Chapter 36: James

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Song: Exit Music (For a Film) by Radiohead

April 18, 2024 7:45am

Normal's POV:

Currently following Lizzie and Robbie to the cemetery. I finally got the chance of riding my bike after Nicole banned me. Breaking the wind at 55 mph is my dopamine. Traffic hasn't hit yet so the freeway is my bitch but still with Lizzie and Robbie behind me. A 15-minute drive from the house to the cemetery, allows me to enjoy my dopamine high. As we pull into the driveway, I see a familiar vehicle—James's parents. Suddenly, a wave of guilt occurs as my hands began to sweat. I finally get the kickstand on this gravel when a hand lands on my shoulder. Reuben, James's dad. While I turned to see him, I get a glimpse of Lizzie's face. Empathy. "Y/n/n, we thought you'll be here and wanted..." I cut him off with a hug. Earning some confusion but followed up with one of the most meaningful hugs I could ever receive. Tears are building up when I feel Celeste's hand on my back—James's dearest and loving mother. "Oh dear, we got you. You being here is one miracle." I hear Celeste's voice break. I haven't been in contact with them since Rhea's college graduation. One of my biggest regrets.

As I leave Reuben's arms, I quickly hug Celeste and see Rhea standing behind Celeste. "I'm soo sorry, Rhea. To everyone too, but leaving you Rhea. I'm soo damn sorry." I share as I make my way to Rhea. "I sent you letters, emails, and texts. I've called every day for fucksake." Rhea replies, tearing up. "I wasn't aware of my actions. I couldn't even recognize myself. After my time with the Marines, I lost myself and added being a newly single parent. It was just too much so I ran, like a coward." I confessed, earning a sorrowful face from Rhea as I walked to James's grave.

Returning from deployment with the Marines in August 2018 was incredibly difficult for me. Mentally and Physically. Being in the desert again after James's death turned me into something else, a monster. A killer. So imagine coming back to the States after being in a kill zone for almost 3 years, just to catch your girlfriend and your best friend in YOUR bed. Meanwhile, your child was unsupervised.

Third Person POV:

"Y/N, wait-" Rhea tried to stop Y/N, but failed. "Rhea, let them be. Just for a moment, please" Celeste asks as she hugs Rhea. "They've been through so much shit, just to reunite with more hate. I was just so relieved seeing them again. I'm sorry Mom." Rhea shares their emotions as she hugs their mom. Lizzie and Robbie have been in contact with them since Y/N's recent deployment. Since Robbie and Y/N chat about Y/N's last wishes. When Robbie told Lizzie about the documents and his conversation with Y/N, Lizzie respected Y/N's actions but was heartbroken. As everyone began to make their way to James, they find Y/N crouched down, holding the gravestone of their best friend. Reuben has the courage to walk up to Y/N. "I'm sorry." The words Y/N were repeating, lost in the ​​memory. The horrific image of James's soulless and destroyed body. "Y/N?" Reuben proceeds with a gentle approach. "I'm sorry. You lost a son. James... I wasn't aware of my surroundings. He saved my life but he's not here. That's not what we planned." Y/N shares with Reuben, as they collect their behavior.

"Y/N, if we lost you too in that attack, I don't know how we could've survived. You're part of this family, Y/N. Stuck with us, no matter what happens." Reuben comforts them as he reminds Y/N.

As Y/N shares old childhood memories of the trio, their phone goes off, 9:57 am. 'BEANS' "Excuse me, I'll be right back." Y/N excuses themselves, walking back to the driveway.

Normal POV:

"Good Morning Love, did you already land?" I say, answering her call.

" Yep, I'm heading home. Are we still meeting you there? I could use your help." She's tired. Traveling with kids is a handful but when it's unexpected, forget about it.

"Yeah, just a bit busy at the moment. I'll meet you there at 11 if that's ok with you." I request, thinking about Elena.

"Don't worry, I can wait another hour. Continue with your errand but please bring Elena, I've missed my widow." She replies getting a hint of her surroundings, Pap.

"I gotta go. See you soon," Adding as she quickly hangs up. Increasing my anxiety but by her orders, I'm no longer under the security team. Sometimes I hate her dominance, sexy though but still.

When I get back to the others, Lizzie's on the phone while Robbie and Harris's family continue their chat. Once Lizzie's call was done, I headed to her "Scar just landed, now heading home." I informed her. "And Nicole is looking for us, Aubrey left about 10 minutes. Mom is making breakfast." Lizard replied, looking at my hands. "Y/N, thank you. I love you so much and can't thank you enough for staying alive. When Robbie told me about your chat with him, I was mad at first. But quickly realized why, trust and respect. You fear leaving us, without leaving a trace behind." She's a damn profiler now, how the fuck. "Look, you don't need to explain. My point is that I'm so glad you haven't decided on living us. Thank you." Lizzie adds, going in for a hug. "It's not a decision to make but I always try to return home. You're getting soft on me, Witchy." I purposely ruin the moment. "You just had to and don't get me started with your shirt too." She says as we walk to the others.

A/N: Might be a while before the next chapter, so just FYI. Not done just busy with life. 

Robbie and Lizzie react to Y/N's shirt like: 

Robbie and Lizzie react to Y/N's shirt like: 

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