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Thirteen

Author: Crystal Steadman
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
Kai,

I wake up to the sound of Stella's distressed cries and her restless movements in bed. The nightmares have been plaguing her ever since she encountered that awful professor at school. It has been a struggle to convince her to go to school every day. We constantly remind her that she only has a few weeks left before summer break, when we will all escape to the Bahamas. Hopefully, being away from him for a while will provide some relief.

"Stella, wake up, sweetheart. You're having another nightmare. Come on, get up," I gently coax her.

Stella abruptly sits up, fear etched on her face. "He's after me," she sobs. I wipe away her tears and guide her back down onto my chest. "Baby, we've discussed this. He won't be able to harm you as long as I'm here, protecting you."

"You shouldn't make light of this, Kai. He's a monster. He's capable of anything, even hurting you," she warns.

"Okay, you have a valid point, but let's not dwell on that this week. You have prom comin
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  • Unspoken Truth   Fourteen

    Stella, "Kai, you look incredibly handsome tonight... I can't believe how fortunate I am to have someone like you interested in me. My mind is in such disarray that I can no longer distinguish between what's real and what's just my imagination. I keep seeing that awful person everywhere, even when they're not actually there, and my nightmares are becoming increasingly worse. Lately, I find myself crying more than I smile. All I want is for this nightmare to end so I can move forward with my life and regain a sense of normalcy as a teenager again." "Stell, where did you go?" Kai asks me, concerned. "Sorry, what?" "I asked if you wanted a glass of champagne. They always have it stocked in the limos, so I thought we could all enjoy a glass before prom." "Just a small sip," I reply. "That's the spirit." Kai pours me a small amount of champagne, and we clink our glasses before taking a sip. "Oh, goodness, this stuff is terrible." My face contorts into an unattracti

  • Unspoken Truth   Fifteen

    Stella, Today is graduation day, and I'm finally going to see Kai after a few weeks apart. He didn't want me to visit him in the hospital or witness his struggles, so I respected his wishes and stayed away. But I miss him terribly. I can't help but worry that the only reason he's attending graduation tonight is because his brother and friends are graduating too. I fear that he may never want to see me again because of what Professor Hamilton did to him, and I can't blame him for feeling that way. The professor caused a lot of damage in a short amount of time, and I'm not sure how any of us will be able to move past what happened. It took some time, but I can finally sleep through the night without being haunted by nightmares of the professor coming after me. I remind myself daily that he can no longer hurt me. I continue to see my therapist twice a week, and it has been incredibly helpful. Opening up and discussing what happened to me has allowed me to move forward and start anew.

  • Unspoken Truth   Sixteen

    Kai, Gage asks me if I want to call Kai back or if he should continue telling her that I'm still sleeping. I can sense his frustration, but I couldn't care less at this point. Gage doesn't understand the situation I'm dealing with right now. I'm doing my best to handle all of this, so I don't take it out on Kai. It's not her fault that her deranged teacher developed an obsession with her, kidnapped her twice, or that I had to run away from him and ended up getting shot in the process. She never asked for any of this, but I still find myself partially blaming her. That's why I want to clear my head before seeing her again. "Just let her know I'm still asleep, Gage." "For how long are you going to keep avoiding her, Kai?" "Until I'm out of this bed. Is that what you want to hear, Gage? Just go back to your friends and girlfriend and leave me alone for now, okay?" "No, idiot, it's not okay because that's not how brothers should act. I won't leave you here to w

  • Unspoken Truth   Eighteen

    Vacation Stella, We have arrived in the Bahamas and it is absolutely stunning here. Our rented condo is right by the ocean, allowing us to easily access the beach. Kai and I have our own condo, while our parents and Dakoda and the boys have their own adjacent ones. We have all agreed to gather for dinner tonight at our parents' place. Each condo has a kitchenette, so our parents have taken on the responsibility of cooking most nights, unless we decide to dine out after a fun-filled day.As we head to our respective condos to freshen up for dinner, Kai and I are captivated by the breathtaking view when we step into ours. "Wow, this is incredible," Kai exclaims. "Hawaii is beautiful in its own way, but there's something about this place that makes it truly amazing. It would be perfect for a wedding, don't you think?" Wait, a wedding? Why is Kai bringing up weddings? Could he be planning something? Then it hits me - Korey asked Dakoda to be their wife. Although lega

