Chapter 3 #2
After parking, I climbed in the back with Ava to wipe her down with some wipes and get her changed into some clean pajamas.
She asked me where we were sleeping, and I let her know that we had a long drive, so I wanted her to get comfortable before we started.
After freshening her up, I moved the bag to the floor behind the passenger’s seat then began to rock her to sleep.
“God, I need you,” I whimpered. “I don’t know what we’re going to do, but I need you.”
When Ava drifted to sleep, I laid her down and covered her with a blanket.
Once I was sure she was comfortable, I grabbed my phone and key fob so that I could lock my door before I got out to see if I could find an available Wi-Fi signal.
My mind had been racing for the last two days with so much that it hadn’t even dawned on me to look for a shelter.
I was in desperate need of somewhere for me and my child to go, so I was going to do what I had to do.
I’d parked a little further down than the night before so the man that lived up the hill didn’t know we were still there, so I had to walk about ten or fifteen feet away from my car to get an active network.
I was unsuccessful in finding a good connection, so I walked back to my car defeated.
After unlocking the door, I slid inside and laid my head on the steering wheel.
I knew of a few shelters, but I was sure that it was too late at night for us to go and get a bed.
I’d been up for two days now and was in desperate need of sleep, so releasing a heavy sigh, I got ready to recline my chair and close my eyes for a few minutes but there was a tapping on my window.
I looked up quickly to find the extremely handsome stranger from earlier there scowling at me.
“Let the window down,” his deep tenor sounded.
I cracked the window and immediately said, “I’m sorry.”
His frown deepened. “For what? Lying?”
“What? No,” my brows dipped. “I—”
“Said you were fine. You’re not. Said you were leaving. You didn’t. Are those not classified as lies?”
“Yes, but—”
“In case it’s not clear to you, love, I’m done allowing you to lie to my face,” he cut me off again. “It’s freezing out here, and you’ve had this child sitting here all day.” He shook his head, removing one his hands from his pocket to try and open my back door. “Open up.”
“What? No. What are you doing?” My brows dipped and I flipped around quickly in my seat as if I didn’t have the doors locked. “I told you that we were fine!”
“And we’ve established that your ass is lying,” he snapped.
“I’m doing everything in my power not to call and report this, but if you don’t get her and get out right now, you’re leaving me no choice.
” He glared at me but when my tears started to flow, his features softened.
“It’s the holidays, and the last thing I want to do is tear a child away from her mother.
Please get her and come inside. You both can warm up and she can sleep comfortably in a bed while we try to figure things out for you. ”
All out of options, I nodded and got ready to get out, but I asked, “Can I just drive my car up? I don’t want to leave it down here.”
He eyed me for a second but reluctantly agreed before walking to my passenger side and tugging on the locked door.
I didn’t want to risk pulling off and him really calling the police, so I unlocked my door and waited for him to get inside.
I backed up to his driveway, then turned in and slowly made my way up.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting to see, but I knew for sure it wasn’t the stunning home that was shining brightly with Christmas lights when I made it up the driveway.
It truly looked like something straight out of a magazine.
There was a large window in front that gave a clear view of the inside.
I wondered why it was so open, but I could see curtains hanging on the side.
There was a large fountain in the circular driveway, lit with gold lighting to match the décor on the outside.
It was really beautiful and had me wondering what the inside looked like.
“Hang tight,” he said before climbing out after I parked.
He rounded the car to help me out first then waited for me to open the back door. “You can grab baby girl, and I’ll get your things.”
I nodded and leaned in to get Ava then waited for him to get our bags.
Once he had them all, he led us inside. I had to force myself to keep my mouth closed when I entered.
The inside of his home was beautifully decorated and had even me afraid to touch something in fear that I’d get it dirty.
Everything was so white and in place. In the carpeted areas I could see the lines that were proof the space had recently been vacuumed, and the marbled areas shined brightly.
Seeing it all made me feel like I didn’t belong.
“I-I don’t know,” I voiced when we made it to a bedroom on the second floor. “T-this might not be a good idea.”
He sighed heavily, placing the bags at the foot of the bed. “What’s not a good idea.”
“Us staying here,” I admitted.
“Well, it’s the only choice you have for now.
” He turned to face me, pushing his hands into the pockets of his pajama pants.
“Don’t fight me on this and don’t worry tonight.
There’s fresh linen in the closet inside the bathroom, so you and baby girl can get cleaned up and rest. You look like you need it. ”
With that, he left the room, closing the door behind him.
I stood there staring at it as if it could answer any of the questions I had and wondering if I should follow him out and take my chances by leaving but when my baby shifted in my arms, I remembered the prayer I’d sent up while putting my baby to sleep.
Even if it was only for the night, I was going to take advantage of this blessing and figure the rest out in the morning.