Without You There Is No Me

This time Rich was coming to us. I've only met him once but when I did it was Vic and I. I felt better about it that way. But this time there are more people. I don't know if I want everyone hearing what Rich has to tell me if it is really that important. I might feel more comfortable about the entire situation if my mom and Jaime's dad wasn't going to be there. I want to involved them and let them in. I'm happy they finally except me, it took so long. But I don't think they're ready. They don't know half of the things I went through during the attack.
Everyone was sat waiting in the sitting room. Jess's parents were sat on a couch with Carrie next to them and Tony sat on the arm. Jess was sat on the other arm with Jaime at her feet. My mom and Jaime's dad was sat on the other couch. Mike was on the arm while I sat on the other arm with Vic's arm wrapped protectively around my waist.
The doorbell rung and Karen stood up. She went to answer and I heard talking. A minute later they walked through. Rich smiled at me as Jess's dad stood up. He went to shake Rich's hand firmly. "I'm sorry. I wish I could have helped more." Rich said sadly.
"That's okay. It couldn't have been stopped after Savannah left." he replied.
"What's that?" Mom asked me.
"Jess's brother was murdered." I muttered.
"Han'." Vic soothed in my ear.
"It's true." I mumbled.
"I know." he said and kissed my neck gently. Mom was watching us but I didn't care anymore.
"Hannah." Rich said warmly. I stood up and he came over to me. I took his hand and he kissed my cheek. I hugged him for a moment before we pulled away. He shook Vic's hand and smiled at us. "I can't say how happy I am that you're both still together. When I heard you'd been taken into that hospital I was horrified. I did everything I could. But it was worth it." he explained.
"Oh, this is my mom and my step father." I introduced them.
"Rich. It's good to finally meet you." he said and shook each of their hands.
"And you know Jess. This is Mike, Jaime and Carrie." I said.
"Carrie is your great great granddaughter?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's right." I nodded.
"I'm sorry?" Mom asked.
"Carrie's great great grandmother in England was my past self." I explained. "Is what you need to tell me important?" I asked.
"I would say so." he nodded. "If it's alright though I'd like to tell you alone."
"Without Vic?" I asked.
"Please." he nodded.
"Okay." I agreed. I took Vic's hand and squeezed. He nodded at me and let go. I walked with Rich down to Aidan's room. I sat down on the bed and Rich sat down next to me.
"I haven't been in here for a long time," he sighed. "Everything is still the same."
"I couldn't change anything. I like the thought of preserving everything. It's just a shame I never got to meet Aidan." I said. "So, what's all this about?"
"I think you know." he said.
"Carrie?" I offered. He nodded and I looked down. "Lauren came to me. She told me."
"What did she say?" he asked.
"That everything is linked. She told me some about her death and that Carrie shouldn't be here."
"She's right." he nodded.
"What's wrong with Carrie being here? I don't understand."
"Carrie is special. More so than just being one of The Haunted."
"In the way I am?" I asked.
"Different. You are special because you've lived before and because of the work you did against the demons in your first life. That makes you extremely special. You being killed was a huge victory for the demons. When you were born again it was like a big take that to everyone." Rich explained. "You beat them and survived. That makes you strong and gives you certain responsibilities, if you will. You're supposed to help people like you did in your previous life. You will help people. You have the ability to cast evil spirits out. But this will cause hatred for you. They want you dead more than ever." he said.
"I thought this was over." I frowned.
"I'm sorry, Hannah."
"Where does Carrie fit into this?" I asked.
"She's a target. She is susceptible to dark spirits, just as you are. But they will use her to get to you. Like a pawn."
"Why her? There are so many people they could use."
"Because she is close to you. More so that I think you know. They want someone who is weak enough they can use but strong enough so they won't will. They want to enjoy her death after all."
"What can I do?" I asked.
"I want you to not be alone with her. If you are you're putting yourself at risk. Don't let Vic be alone with her."
"I'll try." I nodded. "But what did Lauren mean when she said everything is connected?"
"I'm not sure. Everything is to an extent."
"Do you have any information on Lauren?"
"I have limited information. I have when she discovered who she was and then her death. Everything in between is missing though."
"I'm going to try and figure it out." I said.
"I think that would be wise." he nodded.
"Vic knew her. Mike knew her too. But Vic can't remember her. Not a thing." I said. "Could someone have made him forget?"
"Yes." he nodded. "Either the demons and evil spirits or possibly Lauren herself."
"Why would Lauren make him forget?"
"Perhaps something happened. Something so bad she doesn't want anyone to know."
"Maybe." I sighed. "I wish you lived closer. I could do with the help of someone that knows what they're talking about."
"I'll do my best." he told me.

Notes

Hey! What did you think? What about Carrie? Do you trust her? What will Hannah do? What do you think Lauren is hiding? Will they find out? :)