  • Unspoken Truth   Nineteen

    College Stella, "Do you think you're ready for today, sister?" Dakoda asks me as I step out of Kai's car. Today marks the beginning of our journey into adulthood as we start college. Dakoda wants to know if I feel prepared, but honestly, I have no idea. Surely, it has to be a better start than my senior year, right? I'm starting off on the right foot this time. I have a loving fiancé, and we live in a cozy apartment right by the college. We could even walk to our classes if we wanted to. Dakoda is back to pursuing her passion for surfing and competing with her friends. And our parents seem happier than they have been in years. Our short vacation did wonders for all of us. It gave us a fresh perspective on life.I wrap my arm around Dakoda's shoulder. "Yes, I think I am. I have a good feeling about this year." "Me too, sister. Me too." "Wait a minute, girlie." Kai says, rushing over to me and planting a big kiss on my lips. "Have a fantastic day, baby. I'll see you after classes.

  • Unspoken Truth   Epilogue

    As we were talking on FaceTime, I asked my new friend how things were going back in Washington.Mallory replied, "It's going okay, but it won't be for long as I got into college in Hawaii for next year. Mom is so excited about moving to Hawaii." "That's wonderful, Lauren! Congratulations!" I yelled from the bedroom.Lauren responded enthusiastically, "Yes, everything is packed and ready to go."After ending the FaceTime call, Kai and I walked down to a nearby ice cream shop and then headed to the beach to watch the surfers. Today was a big day for Dakoda and the guys. Dakoda had become a pro surfer and had overcome a near-death experience on the board. She looked amazing out there in the water. We noticed our friend Mac sitting alone, which was unusual since she and Charlie had recently become a couple.Walking up to Mac, I asked, "Hey Mac, what are you doing here alone, girlfriend?"Mac whispered, "Charlie dumped me," trying to hide her tears. "I'm so sorry. We can talk about it l

  • Unspoken Truth   Epilogue

    Hey Mallory, how are things going back in Washington? I ask my new friend as we were talking on FaceTime. Oh, you know it’s going okay, but it won’t be for long as I got into the college in Hawaii for next year. Mom is so excited about moving to Hawaii. Oh, Lauran that’s wonderful. Hey Kai Lauran, got in. Congratulations! Kai yells from the bedroom. So, you will move down in about a month? I can’t believe my first year of college is already over. It flew by so fast. Kai and I finally could move on from the Professor Hamilton ordeal, and our life was so much better for it. Yes, everything is packed and ready to go. Lauran says enthusiastically. After Lauran and I get off FaceTime, Kai and I walk down to this little ice cream shop down the block from our apartment. Then we take our cones down to the beach and watch the surfers. Today is one of Dakoda’s and the guy’s big days. Dakoda is a pro surfer now. She made the big leads a couple mo

  • Unspoken Truth   Prologue

    The Party Dakoda asked if I was enjoying myself. And yes, I am. I’m dancing with a hot guy right now. I mean, come on, he is the quarterback of the football team. Guys like Chad don’t normally look twice at girls like me. I’m a quietly shy girl. Unlike my twin sister, who is the life of the party. We may look just alike, but in ways she is so much prettier than I am. She carries herself differently than I could ever... with so much more confident than I have. But somehow Chad likes me. He’s so handsome and sweet. Most of the football players are such jerks to me because I’m so quiet and standoffish. I look over at my sister grinding on her long-time boyfriend Jax and smile at her.” Dakoda comes over to where Chad and I are dancing to let me know that she and Jax are going upstairs to have a little fun. “Are you going to be okay out here by yourself?” She asks me, and I give her a go to hell look because yes, I will be okay. I might be the shy, quiet kid, but in the arms o

