Dec. 17, 2017, 6 p.m.
Come Hell Or High Water: Week 19 - Rescue Mission
T - Words: 3,891 - Last Updated: Dec 17, 2017 Story: Closed - Chapters: 28/? - Created: Apr 29, 2015 - Updated: Apr 29, 2015 205 0 0 0 0
Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I meant to get this up before the new year but I got so busy! And I wanted to make sure this was written well being an important chapter in the plot. Theres more to come! Youll see some of Belles recovery process and more, but I cant say too much. ;) Ill have the next chapter up as soon as possible! Have a great start to 2016!
As the two police cars drove down the road, Blaine felt nauseous. He could barely keep his thoughts together. The only thing that felt real was Sams hand on his knee. Blaine was so grateful to have his best friend with him, since he couldnt have Kurt. He couldnt imagine facing this alone.
He thought about Kurt though. Blaine debated whether or not he should keep his husband updated. However, Kurt was already on edge before Blaine left. The less him and Rachel knew, the better.
"There he is," Officer Delano announced. "Hes getting into a cab."
"Kelly, do you really think hes going to lead us to Belle?" Sam asked.
"Hey, Im officially back on duty. We can go back to proper names," Officer Delano replied. "And no, I think hes just trying to get away. Theres a good chance he knows were on to him. Jill questioned too far."
"Pull it over," Officer Scott told her. He sat forward in his seat. "Hes not getting away. Lets just follow him and see where he goes."
They continued to drive for quite some time. Blaine hoped the cab driver wouldnt catch on that he was being followed. They soon left Manhattan and drove into the suburbs of New Jersey.
"This is where hes been hiding?" Officer Scott questioned.
Blaine watched as Tim climbed out of the cab and headed toward the house.
Before he reached the door, Officer Delano and Scott climbed out of the car. Guns raised, they hollered for him to stop.
"No!" Jill screamed. She jumped out of the second car with Officer Burns. "Please give him a chance. Please! Im begging you."
Sam and Blaine exchanged looks before climbing out of the car themselves. If Jill was going to do anything, she was going to cause a scene.
"Jill, stop! You dont know what youre doh g," Blaine rushed over and grabbed her arm. "Let them take care of this."
A harsh laugh echoed across the lawn. "Let go of my daughter, Blaine Anderson."
Out of the corner of his eye, Blaine saw Tim holding up his own gun, aiming it at him. The sight caused Blaine to immediately drop his grip on Jills arm before freezing.
"Hold your fire," Officer Burns called, aiming his own gun at Tim.
"Wheres the girl?" Officer Delano barked.
"Shes inside but youre not getting to her that easily. Go near that front door and Ill shoot her father," Tim warned, staring at Blaine with desire in his eyes. "Dont think I wont. After all, you killed my brother."
Blaines breath caught in his chest. What did that mean? What was he supposed to do? He was so close to his Belle. She was through that front door. The only thing stopping him from getting to her was paralyzing fear.
"Daddy,,why are you doing this?" Jill asked, a hint of distress in her voice. She had tears rolling down her cheeks. "Please dont do this."
"It doesnt matter why," Tim barked. "I was going o leave with you tonight. Forget the girl. I was just going to leave her here to fend for herself. Ive had enough. Doesnt that count for something?"
"Nice try," Officer Scott stepped forward. "Put the gun down and get on the ground."
Several things happened at once that left Blaine in a daze. Tim stepped toward Blaine. Officer Scott sent off his gun, aiming for Tims leg. He and Officer Burns charged forward. Officer Delano grabbed Blaines arm and told him to come with her. Jill rushed toward her father screaming in hysterics and Sam rushed after Blaine.
Whipping open the front door, Officer Delano, Blaine, and Sam rushed in. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. "Belle! Belle!" Blaine called. "Belle! Its daddy. Where are you?"
He rushed into the kitchen, while Sam ran for the stairs. There was no sign of her and panic began to settle in his mind. Where was she?
"The basement," Officer Delano called.
Blaine and Sam rushed to the basement door and flew down the stairs after her.
