underwear for her. Afterward, I walked fast to my room, taking a jacket and wearing it. Then, carrying a middle-size clothes bag, I approached the police officer. “Let’s go.”
“I’ll wait for you outside, ma’am.”
“Okay, I’ll lock the door first.”
After locking the door and fence, I walked outside but didn’t find any police car. I glanced to the right and left, but then a strong hand grabbed my waist from behind, and another hand smothered my mouth and nose with a strong-smell towel. I struggled to free myself, but the strong hands were mightier than me. Then I lost my consciousness. All were black suddenly.
***
~ Kenneth ~
I waited in another car when the thug I hired gave me a signal. I drove my car. When I got out of my vehicle, I grinned. He got Freya. Wonderful!
I gave him a gesture to carry Freya into my car. In a minute, she was inside the back door. Her bag followed next. Then a few thousand Moon dollars had a new owner. The thug grinned and nodded at me, then left, saying nothing.
Afterward, I drove fast, leaving the crime scene. Hah! It was like a crime documentary movie. When the traffic light showed the red light, I stopped my car and glanced at Freya’s body.
“If only you supported me with Helena, I didn’t need to do this. But, since you chose Ethan instead of me, now you reap what you sow.”
The traffic light changed to green, so I drove again. After an hour, I finally arrived at my destination. Before I got out of the car, I observed around the house. It was a quiet neighborhood; maybe the house owners enjoyed the Saturday night elsewhere. It made everything easier.
I walked to the door. It was unlocked. I opened it, then returned to my car and parked it inside. It was dark inside. I opened the backdoor and carried Freya. Fortunately, she was light, so that I could lift her easily. Then the garage door opened. I took Freya inside.
When I was inside, the door automatically closed. I looked around; no one was there. So, I brought Freya to another room and left her on a couch. I walked to the side, trying to find the switch lamp. When I saw it, I turned it on.
“Congratulations! You made it!”