Again I'm overwhelmed with the people who have reviewed, favored and followed. I'm glad that you are liking this story.

All the familiar characters belong to J.E. However the story line and original characters are mine. I don't own them and I'm not making any money from them, I'm just playing with them for a little bit.

Authors Note:

I'm not sure if the Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetia has a section for private planes but for sake of this tory we're going to say it does.

All italicized words are them speaking Spanish. I don't speak it and I don't even want to pretend to, so I figured I would save you all from the disaster that could come from any translator app I could use.

Trenton – 2 Days after Stephanie disappeared…

Frank sat at the table staring at the phone just willing it to ring hoping that it would provide any kind of information regarding his little girl and where she was. He started thinking that they weren't any closer to finding her than they were the day she was taken. Wishing for some sort of sign of where she could possibly be or how she was doing. At this point he was sure that she was scared, he was hoping that whoever did this was at least treating her better than his imagination would allow him to think. He tried not to let it get the better of him but sometimes he couldn't help it and his mind would start to think about the alternative. He shivered just thinking about it.

Then all of a sudden he was brought out of his thoughts but his first born climbing on his lap. Valerie looked up at her Daddy with her teary eyes and then lowered her head and snuggled into him. He felt the sadness and pain as she released the flood of salty sorrow filled tears that began soaking thru his shirt to his skin and he shuddered at the thoughts of both of his girls crying at that moment. As she was crying she said "Daddy, I miss my Stephie and I want her to come home. I know that sometimes I wasn't always the best sister to her and I yelled at her for some of the things she did, but I love her and I promise that when she comes home that I'll be the best sister in the world and I'll let her do whatever she wants and I won't ever yell at her again. I'm so sorry Daddy it's all my fault, if I had just gone outside with her instead of yelling at her and then getting Mommy involved none of this would have happened and she would be right here with us and not alone and by herself." Frank realized that Valerie was blaming herself for Stephanie disappearing; he couldn't allow her to do that. It wasn't her fault. It was just a lot of bad and unfortunate things that happened to fall into place at once. Now he needed to focus on her and make sure that she understands that this isn't and will never be her fault. He gently gave the top of her head a quick kiss and then gently tilted her back away from his chest. He put his hands on her face and looked directly in her eyes so that she knew he was serious and sternly said "Valerie Plum, I want you to listen to me and I don't want you to interrupt me, do you understand?" She nodded her head and he continued "Stephie missing is not your fault and you had nothing to do with it and I DO NOT want you to blame yourself. You were right to tell her that it was cold and she couldn't go outside, you are her older sister and you were trying to protect her. Which was proven when your mom agreed with you about her not being allowed to go outside, and I'm proud of you for being a good older sister. I don't ever want to hear you say that it's your fault again OK?" She slowly nodded her head. He could tell that she didn't believe him so he shook his head and said "No Valerie, I want you to tell me that you understand what I'm saying to you and that this is not your fault." She kept the eye contact with her Daddy and said "Yes, sir. I understand that, but it doesn't stop me from feeling bad." He leaned down kissed her forehead and whispered "I know sweetie, all of us are feeling bad and we won't feel better until she comes home."

Valerie gave her Daddy a small smile and a quick hug and said "I love you" as she climbed off his lap and walked out of the kitchen. He sighed and thought how did his life end up like this? He was worried about both of his girls. One for being gone and the other one for how it would simply destroy her if the other one wasn't found and didn't come back home, he didn't even want to think about that possibility. A uselessness feeling rushed over him and with a stab in his heart he felt all hope was lost. He shook his head trying to get rid of that feeling. He knew that he couldn't just sit there and wallow in self-pity so he picked up the phone and called his best friend.

