Author's Note: This story is DISCONTINUED and up for adoption if anyone wants it. However, I recently found the second chapter I originally wrote to this story, written down on an ond paper from a youth retreat, since 12 y.o. me thought that church gatherings were the best time to tune out and write fanfiction. There was no transition between the first chapter and the second I wrote (go 12 y.o. me) and apparently between the chapters, I forgot half of what I'd written and did a huge time jump, so I've written out a sort of transition chapter. If the voice in Ch. 2 sounds way different, that's because it is. I'm giving y'all 12 y.o. voice, then 20 y.o, then 12 y.o. Again. For posterity sake, here we go. This is ch.2 and ch. 3 (which was originally ch. 2) is up too.
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DC was nothing like I was used to. A city is a city, but the culture in DC was completely different than Tel Aviv. Watching other citizens bustling around the city, I tightened my grip on Rory. Trafficking exists in all countries, and while Rory was a smart girl, she was curious enough that I was terrified that she would wander off. Slowly, we made our way out of DC, towards the last known address I had for Kate in Alexandria. Kate, my mother. Kate, who was so deep into Witness Protection not even she could find her way out, let alone anyone else. Kate, who sacrificed so much. Who agreed to let her own sister "date" my father, Ari, for the protection of all of us.
Eventually, we found the apartment. Kate was smart enough not to leave an emergency key lying around, but that wasn't going to stop me. Slowly but surely, I picked the lock, keeping an eye on Rory all the while. Taking a breath, I opened the door, immediately running into the place to find the alarm that started going off. I hadn't planned for this. Panicking, my mind raced through possible combinations. Not her birthday, not an old address, possibly an anniversary, but I had no idea. I tried my birthday. Wrong. The anniversary of Kate's death. Wrong. Ari's birthday. Wrong. In one last desperate attempt, I tried the only day Kate had met Rory - her birthday, and held my breath as I punched it in. And then… blissful silence.
I sighed in relief, while Rory slowly took her hands off her ears.
"Too loud Mama. Will the bad noise stay gone?" Rory asked.
"Yes sweetie, the loud noise is gone now." I replied
"Good."
I laughed softly, shaking my head in amusement at how adorable and strong willed my daughter was. Taking her hand, I led Rory further into the apartment, looking through the rooms as we passed them by. The last door opened into a bedroom, filled with natural light and painted in muted tones.
"Nap time Mama?" the tired voice of my daughter spoke.
"Yes sweetie, nap time. Mama may not be here when you get up, but if I'm gone, Auntie Kate will be here, okay?" I replied.
"Okay mama. 'M tired."
I got Rory into bed, reading to her until she fell asleep. Kissing her on the forehead, I made my way into the kitchen, looking for food and something to write on. Throwing some soup on the stove, I found some paper and a pen on a nearby table.
Kate,
I don't know if she remembers you, or you her, but this is my daughter Rory. We need your help. I'm guessing you haven't heard, but Marie was murdered two days ago, your time, in an attack in which Rory and I barely escaped with our lives. I hate to intrude and even worse, possibly screwing up your Witness Protection, but I don't know what else to do. I can't take care of Rory right now, I'm too much of a target. Marie and my boyfriend Ryan are dead, and I know I am next. Rory is so young, I hope she isn't a target, but either way, a child would be harder to recognize than you or me. I need you to take her instead. If I stay, she is in danger as are you. I'm leaving you a burner phone as a way to contact me if needed. I'm sorry to put all of this on you, but I have no other choice.
Chris
After eating and checking on Rory, I took a short nap to restore my energy, before leaving the apartment, locking up after myself. Crossing the street, I climbed up the roof of a nearby restaurant, finding a vantage point where I could see the street, and into the apartment. Then, I waited for Kate to come home. An hour or two passed, before the time arrived. As I looked into the apartment window, Kate arrived, turned off the alarm, and I saw her spot the note and the phone I left behind. With one last glance towards the covered bedroom window, I slipped into the night.