Chapter Seventy Four
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Sydney went inside Brett’s room and hesitated by the door as her eyes touched on the seemingly lifeless body lying on the bed across the room. Taking a deep breath, she slowly made her way across the room, her entire body trembling with every emotion that was going through her at the moment.
As she stepped up to the bed and got a good look at Brett; all the tubes and lines going into his body, and his completely pale complexion…it was too much for her to handle. Everything around her began spinning wildly and she felt like she was going to be sick. She managed to make it to the chair nearby and put her head down, waiting for the faint and ill feeling to pass. When it did, her shoulders began shaking as a heart-wrenching sob escaped her and tears fell from her eyes.
When her tears finally ended, Sydney lifted her head and looked at Brett again, her heart aching at seeing him this way. Rising to her feet, she went over to the bed, sat down on the edge of the bed and took hold of hi hand. As tears filled her eyes once more, she lifted it to her lips and placed a soft kiss there.
“I love you, Brett.” She whispered, her voice breaking. “You have to make it through this. Please don’t leave me.”
The words were barely spoken when Sydney heard someone come into the room. She wiped her eyes as she looked behind her to see who it was. Her eyes immediately met those of Brett’s parents, the cold glare they were giving her freezing her heart momentarily.
“I-” Sydney began, wanting to say something, but not sure what. Her words were immediately cut off.
“Get out.” Mrs. Scallions said quietly, but the hard expression in her eyes completely belied the soft tone of her voice.
Sydney took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, fighting to gain control of her emotions. It was quite obvious that much like her own parents, Brett’s hadn’t changed over the years either.
Sighing deeply, Sydney rose to her feet again. As much as she wanted to stay with Brett, she knew she had to give his parents time too. And it was quite clear that her presence wasn’t wanted there at the time. Leaning forward, she placed a tender kiss on Brett’s lips, all the while still feeling his parents eyes burning into her. A chill passed through her as she swore she could feel the complete disdain radiating off of them. Straightening back up, she turned and left the room.
Once outside, she was met by Kevin, who was gazing at her with compassion in his eyes. “I tried to get in to warn you that they were here while they were talking to the doctor.” He told her, knowing full well of the way Brett’s parents felt about Sydney.
“They still hate me.” Sydney told him. She tried to smile, but it was a vain effort. She felt tears stinging her eyes again, but blinked them back, knowing that she had to stay strong.
“How’s he doing?” Kevin asked, concern for his friend shining brightly in his blue eyes.
Sydney shook her head. “Okay, I guess.” She answered, not really knowing herself.
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Chapter Seventy Five
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Kiara stood up and rushed over when Sydney walked back in the waiting room with Kevin close behind, looking worse than when she had gone in to see Brett.
“Syd?” Kiara asked, gently placing her hand on Sydney’s arm. Sydney shook her head and just let Kiara put her arms around her, holding her close as she cried.
After a moment Sydney pulled back and wiped her eyes. “He looks…” she trailed off unable to find the words.
“Shhh,” Kiara told her, pushing some hair behind Sydney’s ear. “He’ll look a lot better soon, I promise. He’s just gotten out of surgery; he’s not going to look like he’s ready for cartwheels or anything.”
Sydney smiled fleetingly. “You’re right.” She sighed as she sat down, and put her head in her hands. “His parents are here.” She mumbled, unable to suppress the shudder that ran through her body as she remembered the looks on their faces.
“I take it you’ve spoken.” Kiara said hesitantly, having remembered all too well the stories Sydney would tell about her own parents and Brett’s.
Sydney let out a watery laugh as she buried her face in her hands a little more. “You could say that, yet at the same time you couldn’t.”
“What did they say to you?” Kiara asked.
Sydney shook her head. “Not much really, just to get out.”
Kiara bit her lip, hard, to not say what she really wanted to about Brett’s parents. She had to remember that it was horrible for them to watch their son struggling for his life.
“Honey, I’m sure they weren’t really thinking clearly. They have so much on them right now, just like you do, like everyone. I’m sure once Brett is back to his old self, things will be much better with his parents. I bet they didn’t even mean it like it sounded.” Kiara tried to reassure her friend.
Sydney peeked at her through her fingers, her eyes full of disbelief. “Yeah, and hell will freeze over too. Kiara, they have never ever liked me, and I don’t think they are going to start any time soon. For them to like me would be a freaking miracle, and I’m sorry, but the only miracle I’m looking for right now is for Brett to wake up and be completely okay!” Sydney cried.
Kiara sighed deeply, sitting back in the chair. “What is the damn problem with parents?”
Sydney shook her head. “When you find out, please let me know!”
Kiara rubbed her eyes. “Sorry, it’s all a little too confusing for me!”
Sydney couldn’t help but agree. She was quiet a moment as she took that time to look around the waiting room, for the first time really seeing who all was there for Brett.
Suddenly she turned back to Kiara. “You know, speaking of a confusing, I was a little confused by what I saw earlier.”
Kiara raised an eyebrow. “And what was that?”
“Well, I was sleeping, not quite peacefully might I add, and when I woke up, what did I see? You and Dale…together. Now at first I thought it was a dream, but now I’m not so sure. Want to shed some light on that for me?” Sydney asked, tilting her head as she waited for her friend’s answer.
Any other time, Kiara would have told her to leave it the hell alone, but she couldn’t help but notice how this was distracting Sydney from what was going on, and anything that helped for just a few seconds was good enough with her.
Kiara shrugged. “It was nothing.” She said. “I just needed a shoulder to cry on, that’s all.”
“Uh huh. And why did you choose his shoulder over someone like, oh I don’t know, your brother?”
Kiara glanced sideways at Sydney and rolled her eyes at the smirk that she saw on her lips. “What ever you’re thinking, get it out of your head. It was momentary slip. It meant nothing…to either one of us.”
It was Sydney’s turn to raise her eyebrow. “Oh really? Then I guess that explains why Dale has hardly taken his eyes off you all night.”
Kiara immediately felt the heat rising to her face. “You’re imagining things.”
Sydney looked over her shoulder and grinned. “Sure I am.”
Kiara crossed her arms over her chest and turned away, refusing to look, although everything inside of her wanted too.
“I think you should talk to him.” Sydney blurted out a moment later. Kiara’s head swung back around.
“I beg your pardon!”
“You heard me. This whole thing,” she motioned towards everything around her, “has taught me one thing. Life is too damn short and you never know what’s going to happen.”
“Syd…” Kiara started but was stopped.
“No, hear me out. You and Dale belong together and you damn well know it. And so does he. Just talk to him! Even before you two were a couple, you were best of friends. If you’re not going to be together as a couple, at least don’t let the friendship die.” Sydney pleaded.
Kiara closed her eyes, knowing full well that Sydney was right. She couldn’t deny it, especially after everything that had happened with Brett. It made her realize just how precious time was and that you really had to treasure every moment.
