Chapter 47 Hide
HIDE
Present day
“Good morning!” Gabriella smacked into my legs as soon as the door clicked. Her bright smile beamed at me, and I smiled, hugging her little form.
“My– how did you grow two inches overnight?” I gushed as I set my bag on the table and nudged her towards the kitchen.
She giggled, hiding her face. “I’m not that big yet grandma. I still have to grow as tall as you!”
“Oh my dear child you are already halfway there! What on earth are you doing up this hour?”
“Uncle Cole promised me to keep it a secret … ”
“Gabriella. You know we do not keep secrets in this house,” I warned. She shook her head, making a zipper motion with her lips and hand.
“How about this, I’ll tell you something and you tell me something. Deal?” This child was too smart for her own good.
She nodded, undoing her zipper mouth, and I shook my head laughing. “Promise?”
“I promise I’ll tell you a secret, but you have to tell me yours first.”
“Uncle Cole says Mommy is coming to take me away soon, and we are all going to live in a big house together! I won’t ever have to see Isabella again,” she put her hands over her mouth as she blurted it out.
I pinched my eyebrows together; it wasn’t that I was concerned for the woman.
I was glad to be rid of that puta. My stomach clenched at the idea of meeting Summer and not being able to see Gabriella.
I had grown fond of the girl since Cole had shown up with her seven years ago.
I sighed. “Now, you know that’s not all he tells you, what else did he say? ”
She peaked out of her hand to shield. It was so adorable, and I had to stifle my laugh. “he says that you, Malic and Joshua will be coming too, isn’t that the best news ever?” She giggled, twirling in a circle now. I had no idea where all this energy was coming from at five in the morning.
“Okay Gabby, thank you for telling me,” I smiled at her. Worry crept into my bones at the idea of leaving so suddenly, but if Cole thought it safe enough, I would not question him. I just hoped he knew what he was doing. We started walking towards the kitchen, and she pulled at my side.
“Wait, you promised a secret in return,” she huffed. Gabby was really too smart for her own good, always remembering things even if it was a pain.
“Ah let’s get you some breakfast first, then i’ll tell you baby girl,” I pulled out a cast iron.
“Fineeeeeeee, but only because I’m hungry.” She pouted as she pulled the eggs out of the fridge and then ran to get the boys.
I busied myself cooking while the house filled with the noise of children and the upbeat music.
That worry was still present as I watched the children argue over who got to be a cop and robber, each taking turns to catch the bad guys.
I was so distracted I almost burned the eggs and turned to start the toast when there was a loud bang against the door.
I checked the clock on the oven; it was still too early for anyone else to show up and glanced at the door.
There was another loud bang, and the kids jumped.
“Gabriella, Malic, Joshua come quickly,” I ushered them down the hall.
“What’s wrong Reyna?” Gabriella spoke up as she grabbed a hold of little Joshua’s hand.
“I’m not sure Mahal, but you remember that special room that Cole made just for emergencies?
” Another bang against the door and I had to breathe evenly to keep from jumping.
She nodded, and I clasped her cheek, giving her a kiss on her head.
“Take Joshua and Malic and go now. Don’t come out until I or Cole comes and gets you.
” She took Malic’s hand out of mine and smiled at them.
“Do you want to play a hide and seek game?” Her strong little voice masked the worry on her face as she turned towards me, giving me one last hug.
“Yes,” they giggled in unison before she put a finger to her lips and guided them towards her room.
I prayed God protected them as I turned to face the intruder at the door.