Chapter Three
"Dad please, I don't even know her. I'll be bored," said an upset Axel. He didn't see why he needed to accompany his dad to a stranger's house for dinner.
"Hazel especially asked for you, Axel. I told you how I saved her life. She and her grandma wish to thank me. It would seem rude to not go, Axel. Please, we'll leave immediately after dinner, " coaxed Allen and Axel ultimately shrugged.
"Alright then, let's go. I hope you're not in love with her, dad?" He asked suspiciously.
Allen rolled his eyes and went upstairs to his room to get ready. Axel always could read him even with his eyes closed. They shared a rapport which was more friendly than dominating unlike what other parents have with their children. They respected each other and shared a love which was too deep. They cared for one another too much as they had no one but each other.
After half an hour, they both were ready and left the house. After a short drive, they reached Hazel's grandmother's house. Allen parked his car and they both climbed out. Allen rang the doorbell and waited.
Hazel opened the door with a smile, ushering them inside. "Hazel, meet my son, Axel," said Allen as soon as they reached the foyer.
"Hi," said Axel in a bored tone.
"Hello Axel. Thank you for coming," said Hazel, leading them to grandma who was sitting in the living room. "This is my grandma, Axel. Say hello to her," said Hazel.
"Hello grandma," said Axel, not really wanting to be here.
"Why don't you check out the x-box games in the entertainment room, there? I'll call you when dinner is served," said Hazel to an excited Axel, pointing to the entertainment room.
"You have an x-box here? Cool, thank you," he said, rushing to the entertainment room. Hazel followed him to help find the stuff.
Grandma chuckled,"Hazel loves kids and kids love Hazel. She has a way with them. No wonder she's a teacher," she said, proudly.
"Hazel is a teacher?" Asked Allen. He wanted to know everything about her but she refused to talk about herself.
"Yeah, she used to teach mathematics in middle and senior school at Travis High a year back," said grandma.
"Really? That's quite impressive. Why did she leave?" He asked, perplexed.
"Nicholas King abducted her to force her to marry him," she said, sighing heavily.
Allen's eyes went wide with shock. Hazel went through so much it seemed. Yet, she didn't show or whine about it. His heart clenched thinking what she might have gone through. He wanted to protect and comfort her in the sanctity of his arms. He wanted to convince her that he would be there for her. He wanted to save her.
"He abducted her last year?" He could only utter.
"Yes, for a year, she was imprisoned. Few days back we were all summoned to attend the wedding," said grandma, with a helpless look in her eyes.
Allen understood the seriousness of it all. He might be hunting for her all over the state.
A bout of laughter could be heard from the entertainment room and he got up to check what was going on. He stood transfixed at the door. Hazel and Axel were playing games at the x-box console, both trying to win the game. Axel was laughing his head off after throwing Hazel's car into a ditch it seemed.
He couldn't believe his eyes. In such a short span of time, she had become so comfortable with Axel as if they'd known each other all their lives.
"Yay, I won," said Axel and Hazel grimaced.
"Next time I'll see you," she threatened and Axel stuck out his tongue.
Allen simply stared at the two. They looked so cute together. Hazel got up and came towards the door. She still didn't see Allen. "I'm serving dinner, come in five minutes, ok?" She said to Axel.
"Yeah, sure," Axel said, again picking up the controller to play.
Hazel bumped into him, "Oww" she said. His arms went around her to steady her. She blushed crimson and held her breath,"I'm ok," she said, eyeing Axel, busy with his game.
"Are you sure?" Asked Allen, not leaving her. He loved the feel of her in his arms. He felt aroused and excited at her nearness.
"Yes," she said, "Let me go, please, " she whispered, eyeing Axel again.
He let her go reluctantly and she hurried to the kitchen.
"You're whipped dad," grinned Axel and Allen coloured slightly. That chipmunk saw it all. "I like her." He added and Allen's eyes went wide at what he was suggesting.
Dinner was served and they sat at the table. Allen sat beside Hazel and his arm brushed with hers again. He stared at her reaction to him. What he would do to be able to hold her in his arms again?
The food was delicious and Axel took as many helpings as possible."Dad, let's take Hazel home. I'm tired of eating cereal," wailed Axel.
"What? You guys eat only cereal?" Asked Hazel with big round eyes. Axel fidgeted guiltily.
"Yeah. Our last housekeeper wasn't good at cooking. So Axel placed a mouse in her apron pocket and she left the job," said Allen, sighing heavily. "So we're eating cereal till we find a new housekeeper."
Axel looked up guiltily at Hazel. "It was only Scott. He wouldn't have harmed her," he said in his defence.
"Scott?" Asked grandma, perplexed.
"Yeah, my pet mouse," he explained.
Grandma chuckled. "Take Hazel with you then. As it is she'll need a place to stay after three days," said grandma and Hazel glared at her.
"Grandma please. I said I'll look for a place," she told her, reproaching her for telling them about her problems.
"Why would you look for a place? You won't stay here anymore?" Asked a confused Allen. He wanted her to stay here so that he could see her all the time whenever he felt like.
"Actually, my uncle Grant and his wife aunt Emily would be here along with their their children. They're at Travis Springs for my wedding. Don't know what they're going through after I escaped. They wouldn't want me here when they return after three days," said Hazel as she served Axel some more steak.
"That's it Axel. I can pack some steak for you both, but no more tonight. Ok?" Aaid Hazel and Axel nodded, happily.
"You ran away from your own wedding, Hazel?" Azel asked. Allen stared at Hazel, curious to see what she would answer him.
"Yes, dear. A bad man wanted to marry me. So I ran away," she said, with a sad face.
"How bad? As in?" Axel asked.
"As in, a mafia king," she whispered as Axel's eyes went wide.
"That's cool. I will save you Hazel," said Axel and Hazel just hugged him. Axel grinned, eyeing his dad's stunned face.
"Why don't you stay with us then?" Offered Allen. Hazel shook her head.
"No, please. I don't want both of you to be in danger because of me," she said, stubbornly.
"We don't mind danger," said Axel.
"Ok, finish your food. I'll think about it," she promised.
They talked a lot more about Axel's school, about grandma's health and then it was time for them to go back home. Hazel packed a lot of food for them and Axel thanked her profusely before leaving. Allen wanted to kiss her before leaving but with his chipmunk hovering around, he just couldn't.
"Thanks for the meal, Hazel. I'll come again to take you home with me. Be ready. I'm not listening to you. I'll carry you home if needed," he said and left. Hazel stared at him dumbfounded.
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Featured picture: Logan Lerman as Axel McAllister