“You know I’m right.” Sydney told her.
Kiara huffed louder. “Alright, so maybe your right. I’ll talk to him.”
“When?”
“Soon!”
“Now.” Sydney told her. Kiara’s head whipped around.
“What? No, Syd…” she pleaded, but Sydney simply shook her head.
“Now, Kiara. Don’t waste a moment.” She told her, her eyes deadly serious. Relief went through her when Kiara nodded and stood up.
Before she walked away she paused and leaned down. “You might want to follow your own advice. Brett’s parents just left his room and went down the hall.” Kiara said softly before turning and walking towards Dale.
Sydney watched her for a moment, a small smile curving her lips before she too stood up and walked quickly out of the room. Right now, she only wanted to be with Brett, and this time she wasn’t letting anyone run her off!
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Chapter Seventy Six
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Dale glanced up and was surprised to find Kiara heading in his direction. He looked over at Kevin, who was sitting in a chair across from him, and saw in his eyes the war of emotions going on inside him as he too saw his sister walking towards Dale with a look of determination in her eyes. Kevin struggled to keep quiet as he reminded himself that, although he still wasn’t sure he liked the idea of his sister being with Dale, he really had no business trying to keep them apart. It was plain as day that both Dale and Kiara were miserable without the other. And really, all he wanted was for the two of them to be happy and if it meant them being together to achieve that, he would have to find a way to deal with it.
As she stepped up to Dale, Kiara glanced at her brother. Their eyes met and held for a moment before he gave a silent nod of approval. Kiara gave him a small smile before she turned her full attention to Dale.
“Can we talk?” Kiara asked Dale, looking down into his blue eyes.
Dale immediately rose to his feet. He’d been trying all night to build up the courage to approach her, but he hadn’t been able to do it thus far. He was more than relieved that she had been the one to approach him.
Wanting some privacy, they went out into the hallway, not wanting to go too far incase something happened with Brett. Once there, Kiara took a deep breath and then spoke, knowing that if she didn’t say it now, she might never have the courage again.
“I’m not going to lie to you, Dale, and say that you didn’t hurt when you broke things off with me and that it didn’t hurt seeing you with all those other women.” When Dale opened his mouth to speak, Kiara held up her hand, halting his words before they could be spoken.
“But…what has happened with Brett has really opened my eyes t too things. Life is too precious to waste.” Kiara paused, taking another deep breath before continuing again. “Like I said before, I’m not going to lie. I still love you, Dale. But if you still think that we can’t make this relationship work, and you don’t even want to try to make it work, I want us to at least be friends. We were friends before all of this happened and I miss that. In all honesty, I want more, but if you don’t, I will be satisfied with us just being friends.” Kiara finished and fell silent as she waited for his response.
*****
After talking with the police again, Kevin came back into the waiting room where Jeff and Carl were waiting for him.
“What’s wrong?” Carl asked, seeing the expression in his friend’s eyes.
Kevin sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair as he sat down with his band mates. “The police said that the hit on Brett was very professionally done and very well planned. And that the person behind it most likely paid a lot of money to have it done.”
“Yeah?” Jeff questioned, not quite sure where Kevin was going with it.
“I’ve thought about it again and again. Who is the one person that despises Brett enough to want to do this and also has enough money to make it happen?”
It immediately dawned on Jeff and Carl whom Kevin was speaking of. “Oh man…” Carl whispered as he sank back in his chair. “How the hell are we supposed to tell Syd this? It’s going to absolutely kill her.”
Kevin just shook his head, not knowing himself. But the one thing he did know; Carl was right. When Sydney did find out, it would be devastating.
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Chapter Seventy Seven
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Sydney sat next to the bed, holding Brett’s hand tightly in her own, as she continued to stare down at him. She swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, unable to stop the little whimper from escaping.
She closed her eyes for a moment as she raised his hand to her lips, pressing her lips to the back of his hand. “Brett…” she started but stopped when her voice trembled too bad to continue.
She took a couple deep breaths and tried again. “Brett, you’ve got to wake up. I can’t do this without you. I don’t want to even try! I just got you back in my life, I can’t lose you again.” She cried, heedless to the tears that were streaming down her face.
She bit her lip as she tried to calm herself down. “Everyone is here for you. Kevin, Carl, Jeff, your parents, Kiara, Dale and Kevin.”
Again she paused when her voice cracked. She laid her head down and gave up the fight with the tears, as sobs wracked her body. She knew there was no way she was going to make it through if he didn’t survive. He had to live, damn it! He couldn’t leave her again, he had promised he never would!
The tears came harder when she remembered the look in his parents' eyes. It was more than obvious that the years apart hadn’t lessened their dislike for her any. And she truly couldn’t understand where their hostility towards her came from. It was like the instant they met her years ago, they had taken an immediate disliking to her.
Her tears subsided gradually, as she drifted off into an exhausted sleep, all the while still holding tightly to Brett’s hand, never wanting to let go.
***
Dale stared into Kiara’s eyes, struggling to find the words to express all that he was feeling at that moment.
“I can’t.” he said softly, then immediately realized it hadn’t come out the way he had meant it too when Kiara looked completely devastated and took a couple steps back.
Kiara shook her head as she turned away. Dale jumped forward and grabbed her, turning her back around to face him. “Wait! That’s not what I meant.” He rushed to explain, hoping he would be able to wipe away all the uncertainly he could see clearly in Kiara’s eyes.
“What I meant to say was that I can’t just be friends with you. Not after knowing what it’s like to have more.” He said gently, relaxing his grip on her when he felt some of the tension leaving her body.
Kiara didn’t say anything, just tilted her head up at him, indicating for him to continue, and also at the same time letting him know she wasn’t going to make this a walk in the part for him either.
Dale took a deep breath. “I want—“ he cut himself off when Jeff, Carl and Kevin came around the corner and stopped when they saw Kiara. Dale had to fight not to growl at them, but judging from the looks on all their faces, he could tell it was something serious.
Kiara turned to look at the guys, her eyes going wide at the looks on their faces. “Guys, what is it?” she demanded.
Carl cleared his throat. “Um, we’re really sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk to you…now.” Kiara nodded as she turned back to Dale.
“We’ll continue this later?” she asked, sending him a small smile of apology.
Dale nodded. “Of course.” He said, reaching out to take her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze, and that one little move gave her more support and reassurance than he could ever know.
Kiara moved further down the hallway with Brett’s fellow band members and friends, looking at them all curiously. “What’s going on guys?” she asked, almost afraid to hear what they had to say, judging from the looks on their faces.
Carl and Jeff both turned to Kevin, automatically putting the job of telling her the news on him. Kevin sighed as he ran his hand over his face.
“I just got finished talking with the cops, and they have determined that whoever shot Brett was a professional.” He said. Kiara raised an eyebrow in question.