Tucked in the corner of the laundry room sat a thin girl with brown hair and familiar hazel eyes. The eyes were worn and the face was pale and bruised. The moment the eyes saw the three newcomers enter the room, they widened.
Blaine felt his heart skip a beat. "Belle!" he breathed in relief.
Officer Delano rushed to her side, removing the gag from her mouth and untying the ropes to release her from her chair.
"Daddy!" She cried in a weak voice, as Blaine rushed forward to embrace her. "I knew youd come for me." She sobbed into his shoulder. "I knew youd come for me."
Tears poured freely down Blaines cheeks, as he clung to his daughter tightly. "Im so sorry, Belle. Im so sorry this happened to you."
Blaine and Belle stayed in each others embrace for a long moment. She was all that mattered in that moment. Her touch, her smell, and the muffled sound of her sobs were comforting to him. He has his little girl.
When Officer Delano realized Blaine and Belle werent going to let each other go, she cleared her throat and said, "Im going to call for an ambulance. She needs a thorough checkup."
"Blaine," Sam tapped on his shoulder when he didnt respond to her comment. He never wanted to let go of his beautiful daughter.
Pulling back, Blaine gently cupped Belles bruised cheek and kissed her. "Im so sorry, my love," he whispered. "We did everything we could."
"I love you, daddy," she croaked, tears still rolling down her cheeks.
"I love you more than anything," Blaine replied. "Come on, lets get you home."
Blaine stood up and waited, as Sam stepped closer. "Hi, Belle," he said quietly.
"Oh Sammy!" Belle said, a fresh round of tears falling, as Sam embraced her.
Footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs, Blaine turned to face Officer Delano, "where do we go from here?"
"You can ride with Annabelle in the ambulance. Ill take Jill and Sam up to the nearest hospital to meet you there. Im sure the officers have Mr. Anderson ready to go."
"No need for the escort," Jills voice came from the entry to the laundry room. "This is all your fault," she snarled at Blaine.
"My fault? Your father kidnapped my daughter," Blaine replied. "I may have been irresponsible with watching Belle but Tim was the one that kidnapped her."
Jill pulled her arm out from behind her back to reveal her fathers gun. "I dont know what you did to make my father hate you but now I hate you for making him this crazy. He was just fine before you came into the picture."
"Jill, youre distraught, you dont know what youre saying," Sam said, picking up Belle.
"Hold your fire," Officer Delano ordered, arming herself.
Jill chuckled, "He needs to pay for what hes done." She pulled the trigger.
A searing pain enveloped across Blaines left shoulder. For a second, he saw Sam and Belles horrified expressions, before he collapsed and everything went dark.
Kurt and Rachel were cuddled on the couch staring at the television screen but neither of them had their mind on the movie.
Kurt hadnt heard from Blaine at all. It had been four hours since they left and there was no word on how things were going. He was so worried that he felt sick.
When Kurts phone rang and Sams name appeared on the screen, Kurt felt his heart sink. He had hoped it was Blaine. "Hey, whats going on?" Kurt asked.
"Kurt, how soon can you and Rachel catch a cab to New Jersey?" Sams voice sounded strained. "Is she still there with you?"
"I- I guess now," Kurt glanced at Rachel, who was watching him carefully. "Why are you in New Jersey?"
"Long story. Ill text you the address. Come as soon as you can, okay?" Sam said urgently.
"Sam, is Blaine okay? Do you know anything about Belle?" Kurt said desperately.
There was a slight pause. "Ill explain everything when you get here."
"Sam, what does that mean?" Kurt asked, his voice filling with panic.
"Go find a cab," Sam replied. The line clicked.
Kurt gaped at Rachel, who stared at him with wide eyes. "We have to go," Kurt informed her. "That was Sam. I think somethings wrong. He avoided my questions."
"He didnt say?" Rachel asked, climbing off the couch. "What makes you think somethings wrong?" she asked.
"Because Sam wouldnt tell me what was happening over the phone," Kurt said. "If its that serious, he doesnt want to worry me."
The cab drive seemed incredibly long. Kurt kept making up scenarios in his head of what happened. They might not have found Belle. Tim mightve figured out their plan. He mightve moved Belle farther from their grasp...
