Beginning of the End

XII

After I finished eating, I stood up from the table, throwing the paper plate away. I smiled at Audrey and waved at Jed, then walked out. The sun was setting. I rested Edge against my shoulder and began to walk to the Back Gate. I stood there, admiring the colors painted across the sky. I closed my eyes and breathed in.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Alek said as he looked off my deck at the sky. I stood up from my chair and walked over to the railing beside him. The pinks, oranges, and purples faded together like pure magic. I smiled as I looked over at him.

"It is," I walked back over to my chair, grabbing my tea and taking a sip. I looked up, to find Alek studying my face, "What?" I asked.

"You know," He walked over and sat next to me, "They say you end up marrying your best friend." I looked over at him.

"Meaning?" I took another sip of my tea. He leaned back in his chair and smiled.

"Just means I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with you."

    "Jade?" I opened my eyes with a startle to Lamar standing next to me, "Are you okay? Have you been crying?" He asked as he stepped closer. I rubbed my cheeks and chuckled.

    "Yeah. I'm fine. Great." I looked up at him.

    "Jade..." He wrapped his arm around me, standing side by side, "I know. It's rough. I can only imagine the thoughts you've having."

    "What if the time comes and I can't kill him?" I whispered. Lamar took a sharp inhale.

    "Well. Let's hope one of us is around to do it," Lamar patted me on the back, "I'll leave you be." He walked off. I turned and saw he was catching up with Nick and Khalil, who were looking over at me before they walked off. I sighed and walked back to my house. On the way, I saw everyone sitting on their porches, watching the sunset as well. I smiled to myself. It's the little things. I got to my house, opened the door, locking it behind me, then sat on my couch. I set Edge on the coffee table in front of me. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I broke down in tears.

    "Fuck..." I said to myself, realizing how crazy this was. There was a knock on my door, "Goddammit, do I ever get any alone time?: I muttered to myself as I walked to the door and answered it.

    "You okay?" Elyas asked, with Cymon behind him, who peaked around at the statement.

    "I'm fine," I said as I wiped the tears from my face, "What's up?"

    "Well, I just wanted to know if I could go on the run with Cymon and Khalil tomorrow."

    "That's fine. You guys leave at 9." I closed the door, walking over to my China Cabinet. I opened the door on the front and pulled out a photo album. I walked back over to my couch, and sat. I opened the photo album and set it in my lap. The first photo that caught my attention was of Audrey and I from Halloween. I was Harley Quinn and she was Poison Ivy. I flipped the page. There was a picture of Aysa and I. I had my hand under my chin, and he had a huge smile on his face. I sighed, not wanting to flipped the page, but I did. The pages were covered with pictures of Alek and I. I closed the photo album and threw it into the kitchen, causing pictures to fly everywhere. I grabbed Edge and walked out. It was dark, and quiet. I walked over to the Back Gate, unlocking it and stepping through it, then locked it behind me. I walked to the clearing in the woods and just sat. I sat for what seemed like hours. Alone in the dark, with my thoughts. I heard something in the woods, so I stood up. Preparing Edge. But an opossum scurried out the woods. I chuckled to myself as I turned back, but stumbled back when I was face to face with my cousin, CJ.

    "I'm so sorry," He whispered, catching me, "I didn't mean to scare you." I stepped back, holding Edge up.

    "What the fuck are you doing here?" I demanded. He held his hands up.

    "Look, I'm here to fucking warn you. Calm the fuck down." He scolded.

    "Put your gun on the ground. Then I'll drop Edge." I said, watching him very carefully. He reached into his holster and pulled a handgun out, putting it on the ground. He then pulled up his pants leg, revealing another gun in a smaller holster against his combat boot. I rolled my eyes. He stood back up straight.

    "Your turn." I leaned down and set Edge down in front of me. I leaned back up.

    "Fine. Talk." I smiled. I heard the click of a gun being cocked behind me.