Page 9 of Finders Keepers

Back inside I grab our bags and we work together to put our clothes in the bedroom dresser, Sophie insisting on having a place for Mr. Hoppy on her side of the bed.

“Time for a nap?” I ask as I see her yawn.

She shakes her head stubbornly. “Not sleepy yet.”

“How about we just lay down for a little bit? Mommy’s tired too.” This works because she never wants me to be tired or sad and just as fast, she’s curled up against me, Mr. Hoppy tucked under her arm, and I rub her back in a soothing motion. Her breathing evening out into the gentle rhythm of sleep in no time. The queen-sized bed we’re laying on is a cloud and our bodies sink into the mattress. The light blue comforter is so soft, and the pillows are plush. I’ve never been on something so comfortable in my entire life. Matt liked our mattress firm so when we went mattress shopping a year ago, he demanded that we get the one he wanted since he was the one who worked and needed to be able to sleep comfortably and I would just have to get used to it. I close my eyes as I continue rubbing her back trying to push all thoughts of Matt out of my mind.

I wake nearly an hour later based on the bedside clock, stealing a glance at Sophie to make sure she’s soundly asleep before sliding away from her.

I ease myself out of bed, careful not to disturb Sophie. My body feels rested from the nap, but my mind won’t quiet down. The anxiety buzzes like static electricity under my skin, making my fingers twitch and my heart beat faster than it should.

Standing by the window, I peek through the curtains at the back of Ms. Lucy’s house. What if this is all too good to be true? What if Matt somehow tracks us down here? What if Ms. Lucy changes her mind about letting us stay? What if Matt hurts her for helping us?

“Stop it,” I whisper to myself, pressing my palm against my forehead. “Just breathe.”

I take in the tiny house again—our temporary sanctuary. The sunlight streams through the window, casting warm patches on the wooden floor and I notice there’s a small bookshelf with a few paperbacks in the corner.

I check my burner phone that I silenced last night and notice five missed calls and a few texts from my best friend Emma. She’s the only person who I gave my new number. My finger hovers over her contact and press call as I slip out of the bedroom.

Emma answers on the first ring. “Bailey! Oh my god, where are you? Are you okay? Is Sophie okay?”

“We’re safe,” I whisper, keeping my voice down as I move toward the kitchenette. “That’s all I can really say right now.”

“I’ve been worried sick! You just disappeared and—”

“I know, Em. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner. We just needed to get away.”

I hear her take a deep breath. “He’s furious, B. Like, I’ve never seen him this angry.”

My stomach twists. “What’s he doing?”

“He’s telling everyone you took Sophie without permission, that you’re unstable. He’s got his friends looking for your car. The whole town’s talking.”

Of course they are. In our small Oklahoma town, gossip spreads faster than wildfire. I can picture it all—the whispers at the grocery store, the concerned looks, everyone taking Matt’s side because he’s always been so “charming” in public.

“He went to Lisa’s house looking for you,” she continues. “When she said she hadn’t heard from you, he nearly put his fist through her wall.”

I close my eyes, guilt washing over me. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. Just shaken up. Bailey, he’s not going to stop looking.”

“I know.” It wasn’t like him to let anything go. Especially not me. In Matt’s mind, I was his possession, something he owned rather than someone he loved. The thought makes my skin crawl.

“Where are you staying? Do you need money? I can—”

“No details, Em. The less you know, the better. For all of us.” I run my fingers along the edge of the counter. “We have somewhere safe. Food, shelter. We’ll be okay.”

“Promise you’ll keep in touch? Just so I know you’re alive?”

“I promise.”

A small sound from the bedroom catches my attention. “I have to go. Sophie’s waking up.”

“Take care of yourself, B.”

“You too.”

I end the call just as Sophie appears in the doorway, rubbing her eyes, Mr. Hoppy dangling from her hand.

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