Tethered (Tethered Series Book 1) Read online

  But, Paige interrupted, bursting out, “Stop saying that! That is not my name! I can do what I want to. I am an adult, and this is a free country. I am in the USA, for God’s sake, where are my rights? Where is my freedom? What if she is lying? What if you are all lying?” Paige said, standing again, getting agitated. Mrs. Stewart pointed at the chair. Paige looked at her like she was crazy but still sat.

  The attorney cut in, “We have done all the research. This information has been thoroughly reviewed, and there is no mistake.”

  “Am I really expected to just drop my life and play family reunion with people I don’t even know? I am not a child.” Paige said, getting more irritated and emotional.

  “You are Anastasia Danielle Hutchinson, whose mother and father have been looking for her for 17 years. You are not going to finish school here. You are leaving with me. Your life has changed, and finishing school here would be unrealistic,” Diane Stewart explained to Paige.

  “This is bullshit, and I said I am not going anywhere! This is my life!” Paige said loudly, displaying her anger as she stood and leaned with her hands on the table toward them like a young lioness.

  Mrs. Stewart stood up herself and leaned on the table facing Paige as if it was a challenge. “Leave us,” she said to the two men, without losing eye contact with Paige.

  The attorney and liaison quickly stepped outside. The door shut behind them.

  Mrs. Stewart leaned in more and said to Paige calmly, “Young lady, I will not tolerate this foul language and rude behavior. Do I make myself clear?” Paige just looked at her like she had two heads.

  “Do you understand?” she asked again, just as stern and expecting an answer.

  “Yeah,” Paige replied

  “Yes, ma’am,” Diane said, correcting her.

  “Yes, ma’am,” she said, mocking Mrs. Stewart and rolling her eyes. Paige took a deep breath and put her hands on her hips. Diane crossed her arms and waited for her to sit.

  Once Paige was seated, Mrs. Stewart said, “Now, I know this is a shock to you; but, you will do exactly what I say. And yes, you are leaving. This is not your life. Your life hasn’t even begun.” Mrs. Stewart lectured.

  Paige was now upset and shaking. She didn’t know what else to do but freak out.

  “We are ready to leave,” Diane said to the liaison.

  “Wait, seriously, I am an adult. I have a choice, don’t I?” Paige asked Mr. Daniels in a desperate voice.

  Mr. Daniels then explained, “You are only 17 years old. Your birth certificate was falsified to reflect an inaccurate date and year. Therefore, you are not a legal adult and cannot make the decisions of an adult. I am sorry.”

  Paige put her head in her hands and said, “I can’t believe this is happening.” Paige looked up at Mrs. Peterson. “So, what happens if I refuse to go? I mean, you can’t gag me and drag me away,” she said.

  Mrs. Stewart turned her head to the side and gave her a look that said, “Don’t try me.”

  Mr. Daniels explained, “If you do not go with Mrs. Stewart, who is your guardian, you will be homeless. You will no longer be a student here. Your formerly known parents have no means to support you. You have no money, no car, no home, and no known identity. Your license is invalid because you are not the person named in the photo. You cannot even enlist in the military because that would require a parent or guardian’s signature.”

  Paige listened to the words, “No home, no money, no car.” They brought back painful memories of worrying about if she would have a home the next week when the rent came due.

  Paige didn't say anything, so the liaison said, “As you wish, we are finished here. I will have someone escort Mrs. Hutchinson to get her belongings.”

  Mrs. Stewart replied, “We need to leave immediately.”

  Paige stood and began to pace with her hands covering her face. The door shut, leaving her and Mrs. Stewart alone again. “Seriously, I have made a functional life here. I do not want to leave. Is there any way I can stay?” Paige asked as she hoped for an alternative.

  “There is no way you can stay.” Mrs. Stewart said.

  “This is not fair,” Paige said out loud, expressing herself.

  Diane looked at her and said, “I will explain more on the way.”

