Memories that Haunt Us

“JC, sit still honey.” I reminded him for the millionth time. I think this time around, he actually listened. We had been in the car for two hours already, driving to northern California. Ryker gave me a sideways smile.

“Do you want to stop for a late lunch?” He asked. I nodded vigorously. This would give us a chance to stretch our legs and fill our empty stomachs. Arabelle blinked sleepily. She always managed to fall asleep in cars and I was thankful that my daughter had been quiet.

Ryker pulled over to a gas station on the side of the road. A small park was away, just tucked behind the building. JC’s eyes widened at the prospect of going on the swings.

Ryker stopped his truck and I got out, helping my squirming children out of their seats. Beth slept quietly. We had run to escape my worst nightmares, my two worst nightmares rising back from the grave. Austin was away and unable to help me this time around. I had three children to take care of. My old friend and former traitor was trying to help me escape.

Why were these memories haunting us?

I sighed at these thoughts and unbuckled little Beth from her car seat. She was so young and already going through this. Tears prickled my eyes but I had to remain strong.

“Momma, I can take JC to the playground and we can swing.” Arabelle suggested. Her little six year old hand grasped JC’s who perked up at the idea of playing with his sister.

“Swings!”

“Okay. Don’t wander too far.” I responded wearily. Cradling the small child to my chest, I followed Ryker to a bench on the side of the building. He had reappeared from the convenience store with a bottle of water and cheese its.

“I’m sorry that this has to happen to you…again.” He sighed. I looked at his tattooed arms, unwilling to meet his eyes. I nodded, listening to my children playing on the swings. Beth gurgled happily.

“It’s not your fault. Our lives are just messed up.” I responded dully. Overhead, the sun ducked behind a cloud as a cold wind blew. Ryker’s eyes met mine, sadness and longing fill those familiar orbs.

“Can I hold her?” he asked me cautiously. I nodded weakly. My arms were sore and my brain filled with worry. I could use a little break.

“She’s got your eyes.” Ryker smiled as the baby waved a hand. He reached up and the tiny fingers grasped his large ones. He was just like a gentle giant. I blushed a little and looked to my kid.

“Thanks. JC looks a lot like Austin, and Arabelle looks like me but has LP’s quieter demeanor, but can be a bundle of energy around her father.” I laughed a little, trying to imagine how Beth would turn out. Around the front of the building, we heard a car rumble up to the station.

“I have a friend at this place I work. Her name is Viper and she would love JC. They both have this spark in their eyes.” He lit up speaking about his friends. I smiled a little. JC did seem to have a certain spark to him. Life would be dull without that bundle of energy!

Beth started to cry in Ryker’s arms. I took her back, standing up and trying to calm her down. I rocked her, but she wouldn’t stop bawling. That’s when I realized something was wrong.

It was dead silent.

“JC? Arabelle?” I called to them, starting to walk around the building to get a better view of the playground.

“MOMMA!” JC’s little voice cried out in pure horror. I heard small footsteps dash towards me as I rounded the edge to face the swings.

BANG!

A bullet was fired.

“Jonathan!” I screamed in horror. Ryker leapt to my side. The sight was like that out of a nightmare.

James had his arm around Arabelle. My daughter was bawling, tears dripping to the wood chips. Hex’s gun was smoking, a devilish grin plastered on his face. A foot away from the monster was my beloved child, a kid whose life was splattered like ink over a page of wood chips.

Jonathan-Christopher Carlile was dead

Notes

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Okay, sorry I haven't been updating as much! I promise I'll pay more attention to the days!