When The Smoke Has Cleared

Chapter Two: Gabby

Chapter Two

...

Gabriella Carter - Presently

"You know I hear you, I really do...But I'm gonna pass on that for now." I murmured, rising from my seat and crossing the room to peer out of the window, where raindrops streaked down the glass in rivulets.

"Not even for the kids?" She inquired, her pen scratching against the notepad as she continued jotting down notes on her notepad

"What does the kids have to do with anything? They're beautiful and they're happy...isn't that all that matters?" I asked as I walked back to my seat in front of my therapist. "Welp looks like that's all the time we have for today." I replied before she had a chance to answer me. This was the third time we're having this conversation about why I refuse to get back with Reagan, but I could never find the right words to explain it to anyone. It's been a couple years now and it seems like I'm the only one trying to move on from everything.

"Just at least try to think back on the relationship...with everything you guys have been through, you don't think it's worth another chance?" She posted the question, and instantly, irritation prickled within me. I understood she meant well, but did my own feelings count for nothing in this conversation? Before replying to her, I closed my eyes and thought back on the day that changed my entire life.

FLASHBACK-

3 years Ago - Twins Second Birthday

"Hi, I'm sorry I'm looking for Reagan Garcia...I was told she would be here." I looked up from icing the cake and barely glanced at the man in front of me.

"I'm sorry it's a bit hectic right now, are you here for the party...is it something that needs to be signed?" I asked him, as I checked on the kids playing in the pool outside, feeling a sweat drip down my forehead.

"Stephanie please be careful okay?" I yelled watching my best friend throw my kids in the pool like they were nothing.

"Oh relax, they're enjoying it, and you might be the only one here who can't swim." She replied laughing. In any other case I would probably find her joke funny, but the day was so chaotic with so many kids running around and not enough adult supervision, I was overwhelmed.

"Um excuse me?" I turned around and there he was again.

"Look, now is not a good time, can't this wait?" I asked the man again.

"I'm sorry but it's urgent. If you could just tell me where she is, I'll be out of your hair." he said, sighing impatiently.

"No. What do you need with my wife?" I asked curiously."

"Oh... you must be Gabby." He said smiling at me "I'm sorry I didn't realize...this involves you too actually, maybe after the party we can all sit down and talk as I'm sure this is all a big misunderstanding." He said laughing.

"Look man, you're crashing a kids birthday party right now, and I don't know who you are. But I'm gonna need you to leave my house right now. If this is work related, you can try calling her in a few days."

"Wow. you really are a bitch."

"Excuse me?"

"Look I mean no disrespect but I'm trying to make this easy on everybody. Reagan knows who I am. If I could just talk to her..

"I said no. Come back another time." I said walking away from him. Reagan was in our bedroom changing into her third outfit of the day. I watched him exit the yard before making my way up to her. She was standing by herself in the mirror, I walked over and pulled her into me from behind.

"We don't have time for this baby, don't even think about it." she said laughing as she turned to look at me.

"You're such a party pooper." I replied, kissing her cheeks. She sat on the bed and looked at me.

"You know I love you right? I mean I know everything has been different since the kids, my love for you has been growing and not once have I ever regretted us and what we have. Thank you for everything."

"I know, baby. I love you too. I wouldn't change this for anything." I walked over and sat next to her. "Not to ruin the moment, but do you happen to know a Latino dude, about 6 '2, scar over his left eye, bald and walks with a limb..."

"What? Why? Where did you see him?" She asked, startled, I felt her entire body tensed up.

"Relax baby, who is he?" I asked

"No one, it's fine. Is he still here?" She inquired, rising to her feet as she attempted to regain her composure.

"Okay no. What's going on Reagan...who is this man and why is he just showing up to our house...are the kids safe?" I pressed, concern lacing my words.

"Everything is fine baby, we can talk later, let's just try and get today over with." She assured me, planting a quick kiss on my lips before darting out the door.

The rest of the day went by smoothly for the family. The boys enjoyed themselves, Reagan and I couldn't have been more happy or so I thought. It was about time to go to bed when Kenna came and sat next to me on the couch staring at the TV screen.

" Is everything okay with you two?" I instantly looked at her and paused the show.

"Did she say something to you?"

"No no, she's just been a bit off today that's all, thought maybe there was a fight or something." she said, smiling at me reassuringly.

"I'm not sure. Some guy came looking for her earlier and when I mentioned it to him she sort of withdrew herself. I haven't seen her like that since she was with Robert. It's weird." Kenna sat there studying me for a few minutes.

"I'll talk to her tomorrow and see what's going on. Goodnight sis.'' She kissed my cheeks and went up to bed.

Except, tomorrow never came. The anticipated conversation never happened. I fell asleep on the couch, and usually Reagan would wake me up and drag me to bed, but I found myself alone on the couch the next morning with Kenna standing in front of me holding a cup of coffee questioning Reagan's whereabouts. My attempts to reach her went unanswered, each call redirected to voicemail, with both children mysteriously absent. A sense of dread settled in the pit of my stomach. In that moment a profound emptiness enveloped me, a void I couldn't understand at the time, but would later realize could never be filled again.