~Chapter 11: Steps~
Krystal P.O.V.
Later that night I had a long talk with my mom about what happened after John knocked me out. She said she tried to save me but she was kicked in the stomach. He tried to hurt Melanie so she ran and scooped her up and took off.
I completely understood that she was trying to protect Madison, even though I was left defenseless. I was glad that she tried to help. I rather choose me over Melanie any day.
Mom also told me that she and Melanie were staying with a friend of hers. She even took me to the house and inside for proof. It was a lovely three bedroom home with a finished basement and two full baths. It was in a kid friendly neighborhood too with a park just minutes away.
I even spoke to mom's friend, her name was Ella. She was a very kind person and couldn't bare to listen to mom's story of survival and immediately put an end to that. Ella is about the same age as mom, she works as a part time RN in the Hospital.
All three of her children have moved out and attend colleges around the world. When Ella asked about what happened to me, I had to leave the room and center myself before I could burst out in tears. I pretended that I had to go to the bathroom.
Mom obviously knew that I was being abused and worked to death. I had no doubt that she might tell Ella that.
I came back in and told my story. Mom and Ella cried their eyes out when I was finished. I had told them everything except that Zero and Zoey are vampires, which she might know because of the way those two handled the vampire earlier.
I told them I was at a friends' house for now. I couldn't tell them where I really lived, through everything I have been through so far, I would like privacy and peace to myself. Not that I would mind company sometimes.
"Krystal, that's so horrible. I'm so sorry that happened to you!" Ella cried hugging me to death. I cried into her shoulder and mom came and put her arms around us as we all cried for a while. Melanie was in her room only a few feet away sleeping peacefully. She didn't need to hear what I had gone through.
Around nine thirty I said my goodbyes. Melanie told me she would be starting kindergarten tomorrow which was great. I told her I'd see her sometime after school.
On my way out, mom walked me to the stop sign. "I'm glad you found a wonderful friend to take you guys in. That's a big relief." I smiled.
"Yeah, we go way back to high school days. I just recently found her about a week ago." Mom face looked serious. "Now who is this friend you're staying with? Is is Zero and Zoey?"
"Just someone from school but they are not Zero and Zoey mom." I lied even though part of it was true. I sensed that she didn't believe me all the way.
"So do you him?" She suddenly asked.
"Who mom?"
"You know the Prince, I've seen the way he looks at you. He looks so worried underneath that cold and bored appearance." She said.
I blushed lightly. "Well he did save my life a few times. I've been wondering how to make it up to him and Zoey, whose been a great friend."
"Aww." Mom nudged me lightly with her elbow. We hugged underneath the streetlight and parted ways.
Soon I was back inside the park, but I felt like I was being watched. I wonder if it was my friends. My hand went to my stomach, I couldn't wait for this abortion thing tomorrow.
Morning came and I was already waiting in the examination room. Dr Hayes came in and gave me a warm greeting.
"Are you ready to begin?" He asked while he got the anesthesia medicine ready. He was holding the mask in his right hand. I was too scared to for the operation and asked if I could be put to sleep. I was glad he agreed.
I nodded and was out as soon as the mask was fitted snugly on my face. When I awoke I was a hospital bed and in a gown. I got up and threw the covers off me and lifted up my gown to see what my stomach looked liked.
Just a small two by two gauze pad and a strip of special tape. Dr. Hayes came in and smiled brightly. "The procedure was a success Krystal, but I was concerned because the baby had already began to grow into a small fetus in the course of a weekend. Do you know why?" He asked. Something told me he knew the answer anyway.
"Because John was a vampire right?" I said.
"Yes, that's right. But we won't go into further detail. Now about where you're staying. I've called your home and they say haven't lived there for about two weeks. Did you run away after the incident?"
"I'm finally free from the wretched house! Don't send me back there please!" I began to sob.
Dr. Hayes came and hugged me. "Don't worry I'm not. I've contacted a social worker who is working with kids just like you. Because you are a minor, you cannot make your own decisions and you are a foster child which means you are in the system. There is a couple here who would like to see you, if its all right."
I had already known that this was going to happen and expected it sooner or later. I nodded as he left to get the couple. A few moments later I was changed into my all school uniform. It was only 9:50am.
The couple who came in looked happy and ecstatic to see me. It was a married man and women. They looked to be in there thirty's. We talked for a few moments and I began to like them more and more. Maybe they would be the parents I never had. I still had my real mom to worry about though as well as Melanie. We took a few pictures and they said that they looked forward to our next meeting.
That made my day. I hummed a sweet song on the way to school I spun in a circle as I closed my eyes and hit someone and I fell down.
"I'm so sorry!" I apologized.
"Its alright, just be careful." I looked up to see Zero and he gave me a helping hand. I blushed as I took it. His hand was nice and warm.
"So you're looking to be adopted huh?"
I held in my shock. He was probably keeping close tabs on me. "I guess. There's really nothing I could do about it. They were a kind married couple and was eager to see me. I think I want to go with them too. They also live near the school but they have no kids. What are you doing here anyway Zero?"
He stopped and look at me. "Watching out for you is all. Its been a few days since you've been in school, and you know full well how everyone is here. The bastards," I seen him ball up his fists in anger. "They have no respect for you at all! That's going to change now that you have me and Zoey."
Holy crap, he was sticking up for me. "Zero, you're so sweet but you two don't have to go through all that trouble for me. I don't know why everyone acts like they hate my guts. I think it may be because I'm the only poor student there. Everyone else is rich and stuff." I started to tear up. "Zero, I didn't deserve what happened to me. I'm not pretty but plain. I have no way to pay you and Zoey back for all the help." The tears were nonstop, I was letting out everything that I had bottled up for so long.
"I just...maybe life wouldn't be so bad if I died-"
Zero cut me off by grabbing my wrist and pulling me to his chest and hugging me. "Don't you dare think that way! I don't care that you're poor. And so what? You have the most kindest, loyal and loving personality I've ever seen. You're not plain, but the most beautiful-" He was cut off by the school bell ringing signaling it was lunch time. To top off the moment, my stomach growled loudly.
I was overcome with such embarrassment I dug my head deeper into his jacket and he let out a soft chuckle. I was shocked at what he was just telling me. Yet, I was happy, so very happy to hear such kind words from him. My words a few moments ago had ceased to exist.
In my thinking session, he lifted my chin up gently and looked deeply into my brown eyes. "I don't know what it is, but I feel a strong connection with you. I know we've only known each other for a few weeks but I want to get to know you more Krystal." He said gently and I knew I felt that strong connection as well. It was when our eyes first locked on the first day we met.
"Me too." I admitted shyly.
"Let's get lunch then." I could see a faint blush on his cheeks. He instantly put back on his trademark scowl as we walked into Huntington Academy.
What we didn't know was that we were being watched by a pair of blood red eyes glaring at us from a distance.