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One of Belle’s toys is in her crib, and I lift it, letting the sweet scent that can only be found on a baby fill my nose. Am I doing the right thing for them? Their future isn’t guaranteed to be safe and easy with me. The only thing I can promise is that I’ll do the best that I can. And I will never hurt them. If they stay, my fatherwillhurt them. I know that. I take a deep breath and shove the toy in my bag.
It's now or never.
The window lifts easily, and I step onto the rickety fire escape. The metal groans as I make my way down one flight of stairs to the maintenance entry. Mrs. McCarthy is waiting with Chip and Belle. Her eyes are wide with worry as she helps me in.
“Is there anything I can do?”
I take her arm. “You’ve done so much. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“Please be safe.”
“I will.”
She gives me the carrier. I’m happy to see that Belle is asleep. That will make things easier. Chip is bouncing on his heels next to me.
“Mrs. McCarthy said we’re going on a trip. Is Dad coming?”
She gives me a sympathetic smile as I lower to my knees.
“No, buddy. It’s just going to be the three of us. Is that okay?”
He ponders this for a moment. “Yeah. I don’t like it when Dad yells. He’s not mad at us, is he?”
I lie, “No. In fact, he’s excited for us.”
“Where are we going?”
I still haven’t felt my phone buzz, so I answer, “A motel for tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll figure out where we want to go.”
“Is there a pool at the motel?”
“Probably.”
“Cool!”
I stand, facing Mrs. McCarthy. “Thank you again.”
“If you’re going to a motel, I know someone who works at Hôtel de Lumière. I’m sure she won’t mind giving you a discount.”
“Oh my goodness. That would be amazing. Are you sure it’s not a problem?”
“No problem at all. It’s the least I can do.”
She pulls out her phone and calls someone. I try not to listen, but from what I can gather, it sounds like her friend will give us a discount. I’ve passed by Hôtel de Lumière before, but never dreamed of stepping inside. Mostly because it’s so fancy and it intimidates me. But this might be what I need. If someone in the Di Bello Family truly did buy me from my father, then they won’t expect me to be right under their nose in a hotel they own. That’s what I’m counting on at least.
“You can have the room for a hundred dollars. Ask for Angela and you must pay in cash.”
I exhale loudly. “Thank you so much, Mrs. McCarthy.”
“It’s my pleasure. Now go. And once you’re settled, be sure to send word that you’re safe. I’ll worry about the three of you until then.”
We hug, and I try my hardest not to cry. I don’t want to worry Chip, who is watching the interaction between the two of us.
“Thank you.” To Chip I say, “Come on, buddy.”
“Dove, why are you sad?”
“I’m not sad. I’m just excited.”