"Kurt, its a hospital," Rachels hand tugged at his sleeve, pulling him from a daze. "Come on, lets go see what happened."
Stomach turning, Kurt started thinking of worse situations. They found Belle and she was badly injured. They found Belle and she was unresponsive. Something, anything. The possibilities were endless.
"Kurt," Rachel said quietly.
"Lets go," he nodded, before paying the cab driver a good tip for the long trip.
"Itll be okay," Rachel said taking his hand and gently squeezing it.
They entered the hospital and Rachel sent Sam a text message announcing their arrival. A moment later, Sam appeared moving swiftly toward them. He embraced Rachel tightly, his eyes shifting in Kurts direction. There was worry in his eyes.
"Whats wrong?" Kurt asked.
"Come with me," Sam grabbed Rachels hand and led them through the ER doors. He led them down a hallway and into a room off the hall.
"Is Belle here?" Kurt asked.
"Im here," a small, weak voice replied from the bed across the room.
Kurt whirled around quickly, feeling his knee protest in pain at the movement but he didnt care. "Belle," he breathed at the sight of his daughter.
"Hi dad," she whispered from her bed. Her face was pale but she had a welcoming smile that melted Kurts heart.
"My Belle," Kurt moved forward. He sat down on her bed and embraced her in a gentle hug, careful not to harm her.
Belles body began to tremble as she began to cry. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, baby doll, more than you could imagine," Kurt whispered, feeling his own tears roll down his cheeks. "Im so sorry it took us so long to find you."
To this, Belle simply hugged him tighter. "Im just happy to have you again," she said.
"Im always going to be here," Kurt replied. He hugged his daughter for a long time. He dreamt of holding her for so long that he was afraid she would disappear if he let go. "Im never leaving your side for the rest of your life."
This made Belle chuckle, "Does that you mean youll go to school with me and everything?"
Kurt pulled back to look into his favorite hazel eyes. He wiped a tear off her cheek and said, "dont tempt me," he smiled weakly, brushing hair behind her ears. "Its just gonna take time to getting into a normal routine again."
"Especially now that you have to take care of daddy," Belle leaned back against her pillows. Her expression grew serious and she said, "Is he going to be okay?"
Stomach dropping, Kurt didnt know what she meant by that question. But Belle had been through so much that he didnt want to worry her. He ran his hand through her long tangled hair and smiled, "Of course. Hell be fine." He kissed her forehead, and rose from the bed. "Ill be back, okay? Im gonna go talk to Sam real quick."
"Is mom here?" Belle asked.
Stopping in his tracks, Kurt watched her hopeful expression carefully. She wasnt ready for that bombshell yet. She had been through too much already." She should be here soon," he lied. "Ill be right back sweetie. I love you."
"I love you too," Belle replied.
Kurt went out into the hallway, where Rachel and Sam stood. He saw tears in Rachels eyes, as Sam held her close to his chest. Rachel gave a weak smile when she saw him and said, "she really loves you, you know?"
"Why didnt you tell her Rachel was here?" Sam said, a confused look on his face.
Sighing, Kurt said, "Im sorry. I wanted to. I just dont know that shes... ready to find out about the baby yet. Shes already dealing with so much ."
"Especially what happened today," Sam said guiltily, "I guess I dont blame you."
"What happened today?" Kurt said. "Why is she here? Whats wrong with her?"
Hesitating, Sam shrugged, "They just wanted to check her over because they didnt know what was wrong with her but she seems to be doing okay. I havent been told much because Im not family."
"Well, wheres Blaine?" Kurt said, his voice cracking. "Why isnt he here? Why did Belle say Id have to take care of him? Whats wrong?"
Biting his lip, Sam said, "Blaines in surgery right now but he should be done soon. I dont know too much because they couldnt give me information on him either."
Feeling like he might faint, Kurt gripped the bar on the wall next to him and said, "Sam, how was rescuing my daughter that complicated? Why is Blaine in surgery?"
"Why dont we go sit down in the waiting room and talk. I better explain what happened," Sam said, leading him away from Belles door.
