An American Love Story by C. S. Moore Page A

form of light now warmed her hand. She gently placed the ball into the girl’s small palm, letting her soak up its unique warmth. “I’ll be here with you. No one can hurt you as long as I’m here,” she assured her.
    â€œIf I fight, he hurts me. He’ll hurt you too. I’m scared, Amanda. You should leave before you can’t. Once he took me I never could leave,” Kaedin said, letting the ball of light fade.
    Abducted? Too many times scenes like these weren’t abductions, but the child’s own family.
    â€œHe took you?” she asked.
    Kaedin nodded, then wiped her eyes.
    â€œWell, you weren’t his to take, let’s go tell him so.”
    Her small hands covered her face, and she shook her head furiously.
    â€œYou’re special and pretty and strong. Let me hear you say that,” Amanda said.
    Kaedin obediently uncovered her tear streaked face. “I’m special and pretty and I am strong,” she repeated doubtfully.
    â€œPeople love me,” Amanda prompted.
    When Kaedin didn’t repeat the words, Amanda looked over at her and cleared her throat. This made the child attempt a smile, though her face didn’t seem used to the action.
    â€œPeople love me,” Kaedin repeated.
    Amanda reached over and squeezed her small hand. “I love you,” Amanda said with meaning.
    â€œI love you,” Kaedin quickly said, making Amanda smile.
    â€œNo, you don’t have to repeat anymore,” she said.
    â€œI wasn’t repeating. I just love you. Ever since you walked through that wall, I’ve felt safe. Like maybe, he can’t hurt me anymore. I never felt that way before,” the child said, looking up to her, though she couldn’t see.
    â€œAre you okay to stand up?” Amanda asked.
    Kaedin jutted out her chin as if it were a rude question. “Of course I can stand up.” She squirmed off the bed quickly and stood next to Amanda. “Now what?”
    â€œYou tell me. You’re the boss here. What is it you want to do?” Amanda asked.
    Kaedin thought for a moment. “Well I always wanted to scream just as loud as I could and not stop until I’m just too tired to keep on screaming,” Kaedin said in a rush.
    â€œOkay let’s do it together,” Amanda said, drawing in a breath.
    â€œNo! No, no. Frank will hear and he’ll come get us,” the spirit said frightfully.
    Amanda closed her eyes and searched the Scar. She could feel Frank. He was strong, because Kaedin’s memories of him were so powerful, but she was more resilient than the mirage. He wouldn’t be able to overpower her. She was so much tougher now, compared to when her first Scar had taken her. Of course, she had been barely more than a baby then.
    Amanda concentrated harder and could feel the physical presence of the Demon hiding in shadows throughout the house. She opened her eyes and noticed her silence had frightened Kaedin.
    â€œIt’s all right, I’m stronger than Frank. Remember, I have magic,” Amanda said.
    â€œYou’ll stop him from hurting me, right?” Kaedin asked grabbing hold of her hand.
    â€œRight, Frank isn’t stronger than the love I have for you,” Amanda told her.
    Amanda knew Kaedin could feel her love, something the small child hadn’t experienced in some time. So, she took in a deep gulp of air and started screaming at the top of her lungs, holding nothing back.
    Immediately, Frank was at the other side of the door. “You stop that. Stop it, or I’ll get the bat again!” he shouted.
    He was fierce, but she kept him out of the room easily enough. The tormented spirit paused for a moment at his threat, and Amanda squeezed her hand in encouragement. Kaedin smiled at her and started shouting words that she had given her.
    â€œI am special, I am strong!” she screamed.
    Amanda could already see the change. She also sensed the Leach Demon growing