Anger

Chapter Two

I Sat with Franki and Nick at the counter, Henry on my lap. He sat all snuggled and curled up, his head against my chest and little legs pulled up to his own chest. He was beginning to fall asleep and there was nothing cuter in the world than my son.
"I can understand now." Franki said, patting my hand. There was more to it but I wasn't going to tell him. "He's a very handsome boy, takes after his mother." I smiled, running my fingers through Henry's red curls. I couldn't help but wonder, would we be happy here after everything? Would Henry be happy? Ever since I found out I was going to have him, he's been my number one priority, and I thought running away was good for him. What was going to happen now that we were back?
"So now that you're back, what's going to happen?" Nick asked. He had been silent for a while but I would wait until we were alone to question him.
"I'll try and get my old job back, or any job at least and make a life here for Henry and I. No running away this time." I didn't completely believe myself. I knew I wouldn't stay here. Something would happen and I'd take Henry and leave again.

I felt overwhelmed by the memories of the town and seeing Nick and Franki. I left the restaurant and walked back to the house with Henry in my arms. It wasn't far and it was a nice day. Henry was fast asleep in my arms, making it easier.
We passed the park, and I remembered being a kid again. I wondered if I did end up staying, could Henry have the childhood I had before high school? Could Henry grow up happy here like I once did?

When I got back to my parent's house, I went straight for my old bedroom. I didn't want the memories to come right now. I was tired and Henry barely ever stayed asleep. It was my opportune moment. I laid Henry on the bed next to me all snuggled and I tried to fall asleep.

I woke up and I wasn't in my bed anymore. I was in a classroom wearing a prom dress. It seemed very familiar. Henry was sitting at a table with someone else. I stood up and walked closer to them until the person turned around.
"Hello Juniper." Isaac said. My head hurt from seeing Henry and Isaac together. I swore Isaac would never meet Henry. Henry was coloring something, not looking at me at all.
"Henry, let's go sweetie." I stepped closer to Henry but Isaac slid in my way, grabbing my arm.
"Are you going to run again? He's mine too." Isaac looked angry and gritted his teeth. It felt so familiar. How many times had I been in this situation with him? I had to protect Henry.
"I'm his mother. I carried him and had him. Let me go now." I yanked away from Isaac, getting closer to Henry. He was drawing a picture of stick figure Isaac and I with Henry in the middle. I grabbed Henry's hand and pushed Isaac out of our way. I felt Isaac's hands on my shoulders as he threw me to the ground. I heard Henry screaming but Isaac picked him up and rocked him back and forth.
"Do you see what you did Juniper? You're tearing this family apart!"
"He's not your family!" My vision was starting to blur and fade into black. I had to protect Henry. I tried to stand but I couldn't. I was weak. My eyes closed and Henry's crying muffled.

I shot up in my bed, sweat dripping from my forehead. I looked around to make sure it was all a dream. Isaac and Henry were no where in sight but Nick sat next to me on the bed with worry in his eyes.
"Where's Henry? Is he alright?" I tried to get up but Nick shushed me and held my hand.
"He's fine. He was crying and I didn't want him to wake you. He's asleep in my room... what were you dreaming about." He knew what I was dreaming about but I think he wanted me to talk about it.
"You know what I dreamt about. I dreamt about Isaac."
"You don't miss him do you? What he did to you... I wanted to kill him..." maybe Nick was the one who wanted to talk about it. I put a hand on his shoulder.
"No. I don't. I hate him. But I know I'm going to run into him and if I do, he can't know about Henry. I won't tell him and I don't want him to see Henry at all."
"I can protect both of you. He's my nephew, and you're my sister. No one is going to hurt you." I nodded and stood, heading to Nick's room. Henry was just waking up, rubbing his eyes.
"Mom, I'm hungry." He pouted and I sat next to him and chuckled at how cute he was.
"I'll make you something, dear. What would you like?"
"Can I please have macaroni? We haven't had any in a week!" He threw his hands up in defeat and I coughed to keep from laughing.
"Oh what a tragedy, my poor Henry hasn't had macaroni in a week!" I picked him up and spun him in the air, bringing him close and blowing raspberries on his cheek. His high pitched laugh always cheered me up.
Nick knocked on the door, stepping into the room.
"Did I hear someone say macaroni? Did you know I make the best macaroni in the world?"
Henry jumped up on the bed getting excited.
"It can't be better than mommy's!"
"It may not be better than your mother's but it's pretty close. I do however make the best cheesecake." Nick winked at me and I laughed.
"Hey, it is most definitely not better than mom's."
"Duh, where do you think I got the recipe from?"
"We get dessert? Yay! Mom make macaroni so I can have cheesecake!" Henry jumped up and down until Nick came over and sat Henry on his shoulders.
"Come on little man, to the kitchen!" They went downstairs toward the kitchen, leaving me alone. Nick was so great with Henry. Henry should have had a father figure growing up, even if it was just Nick and Franki and my own father. I deprived him of that but I had no choice. I had to protect Henry no matter what.