“Professional?” she repeated, looking at Jeff and Carl who nodded in agreement.
“Professionally hit. Kiara, the bastard was hired to do this.” He explained further. Kiara raised a hand to her head as she thought it over for a moment. It didn’t take her long to come to a conclusion as her head snapped up.
“Oh my god!” she exclaimed, her eyes filled with horror, looking to Kevin to tell her she was going crazy and the person behind this wasn’t who she thought it was.
Kevin smiled sadly. “I see you’re smarter than these two…took them longer to figure out what I was saying.”
Kiara covered her mouth with a shaking hand. “No, there has to be some other kind of explanation.” She cried, although deep down she knew it wasn’t true. She covered her face with her hands, leaning in towards Carl when he moved to put his arm around her comfortingly.
“How are we going to tell Sydney?” Kiara whispered brokenly, knowing that Sydney was already hanging precariously on the edge, and this could be the one thing to push her the rest of the way over.
Jeff shook his head, the other two men looking just as lost. “We don’t know. That’s why we came to you. We weren’t sure if we should hold off until we know Brett’s okay, or if we should tell her now. Or possibly not tell her at all.”
Kiara shook her head. “No, this isn’t something you keep from her. Regardless of how hard this is going to be, you can’t not tell her. I mean, what if she hears it from someone else? That would devastate her more.”
“So what do we do?” Kevin asked. Kiara took a deep breath.
“We tell her…as soon as possible.”
***
Sydney groaned as she fought to go back to sleep, but something was waking her up. Still mostly asleep, she barely registered the feeling of someone’s fingers running through her hair. She yawned and stretched, only to cut the stretch off with a painful moan, obviously the position she’d been sleeping in; sitting in a chair, her head on the bed not agreeing with her.
She opened her eyes as she began to feel a little more alert. She raised her head and gasped as her eyes came in contact with Brett’s beautiful blue ones. Her mouth dropped open and she was unable to do anything but sit there and stare at him as he smiled lazily at her.
He may have just been shot and put through a hell of a surgery, but to her, he had never looked better. There were dark circles under his eyes, his blue eyes a little cloudy from the medication, the whole ordeal, pain and everything else, but to her, he’d never looked sexier.
“Brett.” She whispered, leaning into his touch as he gently caressed her cheek.
“Hey baby.” He greeted, barely louder than a whisper. Those simple words were all it took. Sydney promptly burst into tears as relief coursed through her, and once the tears started, she was unable to stop them.
She rained kissed all over his face, whispered how much she loved him and how scared she’d been, all the while soaking them both with her tears. Brett didn’t seem to pay it any mind as he tried to hold her as close as he could without hurting himself.
After a few moments Sydney calmed down and sat down next to him, gently, careful not to jar him. “How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice trembling.
He gave her a crooked grin. “Like I’ve been shot.” He grimaced as he tried not to groan out loud from the pain that was vibrating through his body.
Sidney wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at his attempt at humor. “That’s not funny.” Her voice croaked, her eyes showing him just how terrified she had been…and the terror that was still there just below the surface.
Brett knew they had a lot to talk about, hell he had a lot of questions he wanted answered, but he was unable to fight the drugs that were flowing through his system as his eye lids started to get very heavy.
When he yawned, Sydney smiled lovingly down at him as she ran her fingers through his hair, having an overwhelming need just to touch him.
“Get some rest, baby.” She told him softly.
He opened his eyes. “Stay with me.” It was more of a command than a request, but Sydney wasn’t about to deny him.
“I’ll be right here.” She promised, leaning over to press her lips to his forehead. She knew she had to let everyone know he was awake, but she wanted him all to herself, just for a few more moments.
“I love you.” He mumbled as he drifted back to sleep, those three words meaning more to her now than they ever had before.
A lone tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered back to him, “I love you too…with all my heart and soul.”
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Chapter Seventy Eight
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Sydney was just dozing off again when Brett’s parents came back to the room. “He was awake for a few minutes.” She told them, despite the way they were looking at her. She truly did not understand why they did not like her. They’d never even given her a chance when she and Brett had first begun dating. They’d instantly not accepted.
Mrs. Scallions looked at the woman sitting with her son, her eyes clouded with anger. “This is all your fault.” She spat furiously as she moved forward until she was face to face with Sydney.
Sydney stared at the other woman as disbelief, hurt, and then anger flowed through her. “How the hell is this my fault?” She demanded, being careful to keep her voice low so Brett would not be disturbed. “I am not the one who did this!”
Brett’s father came forward. “Maybe not directly, but believe me, you are just as much to blame as anyone.” He told her, crossing his arms over his chest as he continued to glare accusingly at Sydney.
“What…how?” Sydney asked as she rose to her feet, not understanding at all how she could possibly be to blame for Brett being shot.
“The police said that the person who shot Brett is a professional hitman…one of the best. Someone paid a lot of money to hire him. Now who is the one person that you know that hates Brett enough to want him out of the picture and has enough money to make it possible?”
It was only a split second before Sydney fully understood what Brett’s parents were getting at. “Oh God.” Sydney whispered, her face draining completely of its color. As her knees buckled, she sank into the chair behind her.
“Yes, Sydney, your mother is behind this and it is your fault.”
“But how is it my fault?” Sydney questioned again. “ I would never do anything to hurt Brett.”
“You knew full well how your mother feels about Brett and our family. Your family has always looked down on ours; feeling that we were below your because we don’t have the money that your family does. Brett was never good enough for you. And you knew the extent that she would go to, to keep him out of your life.” Brett’s mom paused for a moments, her eyes locking with Sydney’s.
“And if only you would have stayed away from him. None of this would have happened.”
Sydney closed her eyes, everything inside her going numb as she realized that everything she’d just been told was true. She opened her eyes again when she heard Brett’s father speaking.
“If you truly mean it when you say that you’d never do anything to hurt Brett, you will leave now and never look back. You'll stay completely out of my son's life; having absolutely no contact at all with him because that is the only way he’ll be safe from your mother.”
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Chapter Seventy Nine
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“How dare you!”
All three people spun around, startled by the angry voice behind them, finding Kiara standing there, her hands on her hips, her eyes blazing.
Brett’s mother glared at her. “This conversation doesn’t concern you. So if you don’t mind…” she trailed off.
Instead of backing down, Kiara moved further into the room to stand beside Sydney, silently offering support.
“Oh but it does. When you lash into Sydney the way I just heard you do, I make it my business.” Kiara snapped. She glanced at Sydney who had her head down.
“I understand that you two are going through hell right now, and I can’t blame you. But you have no right to take it out on Sydney the way you just did!” Kiara told them, crossing her arms over her chest.
“It’s her fault…” Mrs. Scallions started, but was cut off.
“Like hell!” Kiara shot back. “Sydney has no control over what her mother does, and in fact, we don’t even know for sure that it was her mother behind this!”
