Lost and Found (A Novel) by Kathy Adams Page A

fact, still invisible to him. It wasn’t so much the words he used but the way he leered at her as he spoke made her cringed in disgust. She inched herself further backwards, leaning away from him. She did not know why but her instincts told her to put as much space between her and her father.
     
    “You know what to do kiddo. When the time is right.” Mr. Price gave a crooked smile and winked at Hayley before sauntering out of the kitchen.
     
    Hayley slid down to the floor, shocked beyond believe. She did not know what her father expected her to do but the look on his face was something she would rather not see again. The way his eyes roamed over her from head to toe and the way his lips sneered at her, they made her shuddered. She knew now that both her parents hated her. While she dreaded the cold harsh look of her mother, she would rather be faced with it than the look of her father that gripped her with fear. It was evil personified. It made her wonder when her life would get better. If it would ever get better.
     
     
     
     
    Hayley brushed her fringed down to hide the band-aid that covered the gash on her forehead. Judd was already at their bench, bent over something. Her face brightened slightly at the sight of her only friend.
     
    “Hey.” Hayley said softly, stopping just beside Judd.
     
    Judd looked up and his eyes lit up with excitement. “Hey, I thought you had gone overseas again.” His forehead creased slightly when Hayley winced at his words. “Are you alright?”
     
    “Yeah, I’m alright. But I can’t stay long. I promised my mother that I would be back early today.” It was not really a lie. She had been told not to be late for dinner again and the only way was not to stay at the park.
     
    “Oh, I see.” Judd’s face fell slightly before he quickly masked it with a smile. “Before you go, I would like to give you something.”
     
    Hayley watched with curiosity as Judd turned back to pick up a long rectangular black box. He grinned excitedly as he held out the box towards Hayley who took it hesitantly.
     
    “What is it?”
     
    “Why don’t you see it for yourself?”
     
    Hayley opened the lid cautiously and sucked in her breath. Her mouth fell open as she took in the sight of the beautiful kite. “Oh Judd...” Her voice trailed off as her fingers ran over the smooth sheet. “You shouldn’t have.” Judd shrugged his shoulders, still beaming happily. Hayley had never received any presents before. This was the first time and it was something she could not accept. How was she ever going to hide this huge thing in her room? Her mother would only tear it apart and she could not bear for that to happen.
     
    “It’s really sweet of you but I can’t accept it.” Her eyes gave the kite one last longing look before she closed the lid resolutely.
     
    “Why not?” Judd frowned.
    “It’s too much.” She said simply, not wanting to disappoint him.
     
    “Oh don’t worry about it. I know you like flying it. I have another one of my own at home. This is yours. We can fly our kites together sometime.” Judd gave her another one of his dazzling smile, making her smile in return.
     
    “Yeah, I would love that but my mother doesn’t like me accepting gifts from people.”
     
    “But it’s just a kite.”
     
    “Even then...” Hayley’s voice trailed off, not knowing how else to turn him down. “How about if I accept it but you keep it for me?” Hayley asked as the thought entered her head. It was the only option she had. Judd seemed to ponder this for a moment as his expression turned thoughtful.
     
    “What good would that do? You won’t be able to use it if it is with me.” The frown was back on his face.
     
    “I will be able to use it but I will need to trouble you to bring it to me whenever we are flying our kites.” Hayley smiled earnestly, hoping that it would appease Judd.
     
    “I suppose that will do then.” Judd finally conceded. At least the kite was now