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  • Unspoken Truth   41

    Stella, After we’re done eating with our parents, we all head into the living room to visit a little longer before we all head home for the night. “Stella, mom and dad have to talk to you about something. Could we go into the study right quick?” “Um- sure?” “Once in the study, dad closes the door, so the others can’t hear our conversation. Stella Professor Hamilton’s daughter reached out to us and would like to talk to you. She wants to apologize to you in person for what you endured. Are you up to talking to her, dad asks me? “NO!” I yell. I refuse to have any involvement with anyone associated with that monster. We are both able to sleep soundly through the night with no nightmares. I don’t care about her apology. Why didn’t they report him before he hurt someone else? I didn’t realize I was crying until Dad hugged me. “It’s okay baby girl, you do not have to do anything you are not comfortable doing.” “Mom and I will let her know it is not a good idea

  • Unspoken Truth   40

    Stella, I turn to her with tears in my eyes. “He- he can’t be here. He’s here Dakoda?” “Stell, look at me babe, it’s not him. Breathe for me.... that a girl just like that. Now look at him again, Stell.” So, I do, and she’s right. He’s younger than Professor Hamilton and his hair is a little longer. “Is she okay the Professor asks, coming up the stairs toward us?” “Yes, she will be fine,” Dakoda tells him, and I nod my head at him. After the class is over, the Professor asks me to stay and talk to him for a minute. I knew this was going to happen. I was just hoping not this soon. “Yes, Professor Douglas.” “Hey, Miss. Savage, do you want to explain to me what just happened up there at the being of the class?” “I don’t want to get into the specifics because it’s still difficult, but for a moment, you reminded me of someone who caused me pain. However, my sister helped me realize you are not that person. You have my word that it won’t ha

  • Unspoken Truth   39

    CollegeStella, “Today’s the big day, sister. Are you ready?” Dakoda asks me as I’m getting out of Kai’s car. Today we start our first day of big girl school, otherwise known as college. My sister asks me if I am ready. Truth I have no clue if I am are not. It has to be a better start than my senior year, right? I’m starting out in a good place. This goes around. I have a wonderful fiancé.... we live in a nice apartment right by the college. We could actually walk to classes if we wanted to. My sister is back doing the surfing tournaments with her guys again. And my parents are happier than they have been in over two years. Our brief vacation did us all some good. We all got a fresh look at life. I wrap my arm around my sister's shoulder. “Yes, I think I am. I have a good feeling about this year.” “Me too sister, me too.” “Hold up there, girlie.” Kai says, running up to me and giving me a big kiss. “Have a great day, baby. I will see you after classes.” “U

  • Unspoken Truth   38

    Kai, The next day we will make a day of adventure. I was having fun until a monkey stole my damn wallet. Oh, Stella thought, it was so damn funny. “You liked that, didn’t you I ask her?” walking up to where she was standing, she knows exactly what I was about to do? “Don’t you dare, Kai she squeaks at me and runs behind her dad.” “Oh, baby do you really think daddy will save you I ask her... raising one of my brows at her.” “I most certainly WILL- not Jim says bringing Stella right where I need her.” I give her my biggest playboy smile and charge her, throwing her right over my shoulders. “Kai, you put me down right this instant.” I do, but not before I slap her on her ass. “You dick she whispers.” “I got your dick.” I tell her, then remove her teeth from her bottom lip and reach down to give her a kiss. “I love you, baby.” I whisper over her lips, and she shivers. We do a few tasks before lunch, and afterwards the girls go for manicures an

