Ringing in the New Year

“You’re safe,” Sherrie tells me again for the millionth time.

She thinks I’m crying over my escape or that I fear going back. I’ll never want to go back, but today I’ll find out how much that place has taken from me.

I look down at the scrap of a wedding dress I’m wearing. I would never marry another man besides Reed because he’s the only love I’ll ever have. I don’t care if I can have him or not, I’ll never want anyone else.

The day my dad died was bittersweet. I became fair game to any man in that crazy cult he had us living in. I was being forced to marry to the leader Eugene Mass, and that’s when I had to run. Death would’ve been better than belonging to him and I still can’t believe I made it out of there alive.

“Reed Sanders,” the officer says again, making sure I said the name right. I nod and the phone rings. “Ah yeah, she’s right in front of me.” He’s silent for a moment as his eyes come back to me. “No, sir, we won’t let her out of our sight.” My eyes widen for a moment at his words. Am I in trouble? He hangs up the phone and looks at me with curiosity. “Seems he’s already on his way here.”

“Thank you.” I had no doubt Reed would come. Of course he would, I just wonder if he’s still mine. “Did you want to go ahead and question me?”

I fidget with my fingers in my lap. They wanted to know everything about Lando Movement. The two officers who came to the shelter to talk to me kept calling it a cult. They’re not wrong.

“We’ve been advised not to ask you anything until Mr. Sanders gets here.”

“Reed’s dad is coming, too?” I missed him and Kathy so much; they were my family.

My eyes start to water as the loneliness threatens to swallow me whole. Since the day my dad took me away from them it’s all I’ve felt.

“I meant Reed Sanders, ma’am,” he corrects.

“Oh.” I look to Sherrie, who is watching me. “Why?” I finally ask when no one says anything else. I want to answer their questions so I can be done with it. I don’t want that place taking any more time from me then it already has.

“It’s what our captain told us.” He shrugs one shoulder. “And if you’re connected to Reed Sanders, then…” He makes a motion with his hand as if I should understand. The look on my face must show him that I don’t. “He’s done work with the government. He’s a very high-level consultant, and I like my job.”

My eyebrows pull together in confusion. Reed is working for the government? He was built like a jock, but he was more into technology than anything when we were growing up, so I guess it’s not surprising.

I go to ask another question because I’m unable to help myself, but as I do the door to the room flies open. I jerk my head to see who it is and all the air leaves my lungs when I see Reed standing there.

His eyes find mine and for a moment, time stands still. He looks the same but different, and it’s hard for me to figure out what it is. His boyish soft face has chiseled out and now he’s a man.

“Dimples?” The word comes out in a question, and I wonder if he’s thinking about how different I am. How many times had I dreamed of seeing him again?

He takes a step into the room and before I know what’s happening I’m in his arms. I don’t know who moved first, him or me, but I wrap myself around him tightly. I bury my face in his neck and breathe in his familiar scent. It’s the same as before and reminds me of a home I’d thought I’d never have again.

“Please look at me.” Reed’s voice is filled with pain as I lean back. It’s then I realize he’s sat down in the chair and I’m in his lap with his big hands cupping my cheeks. “God, I’ve missed you.”

I open my mouth to tell him the same, but his lips crash down on mine. He doesn't demand entry, only presses his mouth against me, holding me there for a moment. I close my eyes and soak it in. For the first time in a long time I feel safe and I know nothing can happen to me.

“Maybe we should go,” I hear Sherrie say, reminding me where we are.

“We should go,” Reed says, and his warm breath is against my lips.

“We need her statement, sir. I’m sure she wants to press charges.” There is hope in the officer’s words that I will.

Reed’s eyes narrow and I actually see his pupils dilate. Tension fills his strong body, and though he didn't go pro with football, he’s still must work out a lot to be so big.

“Did they hurt you?” His eyes roam over my face and he leans back to get a better look at me. “You’re smaller.”

“I think you’re bigger.” I try to tease him, but he doesn't smile.

“No one hurt me. They just wouldn't let me leave,” I admit, trying to put him at ease. He must already know some details of what happened and where I’ve been.

I’d taken a few hits here and there, but I learned quickly to follow the rules and to try and blend in. I said what they wanted to hear, but the whole time I was trying to find a way to get out. My dad kept a close eye on me no matter what I said to him. I even tried to pretend that I was a believer in our leader, but I don't think he ever bought it. When I was chosen for marriage there was no faking it anymore. I had to get out or die trying.

“Do you want to give a statement?” he asks.