Alexandria Brio is a 16-year-old girl who knows pain like the back of her hand. After getting kidnapped at the young age of two she has known nothing but pain, abuse, torture, suffering, and immense trauma. She has spent her whole life protecting he...
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The journey had begun, and I found myself in the front driver's seat of our sleek Sprinter van, packed to the brim with luggage and everyone needed to complete this important mission. I glanced in the rearview mirror at my team. My family.
Ana sat beside me in the passenger seat her left hand in my right. Her presence was a calming anchor amidst the chaos in my mind. So much could go wrong and we could learn things that could change everything.
The teens were scattered throughout, each submerged in thought or engaged in quiet murmurs with one another. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of anticipation and focus, especially knowing this mission was all for Alexandria.
It was hard to say goodbye to her even if it was just for a week. But that's to be expected when your daughter was missing for over fourteen years. She is the reason we are about to dive headfirst into this dangerous mission. She deserves people fighting for her well-being and happiness. She's already been through so much.
As we sped towards the airport, the cityscape blurred by. After what felt like an eternity on the road, we arrived at the private airport, a place that loosely felt like a second home filled with memories of countless past missions.
I parked the van next to our waiting jet. The sight of the sleek black jet glistening under the sunlight light felt like a portent of the impending storm. And as we unloaded, airport staff swiftly took over the logistics, loading our bags with practiced efficiency.
I led everyone towards the jet making sure to thank the staff loading our luggage. Once aboard, everyone sprawled across the plush couches of the jet's spacious interior, the soft hum of the engines vibrating through the cabin.
I sat next to my wife and held her hand. Nina and Ivan sat next to my wife. Isaac, Avery, Cayla and my brother Trever occupied the row in front of us. The kids sat around on the big couch making sure to buckle up. We were all somewhat facing each other.
As the private jet took off, anticipation filled the cabin. The engine roared as the jet accelerated and then smoothly ascended into the sky. The vibrations faded, and the landscape below became a blur. Sunlight illuminated the interior bringing a calm atmosphere.
Everyone was lost in their own worlds. A couple lost in their phones, scrolling through messages or checking the latest news. Lucas and Ev are typing away on their laptops, busy with work. The younger teens were quietly taking. While the others were reading. Don however was just gazing quietly out of the jet's windows, deep in thought.
I knew this probably wasn't easy for him but knowing him he would deny it. He keeps to himself but I know he is hurting. But there is nothing we can do but be there for him when he is ready.
Flashback
Don has been missing for two long months. It was a mission that went horribly wrong. We thought we had a lead on Alexandria's whereabouts, but it turned out to be an elaborate trap. Now, instead of looking for just one kid, I'm searching for two.
