Sudden Hope (19 page)

Danny jumps to his feet and steps in front of me. He reaches behind him and holds my hands. I do not know if it is a loving gesture or if he is doing it to calm me down, either way it feels nice.

“CC wasn't here. She does not know what happened. You can talk to me.” He is so concerned and protective at the same time.

“Okay Danny, why don't you tell me what happened?” I don't really think it is a question
, although it is asked.

Danny starts by explaining to Det. Abernathy that they knew my mom and Ryan would not be home, but they knew exactly where to go. They only came over here just to find them, but once Ryan saw them, he started laughing at them. Saying things like, 'How's the bitch?' He still had the ring on his finger. Anthony could not handle it anymore and snapped. He lost all control. He started yelling at Ryan and Ryan swung at him. Ryan shoved Chris and Chris hit the wall. Anthony and Chris only retaliated out of self-defense. After that, a lot of it was a blur. Everything was happening so fast.

Jenny walked over by this time. She is calmer than she was a few minutes ago. She starts telling her side of the story about my mother. My mom saw the boys and Ryan fighting and started running towards them. Jenny said she had enough and could not control herself. She looked at me with tears in her eyes.

“The woman had it coming and I wish I would have done it sooner.”

Det. Abernathy looks at Jenny and shakes his head. “Jenny, did Donna hit you?”

“Nope, she got a hold of my hair a few times
, but I would never let her touch me.” Jenny is proud, but I can tell by the look on Det. Abernathy's face he is not happy.

“Jenny,” he said with a bleak tone. “I have to arrest you.”

“What?” I scream. “You can't!” I grab Jenny and hug her as tight as I can.

Jenny looks at me with a smile on her lips. “CC, it's okay. I knew what I was doing. Don't worry.”

At that moment, I see them. The reason everything is going to be fine. Her parents are standing behind me. Danny's mom is behind her. Chris's parents and Anthony's are pulling in. Everyone is here and as long as we are together, everything will be all right. I smile like I never have before.

Jenny smiles back and whispers to me
, “Don't worry, Anthony's dad is the best lawyer in town.” She winks as she puts her hands behind her back. “And besides, look CC, everyone is on our side.”

I watch as the police read her
her rights. They put her in the back of a police car and drive off. Jenny's parents are talking to Anthony's dad. Then they come over to me. I am expecting the worst. I mean it is my fault that their daughter is on her way to jail.

“Celeste, we want you to know that this is not your fault
,” Jenny's mom says. It is as if she is reading my mind and it is just what I need to hear. “Don't worry, Hun, she will be home before dinner.” She hugs me and they walk to their car.

Danny taps me on the shoulder. “Look baby.”

He points at Ryan. I drop to the ground and start crying. This time though they are not sad tears. They are tears that have been built up since the day Det. Abernathy told me my dad died. Tears of relief come pouring down my cheeks. They are handcuffing Ryan and my mother. It truly is over.

Danny sits down beside me and wraps his arms around me. He says nothing, he just holds me. I have never felt so safe and secure as I do at this moment. It is a moment that will stay with me forever. The day hope becomes reality and the day I know it really was
true, all you need is that sudden hope!

Epilogue

"Hey, baby, what’s for dinner?" he asks with a smile as he kisses my forehead.

"Pasta
, baby. What else on a Sunday?" I flash a grin that was only ever meant for him. He walks towards our bedroom as he signals for me to follow.

The house is everything I have imagined it would be, bright and cheerful. Just the way it was when dad was alive. It is my home and now it is Danny’s too. I smile at just the thought of knowing no one can ever take it from me. I am officially eight-teen.

The phone rings and Jenny's number pops up on the caller id.

"I'll be there in a moment
, doll." I watch as he turns to go up the stairs. That boy is also mine and no one can take him from me either.

"Hello,
Chickie." I giggle as I answer.

"CC, Lea is in trouble we need you
," there is panic in her voice.

"Okay come over right now." It is not even a thought. Jenny and Lea have done so much for me. They are so much more than friends they are sisters.

"We will be there in a few. Sorry, CC." Something is terribly wrong Jenny never needs a reason to come over, let alone apologize for coming. She is always over and probation is ending soon. We are planning a Jenny's release party. Three months’ probation for assault on my mother. Jenny would have gladly done more.

I hang up and get Danny. Whatever it is, I have a feeling it is going to be bad.

Jenny comes crashing through the door with Lea in tow. Lea is crying and looks scared.

"Where’s Anthony?" Danny looks concerned that Anthony is not there.

"I don’t know, Danny, he left the second I told him." She is crying harder than I have ever seen her cry before.

"Told him what Lea?"

"I'm pregnant."

Acknowledgments

There are so many people I wish to thank that I cannot tell you where I should begin. To the many Authors, bloggers, Face Book Page holders and friends that have supported me I thank you.

You have been my hope in all of this.

Ben Daniels I thank you most! You were and always have been there for me. Always believed in me. For keeping me from falling and picking me up when I was down.

Cameo Renae, Tabatha Vargo, Jessica Park, and Rebecca Donovan. You were my inspirations. The ones who kept me believing in myself.

Crystal Rister, and Naomi Hopkins you guys are the best and an extra thank you for putting up with me and dealing with my late night rants. For making me smile when I thought I could not.

Airicka Phoenix thank you for making me the most beautiful cover I could have ever dreamed of!

Brittany Gallegos, Jamie Hutchinson, and Jacquelynn Gagne for helping me through all of this.

Simone Campbell for making everything look so pretty.

Derinda Love for having the biggest heart I know.

Cassie Chavez, Mayra Arellano for making me the most beautiful 'SWAG' for my book!

Paige Bleu and Kristin Mckittrick for being my besties. Love you Girls!

Jenn Pringle Thank you for always saying everything I want to say and not being afraid to say it.

Amanda Heath, Jamie Gibson, James Fuller, Jessie Gibson, Bree Vanderland, Pamela Scott, Christina Mobley, and thank you for being you!

Finally yet importantly, I want to thank my Sudden Hope Street Team for supporting me in every way.