In the silent hospital room, Kurt stared at the darkened ceiling with his mind racing. So much had happened in one day that he couldnt wrap his mind around it.
Sam had told him about Jills meltdown. How she was so distraught that she fired the gun at Blaine, panicked, and insisted that it was an accident. Sam rode with Belle to the hospital and she cried the whole way, afraid she had lost her dad. Once Blaines surgery ended, and more than an hour of endless worry on Kurts part, he was taken to a room. He had barely stayed awake through the process in recovery and the doctors assured Kurt he would sleep the rest of the night.
Knowing this, and kissing an unconscious Blaine goodnight, Kurt spent the rest of the evening in Belles room, while Sam took Rachel to a hotel for the night.
It was now three in the morning and Belle slept in Kurts arms. When she decided to sleep, she gave Kurt a saddened look and asked, "Please stay with me. Im scared to be alone."
Kurt couldnt refuse.
He couldnt sleep. He was worried about Blaine. He was worried about the situation with Rachel. Mostly, he was worried about Belle. Her body wasnt too damaged but she was underfed and dehydrated. Her mental health was a bigger issue. She fidgeted and groaned in her sleep. She woke more than once with a start, only to have Kurt stroke her hair and quietly remind her that he was there and she was safe.
The worst was yet to come. Around three thirty, Belle started screaming in her sleep. She clutched Kurts hand tightly, as she began thrashing around.
"Belle, Belle," Kurt held her tighter. "Honey, shh, its okay. Im right here."
Her screams turned into sobs and she buried her face in Kurts chest. Kurt pulled Belle close to his body and rubbed her back soothingly. "Dad, dont leave me," she cried.
"I wont leave you. Im right here. I promise," Kurt kissed the top of her head. "Its okay, sweetie. Ive got you." Kurt didnt know how long he held her before her sobs subsided and her breathing became more even, but in time she calmed down. "Are you okay?" Kurt finally asked.
"I had a bad dream. I get them a lot," Belle repositioned so she could look at him. Her eyes were red from crying. "I was really scared there."
This was the first she mentioned anything about her situation all night. Kurt didnt want to push it but he was anxious to hear about what she went through. "Youre not still scared, are you? Belle, I promise hes never going to hurt you again."
"I just want you," Belle curled in close to his side as tears formed in her eyes. "I want daddy, mommy, and Sam. I didnt know if Id ever see you again and that scared me a lot."
"Sweetie, I am so sorry you had to go through that," Kurt said quietly. "We did everything we could to get you back. We were scared too. Youre our Belle and we love you so much."
"I know but it was still scary. I didnt see you for a long time," Belle replied.
"Is that why you have bad dreams? Or was it something that happened while you were there that scares you at night?" Kurt asked.
Belle was silent for a moment. When she spoke, her voice was more quiet than before. "I dont know. I guess both."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Kurt asked.
"No. I think I just want to sleep. Im so tired," she replied.
"Okay, angel, get some sleep. Im right here if you need me," Kurt kissed the top of her head once more. "I love you so much, Belle. Im really happy that we found you" .
"Me too," Belle replied. Within minutes, she was asleep again. She didnt seem quite as fidgety this time but she did remain as close to Kurt as she possibly could.
He didnt mind though. After being separated from his daughter for months, Kurt was so grateful at the chance to hold her in his arms.
A distant sound of beeping filled his quiet mind some time before Blaines senses came back to him. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself staring at a white ceiling. He felt a gentle motion move across his hand repeatedly.
"Blaine?" a soft, angelic voice sang into his ear. "Sweetie, can you hear me?"
He tried to open his mouth and felt how dry his throat was, "Thirsty," he whispered.
"Here, have some ice chips," a chair shifted and a moment later something cold and wet slid down his sore throat.
"Kurt," Blaine mumbled.
Kurts soft hand touched his and once again stroked the back of his hand with his thumb. "Im right here, baby. Im not going anywhere."
"Belle?" he questioned.
"Shes okay. Sams with her," Kurt said quietly. "Youve been sleeping for a long time. Youve been on a lot of medication since youre surgery and youve been in and out since yesterday."
