Here is the next chapter everyone….sorry it took so long. I am moving and barely have time for anything….luckily this was already written. Cherylann. Ndhbfan sleuthgirl, and dazziling vampire thanks for the reviews. Amber
Chapter 5:
Luke was awakened by someone opening up his blinds. He squinted at the sudden bright room. "Chloe what time is it?"
She sat on the bed gently. Luke smirked at least she was mindful of his back. She ruffled his hair. "It's not that early. It's 7:30. Please wake up…I want to go to the hospital right when visitation starts."
"You could be a bit quieter so that your growing brothers can sleep you know." Matt said yawning.
Chloe wheeled around. "Wow you're up early."
Matt smiled at his sister. "Miracles can sometimes happen."
Chloe stood up and smiled at him. Pausing to give him a hug. "Yes I guess so."
Matt leaned down and kissed her hair and pushed her gently towards the door. "Go get ready sunshine."
Luke waited until the door was closed. "What's the deal you are never up this early."
"We got a late night phone call last night. Chloe is going to get some very bad news about Joy."
Luke got up slowly and headed towards the bathroom that connected his and Matt's room. He quickly showered and got dressed with Matt's assistance. There feet all hit the top of the steps at the same time.
Chloe ran into the kitchen first and stopped dead in her tracks at the site of her parents sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee and talking softly. She beamed. "Morning mom what's for breakfast? We're hungry."
Callie jumped. "You guys are up early this morning. How about oatmeal?"
Matt sat down. "Sounds good."
Luke left the seat next to him vacant. And sat next to his father instead. Chloe sat between her brothers. She sat the oatmeal down in front of each of them along with a stack of toast.
The back door opened. "Knock…Knock…"
Callie addressed him. "Morning Joe…"
"Morning…" He took a piece of toast and ate it. The first thing he noticed was that ALL the kids were up. This never happened. The second thing he noticed was Frank's set jaw and Callie's worried glances. Callie pushed him a bowl of oatmeal at the counter. But Joe had lost his appetite. He knew something was wrong.
Chloe pushed her half eaten bowl of oatmeal away and took a last bite of toast. "Luke you promised to take me to the hospital this morning but I wanted to get a card for Joy first."
Luke looked at his father for guidance. That look chilled Joe to the very bone. Callie sat down next to Frank and took his hand and nodded.
"Actually Chloe we will all be going to New York City to Presbyterian."
Chloe looked confused. "Why daddy…Joy is in Bayport…she's coming home tomorrow…isn't she?"
Frank shook his head. "No baby. She isn't. She was transferred last evening her parents are with her."
Chloe visibly paled and started shaking. Matt and Luke both took one of her hands. Joe's heart broke for his niece. Frank did not let her wonder. He continued…"She has a brain tumor…but her prognosis is good. They are doing surgery first thing this morning. She has probably already gone back. But I told Tony we would get there so that when she was brought back to her room you would be with her."
Chloe finally snapped out of her shock. "Why didn't you tell me last night? I should have gone earlier. I could have been there?"
Callie shook her head. "Sweetie you couldn't have done anything. Joy knows you are her best friend. She knows you will be there this afternoon. Don't be angry with us. Now we need to focus on Joy, Bess, and Tony. Alright."
Chloe's lip trembled and she began to cry in earnest. Luke and Matt both were comforting her. Joe shook his head. "I'll tell dad you won't be there today."
"Thanks."
Joe handed him a file. "When you have time look this over…call me or dad if you have a question."
It was two months later…School was in session and Chloe Hardy was getting off the school bus. She ran down Pear Street to number 12. She reached the door and opened it. It was two blocks from her own house but this home is where her best friend lived. Right now she had next weeks work from their teachers for Joy's tudor. She knocked on the door. Bess Prito opened it smiling.
Chloe returned the smile ten fold. "Hi Mrs. Prito…I have Joy's work. Is she feeling okay? I know she had a treatment this morning."
"She's feeling pretty sick right now dear. But I'll take her work from you. Thanks for bringing it."
"Your welcome…can I bring some movies this weekend?"
Bess smiled and ruffled her hair. "Of course dear, I'll even buy pop corn and…Dr. Pepper."
Chloe hugged her. "Thanks Mrs. Prito. I'll go now."
"Your bike is in the garage…your dad brought it over before work."
"Thanks…I'll be getting home then." She went to the garage and Chloe got on her bike and rode towards her house. She waved at Mrs. Prito as she went down the street and turned the corner heading towards her house. She knew her mother wasn't home but had gone to the store and other minor errands. She was passing the park when she saw a man peering into the hood of his van. She had seen him around the neighborhood. "Hi sir…do you need help?"
The man jumped and wheeled around. He smiled. "My goodness…I hate to ask…but do you have a daddy close by?"
"He's at work…I can call him really quick. It's not far from here. My brothers could help but they have practice. She dismounted her bike and pulled off her book bag. She was about to unzip the front pocket when she heard a loud bang. Chloe looked up at the sound and saw that he had closed the hood of the van. He smiled at her and reached into the van again. Chloe continued with her task and had just engaged the speed dial on her phone. But before she could hear if her father was there…rough hands seized her from behind. She started to scream but his hand covered her mouth. He pushed her inside the van hand cuffed her and shackled her legs. Then he stuffed a rag in her mouth and slammed the door shut.
Tears filled Chloe's eyes as he started the engine. She just prayed that the call went through to her father so that he might get worried.