Chapter Twenty Five- The Show Must Go On

“You know that we will never be free.” 
Josh looked up at me, relaxing when I exited my bedroom the next morning and these words escaped my mouth. Josh stood up, stepping towards me.
“It’s great that you’re up… I was really worried.” He said, holding me tightly. I sighed. It felt to be with him and all… but he wasn’t listening to me. I held his shoulders silently, staring up into his eyes intently.
“Josh. You aren’t listening to me.” I stated. Josh nodded, reaching out for me again.
“I am, I am babe.” He protested. I raised an eyebrow, my arms folding across my chest.
“What did I just say?” I asked. Josh sighed.
“Okay… I’m sorry. I was just really worried about you…” He said quietly. I nodded.
“I know… I’m sorry too. But I want you to realize this. We will never be free.” I stated. Josh stared at me, his natural blue eyes searching mine. He sighed, sitting down.
“I’ve realized that already. We’re always going to be hunted. After all, we’re Talkings. Were the most sought out species of them all because of what we can do. Together” He said, then pulled me into his lap, “But I don’t care if we’re always going to be hunted. I love you. And if that means waking up every morning in fear that there’s going to be a knife at my throat then fine. Bring it.”
I sighed, pulling away from him. I held my head in my hands as I felt the pain of what needed to be done stinging at my heart. I turned back up to face him.
“But… I do care. I don’t want you to wake up every morning in fear that there’s going to be a knife at your throat… if we’re apart… then our scent is weaker and almost unrecognizable. If we’re apart-” I started, but Josh was soon in front of me, his finger to my lips.
“If we’re apart then I’ll kill myself” He said, a bit too chipper. I stared at him, shaking my head as tears began stinging my eyes.
“Josh! I’m serious! I don’t want you to be hurt. I want you to be free! And if that means I have to leave to allow you that freedom, then so be it!” I shouted. Josh sighed, his face looking pained.
“You know what? I’m serious too. I’m serious when I say I’ll hunt you forever if you leave!” He shouted back at me. I shook my head, turning away.
“I’m sorry Josh. But don’t look for me anymore…” I muttered, exiting the room. I felt Josh reach out for me, but I just took off down the hallway of the apartment building. I ran out to the street, stopping at the bus station. I sighed, looking down at my outfit. I was still in my dress from the previous night. It then dawned on me that I had no way of getting home. Suddenly a car pulled out in front of me. Brendon poked his head out the window as he honked the horn.
“Hey, you need a ride?” He asked. I nodded, climbing into the car. Brendon looked at me, a look of concern crossing his face.
“You wanna go home?” He asked. I froze then burst out into tears as I nodded. Brendon quickly pulled out, driving back towards Delta. He knew where I wanted to go. My home. My real home. He never said a word and I was thankful for that. He just let me sit there and cry in his car. We suddenly pulled into the snow covered driveway. Brendon looked over at me, holding me tightly.
“Hey. If you need anything, you know where to find me.” Brendon stated. I nodded calmly, wiping my eyes.
“Thank you Brendon… Merry Christmas…” I said, my voice soft. Brendon nodded.
“Merry Christmas, Taya.” He said, kissing the top of my head. I let go of him, slipping out onto the driveway. I glanced back at that car, staring at Brendon one more time before entering my house. I sighed, ordering my glamour back on. I knocked on the door quietly. I heard footsteps, then stared forward as the door opened. My mom stared at me in disbelief. I smiled calmly.
“Hi mom.” I said gently. My mom stepped forward, still in shock.
“A- You- I-” She stammered, then held me tightly. I hugged her back, feeling my tears fall down my cheeks again. It felt so good to be in her arms again. She pulled me inside slowly.
“So… why did you leave?” She asked. I shook my head.
“Well, to be honest, I was kidnapped at first… but then I realized that my kidnappers had a different side to them and… I don’t know… I guess I wanted to change them… And I did, all except the leader…” I stated, thinking back to Ryan. He was still out there… I smiled as my mom glared at me.
“Never do that again, okay?” She asked. I nodded.
“I’m sorry… but… I’m also, kind of… I’m kind of happier now… I’ve grown up a bit more mom.” I stated. She nodded calmly.
“But helping criminals is not the way I was hoping you’d grow up” She stated. I nodded, laughing a bit.
“I know. I didn’t expect it either… by the way, what day is it?” I asked. My mom stared at me, confused.
“You don’t know the date?” She asked. I nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve kind of been without a calendar for the past few weeks.” I stated. My mom smiled.
“It’s the twenty-fourth, sweetie.” She stated. I stared at her in awe. I had been returned to my home on Christmas eve… I smiled happily, then kissed her on the cheek. I felt so happy now. My mom sighed, staring upstairs.
“Anyways, I’d better go tell your step dad the good news… and your dad… and everyone for that matter. And you know you have to go in for an interview with the police?” She asked. I nodded.
“I know mom.” I said calmly.