Chapter 12

Zona knew what run and hide meant, get to the cupboard, put the wood there to stop anyone getting in. Nick's daddy was on the way, was he mean too, did he hate he too, was he going hurt them too? She entered Timmy's room unable to find him anywhere. Crawling into the cupboard she tried to block the door but couldn't, there was nothing inside to block the door with. Panicking she left Timmy's wardrobe her own wardrobe was the same in a different colour. She needed somewhere safe, where nobody could find her, opening a door next to her room she found a cupboard full of linen, she squeezed in behind the towels finding a small gap to hide in at the back. Fully concealed from view Zona curled up holding her doggie tightly, wrapping her arms around her knees, crying silently. Where was Timmy? Why did she have to hide again?

Downstairs Nick counted to 30 seconds before starting to search for his friends. He began in the lounge finding Timmy behind the curtain, his feet poking out the bottom giving him away. Timmy helped him search, he found Emily next, hiding behind the shower curtain in the bath. All 3 children then started searching for Zona. They searched everywhere unable to find her and then searched again.

"Zona" Nick shouted "You can come out now, you win" he promised. Nothing, no movement from Zona.

"Is everything okay?" Daniel asked walking into the living room, having heard the kids shouting he run into the lounge. All 3 kids looked guilty.

"Captain Dan, we lost Zona" Timmy said worriedly. He had no idea where his sister would go, if she was hiding anywhere, it would be in his wardrobe like normal.

"What do you mean you lost Zona?" Daniel asked,

"We were playing hide and seek, and I told her to run and hide and now we can't find her" Nick explained.

"Where have you looked?" Barbara questioned.

"Everywhere" Nick moaned, they really had searched everywhere.

"Okay we will help you look" Daniel offered, "Emily, Barbara if you search downstairs, Nick, Timmy and I will take upstairs" He ordered, they all began searching high and low called for Zona, but nothing.

They met in the hallway both Barbara and Daniel were now really concerned, they had tried everything to bring the little girl out but nothing.

"She can't have left the doors are both locked, the windows are closed she has to be in the house somewhere" Daniel insisted. The front door knocked, Barbara answered it,

"Simon, are you here for the kids?" She asked

"We can't leave yet we haven't found Zona!" Nick protested, he felt guilty that he had told the little girl to hide and now she was lost. Simon raised an eyebrow,

"Zona is playing hide and seek but she is really good at hiding we haven't found her yet" Barbara explained, "but I'm sure we will find her soon, we have to" She said trying to reassure herself as much as the children.

"Do you want a hand?" Simon offered, he knew he'd have a battle on his hand trying to get Nick and Emily to leave without finding Zona.

"Sure," Barbara said, they were getting desperate now, "You and Emily search downstairs, we'll search upstairs, she has to be in the house somewhere."

Barbara headed upstairs emptying Tim's wardrobe, searching under the bed and in all the drawers, satisfied she wasn't there she moved onto the bathroom, even checking under the sink, she could see Timmy and Nick searching Zona's room thoroughly, Daniel did the same for their room. She opened the linen cupboard; it was packed full of sheets and towels. Sighing Barbara took out the front layer to search the back to her surprise she moved the last towel, finding rainbow sparkling toes peeking out.

"Zona" she called not wanting to startle the little girl. She watched as the toes disappeared, "Zona you are okay, nobody is going to hurt you." She promised. Calling Zona's name attracted Timmy, Nick and Daniel to appear,

"Zona I'm sorry I told you to hide, you won," Nick said tears running down his face, he was worried about her and felt so bad he had raised his voice to her.

"Zona, it's okay to come out its safe here, we have Captain Dan and Nurse B to protect us. I promise it's not a trap" Timmy told her, the towels began moving, a bruised, tear-stained face poked out. She trusted Timmy, if Timmy said it was safe it was safe.

"Hello" Barbara said holding her arms out desperate to hug her. Zona uncurled from the corner moving the towels carefully. "You had us worried" Zona climbed out of the cupboard into Barbara's arms, she hugged her tightly, Timmy and Nick joining in.

