Chapter Sixteen!
Ronnie had fallen asleep in the car on the ride home. Officer Matthews had offered to drive Chad back to the boy's home, so Eric could get Ronnie home as soon as possible. Eric thanked God for the whole hour driving back. Kim, the paramedic, had said that Ronnie's cheek would clear up on its own, but it would be tender for a little bit. Ronnie had admitted that Luke hit her a fair bit, but she still hadn't opened her mouth about how he had almost taken her virginity away from her. That would come. Kim also disinfected the deep cuts on Ronnie's wrists and wrapped them tightly in gauze bandages to stop the bleeding caused by the fishing wire. Kim also said Ronnie would need a good meal and lots of liquids to catch up on all the food she missed over the last 24 hours. Eric couldn't believe the monstrous things Luke did to his daughter, but he tried not to dwell on them, as he was just grateful that she was alive.
Father, thank You for keeping her safe and thank You for bringing her home to us. Eric let out a long sigh as they turned onto their street in Glen Oaks. Ronnie stirred and opened her eyes and looked out the window, with a small smile, glad to be home. Eric noticed.
"I bet Annie and the others are waiting up for you." He mentioned. Ronnie turned and stared at him.
"Were they worried?" She asked. Eric looked at her in disbelief.
"What do you think? We were very worried. Chad was really worried too. We're all just so glad you're safe." He turned into the driveway, and before he had a chance to say or do anything, Ronnie opened the car door and ran to the front door, with tears already forming in her eyes. She opened the front door and ran inside, seeing nobody, but hearing a familiar voice from the kitchen.
"Eric?" It was Annie, and she sounded worried, as Ronnie could hear footsteps running. Ronnie smiled as the tears began to fall.
"Mom!" Ronnie ran to Annie, who had just entered the front foyer.
"Ronnie!" Annie had started to cry too as she embraced the sobbing girl tightly. Eric entered the house shortly after and they could hear trampling down the stairs, as Mary, Lucy, Simon and Matt flew down the stairs.
"Are you okay?" Annie kept asking as she stroked the brown hair. Ronnie nodded.
"I am now." She managed to smile as Annie pulled her away and stared at the bruise on her face, and down to the bandaged wrists.
"It's okay. It'sover, and I'm okay." Ronnie reassured as she turned to her four siblings. She ran to them and they all embraced her together, closing her in so Eric and Annie could no longer see her. The two of them held hands as their children were reunited and the tears were flowing freely from everyone. Eric leaned in.
"You okay?" He whispered. She smiled and nodded.
"I am now that she's safe." She replied. "What did he do to her?"
"We don't know everything yet. She didn't want to talk about it right away, but she will. I think she just needs something to eat and a good night's sleep." Eric said. Annie smiled and stared up at her husband.
"Did you hear what she called me?" She asked proudly in a low whisper. Eric nodded.
"Yep. She called me dad earlier too." He replied with a smile.
And the two joined their children in the tight group hug.