Lost without you( the adventures of RJ DUCK book 3)

Chapter 6 your not alone

This chapter is about RJ and his siblings
On a particularly hot summer day, life at the old farmhouse seemed deceptively calm. From the moment RJ and Maise hatched, their grandfather Jake had been a constant presence in their lives. He was gentle and kind, always ready with a warm smile and a comforting embrace. This stood in stark contrast to Jack, who claimed to be their father and ruled with a harsh and unforgiving hand.

Jake lived at the farmhouse, trying to provide what stability he could for RJ, Maise, and their older brother Mason. Mason was Jack's favorite, the only one who listened to him without question. This favoritism created a rift among the siblings, but it was Jack's abusive behavior that truly terrorized the twins.

As the sun climbed high, Jake decided to spend some quality time with RJ in the small garden behind the farmhouse. "Let's plant some seeds, RJ," Jake suggested, hoping to distract the boy from the oppressive heat and the tension inside the house.

They were kneeling in the dirt, hands busy with the seeds, when Jack's shadow fell over them. "What are you doing here?" Jack snarled, his eyes narrowing at Jake.

"I'm teaching him how to grow his own food," Jake replied calmly, not backing down. "It's a useful skill."

Jack's anger flared. "Get inside," he barked at RJ. The boy scurried into the house without a word, his eyes wide with fear. "You don't belong here, old man."

Seeing the fear in RJ's eyes broke Jake's heart. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he was determined to be there for his grandchildren. "I'm their grandfather, Jack. I have every right to be here," he said, his voice steady. "They deserve to know their family."

Jack glared at Jake but didn't respond. Jake took that as a small victory and continued his efforts to support the children, despite the constant tension. The twins needed to know they had someone who cared about them, someone who would protect them from Jack's cruelty.

Inside the house, Maise was in her own room, trying to stay cool in the stifling heat. Mason, who had been playing quietly in the living room, perked up at the sound of Jack's voice. Mason's loyalty to Jack earned him better treatment, but it also isolated him from RJ and Maise, who couldn't understand why he would seek comfort from the source of their pain.

As the day wore on, the tension in the house grew unbearable. Jack's temper was particularly volatile in the summer heat, and it didn't take much to set him off. That evening, after a particularly harsh beating from Jack, RJ and Maise sought comfort from their grandfather.

Jake held them close, whispering words of reassurance and love. "Remember, no matter what happens, you are stronger than you know," he told them. "You have each other, and you have me."

Despite Jake's efforts, the twins couldn't escape Jack's wrath. He began to limit Jake's interactions with the children, claiming that the old duck was filling their heads with nonsense. But Jake was determined to stay connected to his grandchildren, even if it meant risking Jack's anger.

Jake's resolve was tested later that evening when he found RJ shivering in his small bed, despite the oppressive summer heat. Maise had her own room, and though they were separated, their bond remained strong. Jake quietly wrapped RJ in blankets, his heart aching at their plight. "You deserve better than this," he whispered, tears in his eyes. "I promise I'll find a way to protect you."

The next day, Jake confronted Jack, his voice firm but calm. "These children need more than just survival, Jack. They need love and care. Let me help you."

Jack's eyes blazed with fury. "I don't need your help, old man. Stay out of our lives."

But Jake refused to back down. "I won't abandon them," he said, his voice unwavering. "They are my family, too."

As the confrontation escalated, RJ and Maise watched from their separate doorways, fear gripping their hearts. They had never seen their grandfather so determined, nor their so-called father so enraged. The clash of wills between Jack and Jake marked a turning point in their lives, one that would shape their future in ways they couldn't yet understand.

Despite the growing storm, Jake continued to do what he could, each act of kindness a beacon of hope for RJ and Maise. They clung to their grandfather's words and promises, drawing strength from his unwavering love. And in the darkest moments, they remembered his words: "You are not alone."

But even as Jake fought to protect them, Jack's shadow loomed ever larger, threatening to engulf their fragile world. The twins knew that their grandfather's love could not shield them from everything, but it gave them the courage to face whatever lay ahead.