They finally let go after a last squeeze and moved to the couch. Inevitably I ended up in the middle. No matter how much I love these two idiots it felt a lot like being a t-bone steak in between to Rottweilers - I was at risk of being affectionately devoured. I sighed "this is not the easiest topic for me so bare with me. I understand you were told that terrorists took at the bus my team was on and killed everyone. In reality they kidnapped several of us before destroying the bus and then sold us. We were split up and traded to assorted groups. Ultimately the group I ended up with did not treat us well, but they found it amusing enough to keep me alive. A few months back special forces raided the compound where I was being kept looking for someone else and got me out."
"Wait, you were found months ago?! Why didn't anyone tell me?!" O exploded.
This was about how I expected him to take the news, but that didn't make anything better. For one I really don't like loud noises and flinched a bit. "My father was contacted and decided not to tell anyone until they were sure I would live. I was in such bad shape the doctors didn't think I would ever survive outside a hospital or even in one for long. He didn’t want Az to lose me twice." I wasn't completely lying to them, but I figured it was best to get them over the initial hump before we delved into the pricklier subjects.
"But…" O started.
"O the important thing is he's here now." Callie said. "And that you're okay."
I paused. "Okay is a relative term. So many years in captivity did a number on me. Physically and mentally. I am on a ton of meds and am still not totally right. However, the doctors finally agreed that I was capable of surviving living with family so I was released. Imagine my surprise when I discovered everyone but Dad was in Nixieberg."
"Rode moved here to be close to Az, and then Alula moved here for Az, and then after Paris died O finally came." Callie said.
