Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (books to get back into reading TXT) 📕

else here that’s in the same situation as Melody?” At least ten hands went up. Patti muttered something under her breath and Pam covered her mouth, her eyes wide. “Ladies, please stay after so we can help all of you with shelter and food,” Ben said warmly.

I heard footsteps and glanced in the direction of the elevators. I could somewhat make out a human figure walking our way. I whispered to Ben that someone was coming and he quickly got up to leave. Out of nowhere, another agent materialized and accompanied Ben. It was Adam. Jee whiz, that was quick!

I tried to listen to what Patti was saying to the group and the questions that were being asked but I was too concerned for Ben. My gaze turned toward my office to see if my mother, Belín and Samson were all fine. My mother was on the phone yet again, probably talking with Josh and Belín was furiously typing on her laptop. All seemed well.

I saw Ben with Adam, heading our way with David. Oh, it was just David. I supposed I would still have to deal with him. Damn! I whispered to Patti that I’d be right back and went to meet them closer to the elevators. Ben saw me coming so they stopped where they were. Adam left them both there and returned to wherever he came from. Ben’s face was impassive as always so I couldn’t read or assess his mood and David’s expression wasn’t any better.

“I’ll be with the group,” Ben said and stalked back to group therapy.

“I’ll be there as quick as I can,” I replied. I waited until Ben was out of earshot before I started talking. “David, we’re in the middle of group therapy,” I chided. “I told you I would talk to you later. That means later when I’m finished with my day.” My brow was furrowed.

“Yes, I know, I’m sorry, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss you before you left for the tarmac. My shift is over and I thought I could just wait up here until you’re done.”

I didn’t have time to debate this so I just nodded and told him he could wait in my office with my mother and cousin until we were finished. He smiled, grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed my cheek. Ouch! I guess my wound still hurt.

I hurried back. Our hour was almost up and I needed to help Ben with the shelters these girls could go into and hot meals for them. They were wrapping it up as I walked in. A few of the parents were walking out to find their daughter and taking snacks for the ride home. I announced that we still had lots of snacks and drinks and anyone was welcome to take as much as they wanted. I also reminded them not to leave until we talked to their parents or parent. Melody grabbed a few more snacks and shoved them into her pockets.

Patti, Ben and Pam were already deep in conversation with a few parents. Conny was talking with a group of girls and parents as well. I walked over to Melody and took her aside.

“So, Melody, how about we try and call your parents tonight?” I asked. “I know for certain they are missing you and wishing you were home and I suspect you wouldn’t mind hearing their voices either. You’re just ashamed of what you did? Ran away with someone you thought loved you? Am I right?”

She nodded, her expression serious. “I’m nervous. It’s been two years since I’ve seen them. Before I left I told them I hated them and they didn’t understand how much my uh… my boyfriend and I loved each other,” she trailed off.

“It’s okay, really. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my teen years it’s that parents who love their children also forgive their children,” I said warmly. “If you can remember their number I’ll call and get the ball rolling if that will help you.”

“Yes! Please!” She looked relieved.

“Awesome!” I replied. “Let’s call from the receptionist’s desk so we’re not so close to everyone.”

Melody sat down in Vanessa’s chair as she told me what number to dial. It was well after seven in the evening on a Monday so they should be home… at least that’s what I was praying for. The phone rang and rang and rang. It rang at least five times before a woman’s voice said hello. I said hello back and introduced myself, adding where I was calling from. Melody got visibly tense. She began to rock back and forth in the chair. I wrapped my arm around her. I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she had a daughter and if so what her daughter’s name was. She answered both questions correctly, so I proceeded to explain that Melody was with me and we had just finished group therapy. The mother began to sob and could not stop thanking me. Still holding Melody, I let her know that I was passing the phone to her daughter now and that once they were finished talking, I would like to talk about making arrangements to get her home and I could answer any questions she may have. As soon as Melody said hello, she too began to sob. I told her to come find me before she hung up with her mother. She nodded.

I left her alone to talk in private and went to where Pam was talking with a group of parents. She was having everyone that was present, including the parents, sign in with all of their contact information. She would then introduce them to Tim Conny who was to be involved on the law enforcement side. The atmosphere after therapy seemed light, almost like relief had set in. No more wondering what tonight was going to bring.