Road To Recovery (A "Living With The Choices We Make" Sequel) ✔️

14 - The Graveyard

This chapter is dedicated to romanticeunacorn - thanks so much for all your support so far :)

14 - The Graveyard

Rena's POV 

Working with Pam was very exciting and I found myself missing the challenging responsibilities and the buzzing office during my off weeks, making the care for Noah almost a burdensome task. I resented feeling this way, blaming myself for being a rotten mother.

To compensate, I started to attack Charlotte when she was taking my son to Virginia during her visits, claiming that she would be incapable of keeping her husband away from him in their own home. I caught myself calling her phone a couple of times a day in the hopes that Ryan would pick up and I could bust her, but unfortunately, I never found any proof for my suspicion which at some point turned into something close to paranoia.

In the middle of August, both Kade and Noel finally had enough of my constant complaining and whining, suggesting for me to accompany Noah on a visit to make sure he was okay. The thought of spending any time in Quantico where I had once been happy with Brent was unbearable, but Doc felt it could be another "therapeutic" exercise and convinced me after a couple of sessions. Pam called my probation officer and filed a motion, so that I could officially leave the state for the week, and my father felt generous enough to pay for the flight, even though I had managed to save up a nice chunk of money.

With Kade in tow as my chaperon, I took off on the early morning flight to Alexandria and was amazed by Noah's calmness during the flight while I was hanging on to the armrests for my dear life during turbulences. When we landed, I swore that this would be a once off, and after the humidity hit me like a brick wall, drenching my shirt within minutes despite the early morning hour, I silently cursed Doc, ready to return to Chicago. If I hadn't been so scared that the judge would take Noah away for good if I cancelled the visit, I wouldn't have left the airport.

Kade rented a car and an hour later, we pulled into the driveway of the Park's residence. Nothing had changed except that everything was in full bloom and Charlotte had hung up a basket of colorful asters over the porch instead of the evergreen wrath for Thanksgiving. I was just getting out of the car when the front door slammed shut and Ryan stormed down the driveway with a sullen face. He hesitated when our gazes met and I could tell he was about to explode. Grumbling something under his breath, he jumped into his car before taking off with screeching tires.

"Wow, someone is throwing a tantrum," Kade smirked with raised eyebrows.

I giggled, unhinging the car seat from its brackets to carry Noah inside. He was kicking his little legs, laughing with little dimples in his cheeks. If I didn't know better, I would think he was making fun of his grandpa.

I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. Uncertain of what to do, I stared at Kade who slowly turned the doorknob, his forehead wrinkled in a deep frown. I had seen that expression before - it was his look when he was really worried. The door swung open with a low screech. With my heart pounding in my chest, I edged forward, my eyes trying to adjust to the dimness in the foyer.

"Charlotte?" Kade's voice echoed through the empty house. "It's Kade Fallon. Are you home?"

A low shatter came from the kitchen like a dish had crashed to the floor. Shuffling feet approached and Charlotte's frame appeared in the doorway. She was still wearing her bathrobe and her hair was sticking into every possible direction. Slightly red eyes gazed at us - she had undoubtedly been crying, her cheeks streaked with wetness.

"Oh, Kade, Rena." Her mouth curved to an automatic smile. "Hi." She bit her lip, a flush coloring her cheeks. "I didn't expect you for at least another hour. Please, come on in." The tears were wiped off her face with the sleeve of the bathrobe.