The twins cried after I told them what had happened. They were both sitting at the table eating breakfast when the doorbell rang. I stood up to get it but Aunt Clare shook her head and I sat back down. I heard voices coming from the front, and then a puffy red eye Sarah walked in with Jordan at her heels with their bags. I stood up and gave her hug and told her to calm down and that it was okay. She let go of me and walked over to the twins and gave both kisses, while Jordan came over and gave me hug and kissed me on my forehead. I was surprised that they got in early, then Sarah said "after I hung up on mom, I booked us two tickets and we got on within an hour." I was thankful that Sarah was here cause I knew that if we were going home, I will need Sarah and Jordan.
After breakfast we got ready for our trip home. We had decided that Sarah and Jordan will fly to California with the twins while me and Aunt Clare will drive. I knew that it will be longer by car, but then I wanted to do it because it will give me time to think about the funeral and the ghosts of my past that I knew I will eventually have to face. Sarah and Jordan and the twins will stay in a dads hotel under a different name that I booked already and will wait there for 3 days for me and Aunt Clare. Before we left, Sarah told me that from what she heard, Carter had moved on to the top of the world. He inherited his parents company and somehow expanded it and has become the number one bachelor in California. She also told me that he never got married. He had been single for the past 2 years and was never seen with a girl.
I told Sarah that I'll be fine and to stick to the plan to not let the twins be seen and known by anyone, but she quickly said, "No one in Modesto, California knows who I am, so don't worry and hurry up." I laughed and and gave her a hug, kissed Jordan on the cheek and told him to reign Sarah in when she gets off track, he laughed and said ,"Sure, just hurry up or she'll kill me." I laughed and let him go then bend on my knees to hug the twins. I gave them kisses and told them "Remember to not go anywhere without Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jordan, okay?" They both nodded their heads and I continue, " Don't talk to strangers and always listen to Aunty and Uncle, don't forget to brush your teeth's before going to bed and I'll see you guys in 3 days, alright?" they both nodded their head and I tell them "I love you guys so much". They both replied back, "Love you too mommy." I stood up and watch them make their way into their gate, and both twins turned back around and wave and I wave back blowing them kisses.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
When the gate closed, Aunt Clare and I got into my truck and we started the drive to the place I had though I will never go back to. We stopped only five times. The first time was when Sarah called to say that they had checked in and were eating dinner. We were in Chicago when she called, Aunt Clare was amazed that I could drive for 17 hours with the occasional coffee. I was surprised myself that I could be awake that long and have the strength to do so. The only thing on my mind was to get there safely and do what needs to be done and take the twins back home without having to face the one person I never wanted to run into.
Halfway to Oklahoma, Aunt Clare and I switched and she drove while I catch up on sleep. We were halfway to New Mexico when Sarah called and said that the twins wanted to talk to me. We chatted for half an hour when Sarah asked if they could go the park that was a block away from the hotel. I hesitated but then the look on the twins face made me said yes on the condition that they stay within Sarah and Jordan's view. I was worried but Sarah assured me that they'll be fine. I nodded my head and told her to take care and watch the twins. The twins both loudly yelled "we love you mommy". I replied that I loved them and then our call ended. Aunt Clare pulled over to a diner and we both went in to refuel ourselves with the biggest burgers and the tastiest fries we ever had. I was so full that I told Aunt Clare if she could drive from New Mexico to Vegas and then we can switch and I'll drive all the way.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
*outfit for the day*
We ended up stopping at a gas station in Vegas to refuel the car and then we switched. Aunt Clare slept and I drove all the way. As we near the town, I slowed the car and took in the all too familiar scene unfolding before me. Welcome back Lee, I told myself. As we near the hotel I couldn't breath clearly. Aunt Clare told me to stop the car. We pulled over in front of old man Ben's house and aunt Clare gave me a hug and told me it was okay. We sat there for a few minutes and then I started the car and then we drove to the hotel. All the time I was so worried and couldn't think straight that I didn't notice the BMW X5 that had pulled up behind my truck. I grabbed my bag and Aunt Clare grabbed hers and we both jumped out. I stood for a minute to pull down my shirt and then pulled my sweater down and went around the front of the car. I gave the valet my keys and walked inside to see my kids. I was halfway inside the door when I turned around to Aunt Clare when my eyes met those all too familiar striking clear blue eyes.
*BMW X5 below*
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
