Follow Me

Chapter 8

Kenji

I'm driving home with Warner.  It's quiet in the car.  That's partly because Warner destroyed my radio.  The other reason is that we have nothing to say.  We have lost our children.  And the operation to get them back is going less smoothly than we had hoped.  We can't do anything tonight.  We have to wait until tomorrow morning for a team to arrive to investigate various locations where the children may be.  It's just shit that we're so powerless right now.  I want to hold Kai in my arms and never let go of him.  And I know Warner feels the same way about Emma.  After all we've done, worked so hard to create a safe world.  It wasn't enough.

When I'm parked in front of my house I turn off the car and we get out.  It's midnight.  The lanterns illuminate our streets.  We hear Warner's front door open and Juliette runs out and flies into Warner's arms.  They hug each other tightly.  My heart breaks again.  How I wish I had Nazeraa in my arms right now.  Wanting to hide my face in her neck and forget the world for a while.  But I'm starting to doubt whether I can ever expect another hug from Nazeera.  She hates me.  I'm sure she hates me.  "Kenji."  I look up and only then notice Juliett and Warner looking at me.

"Why don't you sleep in our house tonight. You shouldn't be alone tonight."  Juliette says.  A tear slides down her cheek.  I look at her for a moment and then shake my head.  "No...I...You've had enough shit already and I don't want to be your burden. Nazeera will be here tomorrow morning. And I have things to do at home and I don't want to..." "Kenji."  Warner says.  "Come to our house."  I'm looking from Warner to Juliette.  I don't want to be alone tonight.  And they both know it.  I nod in defeat and follow them to their house.

Juliette had put pizza in the oven.  But none of us are actually hungry.  Warner sits at his computer, trying to get some information.  But if I have to read it from his face, he has no success.  I sit next to J on the couch while she leafs through a large photo book.  Nowadays everyone has digital photos.  But Juliette is not everyone.  She never was either.  And when I look at the photos in the photo album it gives a kind of magical effect.  I see Emma growing more and more on every page.  Every smile gets wider.  Her eyes sparkle with happiness.  Warner and Juliette are both gorgeous (Don't tell Warner).  No wonder they have a beautiful daughter.

Juliette sometimes sobs and laughs and I laugh with her.  There's a picture of Emma on Warner's shoulders.  They both have big pink sunglasses on and a lollipop stick in their mouths.  Super cute.
Another photo of Emma proudly showing a large shell to J on the beach.
And then I see a picture of Kai and Emma.  I remember that moment well.  It was Emma's birthday that day.  Turned 6 years old.  Kai had seen a sunflower and really wanted to give it to her.  The sunflower was taller than himself.  The photo was taken when Kai and Emma were facing each other.  Kai had the sunflower behind his back and told Emma he had a surprise for her.  The sunflower was clearly above Kai's head, but Emma pretended not to know and was very curious about the surprise.  Kai's cheeks were red from blushing.  That moment, I'm so glad J captured it.

Juliette takes a deep breath.  "I'm so glad she has Kai right now."  she says and looks at me.  I nod.  "I bet it will always be princess. Trust me. One day those 2 will get married."  Juliette smiles broadly.  "We'll see about that when I'm done with the 1 on 1 conversation with Kai."  Warner says, checking his cell phone.  "What 1 on 1 conversation?"  I ask with a raised eyebrow.  "One that makes him think twice about whether it's smart to touch my daughter."  "Oh yhea, if you do, I will have a very good 1 on 1 conversation with Emma."  "About what?"  asks J. "Well, you know. Which makes her... That's between me and Little J."  I say and cross my arms.

Juliette chuckles softly and closes the photo book.  She yawns and I have to do my best not to yawn too.  Warner puts away his cellphone and walks over to her.  "Come on, I'll put you to bed."  "Thanks man. But I know my way around here."  I say rub my eyes.  Warner gives me a deadly look and then lifts J up.  "Sleep well Kenji."  Says J. "Good night princess."  I say and smile softly.  Warner walks out of the room with J and I take another deep breath.  "Be strong Kai. I'll come get you tomorrow buddy. Hold on."  I whisper softly and then decide to walk to the guest bedroom.