By the time they were big enough to hold their heads up, I knew something had to be done. He was beginning to become protective again, not wanting even Hazel to stay long. Saying we needed more family time, and she wasn't needed. I was done, my babies needed something better than this. And if I couldn't do it, then I would have to reach out of my small circle and find someone who would. It wasn't for me anymore, it was for Braxten and Camden.
Hazel and Chris came over to celebrate Easter. By now, the boys were able to hold their heads up. So they were sitting in highchairs while Hazel and I fed them in the dining room.
"Hazel, I need you help." I said casually keeping my voice low and my face clear of emotion. Chris and Garrison were in the living room watching a soccer game.
"What is it," she was following my example.
"I know that, if I asked you in any another situation, you wouldn't but, this is different. It has to do with my kids Hazel. They need a better life than this, and as a mother, I can't do this anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"I need to take the boys and run. But you know, as well as I do, that I wouldn't make it five miles. That's why I need your help."
"Are you asking me to help you run away from Garrison, and take the twins with you?"
"Exactly. Yes, I am," I sighed and turned to her, "it was different when it was just me. But now, the tables have turned. I have two lives that I'm responsible for. And there is no way I can do it alone."
"Raven, how can you ask this of me?"
"I understand if you can't. I just wanted to ask you for the sake of the babies. They shouldn't live like this." I turned back to feeding Camden.
"What do you mean 'Live like this?'" She frowned.
"They should be able to go out, and when they get older what are they going to do? Have a play pen in the basement? Please Hazel."
"What about Garrison?"
"He's the only one everyone is worried about. What about me? What about my children? It's not fair." She sighed. A few moments of silence passed.
"O.K. I'm willing to help you out. Just give me sometime to get Chris in on this please. I don't know how long it's going to take. But I'll try my hardest." I smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, Hazel."
A month passed before I got word from Hazel that she was willing. A note was slipped when she came by, giving me a new purse she found. It was large, and could a large number of items. While I was looking through it, I saw a piece of paper at the bottom. It simply read: We have a plan. But it gave me hope none the less.
Chris came over one day for a surprise visit. He said that his work closed early, and Hazel was out. I was in the kitchen making lunch for everyone, when Chris came in grabbing a beer. He walked casually over to where I stood looking at the food I was preparing. He then innocently slipped a piece of paper in my pocket. After I lunch, I went to the bathroom to read it, my hands shaking.
Raven,
We are willing to help with what you have said. But you are going to need to do some of it yourself. We will set everything up, it is your job to get the ball rolling. Find a way to go to the grocery store on 5th Street. The bathroom has a door leading outside. There will be an alley with an abandoned car. The key will be in the ignition, get the boys and bail out of there. There will be further instruction in the cup holder, don't read it until you are at least twenty miles away from the store. Good luck.
H & C
Now it was my turn to put the plan in action. A week later, I finally saw the perfect opportunity. Garrison needed to go out to buy some diapers and food. But I came up with the brilliant plan that we should go out as a family. It was cold outside, and I put extra clothes on the boys. In my bag, I put one change of clothes, and money that I had found while doing laundry. In the diaper bag, I put as many diapers as I could, another change of clothes for each boy, and some formula.
Walking through the store, I said that the boys needed to be changed. There was an emergency exit next to the bathroom door.
I went out, and saw what I needed. I walked swiftly to the abandoned car, and opened the door. I set the boys in the passengers seat next to me. And turned the key in the ignition. I peeled out of the alley, and made my way through what little I knew of the city to the interstate. At the first rest area I stopped, and put the boys in their appropriate seats in the back. I then sat down, and read the second note.
Raven,
I see you've made it out. Hopefully you drove far enough to read this safely. There is a map, driver's license, money, and phone in the glove box. The map shows the area of Houston, it will take you about two hours to get there. Once there, you should be able to navigate your way around. You'll find your Mom, for she moved there shortly after you were taken, if you have any problems feel free to call us. The number is saved in the contacts lists. The driver's license is for you, we had it specially made so you would be covered if anything happened.
Be careful, and take good care of Braxten and Camden for us. We love you. The sooner you get to your Mom's and call the police, the less time Garrison will have to find you. He's smart, and it won't take him long to find his way to your Mother's house. So hurry.
Love,
Hazel and Chris
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"That's quite a story." Raven sat back, and looked over at where Braxten and Camden sat off set.
"It's my story. I did find my way to my Mom's house. It was almost midnight. And when I rang the door bell, Mom answered the door. I just cried, and held her close. We called the police, and I told them exactly what I told you here."
"And we know the rest of the story. Mr. Riley went into hiding, and Mr. Taylor and Ms. Stephanie were arrested. It took five months and a public speech from you for him to come out. Were you worried that he would find you?"
"I was scared to death. The boys slept in my room until the day he was found."
"Why did you go to his court trials? I think the majority of the public has asked the same question."
"Mr. Smith, whether I like it or not, I lived with that man for more than two years of my life. And he is the father of my two bright, happy boys. I wanted to prove that I had succeeded in my goal."
"What about Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Taylor, and their verdict?"
"I think they should have gotten less than the twenty years. They were nothing but kind to me. And in the end it was they who got me out of the prison my children and I were living."
"Are you worried Mr. Riley will break out like he promised."
"I think I will always go through life worried about something. Garrison left a mark on my life forever."
"Well Ms. Alexander, I thank you for this impressive interview."
"I thank you."
Raven gathered her purse and children, who were now eighteen months. While she pushed the stroller out of the office building, she looked down at her two happy twins boys. She went to the park, and pushed them on the swings. They both had curly brown hair. And vivid green eyes, that sometimes would bring Raven crashing into old memories, glowed brightly in happiness at the moment.
She would always worry about Garrison coming back, he was an unstoppable force, and would go through anything to have anything he wanted.
But for now she didn't have to worry, just spend as much time with her two bundles of joy and a family that she was forever grateful for having.
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What happened to Garrison Riley, Raven Alexander, and their two boys Braxten and Camden Alexander? Only the future knows what secrets lie ahead.