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Chapter 2: Worried

When Troy and Gabby arrived back at the Bolton's house Gabby instantly ran into the back yard to get her bag and Gilligan. Troy simply waited on the front porch, curious as to why she had gone into the back. When she returned she sported a black duffel bag and a black and white dog. "Her cage is still in the backyard." She explained quietly. Then she added, "I hope you don't mind me having her, I didn't want to leave her with my dad, if he found me gone and her at home…"her voice trailed off as if it were too much effort to even finish the sentence.

They walked inside after Troy had assured her that it was okay that she had a dog with her. When they walked in the house a big white lab came bounding into Troy's arms, "This is Walter." Troy said.

Gabby giggled, "Hi Walter. I'm Gabby, this is Gilligan." Troy laughed and noticed that she had the best smile and the cutest laugh he'd ever heard.

"So, my mom should be home soon, and I'm sure she'll want to talk to you, but until she shows up, do you want to put your stuff in one of our guest bedrooms?" Troy asked

"Sure," Gilligan got up to follow her mistress, "uh, can the dogs come up with us."

"Oh yea. We really don't have any rules in this house, so don't stress. I let you know when there's something you really need to know." Gabby giggled in response.

After Gabby had settled her few things in she realized that she needed to call Stephen and Christine and let them know she was safely in Albuquerque. She and Troy settled down in the living room as she dialed Christine's number.

IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Christine Taylor was sitting in A.P. United States history flipping out. She and Stephen had received notes this morning saying that their best friend had run away from home because her dad was beating her. Well, they already figured that out months ago, they just couldn't ever get Brie to admit it. She'd told Mr. Crandall and Dean Philips that she was running away and asked them not to tell her dad. Well, the school was obliging. They weren't calling Mr. Montez in case it was true. The thing is Christine and Stephen knew where she went, and they were the only ones. Cameron, Tess, and Taylor had already asked Christine where Brie was, and Christine had simply replied "Don't know." God, she willed her phone to ring. Her teachers knew that she had permission to use her phone to day in case Brie called. Great, what was Mr. Nichols rambling on about now…yea, yea, yea, we all know that World War I was bad…we got it already…come on phone RING!

Suddenly Christine's phone began ringing. She jumped about a foot in the air surprised and nervous at the same time. Mr. Nichols nodded, knowing that it was important. Christine looked at the caller id and said, "Hello?"

"Beanie? It's me."

"Oh, thank g-d!" Christine got up and walked outside so the whole class wouldn't hear the conversation, "Brie, Stephen and I are freaking out! Are you in New Mexico? Are you okay? What's going on?"

"Christine. Chill. I'm fine now. The Bolton's are awesome and I really think they're going to help me. Jack really liked my mom. I haven't seen Lucy yet, and their son Troy is treating me really well, so no worries for now."

"Brie. How long has this been going on? Stephen and I guessed January or February. Were we right?"

"January, but I don't want to talk about it now. Look, I'm getting ready to call Stephen. Can you get Mr. Philips alone in his office and I'll see if Stephen can get Mr. Crandall there? I'll talk to ya'll together before the Bolton's call in. I wanna know what's going on with my dad."

"The school hasn't told him that you're not here, so for now you're good." Christine and Gabby quickly said their goodbyes and hung up.

Stephen was sitting in honor's physics wondering when Brie would call him. I wish she'd just hurry up. Oh my g-d, Mr. Ritter, just be quiet already, I really don't care about the speed of light. This was all that he could think about. His best friend, his little sister was being hurt and he wasn't protecting her! He mentally kicked himself for this. His phone ringing brought him out of his thoughts. Mr. Ritter nodded his understanding and Stephen stepped outside and answered the phone, "Brie?"

"Hey Stevo!" Brie cried cheerfully, happy to hear his voice.

"Thank the lord. I've been so worried about you! You're so dead. I should've come with you to make sure you're okay, since I haven't been doing a good job since about January."

"Stephen Blasz, stop kicking yourself. This was not you fault, so just let it be for now. Look I don't have time to talk, so just please get Mr. Crandall and you two go to Mr. Philips office, he and Christine should meet ya'll there. Please?"

"We'll be there, by Brie Brie!" The two hung up and Gabby sighed, knowing this next part wasn't going to be easy. Suddenly the door opened and Jack and Lucy walked in the house.

Everyone came and sat down in the living room and Gabby finally spoke up. "I know I've put everyone in a weird situation, but I really need help and I didn't know what else to do."

"Hey, you're fine." Lucy said, "We want to help you." After talking for a few more minutes Gabby called Mr. Philips office and put the phone on speaker.

"Charlie Philips" a deep voice answered on the other end of the line.

"Mr. Philips, this is Gabriella Montez." There was silence for a few minutes before Mr. Philips answered

"We need to talk young lady." Gabby knew this was coming and prepared to explain herself when Jack Bolton took over.

"Mr. Philips, this is Jack Bolton. We live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We were friends of Isabella Montez. My wife and her grew up together in Jacksonville and such. Unfortunately over the years we have lost contact. We believe that Gabby is telling the truth. The bruises on her arms and neck are evidence of the abuse she must be receiving somewhere. Greg does have a nasty temper I recall. So I think that we should calmly decide what we are going to do. However, until this is settled, I don't think it's wise for Gabby to be in Jacksonville, I don't want her near Greg at the moment."

There was a small amount of chatter on the other end of the line and a different voice suddenly came on, "Gabs?"

"Yes Mr. Crandall?"

"I was right, he is hurting you isn't he."

Tears fell down Gabby's cheeks as she replied, "It's hard to see the pain behind the mask. But yes, he you're right…I'm sorry I ran like that. It was very impulsive, but I just couldn't handle it anymore and had to get out."

After a few minutes of conversation Lucy and Jack Bolton determined that they needed to get to Jacksonville pronto. Troy and Gabby were going to stay in Albuquerque and Gabby would go to classes with Troy for the next few days. She was never to be alone, and no one was to know why she was there. Once in Jacksonville, the Bolton's would meet with the police about Gabby, and they would see where it would lead them from there.

AN: Sorry about the P.O.V. problem, I know I kept changing in the first chapter and I hope it's better in this one. I guess I'm a little confused. Anyways, I'm going to go catch up on my fanfiction reading!

Mollie XOXO