Renegade Runaways :: Chapter Two
Hope Brady found herself laughing out loud at the banter between her good friends. Despite the fact that she'd filed for divorce, she couldn't look at Roman and Kayla Brady as anything else but family. She knew that part of the attachment was the history they all shared, but she could only lie to herself so much. She knew deep down that spending time with Bo's siblings made her feel closer to him. They had all been through so much together, it was only normal for their bond to be strong.
"Cheers," Roman finally managed through his laughter, "To this beautiful night of family, friends, and charity."
"Cheers," Abe Carver nodded, "I appreciate all of you taking the time to be here. It means the world to me and Theo."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Hope smiled.
"Glad to be a part of such a great cause," Aiden Jennings added.
Hope reached for his hand, happy to find the warmth his touch always seemed to return.
"Lexie would love every minute of this Abe," Kayla spoke softly, "It's a beautiful event."
Before anyone else could chime in, a ringing cell phone interrupted the pleasant ambiance of the evening.
"Oh, shoot," Kayla said as she dug through her purse, "I am so, so, sorry."
"Leave it to you to ruin the moment sis," Roman laughed.
Kayla smacked Roman's chest with the back of her hand as she pulled the phone out of her purse. Her throat tightened when she read the caller ID.
"Well are you gonna answer it?" Hope asked, "What if it's the hospital?"
"Where is Ciara?" Kayla asked as she tried to shake the terrible feeling that began to creep over her.
"She's with Aunt Maggie and Victor…" Hope replied, "Why?"
Kayla didn't reply. She was too confused as to why 'Brady House' was being displayed on the screen that glowed back at her from her cell phone. Before she missed the call, she answered the phone in a curious voice, "Hello?"
"Sweetness. Don't say a word. I need you to listen carefully."
Kayla felt the blood drain from her face. She couldn't say a word if she wanted to. She hadn't spoken to Steve in months. They'd exchanged a few text messages here and there, but phone calls had been out of the question.
"I am at Bo and Hope's. Bo is here. He's hurt. Bad. It's an emergency. It is imperative that you tell no one."
"But," Kayla struggled to find words.
"Where are you?"
"Chez Rouge." Kayla replied softly, "For the Lexie Carver Foundation benefit gala."
"So what you're saying is, everyone is with you."
"Yes." Kayla replied not being able to keep her eyes from raising to meet Hope's questioning stare.
"You're with Hope?"
"Yes." Kayla tore her eyes away from Hope's and stood as panic began to rise to her chest.
"Get out of there Kayla, and don't you dare bring anyone with you. Especially Hope. This is serious."
"I'll be there." Kayla clumsily hung up her phone and tried to act casual as she tucked her hair behind both of her ears.
"Kay?" Hope questioned, "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Kayla nodded, "I have to go. I'm so sorry everyone…. but I have…. I have to go. There's an emergency."
Hope watched Kayla halfway run towards the front doors of the restaurant. Her gut told her Kayla was a liar.
"Must be some emergency…" Aiden spoke softly.
Hope turned to look at him, "I hope she's okay…"
"She's pretty worked up." Roman agreed, "Guess we'll find out soon enough."
Hope felt an ominous feeling stirring in the pit of her stomach.
"Dance with me." Aiden stood with an outstretched hand, "You're too beautiful to just sit around in that gown tonight."
Hope offered a half hearted smile, "I'd love to."
She relaxed comfortably in his arms and let him twirl her around the dance floor. An activity she normally enjoyed, she couldn't quite get into. She was too busy seeing the memory of Kayla's face when she answered that phone call.
"Hey…" Aiden tilted Hope's chin up and gently forced her to look at him, "You okay?"
Hope nodded silently. Her stomach still churned. Her mind raced. She knew Kayla too well.
"I can take you home any time. You just say the word." Aiden smiled, "I am at your beck and call."
"I'm fine." Hope reassured, "I'm just worried about Kayla. She looked like she'd seen a ghost."
"I'm sure it was just something at work like she said. Why would she lie?" Aiden asked as he swayed with her despite the tension in her body.
"She left so abruptly. Her face was so pale. Something is wrong." Hope sighed, "I know her Aiden."
"Hey, hey…" Aiden soothed, "Let's give her a little time. I'm sure she'll tell you what's wrong when she's ready."
Hope was starting to feel the beginnings of a head ache. The anxiety she was feeling was overwhelming her to the point of nausea.
"I don't feel well." Hope announced.
Aiden frowned, "Really? That's sudden. Should we sit down?"
"No," Hope lied, "I sort of felt funny this morning but I didn't want to miss the party tonight. I think I may have overdone it."
"I'm sorry baby," Aiden sympathized, "Let's get you home."