"I'm sorry Zona" Nick sobbed, "I didn't mean to scare you"

"No daddy" Zona asked, her face tear streaked. She had been hiding silently for nearly an hour her mind dreading daddy finding her.

"No, daddy is never coming back" Barbara promised, "You never have to hide again." She stood now carrying Zona,

"Thank you for staying to help find her Nick" Daniel praised, he walked him downstairs showing him, Simon, and Emily the door. Although grateful for the help he really wanted the family to hash this out in private.

Upstairs in Zona's room Barbara sat on her bed cradling the young girl she was crying burrowing her face into Barbara shoulder. Timmy was sat next to her, stroking his sisters' arm.

"Why didn't you come out when we were shouting?" She asked,

"Sometimes daddy would lie, and he would say it was safe to come out and when we did, he would hit us" Timmy explained, "Especially Zona, daddy hated Zona. Sometimes he even made me say it was safe, but it wasn't, but if I didn't, he said he'd shoot me" Timmy was crying now. Daniel hugged him tightly,

"You are safe now, both of you" he promised, "Nobody will shoot you, not here"

"But daddy said he would always find us" Zona muttered.

"He won't he is going to go to jail for a long, long time" Daniel promised, he almost wished he would turn up here so he could kill him with his bare hands.

"Right, it's getting late, time for a bath and a story" Barbara decided after they cuddled for a bit longer. She carried Zona to the bathroom helping her undress and wash, she didn't place her in the bath instead opting for the strip wash. It was too late to change her dressings at this time of night. After a quick strip wash and a change into her nightie Barbara took Zona to her room.

"What story would you like?" Barbara asked, Zona shrugged she had only ever had 2 stories. "I have one about doggies or giraffes or trains" Barbara checked the first few books on the shelf.

"Doggies please" Zona decided hugging her own doggie tightly with one the other still clinging to Barbara. She felt safer with her there. Barbara got halfway in when she felt Zona go to sleep on top of her. Instead of moving Barbara made herself comfortable swinging her legs onto the bed. She just wanted Zona to feel safe and if that was cuddling in bed, she could do that.

Daniel bathed Timmy and read him his story, once he was asleep, he popped his head around Zona's door finding both girls fast asleep, his wife fast asleep curled up around Zona protectively. It was adorable even to the tough marine, so much so he returned downstairs to get the camera. They were a family now these moments had to be documented. He used his camera to take a photo. Alone he walked downstairs going to the punching bag in the garage, he needed to work off some emotions. This was intense every day bringing new challenges he could only hope he was strong enough to weather the storm.

He returned upstairs checking on his family one more time. Timmy was sleeping in his bed; he had kicked the covers off, so Daniel tucked him back up.

Zona woke the next morning feeling strange, she felt safe and warm. There was a heavy weight around her waist, she twisted to find nurse B sleeping next to her. Was this what having a mom felt like? Zona slipped out from under her grasp. She couldn't remember what had happened and why nurse B was curled up with her, was this her bed? Zona had a bed at daddy's house but never slept there it was too dangerous. It was so confusing, here she was expected to sleep in her bed even when she went to sleep in Timmy's wardrobe like normal, she woke up in her bed.

She walked downstairs, holding doggie tightly, not sure where she should be, at daddies she waited in the wardrobe until Timmy woke up. Waking up in a bed with an adult it in was strange. The one thing she did know was she was hungry, in the kitchen she found Captain Daniel.

"Morning Zona did you sleep well?" he asked sipping his coffee.

"Yes Sir" Zona replied shyly, she was still wary around men even if she did like Captain Daniel.

"My wife is a cuddler isn't she, I was lonely last night" he joked, to his dismay her face fell, a look of fear came over her

"Sorry Sir" she muttered,

"Oh no sweetie, I'm not angry. I promise" he reassured. "I'm happy my 2 favourite girls are getting on so well" Zona stayed in the hallway not entering the kitchen, not sure whether to believe him or not. "Would you like some juice or some milk?" Daniel tried a different tact. Zona nodded, but said nothing, "Which would you prefer?" he asked, she shrugged not used to being able to choose. Daniel said nothing but poured a glass of each, placing them on the table and backing off slightly,

"Try both and drink which you like best" he suggested, Zona approached sipping the orange juice and then the milk. Both tasted nice, she bit her lip trying to decide.

