The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix went to pick up Rosie as promised.

As soon as they met, Beatrice noticed his pale complexion and frowned. "What have you been doing? You look terrible."

"I was just really busy the past couple of days," Hendrix replied while crouching down in front of Rosie. "Ready to go home with me?"

Rosie nodded. She appeared reserved on the surface, but as soon as she turned around, she immediately grabbed her little backpack.

Hendrix watched her and smiled faintly. Just then, his phone rang. When he saw the name on the screen, his expression stiffened slightly.

Rosie didn't know what that expression meant. It seemed like anticipation, but also unease. Before she could get a closer look, Hendrix turned to her.

"Wait here. I need to take this call."

With that he turned and walked slowly to the yard. The caller was clearly patient. When Hendrix didn't answer the first call, they immediately dialed again. This time, Hendrix picked up.

"Hendrix, this is all your doing, isn't it?" Dylan asked without preamble.

Hendrix didn't respond.

Dylan laughed. "Mr. Freeman, aren't you the one who prides yourself on being upright and despises such methods? What's with the change of heart?"

Hendrix ignored his taunt and instead asked, "Do you want to live?"

The question silenced Dylan.

Hendrix asked again, "Where is Noelle?"

At this, Dylan laughed again. "So, all this fuss was just to ask that question? Do your partners know? You've caused such a huge stir just to find out where Noelle is?"

"Dylan, I don't have time to play games with you," Hendrix replied. "I'm giving you ten minutes. If you don't give me an answer, that's fine. I'll just expose everything you've done to the public. When that happens, whether you live or die won't be any more of my concern."

"Hendrix, do you really think that I'll let Noelle live if I were to die?"noveldrama

Dylan's threat made Hendrix pause, but then he quickly sneered. "Right now, I don't even have any news of her. So, what other choice do I have? Dylan there's a limit to my patience. If I don't get an answer within ten minutes, you can go jump off building, too!"

Hendrix was about to hang up when Dylan said, "Who said I'm not going to tell you? After all this time, you've already suffered enough anyway. So, it doesn't matter if I tell you now."

...

Hendrix returned to the living room, his movements now frantic-nothing like his slow steps earlier. With his head down, he bolted straight for the exit, completely forgetting about Rosie.

"Where are you going?" Beatrice asked from behind him.

Only then did he seem to snap out of it. He turned back around-Rosie was standing there, watching him.

Hendrix crouched down in front of her. "I have something urgent to take care of. I'll come back for you in a few days. Be good and listen to Grandma, okay?"

Rosie looked at him, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

Hendrix knew what she was thinking and quickly added, "I promised you I'd bring

Mommy back, right? Well, I'm going to get her now."

At his words, Rosie's eyes lit up. "I want to go, too!"

"What did you just say?"