that I need to get to the side of the road.
The commune did not allow motorcycles, so there’s no chance it is them. I grab Hope’s hand, get to my feet as quickly as I can, and run toward the side of the country road. As we approach the edge of the pavement, I instruct Hope to wait there, hiding in the long grass. I walk closer to the noise, constantly checking back over my shoulder. I know this could be a risky mistake, but I have to at least try.
I reach the road side, getting there slower than I had anticipated, and notice that the bike has already passed. I push forward, making myself visible to the next bike I see approaching. The headlights cause me to shield my eyes.
I stand there at the side of the road, completely exposed, as I hear the roar of an engine getting louder and closer. I glance behind me at Hope. I have to make sure she’s nowhere near me, staying hidden in the overgrowth.
I start waving my hands, desperately trying to catch the approaching biker’s attention. I throw my arm across my eyes as I’m dazzled by the headlight. I blink repeatedly, trying to rid my eyes of the dots. As I do, I watch the motorcycle skid to a stop. Two riders are on the bike and the second one dismounts at rapid speed.
My heart begins to beat out of control. I have to be prepared to run like hell if this goes sour. I begin to turn, anticipating needing to flee, when I feel Hope wrap her arms around my legs, clutching tight. I put a hand on her, holding Hope protectively against me. My hands shake as I try to intensify my hold on her. I stand rigid, waiting for the biker to remove his helmet.
Everything feels like it is happening in slow motion. Although it only takes seconds for him to remove his helmet, it feels like minutes.
Could this be it?
Our chance to be rescued.
My mouth drops open at the sight of him standing in front of me.
I feel sick at the realization. My legs buckle as they begin to feel weak and heavy. I crash to the ground holding my head in my hands.
“Kennedy? Fuck, Kennedy, is that really you?” the deep and sullen voice cries.
I wail loudly.
Tears stream involuntarily down my face.
This cannot be happening.
He rushes over and grabs me, pulling me up by the elbow. I slowly lift my head to meet his eyes. As soon as he pulls me to my feet, I wrap my arms around him as tightly as my weak and frail body will allow.
“Thank you, Pete,” I state, not really sure what else to say.
“Jesus Christ, Ken, what are you doing out here? I can’t believe it’s really you. I can’t believe we managed to find you. I thought we’d lost you forever.” He pulls me toward him, embracing me in a bear tight hug, as we sway a little from side to side. I pull back and we lock eyes. My heart rate quickens almost instantly as I gaze into his caramel brown eyes.
“I don’t know, Pete. It’s all a haze. We got out though. I can’t believe you found us. Is Cole with you? Is he okay? Please tell me he’s alright.” My voice trembles. My words roll out, barely making sense.
For a second I had forgotten about Hope. The realization hits me as I turn to see she if she’s okay. She has a slight smile across her face.
“Hope, this is my good friend, Pete. Pete, this is Hope. She’s been a good friend to me for the past few days. I couldn’t have gotten through it without this little ray of sunshine.”
She smiles fondly at me, before sidling up to get as close as possible. Hope buries her head in my hip.
Pete holds out his hand, as a peace offering to the child. Hope moves her head from side to side, not wanting to accept. Her tiny body quivers against my leg.
“So, Cole. Is he with you?”
“He was just in front of us. I should call him. He’ll be wondering where we are. Come stand with us.” He points across the road where three motorcycles are now parked. I was so lost in conversation I hadn’t even realized they’d joined us. Pete removes his jacket and wraps it around me. A very large,
The commune did not allow motorcycles, so there’s no chance it is them. I grab Hope’s hand, get to my feet as quickly as I can, and run toward the side of the country road. As we approach the edge of the pavement, I instruct Hope to wait there, hiding in the long grass. I walk closer to the noise, constantly checking back over my shoulder. I know this could be a risky mistake, but I have to at least try.
I reach the road side, getting there slower than I had anticipated, and notice that the bike has already passed. I push forward, making myself visible to the next bike I see approaching. The headlights cause me to shield my eyes.
I stand there at the side of the road, completely exposed, as I hear the roar of an engine getting louder and closer. I glance behind me at Hope. I have to make sure she’s nowhere near me, staying hidden in the overgrowth.
I start waving my hands, desperately trying to catch the approaching biker’s attention. I throw my arm across my eyes as I’m dazzled by the headlight. I blink repeatedly, trying to rid my eyes of the dots. As I do, I watch the motorcycle skid to a stop. Two riders are on the bike and the second one dismounts at rapid speed.
My heart begins to beat out of control. I have to be prepared to run like hell if this goes sour. I begin to turn, anticipating needing to flee, when I feel Hope wrap her arms around my legs, clutching tight. I put a hand on her, holding Hope protectively against me. My hands shake as I try to intensify my hold on her. I stand rigid, waiting for the biker to remove his helmet.
Everything feels like it is happening in slow motion. Although it only takes seconds for him to remove his helmet, it feels like minutes.
Could this be it?
Our chance to be rescued.
My mouth drops open at the sight of him standing in front of me.
I feel sick at the realization. My legs buckle as they begin to feel weak and heavy. I crash to the ground holding my head in my hands.
“Kennedy? Fuck, Kennedy, is that really you?” the deep and sullen voice cries.
I wail loudly.
Tears stream involuntarily down my face.
This cannot be happening.
He rushes over and grabs me, pulling me up by the elbow. I slowly lift my head to meet his eyes. As soon as he pulls me to my feet, I wrap my arms around him as tightly as my weak and frail body will allow.
“Thank you, Pete,” I state, not really sure what else to say.
“Jesus Christ, Ken, what are you doing out here? I can’t believe it’s really you. I can’t believe we managed to find you. I thought we’d lost you forever.” He pulls me toward him, embracing me in a bear tight hug, as we sway a little from side to side. I pull back and we lock eyes. My heart rate quickens almost instantly as I gaze into his caramel brown eyes.
“I don’t know, Pete. It’s all a haze. We got out though. I can’t believe you found us. Is Cole with you? Is he okay? Please tell me he’s alright.” My voice trembles. My words roll out, barely making sense.
For a second I had forgotten about Hope. The realization hits me as I turn to see she if she’s okay. She has a slight smile across her face.
“Hope, this is my good friend, Pete. Pete, this is Hope. She’s been a good friend to me for the past few days. I couldn’t have gotten through it without this little ray of sunshine.”
She smiles fondly at me, before sidling up to get as close as possible. Hope buries her head in my hip.
Pete holds out his hand, as a peace offering to the child. Hope moves her head from side to side, not wanting to accept. Her tiny body quivers against my leg.
“So, Cole. Is he with you?”
“He was just in front of us. I should call him. He’ll be wondering where we are. Come stand with us.” He points across the road where three motorcycles are now parked. I was so lost in conversation I hadn’t even realized they’d joined us. Pete removes his jacket and wraps it around me. A very large,
Similar Books
