*~Chapter Eleven : Unhappy~*
When Marty awakened the next day, she found a stack of clothing had been placed at her bedside. It would appear that Todd had went shopping. She was grateful for the clothing as she got dressed and stood in front of the full length mirror in the adjoining bathroom. As she stared at her reflection, she could see her sadness gazing back at her. Why was Todd keeping her in this prison? Why was he keeping her away from her precious girl?
She was walking back into the bedroom when the door opened and Todd entered. "Cassandra!" Marty cried out when she saw her little girl stood at Todd's side.
Marty ran to her daughter and enfolded her in her embrace. "I missed you so much!" she exclaimed. She tenderly kissed her daughter's cheek.
"Mommy!" Cass said, lovingly caressing her mother's face. "I missed you, too." As Cassandra's eyes sparkled, the little girl looked like an angel.
Marty cuddled Cassandra, cradling her against her chest. Watching the tender scene, Todd spoke up. It was as if he hadn't even been in the room as the two were reuniting.
"I'm going to get us lunch. I will be right back," he stated.
After he walked out and locked the door, Marty carried Cassandra over to the love-seat. She sank down into it's surface as she cuddled her daughter. "Are you okay, sweetie?" Marty questioned.
Cassandra nodded as she looked into Marty's eyes. "I'm okay, Mommy... but when are we going back home to Daddy Jason?"
"I- I don't know," Marty said as gave Cassandra a tender hug. "I love you so much, baby girl."
"Do you love my daddy?"
A painful chord twisted in Marty's heart. How in the world could she answer that question?
"Do you want to stay here with my daddy forever?" the child continued.
Marty didn't answer. She couldn't. She could not find the words.
Todd walked in with a tray of food. As he entered, he heard both questions. "Cassandra, we are a family- you, your mother, and I, and we will stay together," Todd stated as he looked into Marty's eyes.
Todd lay the tray down on the table, announcing it was time for lunch. Cassandra hopped down off her mother's lap, running over to the table. "It looks yummy, Daddy!" she announced as she took a place at the table across from her father.
Marty joined Todd and Cassandra, but she was so upset and nervous, she could barely eat. Todd's presence made her uneasy as he dined with her and Cassandra. Marty had no choice but to put on a happy face for her precious little girl.
After they had lunch, Todd said it was time for Cassandra's nap. "Todd-," Marty started to protest as she struggled not to cry.
Her words stopped instantly. Todd had shot her a look that took her breath away. Knowing he was so close to losing his temper, Marty knelt to her daughter's level. With a loving touch, she drew Cassandra close to her. "I love you, sweetie. Be a good girl. I'll see you very soon," Marty stated,
"I love you, Mommy," Cassandra said as she took her daddy's hand.
Marty watched with sadness as Todd lead Cassandra out the door. Her pain was deep and unending.