“The evidence…”
Again Kiara interrupted. “Screw the evidence. I want to see an arrest or something! And even if she was behind this, it’s not Sydney’s fault. She loves Brett with all her heart, just as he does her. Open your eyes and you’ll see that. Whatever her mother may have or have not done has nothing to do with Sydney. She doesn’t control her mother any more than her mother controls her.”
“If she wasn’t with him, her mother would have never felt the need to have him killed!” Mr. Scallions roared. “It is her fault and I want her the hell away from my son!”
“No!”
Sydney gasped and lifted her head when she heard Brett’s voice. He may be weak and it didn’t come out strong, but the determination behind that one word was clearly heard.
Kiara smirked when she saw the look on his face as he glared at his parents, who looked absolutely shocked. Damn but it was good to see him awake! She took a step back, smiling with satisfaction, knowing that Brett would take care of things.
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Chapter Eighty
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When she heard her son’s voice, Brett’s mom rushed forward, pushing Sydney out of the way to get to her son’s side. She was willing to forgive her son for the tone of voice that he’d just used toward her and his father as long as he was awake and okay.
Brett continued to glare at his parents for a moment before he spoke. “Don’t ever let me hear you talking to Sydney like that again.” He said quietly, but the hard expression in his eyes told of his true feelings. “I will not tolerate you disrespecting the woman that I love.” He watched as the faces of both his parents turned red with anger, but then instantly calmed.
Gently taking hold of her arm, Kiara led Sydney out to the hallway while Brett dealt with his parents. She studied her friend for a moment. “You doing okay?” Kiara asked when Sydney kept her head down, refusing to look at her.
Sydney sighed heavily as she finally lifted her eyes and looked at Kiara. She shook her head slightly as she looked away again. “I don’t know, Ki…maybe they’re right.” Sydney whispered, gesturing inside the room toward Brett’s parents. “This is my fault.”
“No! Don’t you dare believe that for even one second.” Kiara told Sydney. “No one blames you for what happened…certainly not Brett. His parents…well, like you said, they’ve never liked you. Don’t let them get to you. You have all the stress that you need right now without them.” Kiara paused for a moment, seeing that she really wasn’t getting through to her friend. She was about to continue but stopped when Sydney stopped her.
“Let Brett know that I’ll be back in a little while. I need to go…think.” Sydney said before she turned and began walking down the hallway. Before she could get to far, Kiara stopped her once more.
“Remember,” Kiara began, making Sydney look at her. “Your mother might not even be the one behind this. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions until you know for sure. And even if it turns out that your mother is behind this, it isn’t your fault! Do not take or allow yourself to be blamed for something that you have no power over.”
Sydney said nothing, just looked at Kiara for a moment before she began walking away once more. Kiara sighed as she watched her go. She wanted badly to go after her friend, but didn’t, hoping that after a little time alone, would be all Sydney would need to clear her mind and make her realize that she was in no way to blame for what happened to Brett.
*****
Once she was outside the hospital, Sydney sat down on one of the benches outside the entrance and put her head down, resting it in her hands. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out in an effort to hold back the tears that were threatening. When that didn’t work, she was thankful that since it was pretty early in the morning, the place was pretty much deserted. She knew she was a mess and didn’t need anyone seeing it.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a hand on her shoulder several minutes later. She wiped furiously at her eyes as she looked behind her, her eyes meeting Kevin’s, which were filled with care and compassion.
“I thought I’d find you out here.” He told her as he walked around and sat down on the bench beside her. “Okay, I followed you.” He admitted when Sydney looked at him, her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You want to talk about it?” He asked, knowing that she must have been told by now about what the police had said.
Sydney shook her head as she laughed humorlessly. “I don’t know, Kevin.” She said and then fell silent before speaking again a few minutes later. “What do you honestly think? You know my mother…do you think that she is behind the shooting?”
Turning to look at her, Kevin met Sydney’s eyes, seeing her need to hear the truth…and seeing her pleading with him to tell her that it wasn’t her mother who had hired the gunman. “Honestly?” Kevin questioned quietly and watched as Sydney nodded her head.
“Yes.” He told her truthfully. “But we won’t know for sure until the police finish their investigation.” He quickly added when he saw what little light that was left in her eyes disappear.
“Brett’s parents think it is my fault that he was shot.” She said, watching his reaction closely. She saw no blame toward her on his part. Only disbelief .
“Well, they are going through a lot right now too.” He genuinely liked Brett’s parents and had always gotten along well with them. “I’m sure that they didn’t mean to blame you…they needed to blame someone and you were just they’re easiest target. I’m sure they’ll come around once it is clear that Brett will be okay. That being said, that in no way makes what they’ve done right.”
Sydney bit her lips as she thought about what he’d said. It seemed to make sense, but it still didn’t stop the emotions that were constantly nagging at her. “Do you think that Brett would be better off if I wasn’t around?” She asked, her eyes once again pleading with him.
Kevin shook his head as he pulled her into a comforting hug. “Absolutely not.” He assured her, sincerely meaning it.
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Chapter Eighty One
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Two days later Brett was finally moved out of ICU and into his own private room. The doctors had said that although he was out of the woods and on his way to a full recovery, he would still be in the hospital for most likely another few weeks.
After Sydney had come back in to be with him after leaving for a few minutes after the confrontation with his parents, she had been distant and closed off, to just about everyone. The stress of the entire situation was taking its toll on her, and everyone could see it.
Everyone did their best to keep her up beat, but the only time that spark was back in her eyes, was when she was near Brett, which wasn’t as often as she’d like, since his parents were doing everything possible to make sure she didn’t have any one on one time with him.
Brett himself was just about to his own breaking point with his parents, but at the same time, he understood that they loved him and were only trying to look out for his best interest. He was trying desperately to make them realize that Sydney was indeed his best interest and would always be.
***
Kiara checked her watch as she waited impatiently in the airport for everyone to depart the plane that had just arrived. She was there to pick up Dale, who had left with her bother the night Brett woke up, but had made arrangements to get back as soon as possible. Although Kevin really wanted to be there, he was unable to get away like Dale, but would be back as soon as he could.
She and Dale hadn’t yet had a chance to finish their talk, but that was understood with everything going on. When he had called her earlier that morning and asked her to pick him up, she had been more than excited to see him. Although they weren’t ‘back together’, just knowing he was there was such a huge comfort.
She looked up and couldn’t stop the grin that spread across her face when she saw Dale coming towards her in a somewhat of a disguise. But what had her heart pounding was the way his eyes lit up when he saw her.
“Hey.” She greeted, surprising him a little when she put her arms around him, hugging him tight, and holding on for just a moment. She sighed a little when his arms closed around her, making her feel more comforted than she had in months.
Dale closed his eyes as he held her close, reveling in the feel of having her in his embrace again. “I missed you.” He said his voice husky. Kiara pulled back and smiled up at him.
