The car jostled along the bumpy road, the tires humming while the engine broke the quiet of the night. Bella sat in the back, hands in her lap, watching the scenery rush by. Her heart was still pounding, and her mind was spinning from what had happened just hours ago. She couldn't believe it, she was finally free.
Up front, Sam and Eliza were talking quietly, glancing back at her now and then. Sam, tall with an easy smile, kept looking back to check on her. Eliza was a bit more jumpy, her eyes flicking around outside like she was waiting for something to go wrong.
"Don't worry, Bella," Sam said, giving her an encouraging look. "You're safe now. We're just taking you somewhere calm so you can relax."
Bella nodded, but the fear in her wouldn't leave. She still felt watched, even though they were miles away from everything she had just escaped.
Soon enough, the car turned onto a dirt road, and Bella saw a small house surrounded by tall trees. It looked cozy and inviting, a world away from what she had left behind. Sam parked the car.
"Home sweet home," Eliza said softly, turning to Bella. "You can take it easy here as long as you need."
Bella hesitated but stepped out. The fresh air hit her, and for the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe. It still didn't seem real, though. Where was her mom? Would she get here in time?
Inside, they took Bella straight to a bathroom, and the warm shower was just what she needed. Eliza handed her a fresh towel and some clean clothes, telling her to shower and unwind. Bella didn't argue. In the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she looked like a stranger. The past few days had worn her down.
The hot water helped soothe her tired muscles, but her mind was still racing. It felt like each drop washed away some of the fear she'd been carrying, but she wouldn't feel free until she was with her mom.
After her shower, Eliza had made a simple meal, soup, bread, and fruit. It was the kind of comfort food Bella hadn't had in ages. As she ate, her phone buzzed on the table. Her heart raced when she saw the screen, it was me.
With shaky hands, she picked up the phone and held it to her ear.
"Mom?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Is that you?"
My voice came through, full of relief and concern. "Baby, are you safe? Where are you? Please tell me you're okay."
Tears filled Bella's eyes. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear her mom's voice until now. "I'm safe, Mom. I'm okay. I'm at a house with some nice people."
"Hang on, sweetheart. Detective Harper and I are on our way. Just stay put, okay? Don't go anywhere."
A wave of relief washed over Bella, but she felt a bit torn. She wanted to stay hidden and avoid Vincent and anyone connected to him forever. But her mom was coming, and that gave her strength.
"I'll stay here, Mom," Bella said softly. "I'll wait for you."
Her heart raced as the call ended. Eliza walked in with a gentle smile. "We'll keep you safe until your mom gets here."
Bella nodded, trying to hold back tears. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Sam came in next to Eliza, looking reassuring. "We'll keep watch. You're not alone, okay?"
Bella nodded again but couldn't shake the thoughts racing in her mind while she waited for me. She longed to feel her mother's arms around her again, to know this nightmare was finally behind her.
After what felt like forever, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke the silence. Bella's breath hitched as she ran to the window.
It was my car, with Detective Harper beside it.
Her heart raced as she rushed out the door, practically flying toward us. She didn't care about anything else; she just wanted to be with me again.
As Bella got closer, I stepped out of the car, concern written all over my face. But when I saw Bella, everything else melted away. We ran toward each other, and for a moment, it felt like the world stood still.
"Mom!" Bella cried, collapsing into her mother's embrace.
"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry," I whispered, holding her tight. "I'm here now. You're safe."
Detective Harper stepped out, giving them a moment while keeping an eye on things.
"Thank you for making sure she's safe," she told Sam and Eliza. "You did well. We have decided we want her staying with you for a while for her safety."
The reunion was everything Bella had dreamed of. My arms around her, the warmth, the feeling of safety, it was all she needed to feel whole again. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt some hope. The nightmare was over.
"I missed you Bella," I said gently. "Everything's going to be okay."
Bella nodded, tears streaming down her face as she clung to me, finally feeling safe.