Read A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) for Free Online Page A

there that she had to step outside to get away from them for a little while. She still wasn’t comfortable in small, crowded places.
    After a few minutes the doors opened and Leslie came out. “There you are. Elliot said you left, but none of us could find you.”
    “Didn’t mean to worry anyone. I just needed a little time to myself. Is it wrong of me to wish Callie, Rylee and Conner were here?”
    “Not at all, sweetie. Why don’t you call them and maybe that will make you feel better.”
    “I think I will. I’ll be back inside in a few minutes. I just had to get out of the crowd for a while.”
    “Okay. I’m going to let Andrew and Elliot know where you are and that you’re alright.”
    “Thank you.” Karla said as Leslie stood up and walked toward the door.
    Once she was inside Karla pulled out her cell phone and called Conner.
    “Hello,” he answered on the first ring. “Is everything okay, Karla?”
    “Hey Conner. No, everything isn’t okay. I wish I was there or you were all here. I miss all of you.”
    “I wish I was there too. When with you be back?”
    “Hopefully on Monday or Tuesday. I know I should be focused on helping Elliot, and I am, but being here brings back memories of Grams and Pops. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I came here.”
    “How is Elliot doing? I couldn’t imagine losing my Dad and Grandma within a couple of weeks of each other.”
    “He’s hanging in there. I just want to be home, where I feel safe.”
    “Has something happened to make you feel unsafe?”
    Karla smiled at the concern in his voice. “Nothing has happened, but this is the place it all began. This is the last place I knew love, until I met Leslie and Andrew.”
    “Can I give you some advice?”
    “Of course you can. You know I’m always open for advice.”
    “Focus on the happy times you had in Texas. Focus on the love and happiness you had with you grandparents, and not the stuff that came after. If you do that you can get through this and then come home. We miss you too, you know.”
    “I know you do. I probably should get back inside. Elliot needs me and I think I’m okay now. Thank you Conner, for always being there.”
    “I will always be here Karla, for whatever you need.”
    “I’ll call you tomorrow after the funeral. Make sure Callie and Rylee are there too.”
    Conner laughed at that and said, “I will, I promise. Be careful tonight, Karla. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
    “I will, Conner. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
    When she hung up the phone she sat there for a few more minutes before she got up, walked back inside and found Elliot.
    “Karla, are you okay?” Elliot asked when she walked up beside him.
    “I’m okay. Just needed some air.”
    “I was worried. You looked a little freaked out when you left.”
    “I was a little freaked out, I don’t like crowds, but I’m alright now. I promise.”
    “I’m glad you’re here with me tonight. I don’t think I could do this without you.”
    “I will always be here for you, Elliot. Even if I’m not physically around, I’ll always be just a phone call away.”
    “You can’t promise that Karla. People leave, even if they don’t want to.”
    “Elliot, listen to me for a second. The only thing that will keep me from being there is death. Leslie and Andrew have taught me that family always comes first. Yes, I have friends, but those three are part of my family.”
    “What if your friends don’t like me?”
    “Oh, Elliot, I’m sure they’ll love you.”
    “I hope so. I know how much they mean to you and I want to get along with them.”
    “Yes, they mean a lot to me, but Elliot, you’re family. You will always come first.”
    Before either of them could say anything else Leslie and Andrew walked up. “Its 7:30 Elliot, and people are starting to leave. The Robertson’s are also here and they’re looking for you.” Andrew said and put his hand on Elliot’s shoulder.
    Before Elliot could say