Luminous Fire

30. Resolute

We both drive our cars to our home, it's not our home anymore, we need to get all the essentials as quickly as possible loaded into the cars. I don't want to have to come back here again. I don't know what's going to happen to it. Thankfully, Xavier's car isn't in the driveway. I don't know if the police already has him in custody. Ryan knocks on my window when I don't make a move to get out. I open the door.

"If you can't go in, I'll go by myself. Just tell me what I must bring." Ryan states.

"No, I can go. I have to get several things for work."

"Okay, so when you're ready."

I nod. We make our way to the front door. I take out the key. I take a breath in and out before turning the key to open it.

"Okay, so I'll show you where the bags and suitcases are. Could you start with the twins' things? You know what stuff animals they'll need."

"Yes, I will. You go get your work things."

"Yes. And oh, Rocky will need his food and some toys too. This is a lot."

"It'll be fine. Give me the bags, I'll get some the twins' clothes."

"Thanks." I say heading to living room. I think that's where I left my laptop. Sure, enough that's where I find it, but the papers are scattered. Was he here after we left? I try to push it out of my mind and gathered everything I need.

"What else do the twins need?" Ryan asks; he finds me looking at the photos.

"Some of their art supplies, they'll miss the most besides their bicycles."

"Their bicycles, we can take those too."

"That's too much. They'll be fine with balls for now while I figure everything out."

"What about your clothes?" Ryan asks.

I need to go into the bedroom for them. "Will you come with me?" I whisper.

Ryan nods, "I can go pack some of your clothes."

"I'll go. Just come with me."

"Okay. Let's hurry, we'll have to unpack before the twins get out of school."

I nod. When we get to the bedroom's entrance I hesitate, maybe it would be best if Ryan packed my clothes. But what if he accidentally packs some of his clothes. I don't want anything he gave me either. He puts his hand on my shoulder reassuring me that it's okay. I nod. Ryan follows me in. I avoid looking at the bed. The bed that hasn't been made. The bed I could never lie in again. As soon as I look into the closet I avoid looking at his clothes. I know he's not here physically, but they're a reminder of him. I start grabbing my clothes and shoving them as quick as possible into the suitcase. Ryan stands silently waiting for me to finish. I wonder if he noticed my avoidance of the bed.

When I'm done he asks, "Is this everything you want to take from here?"

I nod.

We head back towards the front of the house when we have everything I can think that we'll need. I don't want to have to come until whatever happens to the house.

"How was your school day?" I ask once the twins get into the car.

"It was fun. We had art today and we got to finger paint." Angel replies.

"Yes, but we had to leave them because they have to dry." Celestine says.

"But you'll bring them home later." Home, that's what I need to tell them about. "We are staying with Uncle Ryan and Katelyn for now." I say.