"Yesterday," Blaine said. He was beginning to feel the memories coming back. He must have been so out of it, the last thing he even remembered was being in that cold basement.
"Ive been here all night with Belle. They kept her overnight for observation and let me stay. I couldnt leave her side but shes okay. I think shes just emotionally unstable. I slept with her and she had nightmares," he explained.
"I want to see her," Blaine said.
"You will, once youre ready. I just didnt want her to see you like this. Shes already so scarred," Kurt leaned forward, running his hand through Blaines messy curls.
"She saw me get shot," Blaine looked into Kurts saddened blue eyes. "Thats why I had the surgery, wasnt it?"
Kurt nodded, "It damaged some tissue that they had to fix but youre going to be okay." He met Blaines lips with his and kissed him for a long moment. When he pulled back, tears ran down his cheeks and he choked out, "Im just so grateful that I didnt lose you too. When Sam told me what happened, I was really scared. I hate the thought of you in pain, of your life being at risk. I cant lose you."
"Youre never going to lose me," Blaine said.
"I dont know. After losing Belle and nearly losing you to get her back, Im not sure I can handle ever letting either of you out of my sight ever again," Kurt said.
"The feelings mutual," Blaine said sadly. "But I think everythings going to work out in the end."
"How do you know?" Kurt said wearily.
"Blaine gave a soft smile, "because this family was made to overcome anything."
Kurt smiled sadly, "yeah but we still have a long way to go."
Belle and Blaine were released from the hospital two days later. With instructions on how to handle his shoulder, Blaine was told to take it easy for a little while. Belle had been kept due to being dehydrated, as well as underfed. She complained of being dizzy and they kept her for observation. They were also told to be cautious about her diet.
Kurt hadnt left the hospital in that time. Belle and Blaine were given a room to share, despite their different reasons for being there. The staff felt so sad for their situation that they didnt see reason to keep the family apart.
Belle had nightmares every night, keeping Kurt up at night. He worried about her mental state. She had been quiet since her arrival at the hospital. During the day, she spent most of her time either sleeping, coloring, or simply staring at the wall. She didnt say much and often just wanted to sit with Kurt or crawl into bed with Blaine.
"Whos ready to go home?" nurse Abby asked, late that afternoon, upon entering the room. "I have some release papers for you to sign for me."
"I think were more than ready," Blaine mumbled, more than ready to go home. "I just want things to go back to normal."
"That might take some time," Abby smiled sadly. "With your shoulder bandaged and in a sling and Annabelle needing close care, I have a feeling Mr. Hummel will be busy for a while."
Blaine and Belle were wheeled down to the front doors, where Sam waited with a car. He agreed to pick them up to make things easier for Kurt.
"Mom didnt come with you?" Belle asked, once she was in the car. "I really wanted to see her. I havent seen her yet."
Kurt and Sam exchanged looks. They had agreed that Belle needed to be settled at home first before they got the news about the baby. Rachel was now showing too much to hide it. "Im sorry, B. Moms not feeling well. I think she came down with a bug. She wanted to come."
"Okay," Belle said sadly.
The car ride was long. Blaine sat in the back next to Belle and held her hand the entire way. Everyone was quiet, lost in thought. It would be a while before any of them could heal.
They pulled up in front of their home and Sam opened the door for Blaine. He climbed out of the car and Belle had his free hand almost immediately. Her little hand was cold but comforting to him. Blaine led her through the front door and glanced down at her.
"Im home," she whispered. Tears forming in her eyes. "I cant believe Im actually home." She wrapped her arms around Blaines waist and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shirt.
After a moment, she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her bedroom door. She walked in and began feeling the items along her dresser. She then walked over to the picture of her family on the night stand and stared at it for a long moment.
Kurt walked over and sat on the bed next to her. "This is the first time Ive felt comfortable being in this room for months."
"Me too," Blaine sat down next to him and placed his hand on Kurts thigh.
Belle climbed on to Kurts lap, and he hugged her. "Im really glad you found me."
Kurt kissed her cheek and whispered, "Welcome home, Belle."