Joe glanced at the caller ID and he answered the phone by saying "Frank." "Hey Joe, I was just wondering if you've heard anything. I'm feeling useless and I don't know what to do. It's gotten so much worse, Valerie just came up to me and apologized for this all being her fault that Stephanie is missing and even though I tried to convince her that she isn't the one to blame for all of this. I don't think I got through to her. She's pretty much hating herself right now and I don't even want to think about what will happen to her if we were never able to find Stephanie." as a tear slid down his cheek at that thought. Joe said "I know and I'm right there with you, but there's not much else we can do. Unfortunately at this point we're in a waiting game. We've done everything that we possibly could do, seeing as we've searched everywhere we could for her, we've got an APB out for her and we've looked at all the tapes from train, bus, and plane stations. This whole thing is just fucked up and I don't understand it. I swear it's like she just disappeared into thin air with no trace. This is hard on all of us but you have to remember that Valerie deep down is as scared as the rest of us and she's trying to put this on her, but just keep telling her that we all love her and that she is absolutely not at fault. Give her a kiss for me and keep your head up, man. Remember this is our little Stephanie that we're talking about here. Remember she's tough as nails and doesn't take crap from anyone. You know that she'll try and fight whoever this is and find a way to get back to us. We have to believe that." Frank agreed by saying "I know we have to keep the faith but it's just so hard, and she's so small. I'm scared." Joe said "Me too. Try and get some rest. You're sounding worn down and you'll be no good to any one like that. I'll let you know when I hear something. Remember positive thoughts Frank, they both need us to be as strong as we can for them." They both agreed and said their goodbyes. Frank rested his arms on the table and laid his head down on them. He tried not to break down again but it's just keeps getting harder and harder to hold it all in. He sat there thinking that it seemed that he hasn't moved from this spot for the past two days. He knew what Joe said about getting some rest was true. He really hadn't slept at all, every time he closed his eyes he saw Stephanie's and he just couldn't get his mind to turn off.

After hearing Frank on the phone Helen walked into the kitchen and came to a complete stop at the sight that was in front of her. She saw her husband in the same position that he's been in since this whole thing started. However, this time he had his head down and looked like he was about to lose it. He looked so lost and that any hope that he was holding on to was gone. Looking at him gave her an uneasy feeling and felt that her world that she had loved so much was about to be rocked and everything was falling apart. She wasn't sure how scared she should be or even what it would mean for all of them. She knew that she had to be strong as well so she gathered up her courage and walked up to him. She placed her hands on his back and gently began stroking them back and forth hoping to bring him a little comfort. As she was doing that she asked if there was any news, silently praying that it wouldn't be the news that she was afraid it was. Frank replied that there wasn't anything new regarding the search, but told her that she needed to sit down so they could talk about something else going on. She sat down in the chair beside him and reached out to touch him, not wanting to lose contact with him. He lifted his head and faced her he grabbed her hands and said with a worried voice "We have a problem, and I tried to fix it but I don't know how well I did. I was completely taken aback by it and didn't realize that it was happening. I allowed myself to get so distracted that I never saw this coming." She quickly interrupted him and said "Frank what is it, what's happening, please tell me. You're scaring me. If this isn't about Stephanie then what is it?" He sighed and said "I know I haven't been but have you paid any attention to Valerie the past couple of days or since this whole thing started?" She stopped and thought about it but honestly couldn't think when that last time she'd even looked at her oldest daughter. She'd been so wrapped up the past two days with what happened to Stephanie, that she really hadn't given her a second thought. She put her head down answered him truthfully by saying "Honestly, no. I haven't seen or said much to her. Is something wrong with her?" He sighed and said "That's what I thought and afraid of. Yes, something is going on with her, she's blaming herself for what happened. She's so convinced that Stephanie's disappearance is her fault and that she was a bad sister for not letting her go outside. She's convinced that if she had let her do that then everything would be fine and Stephanie would be home. After she said it I knew I had to try and convince her that it wasn't, hell, I pretty much yelled at her to listen to me when I said that it wasn't her fault. I still don't think she believes me. Helen, I know that we are both so focused on trying to find Stephanie that's it's taking up all our time and we aren't thinking about anything else, but we need to remember that we have another daughter that is still here with us and needs us desperately. She's hurting just like we are if not more and by us ignoring her we're making it worse. I'm at a loss on what to do to fix this and I'm afraid that if our fears become reality that it will only get worse for her. I just don't know what to do."