  Paige stood with her head resting on the solid white wall in front of her. She had been crying, but it is just now that she noticed her tears flowing down her cheeks. She hid her face. She felt defeated. Her life had all been a lie, and this stability she had finally achieved at the Academy had vanished in a matter of minutes. She wanted to see Natilee and Jude. Maybe they could help. How was she going to leave the only people she loved and who loved her?

  Within minutes, a knock at the door revealed Paige’s dorm chief, who escorted them to her room.

  As Paige unlocked the door, she said, “I need to see my friends before I am forced to leave.” Paige went into her room and took a large bag out of the closet.

  “You will not need that bag. Only bring personal things. You will not need anything else,” Diane said.

  Paige looked confused, but she grabbed a jacket, her journal, and the pictures she had of her friends, and her Academy blanket. Natilee walked into her room, unaware of the news.

  “Hey, hey, what is going on? Who is this?” she asked, referring to Mrs. Stewart.

  Paige looked at Mrs. Stewart and asked, “May I have a minute alone, please?”

  Mrs. Stewart nodded and went into the hall without closing the door. Paige collapsed in tears around Natilee.

  “What’s wrong?” Natilee asked, confused by her friend's obvious distress. Paige tried to explain quickly what was happening. She couldn’t stop the tears as she hugged her friend. Jude ran into the room to find them embracing and was immediately upset. Mrs. Stewart, who had been standing outside the door, knocked as Paige cried in the arms of her friends. Paige hugged her friends tightly as the door opened.

  “We need to go,” Mrs. Stewart said.

  “I need a minute,” Paige said and closed the door.

  “It will be ok. We will help you fix it.” Natilee said.

  The door opened. “It is time to go.” Mrs. Stewart said as she reached in for Paige’s arm.

  Paige pulled away. “Let's go.” Mrs. Stewart took her forearm into her right hand then placed her arm around Paige’s, walking her away from her friends. Paige was in full sob cry mode, and she hated to cry. It made her feel out of control. She kept her face down and attempted to wipe her eyes without making a scene. As they left the main hall, Jude appeared outside. He was out of breath with red splotches on his cheeks, like he had been running.

  Jude blocked Mrs. Stewart’s path, startling her, and asked, “May I see her for just a minute before you leave?”

  Mrs. Stewart replied, “You can say goodbye to her outside the car.”

  A black Suburban was parked in front of the Academy entrance. Mrs. Stewart then, after a few seconds, got in behind the driver, the door was opened for Paige on the opposite side. Paige closed the door to block their moment together from Mrs. Stewart. Paige wiped her face, then looked up at him. Jude smiled at Paige as if they had just breathed a breath of peace that halted time.

  Jude said softly, “You didn’t think you could get away from me without saying goodbye, did you?” He grasped her hand.

  Paige smiled through teary eyes and then reached up to hug him. He embraced her and breathed her in. He nuzzled her neck slightly and then kissed her. This took Paige by surprise, but a welcomed one. She kissed him back and stared up into his eyes.

  Not knowing the words to say, he said desperately, “Don’t leave me.”

  The window rolled down, and Mrs. Stewart said, “Anastasia, it is time to go.”

  Paige didn’t respond. She was so engrossed in Jude she couldn’t hear anything but his words and feel his body next to hers. She kissed him again, and their embrace tightened.

  “I don’t want to go, but I don’t know how to stay,” she said to him.

  “Anastasia, get in the vehicle. It is time to go,” Mrs. Stewart said impatiently.

  “I don’t like her,” Paige whispered to Jude.

  “I am so sorry,” he replied.

  Diane heard that comment but didn't respond. Jude opened the door, and Paige got in, sinking in her seat. She put her hand out the window grasping his.

  The driver looked back and asked, “Are we ready?”

  Diane replied sharply, “Yes, Anastasia, remove your hand.” As she let go, the car started moving.

  Paige exhaled heavily and leaned back, slouching against the seat, and gave Mrs. Stewart a piercing look. She heard Jude beckon for her, and she sat up quickly, peering out as they drove away. She could see him through the window. He was waving and yelling her name in a desperate voice. Paige panicked and turned and hastily attempted to unlock the door.