“Me too.” She answered, and then looked around, seeing some people staring and turned to walk down the terminal, afraid he would start getting request for autograph soon.
“Let’s get your bags and get out of here.” She suggested, moving towards the baggage claim.
A little while later they were on the road and headed to the hospital. “How is everyone doing?” Dale asked.
“Brett is doing better, but getting frustrated with his parents who aren’t really letting up on Syd too much. In Brett’s presence they are…polite, but when they are out of the room, the gloves come off.” Kiara said, her hands tightening on the steering wheel as she thought of Brett’s parents and the way they were treating Sydney.
“How is Sydney holding up?”
Kiara sighed. “She’s…okay. But it won’t take much to push her over the edge. I try to make sure I’m around whenever Brett’s parents are there and if I’m not, Kevin’s there.”
“Any new news on the shooter?” Dale asked through clenched teeth.
Kiara shook her head. “They told us last night they had a couple new leads, but we haven’t heard anything else. But regardless, I think they know who they are looking for and it’s only a matter of time before the bastard is caught.”
Dale nodded with satisfaction, breathing deeply when they pulled into the parking lot of the hospital. He was anxious to see Brett, and had hated having to leave in the first place, but Brett had understood completely.
As Kiara was reaching for the door handle, Dale stopped her by putting his hand on her arm. “We still need to talk.” He said his eyes intense as he looked at her.
“I know, and we will, soon, I promise.” Kiara smiled.
“Have dinner with me tonight.” Dale said, the look on his face and in his eyes telling her he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
Kiara couldn’t help but grin at the sudden nervousness that passed across his face. She knew then and there that although they still had a long road ahead of them, they were going to be okay. But that didn’t mean she was going to make things easy on him either. She definitely expected a little groveling.
“Okay.” She said. “Now come on, Brett’s been asking for you all morning, and I want to see how Sydney is doing.”
***
Sydney opened the door to Brett’s room cautiously as she peeked in, sighing with relief when she didn’t see his parents in the room. Ever since Brett had woken up, they hadn’t allowed her a moment’s peace with him, and she was beyond frustrated.
She smiled softly when her eyes met Brett’s, the love she saw shining in his eyes taking her breath away.
“It’s about damn time I get you alone.” Brett said teasingly, holding his hand out too her. She immediately crossed the room, sitting down next to him, taking his warm hand in hers.
“Hi.” She breathed softly, fighting against the tears that were threatening.
Brett could easily see the strain and tension she was under. “How are you doing, Baby?” he asked. Sydney shook her head.
“I should be asking you that.” She replied, and then glanced around the empty room. “Where is everyone?”
Brett frowned, knowing full well she was trying to change the subject, and he let her…for now. “The guys went back to the hotel to get some rest, Kiara went to the airport to pick up Dale and should be back any time, and I have no idea where Mom and Dad are. Hopefully they’ve gone back home.” He mumbled. He loved his parents to death, but to be completely honest, he was getting fed up with them. He hadn’t missed the way they were trying to keep Sydney away from him, and he didn’t like it one bit. But being stuck in the hospital bed, there wasn’t a whole lot he could do about it, because they weren’t listening to anything he had to say about the matter.
“Brett, they are just concerned about you.” Sydney scolded softly, having heard his mumbled words. She grit her teeth as she took up for his parents. They might not like her, but she wouldn’t stoop to their level.
Brett’s eyes softened. “I’m so sorry for the way they’ve been treating you.” He apologized.
“You have no need to apologize.” Sydney told him. “You have no control over your parents and their actions.”
Brett’s grip on her hand tightened. “And neither do you.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Two
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett and Sydney both looked up and toward the door when Kevin, Jeff, and Carl came in, all three of them a little out of breath from rushing to get there.
“What’s going on?” Sydney asked, although judging by their expression, she wasn’t sure that she really wanted to know.
They all hesitated, not sure if they should say it in front of Brett. Quickly tiring of their stalling, he made that decision for them.
“What is it?” Brett demanded, his patients running thin. “If it has anything to do with any of this, I need to know.”
“Uh…the police caught the gunman just a little while ago.” Carl began, not wanting at all to have to tell Sydney this, but knowing at the same time that it had to be said. “He has given his statement…a confession actually.”
Brett and Sydney knew what was coming next and both held their breath as they waited for the words to be spoken.
“Well, as you know, he was hire-“ Sydney cut him off before he could finish.
“Who? Who hired him?” She demanded needing to know, but scared to death to hear at the same time.
Kevin came forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as he met her eyes. “Syd…” He trailed off, taking a deep breath before continuing. "It was your mother." He stated so quietly that both Brett and herself had to lean forward to be able to hear him. At hearing the words that she'd been dreading, Sydney jumped off the bed to her feet.
Sydney stood in stunned silence for several moments. She knew that her mom was shrewd, but she would have never imagined that she would stoop to such a low level to keep Brett out of her life. So many thoughts whirled through her mind that it made her head spin wildly.
"Syd." Brett said for the third time and finally gained her attention. He felt his heart ache as her eyes flew to his and he saw all of the emotions at war there. She looked at him for a moment. The tears that had been threatening finally breaking through and falling.
"I'm so sorry." She whispered, her voice not willing to go any louder than that. Then she abruptly turned and hurried out of the room.
"Stop her!" Brett said to Kevin, who was already half way out of the room after her. "Oh God." Brett groaned painfully, although his pain at the time wasn't physical. It was emotional pain for what Sydney was going through right then. He knew that she had probably just reached her breaking point. He had seen the guilt in her eyes and knew that she was probably taking very much to heart, the things his parents had said to her.
"When is this nightmare going to end?" Brett asked Carl and Jeff, who remained in the room with him. All they could do was shake their heads, not having the slightest clue. Just like Brett though, they hoped it was pretty damn soon.
*****
Kevin sighed with relief when he got out in the hallway and found that Sydney hadn't gone very far. She stood leaning against the wall around the corner from Brett's room, her head down, her shoulders shaking with the force of her anguish.
Kevin struggled to find the right words to say to comfort her, but found that he was at a loss. Instead, he stepped forward, pulling her against him in a comforting hug. He felt his eyes burning at the heart-wrenching sob that escaped her as he tried to sooth her suffering.
After a few moments Sydney pulled back and looked up at him. "Brett's parents are right She stated, her voice breaking as she fully realized the truth. "He could be dead right now because of me. I should have realized that this would happen. My number one priority should have been his safety, but instead I was selfish."
Hooking a finger under her chin, Kevin lifted her head and made Sydney look at him. "Syd, no...Don't even think that. You couldn't have possibly known that this would happen." He did his best to assure her, but he could easily see that she wasn't buying it.
"No, I should have seen it. The way she looked at him...the raw hate in her eyes." Sydney paused as a shiver raced through her as she remembered. "And Kiara told me that one time she said that she would do whatever it takes to make sure that he is out of the picture. I didn't take it seriously..." She trailed off and tears fell again.
