I steer her toward the kitchen, and we get to work, packing and preparing extra in case we find more people who need help other than Amy and Ainsley. There won’t be a lot of space in the truck, but I won’t be the only person on the road. We can fit all four of us inside and probably another adult. Anyone else will be added to the list I’ll send Storm.
He’s decided to be the dispatcher for our little rescue mission.
By the time we’re on the road, it’s dark and treacherous out. The truck slides even with chains on the tires. It takes over an hour to reach Amy’s place.
Noelle is bouncing in her seat, still anxious because she hasn’t been able to get through to her sister. Once I’m parked in the driveway, Noelle tries to hop out.
“Babe, you need to wait. Remember how icy it is. Wait for me and go slow.”
She nods, nibbling on her lip as she inches the door open.
I get to her easily enough, but I’ve got thick, deep tread on my boots. Even so, I slide and have to stop a few times on the way to the front door. We almost fall twice.
“Fuck,” I curse, holding Noelle’s hand. “Almost there.”
The door creeps open as we reach it, and Amy greets us. She’s wrapped in a couple of blankets. I’m sure Ainsley is, too, before I see her and confirm it.
Noelle rushes her. “Are you both okay?”
“Yeah. Just cold and tired and getting hungry,” Amy admits.
We haven’t met yet, but I recognize her from the family photos in Noelle’s house. “Hi, I’m Torque. We’ve come to pick you up and take you with us until the power is back on.”
“Hi. I’m Amy.” She cuts a glance at her sister. “Thanks for the help. We need it.”
“Why isn’t your phone working?” Noelle asks as we stand in the foyer.
“It died. No power to charge it.” She sighs. “I should have checked.”
“It’s okay. I’m here.” She hugs her sister. “Where’s my favorite niece?”
“Auntie Noah!” Ainsley rushes toward us and nearly gets tangled in her blanket.
“Hey, baby girl. You want to have a sleepover?”
“Yes!” She jumps up and down in excitement.
It’s not a bad idea. It’s so cold I’m almost tempted to do the same. “Could you pack a few bags? We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”
“Of course.” Amy rushes off, and Noelle follows her.
I sit on the couch, patting the cushion beside me. “I think you’ve grown since I saw you last.”
Ainsley smiles, and she’s missing a front tooth. “I lots my front tooth. Mommy says that means I’m a big girl now.”
“I’m sure it does.”
“Did you come to rescue us?”
“Yep. Your Auntie Noelle was worried and wanted to be sure that you were warm and safe.”
“Can I take Mr. Noodles with us?”
Mr. Noodles? “Who’s that?”
“My teddy bear. He’s got a few rips, but he’s very snuggly.”
This little girl is too cute. “I don’t mind. Go grab him.”