"You can have them both if you want?" he offered. Zona smiled taking sips of one and then the other. "Would you like cereal or porridge?" he asked next. "I'm having cereal"

"Porridge" Zona said. Porridge was warm and she liked warm. Daniel smiled, glad she had made the decision for herself. He made it with banana and cinnamon, placing it in front of her. She began eating it,

"Did doggie sleep well?" Daniel asked, Zona nodded,

"Doggie likes it here" she explained, "Its warm and safe"

"Good," Daniel said smiling, "I love your drawing, it's really good, you know if you get time today, I'd love one for work, could you do that for me?" Zona nodded enthusiastically, she loved drawing and was proud that her drawing was still on the fridge.

"Is your porridge good?" Daniel asked, trying to get Zona talking more. Zona nodded, she liked hot food.

"It's nice, it makes my tummy warm" She rubbed her tummy and licked her lips. "I like being warm,"

"I know, warm is safe right?" Daniel said recalling his basic training lying in a wet trench for hours on end, feeling the cold seep through settling deep in his bones. He couldn't imagine feeling that way aged 5. "Hey, I was going to go for a walk, do you want to come too?" He asked, "We can explore the local area, I found some horses the other day," He suggested, Zona nodded shyly, she did want to see horses in person having only heard about them from school friends, but she was scared, being alone with Daniel in the house was one thing with Timmy upstairs, being outside without Timmy close was scary, but she really wanted to see the horses. Daniel could see the thoughts going through Zona's face and sat quietly giving the young girl the space to think.

"Okay" she agreed, after all Daniel hadn't hurt her yet and Timmy said he was safe.

"Great, get dressed" he recommended, Zona ran upstairs putting on multi coloured tights, with a silver skirt and purple top. Fully dressed she checked on Timmy he was still sleeping, so was Nurse B in her bed.

Downstairs Daniel had put his running shoes on and was waiting, he got out the pink sparkling shoes that had been donated and wrote a note for Barbara in case she woke and panicked that Zona was gone. Zona ran down,

"Wow pretty" she cried running over. Daniel helped her put them on.

"Let's go" he instructed checking his watch, it was 0630 he needed to be at work for 0800. While this wasn't going to be his normal cardio workout it was worth forgoing that to bond with his new daughter. The horses were only a short distance away, when they got to the field the owner was there. She came over after seeing them standing at the fence,

"Hey, you like horses?" she asked, "I have 2 here, both rescues, this one is Titus and this one is Zeus"

"What were they rescued from?" Zona asked her blue eye just opening, the other visible bruises blue and black against her pale skin. The woman softened, it was clear the horses had a kindred spirit, kneeling down, causing Zona to shrink down hiding behind Daniel's legs.

"Well, their previous owners were mean, and they hurt them, but then they came here, and they have lots of space and a stable to keep warm in and yummy food" she said,

"Is the food warm?" Zona asked, warm food was yummy.

"No horses can't eat warm food it upsets their tummies, to keep them healthy, they eat lots of grass, and oats, and occasionally a carrot as a treat" She explained, Zona's face was bewildered as she looked at the horses eating grass and the grass she was standing on.

"Does it taste nice?" she asked,

"Not for humans, but the horses seem to think so" She explained, "What's your name?" She questioned.

"Zona and this is the Captain, he rescued me, he is a Marine and he protects people" She introduced, almost warning the stranger away. Daniel smiled he was glad she saw him as a protector.

"I'm Gwen, it's nice to meet you Zona and Captain. Zona have you ever stroked a horse before?" Gwen questioned. Zona shook her head no. "Would you like to?" Zona nodded. "Okay, come on over, this is Titan, he is the older horse, he protects Zeus, his little brother so you have to say hi to him first" Gwen warned. "Put your hand out flat, that's it and stroke his nose" Gwen instructed.