  • Unspoken Truth   37

    Kai, “We have a day before we head out for vacation, and I want to propose to Stella on our vacation, so will you guys go with me and help me pick out the perfect ring? I need you mostly Dakoda because you know what she likes, and you... bozos can be my support team.” “Well, it’s about damn time.” Dakoda says, giving me a high five. “Yea... yea, let’s get this done before Stella gets off work. By the way, how did you get the day off?” “Told him I had a doctor’s appointment, but it wasn’t him I had to worry about. It was your girl. She wanted to know why I didn’t tell her and was determined she was going to go with me.” “Stubborn ass woman.” “You’re telling me,” Dakoda says. “Well, let’s hit the road.” The woman in the jewelry store eyed us nervously. But it’s funny once I throw money around. She perks right up, asking what she could do for us. I almost tell her she can kiss my ass and I will take my business elsewhere, but I remember there are no

  • Unspoken Truth   36

    Stella, We have arrived in the Bahamas. It’s beautiful down here. We rented a condo on the ocean, so all we had to do was walk right out our front door and be on the beach. Kai and I have one condo, mom and dad have another right beside us, and Dakoda and the boys have another condo right on the other side of mom and dad. We all agreed to meet up for dinner tonight in our parent’s condo. All the condos have kitchen nets in them so my parents insisted on cooking in most nights unless we are all out late doing fun stuff then we can eat out. So, we all head to our own condos to get showers and dressed for dinner tonight. When Kai and I step into our condo, we are both taken away by the view. “Holy shit baby, this is beautiful. Hawaii is pretty in its own way, but this place just has something about it that makes it so amazing,” Kai says. “It would be nice for a wedding, don’t you think?” What? A wedding? Why is Kai talking about weddings? Is he going to? Then I re

  • Unspoken Truth   35

    Kai, It’s graduation day for Stella and the gang. I haven’t seen her since the time she came to the hospital, so I want to surprise her today at her graduation. She hasn’t told me where she’s going to college yet, but the sky’s the limit with a full ride. That makes me so proud of her and wherever she goes to college, I will still be there with her. We will figure our relationship. “Kai bro, you ready?” Gage asks, coming into my apartment. Luckily, the apartment is on the first floor, so it helps to get in and out with the cane. I’ve done pretty good with the cane that the therapist says I will probably walk without it in a month are two. “Yea, let’s hit the road. Stella doesn’t know I’m coming, right?” “No, she still thinks you’re mad at her and never want to see her again. Gage snaps.” “Where are you going?” Gage asks. “My truck,” I tell him. “No, you’re not. You can’t drive, Gage says.” “The fuck I can’t. I say and move on to my truck and get in.”

  • Unspoken Truth   34

    Kai, “Hey, Kai Stella has called for the third time today. Would you like to call her back or should I keep telling her you’re still sleeping?” Gage asks me, and I know he’s getting aggravated at me, but I really don’t give a shit at this point. Gage doesn’t understand what’s going on right now. I’m really trying to work through all this shit, so I don’t take it out on my girl, because I know this shit isn’t on her. She never asked for her psycho teacher to have an effectuation with her. Then kidnap her not once but twice. She also didn’t ask me to run away from the guy trying to get to her and get shot in the back. No, she never asked for any of this, but I still in the back of my head blame her some, so I want to have a clear head when I see her again. “Just tell her I’m still asleep with Gage.” “Damn it, Kai, how long are you going to avoid her?” “Until I’m out of this fuckin’ bed. Is that what you want to hear, Gage. Just go back to your friends and girlfriend and

  • Unspoken Truth   33

    Stella, “Holy shit, she kicked ass with that speech Gage says.” “So, which one of you said you were going to be a surfer in the six grade I ask?” “That’d been me.... Korey says raising his hand, and we all laugh.” “Did you guys know we were going to get scholarships?” I ask the guys and Dakoda.... we haven’t been at the school for long and I have missed so much. I’m even surprised I graduated with you guy this year. “So, how did you guys pull it off I ask, looking at Korey, the ringleader of all things that gets done around here?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Stella. Contrary to what you believe, I don’t have that kind of pull.” I just give him the stink eye, then walk over to where Kai and my parents are waiting. “So, care bear, have you told Kai what college you are going to yet, or are you going to make the poor guy sweat it out a little while longer? Dad whispers in my ear when I give him a hug, and I just smile up at him.”

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