Page 5 of Hayes
“Yes, sir.”
“What about you, Marilisa?” asked Hex. “What would you like to learn?”
“I want to learn to sew like Miss Gwen so that I can always sew my own clothes,” she said quietly. Hex nodded, chuckling at the sweet girl.
“I believe I can make that happen for you,” he smiled. “Miss Gwen is my wife. She makes beautiful clothing, and I know she’d love for you to work with her.”
“I just want to learn to sew my own clothes,” she said. Hex frowned, looking toward Victoria and Hayes for guidance again.
“She was three when she arrived at the school. Her parents dropped her off with only a pair of underwear on her body. No clothing. She’s never had anything that was just hers. It was always hand-me-downs.”
“Well, from now on, you will learn to create your own clothing with Miss Gwen. I know that Ashley and Trevor would love to take you shopping for your own things.”
“My very own?” she asked, looking back at Trevor.
“Your very own,” said Trevor, lifting the little girl in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing until he coughed with laughter.
“Monroe? What about you, son?” asked Cam.
“Um, well, I like what I study. I like math, computers, and the other stuff. Jax and Ellie are teaching me really cool stuff, including art. But I’d like to work with the animals too. Can I work out there a few days a week? The dogs are amazing.” Sniff smiled at the boy.
“I think we can make that happen as long as Jax is okay with it,” said Sniff.
“I’m okay with it,” smiled Jax. “In fact, I think I’ll come with you and learn more about the dogs myself.”
“Cool. By the way, I love the ghosts, and I’ve learned a lot already from Tony, Nathan, Franklin, and Yori. Grip is super cool. He’s kind of big and gruff, but he knows stuff, and he’s always got funny stories. He woulda’ made a good dad. Just so you know, it’s psychokinetic energy that causes the ghosts to appear. It’s very cool and very strong here. I think they’re here for a reason. Just thought you should know.”
“Well, I think we have our curriculum rounded out,” smirked Luke.
It changed all of their worlds forever. The children thrived, growing strong, independent, healthy, and happy.
Except Victoria still had one fear she could not overcome. One that might take from her the only thing she ever truly desired.
CHAPTER THREE
“I don’t understand, Hayes. Why would you join the Navy? You have four college degrees, a job at G.R.I.P., and endless possibilities here. Why do this now?” she asked.
“I admire these men and what they’ve done, Victoria. I want to prove I’m more than just my brains. I want to feel useful.”
“Don’t you feel useful here? Now?” she asked.
“I do. But I know there’s more for me,” he said, holding her hand in the gardens. “I know it’s not for you, Victoria, but I want to see what else is out there. I want to see the world, other places, cultures, all of it.”
“What if they take you again? What if they take me?”
“Victoria, the men here have all told you that they wouldn’t allow that to happen. No one is looking for us any longer. All those people are gone. Please, think about it. You could move near base and work from home, or you could keep going to school for your additional PhD.”
“I don’t know, Hayes. I just don’t feel safe leaving here. I just know the minute I step off the property, someone will take me again.”
“Nothing I say will change your mind, Victoria. But you have to get over this. You need to speak with Bree, Ashley, and Calla. You’ll be stuck here for the rest of your life if you don’t.”
It infuriated Victoria that Hayes thought he had it all figured out.
“You know what, Hayes? I don’t need you to tell me I’m going to be ‘stuck’ here. I don’t consider being here being stuck. I’m grateful to have a home and a family, and a place to workthat I love going to. I’m not afraid of someone taking me from this property, and I know that I’m safe. Here. I’m safe here, Hayes. Not out there.”
“You know I didn’t mean it that way,” he said, frowning. She pulled her hand from his and stood, staring down at him.
“In case you’ve missed it, Hayes. I’ve been seeing Bree and Ashley since the day we arrived. I go twice a week, sometimes more. Maybe it’s you that needs to talk to them so you can learn a little about managing other people’s emotions.”