"He is soft" Zona whispered in amazement; the horse bent its head down allowing Zona to stroke more of it.

Daniel not wanting to interrupt checked his watch they'd have to go soon, otherwise he'd be late for work. While the horse field wasn't far from the house, he'd not accounted for how long it took an easily distracted 5-year-old to cover the distance. Gwen saw him looking,

"You know you can come back anytime if I'm here you can come in and say hello." Gwen offered. Zona grinned, she liked horses.

"Right kiddo, we have to go, before Timmy and Barbara wake up and wonder where we are" Daniel said. Zona nodded, she didn't want to scare Nurse B or Timmy.

"Bye Titan, bye Zeus, sorry people were mean to you, but Miss Gwen seems nice." Zona said giving Titan one last stroke before taking Daniel's hand in hers allowing him to lead her home.

Arriving home Daniel had time to change before going to work, meanwhile Zona was busy, she had drawings to do for the Captain's wall.

He returned from work later, to be greeted by a whirlwind. Surprised he managed to catch it hoisting it onto his hip.

"Captain Dan, Captain Dan I drewed a picture for you" Zona greeted holding a piece of paper. "It's Titan and Zeus and you and nurse B and Timmy and me and we are all safe" She explained he noticed the large box around them,

"It's brilliant" he praised, "I can't wait to hang it on my wall"

"Zona has been telling us about the horses all day" Barbara said having followed to greet her husband. "She told Doctor Mabel and Doctor Rita all about them"

Daniel noticed Timmy at the door.

"We can see the horses again tomorrow if you want Timmy?" he offered.

"Horses are stupid" Timmy muttered, walking upstairs to his room.

"He has been like this all day. Rita says trauma reactions can cause anger, that the child hits out trying to test the waters to prove to themselves it's not safe" Barbara explained at Daniels frowning, she knew if she didn't explain he'd storm up there and have strong words. "The only thing we can do is reassure them they are safe and enforce boundaries." She nodded at Zona, who was still holding onto him for dear life.

"She says other signs of trauma manifest as excessive clinginess"

"Here" Daniel passed Zona to his wife, "I'll go talk to him, maybe we'll take a walk" Zona clung onto Barbara,

"How about you help me make some dinner" she suggested wanting to distract her.

"Did you know that Titan and Zeus eat dinner, they eat hay and oats and carrots" Zona said for the 5th time that day.

"I know, you like learning?" Barbara questioned, "We should go to the library tomorrow we can pick up some books if you want about horses" Zona shrugged indifferently but Barbara could tell she really wanted books about horses.

While Barbara cooked Zona drew another picture this one was for Doctor Rita. She'd told her all about the horses today and wanted to show her a picture of them.

Meanwhile upstairs Daniel knocked on Timmy's door.

"Can I come in son?" he asked,

"Do what you want" Timmy muttered, he was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Ok" Daniel entered the room, sitting on the side of the bed.

"This is stupid" he cried,

"What is?" Daniel asked patiently. Timmy sighed frustrated not knowing how to express what he was feeling. All the emotions he had been burying since Zona was born, now he was safe, and nobody was hurting him or his sister. Zona had taken to them really well she was always hugging them and climbing on their laps. How did she feel so safe, how did she let them in so quickly, did she not realize daddy had been nice once? That people changed and became angry, that you were never safe not really.
"It's hard being the one in charge, protecting her every day, it's exhausting" Daniel commented hoping he was on the right track, he noticed the tear-filled eyes focusing on him and continued. "And Zona doesn't know, I mean she has only known bad, never good, but you remember how it changes. One minute its good and the next it's all hell in a hand basket, and I know you're not going to trust me, not just like that but don't be mean to your sister okay"

Timmy nodded, still frustrated at his sister and at life. Daniel sensed the anger and desperately searched his mind. When he was angry, he went for a run or to the punch bag, but Timmy was to injured to run and he didn't want to teach him to punch his problems away. What Timmy needed was discipline, it was a shame he couldn't join the Marines now. With that thought an idea came to mind.