  She screamed, “Let me out of here! I don't wanna go!” She beat her hand on the tinted glass. The car didn’t stop. “I said stop the car, now,” she screamed at Mrs. Stewart.

  “Stop. This is ridiculous,” Mrs. Stewart said in a calm tone.

  “I don’t wanna leave, please, please,” Paige asked through her tears, looking at Mrs. Stewart with her hands up in a pleading pose.

  “Do you really want me to put you out on the side of the road?” Mrs. Steward asked, her voice rising.

  Paige didn’t respond but glared at her with hatred in her eyes.

  “Exactly, so stop acting like a child.” Mrs. Stewart said, clearly agitated at Paige’s outburst and behavior.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Stowaway

  Paige cried silently as she wrang her hands, shuffled her feet, and pointed her toes inward. This was an unconscious coping mechanism she had always used when
she felt scared or upset. The ride to the airport was short, and soon they were walking to a private jet. Paige would have normally been in awe of such lavish transportation; but she was too upset to even notice. Paige boarded the plane and sat down, placing her bag in her lap. She looked around and could see she was the only person on the plane. She had everything she owned with her in a navy Jansport book bag. She looked at her phone. The phone she had paid for with scholarship money. That was the only valuable item she had. She had her license/identification card, her school meal card, and a debit card. She had a couple of hundred dollars in the bank, and that was supposed to last her until the end of the month. She didn't even have a change of clothes with her. Paige felt like she was being kidnapped. All that was missing were ropes around her hands and feet. She was angry and scared of leaving the home she had made at the academy. Other than Jude and Natalie, she had no one else in the world. Mrs. Stewart sat beside her on the plane, just one seat between them. Paige didn't say a word to her. She didn't know what to say or even ask. How do I even feel about her? On the one hand, she promised a better life, and, on the other, she scolded her for her behavior and locking me in a car.

  Once they had ascended, Mrs. Stewart said, “Why don’t you lie down and rest?” She pointed to a sofa.

  Clearly exhausted, Paige got up and moved to the sofa without arguing. She curled up on her side with her academy blanket hiding her face. She didn't want to cry, but she couldn't help it. She sobbed, wiping tears away with her blanket. She cried herself to sleep, exhausted from the emotional day.

  Mrs. Diane Stewart watched her niece. She watched her shoulders shudder under the navy and gold blanket with each gasp. She turned her head away, trying not to become emotional. Diane wanted to hold her, but she closed her eyes and held her breath. Diane knew her niece was a stranger to her and that she wouldn’t understand her affection. So, she waited, and when Paige was asleep, she retrieved another blanket, and covered her, then gently patted her head.

  When she awoke, Paige felt groggy. Mrs. Stewart saw she was awake and brought her a warm cloth for her face.

  “Thanks. Who are you, and where are my parents?” Paige asked calmly and somewhat hoarsely.

  Mrs. Stewart responded, “I am your aunt Diane, your father's sister. You may call me Aunt Diane.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know that. I kinda freaked out, didn’t I?” Paige asked.

  “Yes, you did,” Diane said.

  “This is so weird, like so crazy,” Paige replied.

  “Anastasia, you’re going to be fine,” said her Aunt Diane.

  Paige didn't say anything but looked uncertain.

  “What?” Diane asked, reading her expressions.

  “Can you just call me Paige?” she asked.

  “Paige is not your name. I understand you are not accustomed to it; but Anastasia is who you are. So that is what you will be called.” Diane said.

  Paige didn't feel like arguing. The plane landed in Chicago, and as they drove through the city, Paige asked, “What are we doing here?”

  “This is my husband’s family’s home. We will be here for a few days before we go back home. Your parents are not here, although your father sent me to get you. He has not told your mother or brother of your discovery. He wants to bring you home himself.” Diane explained.

  “When will I meet him?” Paige asked.