"I have to get away from him." Sydney continued before Kevin could respond. "Brett's parents are right. It's time that I stop being so selfish and think about Brett because he is really all that matters to me." With that said, she turned and began walking away again.
Kevin raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated with the whole situation. He felt horrible for both Brett and Sydney and he really didn't understand either of their parents. Hell, no one did. Sighing heavily, he took off after Sydney, knowing that he couldn't let her go. He only hoped he would be able to convince her to stay once again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sydney was lost in her own little nightmare, not really paying attention to anything around her. Vaguely, she heard Kevin calling after her as she ran down the hallway, but the only thing on her mind was getting away.
She plowed through the front doors of the hospital, her head jerking up when she heard a startled gasp. She saw Kiara struggling to maintain her balance after being nearly knocked off her feet when Sydney had come barreling through the door. If it weren’t for Dale, Kiara surely would have ended up on the ground.
Kiara opened her mouth to tease her friend, but the words died in her throat when she took in the total look of devastation on Sydney’s face. She immediately stepped forward.
“What is it?” she asked softly, although deep down she had an idea as to what was going on.
Sydney shook her head, unable to form a real coherent thought, much less find the words. She jumped when Dale put his hand on her shoulder as she turned empty eyes to him.
“Do you want to sit down and talk?” he offered, knowing she would refuse, but also knowing she needed to get some of this out now, before she was ready to explode.
Again she shook her head, still desperate to just get the hell away from there. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Kevin running towards them, and was suddenly even more urgent to get out of there. She knew he would insist she go back to talk with Brett, and no matter how much her heart longed to be with him, she knew she couldn’t. Possibly not ever again.
Without a word, she grabbed Kiara’s hand and hurried towards the parking lot, all but dragging Kiara behind her.
She knew what she had to do…she needed to see her mother. She needed that confrontation just as much as she needed air to breathe. Yet somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she better not go alone, which was why she was taking Kiara with her.
She only hoped her best friend would be enough to stop her from killing her mother with her own two hands.
***
Brett immediately tensed when the door to his room opened, then his shoulders slumped with disappointment when Dale and Kevin walked in.
“Oh, it’s just you.” He grumbled. He needed to see Sydney. He knew she wasn’t doing well at the moment. He could feel it deep in his soul. He needed to hold her, to assure her that things would be fine…and most importantly to tell her how much he loved her.
Dale paused in his steps, a smirk tugging the corner of his mouth. “Well, damn, great to see you too.” He tossed back as he sat down next to Brett after nodding to the other men in the room.
“And here I was gonna be nice and tell you how good you looked, but after that wonderful welcome, I’m not gonna lie. You look like shit man!” Dale grinned, rewarded with a small smile from Brett. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“Did you see Syd?” Brett asked anxiously. He was very glad Dale was back, but at the moment that wasn’t the main thing on his mind.
Dale nodded. “Just a few minutes ago. She left…” he held up his hand when Brett started to protest. “Kiara’s with her, she’ll be okay.”
Brett ran a hand over his face. “I don’t know. You didn’t see her just a few minutes ago.”
Dale leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked intently at Brett. “She needs some down time, Brett, you’ve got to give that to her. Right now she’s in shock, scared, and confused as hell. And, I’m sorry to say, from what I’ve heard, your parents haven’t been much of help either. Right now, she needs to get away and get herself together, and if there is anyone who can help her do that, besides you, it’s Kiara.”
Brett sighed, then nodded reluctantly. “I know, you’re right.” He grumbled. “But I just wish she was here, now.”
Dale nodded with understanding. He knew how much he wanted Kiara with him, so he could only begin to imagine how Brett was feeling at the moment.
“She’ll be back…soon.” Dale promised, hoping like hell he wasn’t lying through his teeth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Four
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Kiara asked Sydney for what must have been the hundredth time since they’d left the hospital and caught a flight back to Tennessee. She knew that this was something that Sydney felt she had to do, but she wanted to make sure that she was absolutely certain. Sydney was already under a tremendous amount of stress and really didn’t need the added stress that seeing her mother would bring. Then again, maybe confronting her mother would release a huge amount of stress for her.
Sydney looked over at Kiara, her eyes glittering with many different emotions. She’d been silent all through the flight as the shock of the situation fully hit her and she tried to absorb it. But there really was no way that she could completely grasp what her own mom had done.
Her eyes narrowing with determination, Sydney slowly shook her head. “I’m very sure.” She stated, the tone of her voice matching the resolve in her eyes. “She’s not getting away with this.”
“Maybe she’s already in jail.” Kiara was torn on that statement. As much as she’d enjoy seeing Sydney ripping her mom a new one, she sincerely hoped that Mrs. Hudson was already in custody. She hated to think of the things that could happen if she wasn’t and she knew that Brett had survived the shooting.
Sydney laughed humorlessly. “Oh, I doubt that. I’m sure that she’s got this all very well planned out.” Sydney said, her voice laced with anger. “And I have a feeling that she’s just waiting for me to show up…I’m sure she is expecting it.”
“You’re going back, aren’t you?” Kiara asked, breaking the silence that had built between them over the last several minutes since Sydney’s previous statement. She knew Sydney very well, and knew the guilt that she was laying on herself. It didn’t help that Brett’s parents hadn’t let up on her any at all, despite Brett’s demanding them to do so.
Sydney sighed deeply as she looked out the window for a moment before turning back to Kiara. “I don’t know.” She whispered, her voice trembling slightly. As much as the thought of not going back to Brett made her ache deep in her soul, the thought of him possibly being in danger for being with her, was unbearable.
“It’ll kill Brett if you stay away.” Kiara told Sydney, knowing that Brett might not be able to stand it if Sydney did not go back.
“It could kill him…literally, if I don't. I love him more than anything, Kiara. I can’t put him in any more danger.” Sydney replied as she silently cursed her mother once again for bringing this down on them. It was getting to be too much. It really was.
“I just hope that Brett understands that I’m doing this because I love him so much.” Sydney said, having just made up her mind. At least until her mom was caught, she had to stay away from Brett.
“Syd, I really think that you should rethink your decision. I really think that it will be okay.” Kiara knew that she had to find some way to make Sydney change her mind. She and Brett really needed to be together. Especially now.
Sydney thought about it for a few minutes and then turned to her friend again. “I know, but I just want Brett to be safe. We’ll see how things go today and I’ll give it some more thought. But I will not do anything to compromise his safety. That I promise you.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kiara and Sydney were both eerily quiet as they sat in the rental car just outside the gates that lead to Sydney’s parents' mansion. They had been sitting there for a few moments, both not moving, hardly even breathing.
Kiara finally turned to look at Sydney, a shudder passing through her at the look on her friend’s face. “You’re absolutely certain you want to do this.”