"Timmy how would you like to do Karate?" Daniel asked, he had a friend who ran the local club, it would be perfect. It would help manage his anger and help him protect himself and Zona.

"What's karate?" Timmy asked curiously.

"It's a really fun sport, that teaches you to defend yourself, and others and helps you manage your emotions. Tell you what let me make a few calls get you booked in, and we'll go to a session if you don't feel safe or don't like it there, we will come home" Daniel offered.

"Can Zona come too?" Timmy questioned, she needed to protect herself too.

"Of course, Zona will have to wait a few weeks until her arm heals, but I think you can start next week if you wanted. Think about it, right now dinner is ready. Why don't you come downstairs and eat?" he suggested. Timmy nodded, not wanting to miss out on food, no matter how angry and confused he was feeling. "Just remember you owe your sister an apology" Daniel warned, Timmy nodded shame faced.

They headed downstairs, Zona was busy colouring, while Barbara served the food.

"I'm sorry Zona" Timmy apologized.

"Its okay Timmy horse are stupid" Zona replied, he noticed her drawing had big scribbles over it, which meant she was annoyed but wouldn't say. She could never say when she was mad, daddy wouldn't let her, instead she bottled it up.

"No, they're not Zona, horses are really cool" Timmy said, "I was just being mean" he watched as she shrugged continuing to scribble over her picture. "Did you know horses eat grass, and oats and carrots" he said, saying the only horse fact he knew and he only knew it because Zona had told them so many times.

"Yeah" Zona muttered, she did know that fact.

"Did you know horses are related to donkeys, ponies and zebra" Barbara suggested joining in the conversation.

"What are zebras?" Zona asked putting her crayon down.

"Well, they are like horses but striped," Barbara explained

"Pink strips?" Zona questioned curiously an image forming in her mind. Barbara choked down a laugh.

"No hun, black and white strips, you know we should go a see a zebra, Saturday, family trip to the zoo" Barbara decided. Daniel nodding, the zoo would be a great first family trip out.

"Will we see horses?" Zona queried

"No, but Zebras and lions and elephants" Barbara listed, as she placed the food in front of them.

"Can we see the horses instead?" she asked, she didn't know what elephants and lions were but the horses were cool. Timmy even said so, which meant it had to be true.

"How about we go tomorrow and see the horse's sport?" Daniel offered. Zona nodded her acceptance happy she got to see the horses again as she ate her hot food.

After dinner was bath time and bedtime, Daniel took charge of story time tonight. The family gathered in Zona's room.

"So, I did some digging into your grandfather, the one you were named after Zona. His name was Richard Jamison he served on the USS Arizona, he was married to Elizabeth in 1940, they had one child, your mother, Nora Jamison. I have a photo of him when he enlisted." Daniel pulled out a photo of a man, who looked like an older version of Timmy.

"He looks like you Timmy" Zona pointed out,

"He does" Timmy was astounded, his fingers glided over the photo,

"I made copies, one for both of you and one for our family wall, you are our family which means he is our family" Daniel said sincerely. "He was serving on the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked in 1944. The ship was sinking and lots of people were drowning. I found multiple witness statements they say your grandfather saved 17 lives, saved 17 sailors from drowning before drowning himself. Your grandfather was a hero, a good man in a storm" Daniel finished,

"What does that mean, good man in a storm?" Timmy questioned still fixated on the photo, of his grandfather in uniform.

"It means when everyone else is taking shelter, looking the other way you stand up for what is right. You do the right thing, no matter what" Daniel explained.

"Good man in a storm" Timmy repeated.

"Right bedtime" Barbara ordered, Zona's eyes were already closing, Timmy's was doing a lot of long blinks.

Once both kids were tucked up in bed Barbara turned to Daniel. "You Sir are a good man in a storm, you made their night telling them about their grandfather and getting them that picture." She kissed him, he smiled taking her hand leading her to the bedroom. Hopefully both kids would stay asleep for the next hour or so.

Hope you enjoyed reading it, let me know