CHAPTER 109

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I paced the room, ignoring the concerned looks on Vera’s face. My kids were still missing. The cops hadn’t been able to find Avaline, but only Dahila, who claimed she knew nothing. They were supposed to leave for the airport around the same time the kids closed, but Avaline didn’t show up. Kyle had been helpful, though. He had reached out to everyone who knew Avaline, and the only clue was that she had called her mom and cried all through the conversation. She had also apologized for something she had to do. Kyle suspected the ‘something’ was the kids.

I knew I should have been extra careful after that day at the book club. She had openly threatened me, and I had taken it less seriously. My kids. I would literally do anything just to see them again. Anything. 

My parents had arrested Mrs. Nancy and the principal for their carelessness. They were also planning on suing the school for their negligence. I told them not to do that yet until we got a new update from the cops.

I couldn’t imagine anything at the moment. I just had hope that they were alive and well.

‘You need to sit down, Tessa, and eat something, please, or at least rest your feet. You have been pacing all evening and even refused dinner. I am worried about you, dear.’ Vera said, standing up.

I shook my head, sniffing hard. ‘No, Vera. That little evil witch took my kids, and you expect me to sit down? I can’t. I should be out there searching for them and that woman!’

Vera sniffed, ‘We are all worried, Tessa, but you need to sit down and eat something. Estella said you didn’t eat breakfast, and it’s past midnight already. If you don’t rest now, how will you recover the strength to search for them tomorrow?’

‘No, Vera! I don’t care about food, but my kids do. Hope and Nicholas. What if she kills them? Oh no, I know I shouldn’t have allowed Kyle to come close to us! See what he has caused!’ i yelled, falling on my knees. ‘It’s one day; Vera and the cops haven’t found them. I am afraid, please. Help me!’

Vera helped me to my feet. ‘Let’s get you to bed, dear. I will instruct Estella to prepare a light dinner for you, and I will check with your parents to see if there’s an update from the cops.’

I nodded, not having the strength to protest anymore. I had to save everything for that witch once the cops caught her. She would pay for kidnapping my kids. She would pay dearly.

Vera kept to her promise and brought a plate of scrambled eggs and bread with a hot cup of tea. I managed to eat a few loaves before letting my tears ruin the rest. I shouldn’t be eating, but I should be out there looking for my kids. As if reading my mind, Vera informed me that the cops were still on the search and would give us a call in the morning. She stayed with me all night and talked about her favourite times with the kids. She was scared too, but something told her Avaline wouldn’t hurt the kids. She wasn’t that wicked or evil. 

She prompted me to talk about my fears and best time with the kids, but I ended up crying because I remembered that one of the best times was the Wednesday outings, the same day the kids went missing. Today. 

I didn’t when I slept off, but I kept dreaming about the kids, and suddenly I was up and crying again. I couldn’t stop myself, and Vera finally let me be.

She understood the colour of my pain.

_

Kyle showed up the next morning with good news. They had traced Avaline to a motel, and the kids were with her. The cops were on their way to get her arrested and retrieve the kids.

I was overjoyed and didn’t know it when I hugged Kyle and started crying. He led me to the couch and held me tightly until I stopped crying.

‘I am sorry, ‘I laughed nervously, sniffing. ‘I have been unable to stop myself from crying since she took them. I would have done anything just to get them back.’

Kyle smiled, letting me go. ‘I would have done anything too, Tessa. I am really sorry about Avaline, and I am going to ensure she enjoys the cell for a month. I didn’t know I married a monster.’

I laughed, ‘Easy with the words. I feel she did it out of jealousy and to prove her threats. She’s in love with you and would do anything to keep you. I just don’t know why she would go so far to kidnap the kids. She should have just dealt with me and you.’

‘I am ending things with her, and nothing would make me change my mind. I know this isn’t the right time to say this, but I am not in love with her but with you. I know I said something that day, but I would do anything to change everything and still be with you.’

I looked up, sniffing a bit, and said, ‘Kyle, I can’t give you what you want. I have forgiven you, but I can never forget everything you and your mom did to me. You called me a barren woman for three good years and stood by while I was humiliated, insulted, and compared to whatever animal your family felt like calling me. I did everything to please you; you even kept your secret, but when it was time to kick me out, you did so without thinking twice. You even stole the money I wanted to use for the kids! Did you ever wonder how I would have survived if my parents hadn’t forgiven me? I can never let go of this pain, Kyle.’

Kyle kneeled down, holding my shaking hands. ‘I am really, really sorry, Tessa, for everything. I didn’t know I hurt you so much, but now that I know, I would like to rectify everything if you will give me a chance. I want to be in your life and with the kids too. I am a changed man, I promise you that.’

I removed my hands from his grip and said, ‘You’re five years late, Kyle. Once I get my kids, please stay away from us. You and your family should forget about me and the kids and focus on Avaline. I don't want any more trouble.’

I stood up and walked away without waiting for his response.