It was a question, yet at the same time it wasn’t. Sydney nodded stiffly then opened the car door. “I need a moment to myself.” She said softly, her voice dangerously calm. She climbed out and walked a couple steps away from the car.
Kiara watched her for a moment, then pulled out her cell phone, having not yet had a chance to call anyone to tell them were they were. She could only imagine what Brett was gong through at the moment waiting for Sydney to come back to the hospital.
She quickly punched in Dale’s cell phone, which he answered before the first ring was through.
“Where the hell are you?” he roared, having seen her number come up on his caller ID. His patience was tested to the limits as they had waited for hours for some kind of word from either Sydney or Kiara, and by this point, he was beyond pissed, just as Brett and all the other guys were.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner, but I didn’t get any signal on the plane.” Kiara explained quickly, keeping her eyes on Sydney.
“Plane? Why the fuck were you on a plane?”
“We’re in Tennessee.” She held her breath waiting for his reaction. He didn’t disappoint her.
“Tennessee!” he exclaimed. Kiara cringed at the anger in his voice. “Both of you get your asses back here now!” he demanded, shaking with fury and fear.
“She has to do this, Dale.” Kiara said softly. “Believe me, I tried to talk her out of this, but it’s something she has to do.” She emphasized.
“Once I realized just how serious she was, there was no way in hell I was going to let her do this on her own.” Kiara finished.
Dale was silent for a moment, and Kiara could just see him with his eyes closed as he tried to calm and control his anger. “I understand that she feels like she needs to do this, but damn it, right now, her mother is dangerous. There is no telling what that woman is capable of. You both need to stay the hell away from her. Let the police take care of this, Kiara, please!”
The desperation and pleading she heard in his voice brought immediate tears to her eyes. “We’ll be careful, I promise.” Kiara whispered. “I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ll call you later…and tell Brett that everything will be okay.”
Without waiting for his response, she ended the call and quickly turned off her cell phone, knowing he would be calling back. She took a deep breath, hoping she wasn’t lying to Dale and Brett. Letting the air out slowly, she regained her composure just as Sydney got back in the car.
“It’s time.” Sydney said, her voice void of any kind of emotion. Kiara nodded then sat back as Sydney pulled the car forward and through the gates, then down the long driveway that lead to the house…and Mrs. Hudson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Six
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Barely allowing the car to come to a complete stop at the top of the circular driveway in front of the house, Sydney slammed the transmission into park as she reached for the door handle with her other hand. Kiara took one look at the expression on her friend’s face and knew immediately what she was about to do.
“Sydney!” Kiara yelled when she suddenly bolted from the car and took off running toward the house. “Damn it!” She cursed loudly as she moved to follow Sydney, but the seatbelt that she was wearing halted her progress. By the time she got the seatbelt off, which she seemed to have to struggle with more than usual, Sydney was already inside the house.
Climbing quickly out of the car, Kiara ran up the steps that led to the front door. She stepped inside the open door and halted in her tracks as she was struck by how big and how beautiful the house was; and she’d barely gotten inside. She’d never actually been inside the Hudson’s mansion. The few times that Sydney had brought her there, it was for only a few minutes and Sydney always insisted that she stay in the car, not wanting her to suffer her mother anymore than she had to. She realized as she looked around that compared to the modest home that she grew up in, this was like a castle.
Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Kiara forced herself to focus on the task at hand. She had to find Sydney before she found her mother herself. Rushing forward, she checked the formal living room, den, and library that were located at the front of the house. Unsuccessful, she checked the kitchen, formal dining room and several guestrooms. Like before she didn’t see or hear Sydney or anyone for that matter.
Going back into the kitchen, Kiara went to the door that led to the back patio and gardens. She walked over by the pool and stood there as her eyes scanned the huge yard. “Where the hell are you, Syd?” She muttered to herself when she saw nothing. She was about to turn and go back inside when she was suddenly shoved hard from behind. Shocked by the sudden movement that she was forced into, she was unable to maintain her balance nor was she unable to stop herself from falling into the pool.
Mrs. Hudson smiled triumphantly, watching as Kiara became tangled in the pool cover, her struggles to free herself only making her entrapment worse. She was still smiling as she turned and went back inside, in search of her daughter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sydney turned around slowly when she felt a presence behind her. All her anger, frustrations, and feelings of betrayal were so strong that they nearly drove her to her knees when she saw her mother standing there.
“Hello, Sydney.” Mrs. Hudson greeted with an easy smile, as if she didn’t have a care in the world and this was an every day visit. “It’s good to see you. I do wish you’d let me know you were coming. I could have better prepared.”
Sydney watched her through hate filled eyes, trying to find her voice, but it failed her as rage swept through her. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, and she was breathing heavily.
“How is everyone doing?” her mother asked, moving farther into the sun room.
“You bitch!” Sydney spat out. Her mother had the gall to look shocked as she laid a hand over her heart.
“W-what?” she exclaimed. “Young lady you will not talk to me in such a manner! I demand an apology!”
Sydney laughed humorlessly. “An apology? Fuck you and your stupid apology.” She ignored her mother’s outraged look and continued.
“How could you? HOW COULD YOU?” she screamed, taking a step forward, but stopping herself knowing full well if she got any farther to her mother she may do something she’d end up regretting. Where the hell was Kiara? She needed her to keep her from attacking her mother!
Mrs. Hudson let the mask slip as an evil smile spread across her lips, causing Sydney’s stomach to heave. “I told you a long time ago that that man wasn’t good enough for you. You never listened to me!” her mother shook her head, talking as if Sydney were a disobedient child. “When you two finally broke up, I was thrilled. I thought this was your chance to finally be the person you were born to be.”
“But no, you still had to do things your way. You weren’t interested in all the perfect men, and then you end up going back to that no good bastard!” her mother hissed. It took all Sydney had in her to keep herself still.
“It was then that I knew you were never going to see your true potential as long as he and your friend were in the picture. Drastic times cause for drastic measure, my dear. So, I took matters into my own hands…and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“You’re psychotic!” Sydney was trembling all over. “How on earth did you think you’d ever get away with that? I hate you, and I never ever want anything to do with you again! You disgust me. No you more than disgust me. I loathe you and everything you stand for.”
Mrs. Hudson actually looked a little hurt. “You say that now, but in time you will see that mother always knows best and you will see that I did it for your own good. One day, you’ll even thank me.”
“Thank you? I will never---“ Sydney trailed off when something her mother said sunk in. “Wait a second…what friend?” she demanded.
Her mother looked confused. Sydney grit her teeth. “You said that I would never see my true potential as long as Brett and my friend was around…what friend?” She tried to push away the feeling of dread that was filling the pit of her stomach, but was unable too, especially when that satisfied gleam shone in her mother’s eyes.
“Oh my god, what have you done?” Sydney whispered, feeling as if she were going to be sick. Her mother simply smirked.