Helen stood from her chair and said "Frank I think that there is only one thing to do and I know that you're probably not going to like it but I don't see that we have any other choice. I think we need to bring my mom here so she can help with Valerie and to make sure that she's getting the attention that she needs, we also know that my mom won't allow her to continue to blame herself. I'm really surprised she isn't here already, and that she agreed to stay home when I first talked to her after Stephanie disappeared. She did try to convince me to let her come but I told her no, that we would be fine. Frank it just doesn't look like we can do this on our own any more. We all need help, we're running ourselves ragged." Frank just stared at Helen for a minute and then shocked her by saying "You're absolutely right, I know this has been rough on all of us but I think you need her just as much as Val does. Plus she'll be here just in case we need to travel anywhere. Call her and see if she will come and find out how quick she'll be able to can get here." Helen reached across the table and grabbed the phone and picked up the receiver and dialed her mother's number. Before her Mom could say answer Helen said "Mom, I need you, we need you. We all need your help, is there any way that you can come here?" Her Mom replied "Sweetie, I've been waiting for this call, and I knew it was coming. I'll make some calls and see if I can get on the first plane out of here."

Making Their Way to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela – About 18 hours After Leaving Trenton

While being on the plane together for several hours and in between taking naps and sleeping, Osvaldo took the time to get to know Estefania. He opened himself up to her as well and explained to her about where he lives and what her new home would be like. When he told her that he lives near the ocean she got very excited. She told him how much she liked the water and the sand. She became very animated when she was describing how she would build sandcastles. She suddenly got very quiet for a minute and he noticed her eyes got sad. He looked at her and said "Bebe it's OK to think about them and remember the good times you had with them. They will always be a part of who you are, whenever you want to talk about them you can always talk to me or Tomas no matter what. OK?" She put a small smile on her face and then said "OK."

They ended up having to make a quick stop to refuel the plane. While they were getting ready to land Estefania started to get scared and since Tomas was sitting right next to her she grabbed his hand and held on tight until they came to a stop. Tomas gave her a quick hug and then opened the door and headed down the stairs to oversee the refueling. At that moment Osvaldo moved over to where she was and picked her up, he held her so that she could calm down but to also give her a chance to look out the window and watch the men work outside. She saw them and then pointed to the man standing behind everyone and said "Look Tomas." He said "Very good Estefania, that's Tomas." She looked back at him and tried to raise her eyebrow and asked "He coming back?" He laughed and replied "Yes, he will be coming back on the plane, remember that he lives with us and he's going to look after you?" For the first time since they landed she let out a huge smile and her eyes lit up. After about an hour they were done and it was time to take off, Tomas boarded the plane and sat down in one of the chairs. Seeing that Osvaldo had the child in his lap, he looked over at her and smiled. She just smiled back and said "Hi Tomas". He nodded and smiled at her then picked up the phone and told the pilot they were ready and as soon as the plane started moving, Estefania started crying. Osvaldo continued to hold on to her and until they were back in the air. She calmed down enough and she fell asleep and only little hiccups could be heard coming from her.

