Balotelli-Bale Series Book #4: THE OTHER MAN PART 1

Chapter 56: Prisoner 5935

"... there's no one more understanding
than someone who shares a similar experience..."

Keira's POV
"I was six years old when I lost both of my parents. At the time I didn't understand what death was. I just knew that they were not around me anymore and I was never going to see them again." Theo spoke softly. He's seated beside me on the bed. We have been quiet ever since we came from his private jet hanger where we viewed the bodies. I feel numb. I think even my mind has stopped working. It's blank. For the first time in my life I'm not thinking of anything. "The man left to take care of me, told me that it's all right to cry just for that day. He told me he will teach me to be strong and he told me that the pain will pass."

I looked into his tender blue eyes. They looked pained. "Did it pass?"

He draped his arm over my shoulder and sighed deeply. "There are days when it feels heavy especially when I have fond memories of them or on the anniversary of their deaths. These are days I'm reminded I'm an orphan. Then there are days when I feel somewhat okay. But there are no perfect days. However, I promise you that the pain will ease with time ma chérie. That I promise you. And through the bad days I will be right beside you to be the shoulder you need to lean on and to be your comfort and strength."

I leaned into him and sighed deeply.

I can't believe this has happened to me. It's just when I think things can't get worse that they get worse. I didn't believe it until Theo took me to the jet hanger where I got to see them. I haven't told Keith. I think I'll do so later on today. His lawyer is working on an appeal for his case.

"If you don't mind telling me..." I rested my palm on his palm. His fingers wrapped around my hand. I felt his lips on my temple. "... how did your parents die?"

"Car crash."

I sat up right to look at him. This must be bad deja vu for him. "I'm so sorry Theo. I didn't mean to-"

"Hush now." He whispered. "It's been twenty years. Believe it or not I can talk about it."

"Maybe some day I'll he strong enough to talk about my losses."

"You will."

I need to sell off some things for quick cash." I got up from the bed to walk the ceiling to floor window overlooking Manhattan. It's a beautiful day. The sun came out. "Do you think you can take me home?"

"Of course. I can take you home. What do you need cash for?" He asked me.

"To pay for the funeral."

"Let me take care of it."

"No Theo. You have done enough. I can't take anymore from you without using you. I'll be fine. My mom had really nice jewelry."

"Don't sell your mother's jewelry. I know the future looks bleak right now but you'll look back and wish you would never have sold them. Let me take care of you. Don't worry about what it costs because you don't have to pay back."

"Are you sure?"

"In this case, I know what you are going through and I want to help you. I had someone who got me through my loss. I want to do that for you. There are no strings attached. I promise." I nodded. "I'll ask Taylor to arrange the funeral. When do you want to bury them?"

When is the best time to say goodbye to someone you love? There's never a good time. That is why people leave without saying goodbye because goodbyes are painful. This one is especially painful because they are not on a journey and will return soon. They are gone from my life. It's just Keith and I.