  Diane replied, “He will be here tomorrow afternoon, and we have a lot to accomplish before then.”

  Paige immediately became frustrated and nervous at the same time. “So, I don’t mean any disrespect by saying this, but I feel like this isn’t lawful,” Paige stated, attempting to be respectful in hopes of a positive response.

  She wanted to scream at her new aunt, but she knew it wouldn’t do any good. She felt like her life had been stolen. The life she had worked so hard for.

  “Well, you are a minor, remember that. I do understand. You may feel you have little control right now. But this is not illegal. In fact, it would be unlawful to resist. This is a transition, so it will be difficult. You have only just begun to live your life,” Diane tried to explain.

  “Well, I should have a choice on whether or not I wanted to leave school,” Anastasia spat.

  “You had no choice in that matter, Anastasia. You live in a different country. Your home is in England with your family. You have been discovered. Your parents and family, including myself, have been praying for your entire life to find you, and it is a miracle we did. So, you will be going home, and that is that,” Diane stated matter-of-factly.

  Paige thought about the words her aunt had just said. How could someone have been looking for her all this time? All those times she had wished to leave or for someone to find her, and now, when she gets it all together, she is yanked from her home.

  “I am so freaking confused. I know you say my parents have been looking for me, but, I mean, what the hell took so long. Now, I have a life to return to, my friends, my studies, my goals,” Anastasia said, frustrated.

  “Language, please. And yes, you have friends, but your life was a lie. Your new life will be in England with your family. You are in no position to make a choice. You have not experienced your new life,” Diane clarified.

  That was a valid point; although Paige didn’t want to hear it. She did have friends and a past, but she felt like somehow her life had been erased. Most of her past, she didn’t mind being erased, but she felt like part of herself was being erased with it. She took her iPhone out and began to text Natilee. She told her of her arrival in Chicago and that she would be there for a few days. Immediately, Jude snapped at her, and his face was silly and smiling. She responded back, but not with a photo, just a text. She was still angry and knew she would not look very reassuring. She wanted to text him and tell him to come save her. To come and steal her away, but she didn’t.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Introductions

  Phillip had already arrived earlier in the afternoon and was sitting at the desk reading the information on Richard Peterson when Diane entered the room. He looked up to see Diane approaching him.

  “Philip, I am glad you’re finally here,” she said as she walked in.

  He looked up and smiled, putting down the paperwork in his hands.

  “Sister, how is my daughter? I am concerned, especially after reading these records on the Peterson’,” he said.

  “I don't know how the child wasn't in jail or property of the state,” he said as she sat down across from him. “Tell me, how did it all go at the college and bringing her here?” he asked, smiling.

  “It went alright. Although, she wasn’t and still isn't thrilled about being taken away from her life,” Diane said, making quotation signs with her hands at the word life. “She is strong-willed and emotional. She doesn’t know who she is and who she isn’t. I haven’t told her much about her family or her lineage,” Diane said.

  “Oh my Diane, you worry too much. How can the child understand who she is if you do not tell her?” he said as he sat back in the chair. “Is she like her mother or me?” he asked as he drank a sip of bourbon out of a glass.

  “She seems to be a lot like her mother when it comes to her outbursts. I thought I was going to have to use force to get her in the car at the school,” Diane said as she raised her eyebrows and smiled.

  “Oh my, well, we can’t have that. Do you think she is ready to come home?” he asked.

  “I think so. I just don’t want you to expect her to be a princess. She has lived a very different life,” she warned.

  “I am aware of her difficult upbringing. I want to give her all she desires. The child has been neglected,” he said affectionately.

  “She doesn’t desire material things. She needs love and structure. She has been on her own for some time, and she needs to be reined in and broken,” Diane said.

  “We are not talking about horses, Di,” he said, laughing.

  “You know what I mean,” Diane said.

  “Well, go get my daughter. I am ready to meet her,” he said as he stood and stretched, pulling his shirt down and standing tall.

  He looked over at Nellie to his left and said, “How do I look?”