After a few more hours they finally made it to Venezuela airport and the pilot was requesting permission to land. After talking to the control tower for a few minutes they radioed him that he was the next in line to land in the private section of the Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetia. Then the pilot called back to the cabin to let him know that they were next and would be landing momentarily, everyone got buckled up so they could prepare to land. When Osvaldo was done buckling his belt, he turned to help Estefania who was still sitting beside him on the couch. He noticed by the frantic look on her face that her fears had returned, so he softly asked "Bebe, are you afraid of the plane landing?" and she rapidly bobbed her head up and down. He gently leaned over her and fastened her seat belt then pulled her towards him so she was leaning against him wrapped one arm around her and took her hand with his other hand and then started whispering "Don't worry my little one. I won't let anything bad ever happen to you. You have come into my life and brought me some light that I never thought could exist. I didn't know what I was going to do with you at first but after first seeing you I knew that I wanted to love you as my own child and that I would will always make sure you are surrounded by people who will love you and protect you as I do. When I first saw your piercing blue eyes they cut deep into my heart and soul. I will never be able to let you go." She knew he was talking but she didn't understand what he was saying, although it did calm her down and put her so at ease that she totally forgot what was going on around them. She was so mesmerized by his voice that before she knew it the plane had landed and was going down the runway. At that moment she realized that she could trust them and that they would love and protect her so she looked up at him and said "Thank you Papi." He smiled down at her and said "Your welcome mi corazon". She smiled up at him.

After the plane had come to a complete stop, he unbuckled her seat belt and turned his head to look out the window and said "Estefania, look we are almost home." She pushed away the unbuckled belts and climbed up on his lap so she could see outside as well. All she saw was this really old building and 3 big black SUVs with dark windows in a row. She looked down and said "Papi, all I see are cars." He laughed and said "Si, those are the cars that will take us to our house. We have to ride in them for just a little bit before we will get there. Are you ready to get off the plane and head home?" She looked at him and said "Uh huh." Tomas got up and opened the doors and put the stairs down. Tomas looked back and nodded his head to his boss and walked down the stairs. Estephania could hear Tomas's voice outside but couldn't understand what he was saying. She looked up at Osvaldo with a questioning look and he said "It's OK he's just outside getting everyone ready to help us to get us off the plane and quickly into the cars to get us home faster." Although he knew that what Tomas was really doing what telling the men that whatever they see here is not to be mentioned and making sure that his orders of what's to happen after they leave is carried out. This will absolutely make sure that if by some chance someone figured things out that they will immediately stop looking for her, but then she doesn't need to know all that.

He was brought out of his thoughts by Tomas walking back up the stairs. He told Oslvaldo "Everything is ready for us to go." He replied "Is everything ready for Estefania?" Tomas said "Yes, everything is ready. I've also called ahead to the house and made sure everything was prepared for her there as well." Osvaldo replied "Well done, Tomas. I knew that I would be able to count on you to help me and to watch over her."

Osvaldo stood up reached his hand out to Estefania and said "Let's go sweetheart." She grabbed his hand and together they walked down the stairs. She turned her head to see where Tomas was, and then turned back around when he saw that he was following them with her blanket in his hand. When they reached the bottom of the stairs Osvaldo reached down and picked her up. As he was walking his sent out greetings to his men. They walked up to the SUV in the middle and one of the men opened the backdoor for them. Osvaldo set Estefania in her seat and buckled her up and closed her door. He walked around to the other side and got into the backseat right beside her, as Tomas was climbing into the front seat. Osvaldo tapped the driver on the shoulder and said "Franco, so you know this is Estefania. I brought her from America and she's going to be living with me as my daughter. Tomas will be her bodyguard and you will be her driver. Any questions? Franco shook his head and Osvaldo continued "Now tell the other drivers it's time to go." Franco spoke into his headset and told the other drivers that it was time to go back to Puerto Cabello so their boss can get home. All the SUV's started to move at once and made their way out of the airport and on to Autopista Caracas-La Guaira road preparing for the 2 ½ hour drive.

They had made it a quarter of a mile down the road when one of Osvaldo's men called him and told him that his orders were complete and that they'd taken care of the plane by blowing it up and sending out the proof to those that would find it interesting. When he turned around and saw the big black cloud of smoke in the air he couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. He knew at that moment that Estefania was truly his.

I know I said all Spanish would be italicized but I thought for now when he was speaking to her, a couple of things might slip out so here are a couple for those words.

Bebe – Baby

Mi corazon – My heart