• AMALIA •
I want my dad.
I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad, I want my dad.
I wake up in the same position I fell asleep in, however now my hands are free from the zip ties, which is a relief in itself.
Still, I hope my dad finds me soon.
• XANDER •
"We got you some food." Sadie says, setting a tray beside me on the bed. I glance at the food, but after a second it makes me nauseous, so I look away.
"No thanks."
"Come on, kid, you need to eat something." Emilio says.
"I'm not hungry." I say. I wait eagerly from a message from my father, telling me he's found Amalia and she's safe and okay at home.
It doesn't come. And that's all my fault.
I throw my phone beside me and sigh, my head beginning to ache. My eyes water, but I blink the unwanted tears away.
Amalia deserves better than me as a brother.
• GRAYSON •
"Come on, baby." My grandma whispers as she slowly directs me toward my bed. "You need some sleep."
"I'm—fine." I say, yawning.
"Shh, come on." She replies, unfurling my covers before directing me to sit on the bed.
"No. I gotta be awake in case dad finds Amalia. I.. I can go get her then."
She looks at me like you would a newborn puppy. "There are more than enough people helping your dad, Grayson." She says.
"But she's my baby sister." I say quietly. "I'm supposed to protect her." My voice cracks as my eyes begin to water. A tear falls down my cheek, but I wipe it away quickly.
Unfortunately, my grandma still sees it.
"Aw, honey, come here." She says quietly. She wraps me up in a hug, and I welcome the embrace, leaning my head on her shoulder. She begins to rub my back. "It'll be okay. We'll find her."
I really fucking hope so. She can't be taken away now, not when she's only just gotten back.
• MASON •
Petal rolls on her back, and I rub her tummy idly as I lay on the couch, keeping my eyes glued to the TV.
After a moment she rolls back up and waddles onto my chest, sitting herself down. She leans forward and licks my nose, titling her head as she lifts a paw up. She tilts to the side a little, so I rub her stomach again. She lays down on her side, her head right by my chin.
I wrap an arm around her and kiss her little head.
I promised Amalia I'd do my best to take care of her, so that's what I'm gonna do.
YOU ARE READING
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Teen FictionAmalia Romano is a selective mute. After years of enduring abuse from her step father, who has ridiculed and hurt her mercilessly, she doesn't want to talk, for fear of what might happen if someone doesn't like what she says. But then her step...
