Danny Hacker.

Chapter 17: Forgiveness.

Walker, Ronnie and I rushed Shawn to the hospital. The doctors wouldn't let us see him after that because we weren't family. We ended up leaving him there but we knew he was in good hands. That night I went home and made Ronnie come with me. He was hesitant but he did as he was told. Meanwhile, Walker set out to find her sister, who had fled the scene. She was probably waiting for her at home.
"Ronnie. Please. I need answers. We've been best friends since day one. We don't keep secrets." I say during the walk back to my house.
"Alright Ben.. But you can't tell nobody! And you have to believe what I say. Every word! Ya hear?" He says and I nod my head in agreement.
"Do you remember my daddy?" He asks.
I nod again.
"Well. He's long gone now but back in the day he was married to another pretty lady before my momma. Her name was Lucy Maybelline Hacker.. And she is my real mom." He says and rubs his neck awkwardly.
"I didn't know until that Charlie girl told me and showed me on my birth certificate. I'm sorry you're just hearing about this now buddy.."
He says, putting a hand on my shoulder.
That explains how he's still alive..
And of course I forgave him.
"Alright.. But it's just all so hard to believe.."
I say and shake my head.
"I know.. But every word of it is the truth."
He says, and we continue on to get to my house.
_________
Walker's P.O.V

After Ben, Ronnie, and I went out separate ways from the hospital, I decided to head home. I knew Charlie was waiting for me. And I was ready. I slipped my hand into my jacket pocket where I found a pistol. I traced it with my finger. It's pointless that I even brought it with me, I know she can't die. But I felt safer with it. It was bad enough that I was facing her alone. I just hoped that I could get through to her.
When I finally made it home, the house just felt empty and almost sad. I looked everywhere for my sister but she wasn't there. That's when I found a note on the dining room table.

"Dear Danny,
I know that all of this is new and strange for you. I felt the same way when I found out too. But this is our reality. I'm sorry that I pushed you into it the way that I did, but you needed to find out somehow. After the events of today, I think it's best if I go now. I hope that, someday, you can forgive me.
Sincerely,
Charlie Hacker.

After reading the note, I felt both relieved, and a bit disappointed. I wanted to tell Charlie how upset I was and just unleash all of my anger on her. But I also knew what she was capable of and didn't think it was a good idea to poke the bear. I took a seat on my couch and let out a long sigh. One thing was for sure, Ben and pretty much everyone else in this town would be safer without the Hackers. And I just wanted Ace to be safe. We almost killed Shawn. And sweet Ronnie, was brought into this mess the same way I was. They're all probably so confused and hurt. I feel like I betrayed them. I hope someday, they can forgive me too..