Choices She Made [18+]

Chapter Sixteen- Alligator

Pic of Brandon, Laila, and cute little Bella :)

Chapter Sixteen- Alligator

I had my clothes and things that meant something to me all packed. My luggage sat at the front door.

"Aunt Cat?" My niece held onto my hand, "Are you leaving again?"

Her big round eyes bore into mine. An ache tugged at my heart to see the sadness on her face.

I forced a smile, "I'm just going on a small vacation Bells. I'll be back as soon as you can say alligator."

"Alligator." She sniffed.

Her little arms wrapped around my neck, and I pulled her close.

"Alligator, alligator, alligator." She repeated crying.

"I love you Bells." My voice broke.

"I love you to." She cried harder.

"Be a good girl for mommy and daddy." I looked up at Brandon.

She nodded, letting go of me and running into her fathers open arms. She buried her face into his neck, muffling her cries. I stood up, straightening my spin. Tears falling down my own face.

"Catalina you be safe." Brandon spoke, forcing himself to be strong in front of his daughter.

I nodded. I knew he wanted to hug me but he had to comfort my niece. She needed him more then me.

"I love you." Laila jumped on me, her arms wrapping themselves on my neck.

Her tears dropped onto my shirt, and mine did the same to hers.

"I love you to." I hugged her back tightly.

"Be careful and safe." She whispered.

"I promise." I closed my eyes to prevent the tears from escaping anymore.

We pulled away from each other. I picked up my luggage, carrying it out to Ryan's car. He stood silently watching me. I forced my legs to move towards the vehicle. It was the same Royce as before.

He popped the trunk, taking my bags from me and placing them inside. I had to stop myself from returning back inside my sisters home that I had considered mine for the last few months.

"Are you ready?" Ryan asked, no emotion showing on his face.

I swallowed, nodding. My legs grew heavy with each step I took towards the passenger side door. I climbed inside and sunk down into the seat. My sister, brother in law, and niece standing in the doorway of their home.

My heart ached at the sight. They clung to each other, combining their strength. My thoughts were redirected to the roar of the engine. Ryan pulled from the sidewalk, and raced down the road.

The scenery a blur outside the window. I tried to stop the tears from rolling down but they wouldn't.