“As I’ve said honey, everything I do is in your best interest. You may not think so now, but eventually you will see things my way. You’ll make new friends…and lovers.”
“Oh god no.” Sydney spun around and raced to the door screaming, “KIARA!”
***
Kiara’s lungs burned as she tried desperately to untangle herself from the pool cover that was wrapped around her body and keeping her under. She was getting weak and she desperately needed air. With an inward whimper of despair she knew she was fighting a losing battle.
Her body went completely limp and her eyes closed as her world went dark. She gave up the struggle…sinking slowly to the bottom of the pool.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sydney flew out the door and went immediately to the pool. Knowing that her friend didn’t know how to swim and knowing that her mother knew that as well, it was the first spot she thought to look for Kiara. Her heart leapt up into her throat when her fears came true and she spotted Kiara on the pool floor.
“Kiara!” Sydney screamed as tears fell unnoticed down her cheek and despite the way her entire body was trembling, she was unable to get her feet unrooted from the ground to go help her friend.
“God damn it!” She heard a male voice roar from behind. She turned around and felt a huge sense of relief when she saw her father coming quickly towards her. Although her father had always gone along with everything her mother did, Sydney knew that he didn’t agree with her on most things. She also knew that he was very close to being fed up with his wife and maybe this would be enough for him to get the courage to put his foot down.
Their eyes connected for a split second as he raced past her before he dove into the pool. But it only took that brief contact for Sydney to know that he was on her side. Spinning around, Sydney ran back inside the house and hit the emergency button that was on the security system panel and then raced back outside just as her father was pulling Kiara out of the pool. Her eyes widened when she saw that not only had her mother pushed Kiara into the pool, but the cover had also been on the pool.
“Your mother is leaving. Go stop her!” Sydney’s father yelled to his daughter. “She’s not getting away with this shit anymore!” He vowed and then began performing CPR on Kiara, who was not breathing and had no pulse. Both he and Sydney could hear the sirens rapidly approaching from the distance and were relieved to know that help was on the way.
Immediately obeying her father, Sydney went back inside the house in search of her mother. After searching the entire house and not finding her mother, she went outside to the garages and cursed violently when she found one of the cars missing. Her mother had gotten away.
By the time she had gotten back out by the pool, she paramedics were there and were getting ready to take Kiara to the hospital.
“She’s got a pulse, but needs a breathing tube.” Mr. Hudson walked over beside Sydney and informed her when he saw the question in her eyes as she watched her friend being loaded into the ambulance. “I think they’ll be okay though.”
Without saying a word, Sydney turned and walked away. She knew what she had to do…she should have done it a long time ago. Walking straight through the house, she went to the rental car that she and Kiara had came in and got in. Then she drove away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eighty Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few miles down the road, Sydney pulled the car over to the side of the road and wrapped her arms around the steering wheel as she cried. Her shoulders shook from the force of her sobs. Now not only had her mother nearly cost her the man she loved more than anything, but she could have very well have taken away her best friend as well, and it was all her fault.
She should have known better than to bring Kiara with her, and her stupid mistake may cost Kiara her life. She had been all set to drive away and never look back, but she knew deep down she couldn’t. Not until she knew Kiara would be okay.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself somewhat, she put the car back in drive and turned the car around to go in the direction she needed to check on her friend.
Fifteen minutes later she was walking into the waiting room of the hospital, a shudder passing through her. She felt that if she never saw the inside of another hospital again it would be too damn soon.
She wasn’t at all surprised to find her father sitting in there. He immediately rose to his feet when he saw her standing in the doorway.
“I was wondering where you were.” Her father told her, his piercing gaze seeing more than what she really wanted him too, but she was never ever able to hide anything away from her father, and now was no exception.
She shrugged. “Just took me a few extra minutes. How is Kiara?” she asked, holding her breath.
“I haven’t heard anything yet.” He told her, watching as her shoulders slumped. He knew exactly what was going through her mind. “This isn’t your fault. Just like what happened with Brett isn’t your fault.”
Sydney’s head jerked up as she glared at the man before her. “How in the hell can you say that? It’s all my fault!” she exclaimed through clenched teeth.
Her father closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. “Wrong. It’s your mother who is at fault for all this. And mine.” He held up his hand when he saw his daughter was about to protest. “No, if any one is to blame for this aside from your mother, it’s me. I stood by and did nothing. True, I never knew what she was planning and knew nothing about it until after it was already done, but I knew the hatred that was going on inside her. I knew how she felt about both Brett and Kiara, and I never said a damn thing to her. Or you. Hell I could have warned you about how far off the deep end your mother was lately.”
Sydney shook her head. “Daddy, it’s not your fault. I could never blame you.”
He smiled softly. “Just as no one will blame you.” He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her as she broke down and cried.
“What’s going to happen now?” she asked, sniffling.
“Now, they find your mother and make her pay for all the hell she’s put everyone through. Especially you.” Her father promised.
Sydney nodded, but knew what she had to do as well. Her mother wasn’t about to just give herself up, and she was going to make sure personally that her mother did pay. It would be up to her to find her mother, and she would. After she saw, apologized and said goodbye to Kiara.
Suddenly a thought hit her as she pulled back from her father’s warm hug. “I have to make a phone call.” She said softly, her heart suddenly pounding, dreading talking to the person on the other end.
She stepped out of the room and out the front door, sitting down on a nearby bench. She pulled Kiara’s cell phone, which had been in the car, and stared at it for a moment. Taking a deep breath she turned in on and quickly found the number she was looking for in the phone book. Before she lost all her nerve she hit the send button and brought the phone up to her ear.
“It’s about damn time.” Dale snapped as soon as he picked up the phone. “And don’t you ever turn you’re phone off on me like that again.” He roared.
Sydney bit her lip. This was not going to be good. Obviously he was already in a foul assed mood and her news wasn’t going to help the situation any.
“Dale, it’s Sydney.” She said so softly he had to strain to her hear. “Y-you need to get to Tennessee.” She told him, her voice shaking although she was desperately trying to calm it down.
“Syd, what’s going on?” She could easily hear the urgency along with fear in his voice.
“It’s Kiara. I think she’ll be okay, I’m still waiting to hear.” Sydney confessed, tears slipping down her face. “I’m so sorry, Dale. It’s my fault, I should have known my mother would…” she trailed off unable to go any farther.
“Just get to here as soon as possible. Please.” She begged. “And…and tell Brett I’m so sorry. For everything.” With that, she was unable to talk any more from the lump in her throat and ended the call, not listening to Dale who was talking on the other end.
She slumped down in her seat as the tears flowed even harder. Sitting there, she made a promise to God, Brett, Kiara and herself. She would make sure her mother was brought in…or brought down, whichever it came too.
She got up, wiping the tears on her face. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside, ready to see and say goodbye to Kiara.