Memories that Haunt Us

I was sitting at home with Austin at my side. He stroked my hair. The days had blended into eternities. Eternities blended into nothingness. It could’ve been one day, a month, a year, since JC’s death and I hadn’t noticed. The time could’ve stopped completely and I would still be sitting here.

The clock rang out late afternoon. I yawned a little. Little Arabelle trotted downstairs. I had put Beth down for her nap just a little while ago. My oldest daughter, my oldest child, came and sat down in my lap. I wrapped my arms around her body.

“Momma?” She asked me softly. Austin read a book cradled in his hands. The boys were going to start practicing again, sometime soon. I hoped that he would feel a little better. I know that I can’t forget what had happened to JC or who had done it, but maybe we could start the path to healing.

JC was up with Mitch now. Lucker would be taking care of him. All would be well. We might be feeling pain on earth, but he was up in paradise.

“Yes, dear?” I asked her. She hugged me tightly.

“My birthday is next month.” She whispered to me. I laughed softly and stroked her hair. It was coming up fast. I could already see seven lit candles on a chocolate cake with red icing on top.

“I know what I want for my birthday.” She told me. I raised an eyebrow. My girl had inherited my knack for putting things off until the last minute.

“I want to go on stage with daddy.” She giggled. I laughed lightly. Belle got to go on stage sometimes, but she always had to wear headphones since it was so loud. Ever since Hex and the gang had reappeared, she wasn’t allowed on stage. I thought for a moment. Austin looked over.

“I think we can do that.” He ruffled her hair. Arabelle leaned over and kissed his cheek before bouncing off. The girl was so quiet at the house, but when she got near the boys, she was like a little bouncing ball of energy. I loved that about her.

It still reminded me of JC….

“Hey darling, I have to go out to the market and get some food for dinner tonight. Do you want to come along?” He asked me. I shook my head. I think I would sleep and take care of Beth. Normally, I might call Sara over to hang with the kids, but I’d rather stay home right now.

“Thanks, Aussie, but I’m good. I’ll stay and play with Arabelle.” I smiled a little. Austin leaned over and kissed my cheek before getting up and grabbing the keys. He walked out the front door and I heard the familiar rumble as our large car backed out of the cement driveway and started down the road. He wouldn’t be gone too long. Maybe he might meet with Alan and they’d get a late lunch and discuss the newest album they had been working on.

“Momma!” Arabelle asked. I saw her face appear over the banister on the second floor. I immediately leapt up.

“What is it?” I asked quickly. She held something in her hands.

“Did you get me the slingshot I wanted?” Arabelle asked. I perked up at that. She was holding a very fancy looking slingshot. I mean, I knew she had always wanted a slingshot so she could practice her aim, but I don’t recall Austin or I ever giving her one.

“Um, no…” I started and sprinted upstairs. Arabelle sat on the floor with a black slingshot and a note. I opened it up.

Arabelle,

You’re a smart girl. I trust you know when to use this. I don’t know if I’ll be around for your birthday, so your present is coming a little early this year. Happy birthday, kiddo. See you around.

-The Guardian Angel

I smiled a little. Ryker. I knew it was Ryker. I hadn’t seen my friend in what had seemed like forever. I kind of started to miss the protection he offered. Arabelle was playing with the straps as I walked downstairs. I heard her go to her room and close the door. Beth hiccupped from downstairs. I went to go pat her back a little.

I missed the old life when this threat didn’t hang over our heads. I thought it was gone. I thought I wouldn’t deal with it. I was so wrong.

After rocking Beth for a few minutes, I went to the living room and lay down on the couch. The windows let in sunlight that warmed my arms. Closing my eyes, I yawned a little and started to let myself drift off. The serenity of the day was enveloping me like a warm blanket.

That’s when the window exploded.

Notes