Cruel Summer

Chapter 17

Saturday, October 6, 2018

*George Bush International Airport*

12:47 P.M.

~Aimee~

"You okay, baby girl?" I asked Ryan as we settled in the car and headed to the hotel.

"Yes, but do you have something for pain? I fell the other day and my side is killing me." Ryan said as she held her side.

"My poor baby fell." I said as I laid her head in my chest.

"I always knew she was the clumsiest. Aye, J, I taught her how to walk. She got two left feet." Marcus said shaking his head.

"Leave your sister alone, Marcus." Jamie said shaking his head and laughing a little.

"It's alright, Jamie. Let him laugh. I bet he will sleep with one eye open tonight." Ryan said as she smirked.

"You two stop it. Marcus, why don't you order a pizza? Jamie and I are going to be out for a little while."

"So, what is the real reason we came here for? Can you finally tell us?" Ryan asked as she sighed.

"Nope. Jamie and I got this for now. When we want you two to know something, we will. Just stay in the hotel room for now, ok? Please." I said as I stroked Ryan's hair.

"Ok, how much am I babysitting Marcus for?" Ryan asked as we all laughed.

"Haha, Cuz. You got jokes, don't ya? It won't be a joke when I cut your hair in your sleep."

"You better not! I paid good money to keep my hair looking this good." Ryan said as she quickly got up.

"I thought your side was hurting, ma'am?"

"Huh? Oh, it was. Oooh, the pain." Ryan said as she quickly snuggled under me as we chuckled.

These kids are some characters.

Jamie and I made sure we checked in before we got to our rooms. The kids and I were sharing a room while Jamie had his own room that wasn't far from us. We made sure they had enough for pizza or room service. I had to make sure my babies were straight before anything.

"Ready to ride, Clyde?" Jamie asked as we closed the door to the room.

"Let's go get 'em." I said nervously as I smiled.

I didn't know what we were going to find out, but I hope it wasn't bad news.

I've always waited for a time like this.

Now, here's my chance to finally face reality.

To face what's been eating me up all these years. All the hurt and the pain.

It's time to face my truth and do what's right.

Especially....

For the kids sake.

......

*25 minutes Later*

"Wow, they really got this farm in the middle of nowhere." I said as Jamie helped me out the car.

"I know. Google Maps wasn't lying." Jamie said chuckling.

"J, I'm nervous. I can't believe this is real. 21 years ago, I couldn't be caught dead with you." I said chuckling as I looked at him.

"Look, when I finally saw Anthony again, it hit me that something wasn't right. Marcus brought you up one time, but it didn't click that he was referring about you."  Jamie said as he locked the door.