Guardians

Brady-6

My dad died when I was nine. He had suffered from some disease for a few years before it overtook him. My mom was sad to say the least. What made it hard was when I left to become a guardian. Surely she had found happiness since then. We rarely saw our parents and with me being an only child it seemed even harder.

Yes I wanted my freedom and independence but I still wanted to stay with my mom whenever possible. Since that was difficult, we tried to keep in touch via email.

There was always the possibility that she had moved on and had started a new family. Honestly I didn't want to accept that, but needless to say I was preparing myself for it mentally.

"We don't have much time to chat so just keep that in mind."

My thoughts were interrupted and I threw more clothes into my duffel bag.

The house seemed even more desolate than usual. I was pretty sure she still lived here...

"Everything still seems intact," James commented softly.

"Jeremiah?" I asked while looking at the porch that had leaves blowing across it.

"Go ahead and knock, we'll be waiting."

"Penelope," I started and she grabbed my hand, giving it a small squeeze.

"I'm right beside you."

The porch steps creaked while we approached. I knocked hesitantly and heard footsteps from the inside. I mentally braced myself until the door opened and I saw my little cousin, Piper, stick her head out.

"Brady!" She hugged me tight and pulled back to see Penelope.

"Piper, this is Penelope, my girlfriend."

She smiled with what teeth she had at the moment and dragged us inside.

"Did you loose another tooth Piper?"

I lost two! This one and.... this one," she explained while pointing.

"That's so cool!"

"Brady? Is that you?" my mom's voice called from another room.

"Yea it's me."

She walked in and rushed to hug me tightly.

"You've grown so much since I last saw you. My... you look just like your dad." Her eyes glistened as she tried to compose herself. "Is this Penelope?"

"Yes."

Penelope hugged my mom, "I've heard so much about you. Brady is very lucky," she replied.

"Thank you dear. Brady you didn't tell me she was this beautiful."

Nel blushed and mumbled a gentle but humble thank you.

"Mom, what's Piper doing here?" I asked trying not to sound too rushed.

"She's staying here while her parents are on a business trip. Nothing major. Are you here for just a few minutes?"

"Unfortunately yes. I promise I'll be back soon."

"I know Brady, I'm so proud of you." She hugged me again but tighter.

I clung to her frail body. She had changed within the past two months. Her hair had grown lighter and she had lost a tremendous amount of weight. Not that she needed too anyways. I knew it had been hard, but I never realized it was this bad.

"Mom is everything okay?"

"Hmm? Oh yes, just trying to manage is all."

"You sure? You seem a little worried."

"Everything is fine son, take care of yourself okay? Do you need anything before you leave?"

"Just a new jacket."

"Here I did laundry. I figured you might want this." She handed me my leather jacket and gave me another quick hug.

"Are you leaving?" Piper asked while frowning.

"Yes. I have to go, but I'll be back...soon."

"You pinky promise?" she held her pinky up to mine.

"Yes Piper, I pinky promise. Take care of my mom for me okay?"

"It was good to finally meet you Penelope," my mom said genuinely.

"Same here Mrs. Peterson."

I took her hand in mine and went back to the car where the rest of the group was waiting.

"Everything go okay?"

"Yea... She just seems so lonely."

"She understands what you're having to do to keep her safe Brady. I know it's hard right now."

"Why did you pick us Jeremiah," I replied brushing away stray tears angrily. "She has no one left. My cousin is over to keep her company but it's not the same!"

"Brady," Penelope calmly began.

Jeremiah drove silently before pulling over and turning around in his seat to face me.

"If it had been up to me no one would have to be apart of this. Trust me, I'm not in favor of you guys having the world on your shoulders. Unfortunately, I am only your caretaker. So we all have to listen to a higher authoritative figure. I'm having to make sacrifices as well guys."

"Who is above you?" Marie questioned.

"It's confidential for now, in time I will be able to tell you. Until we know that without a doubt that the Desmonda wouldn't be able to pull information out of you, I can only tell you minor details."

All of what he was saying made sense.. It's just our new lives were based on secrecy. If everyone else could live their life without secrets why couldn't we? Were we really despised as much as what Jeremiah made us out to be?