Finding Home in Redemption

Chapter Twenty-Five

July

It was finally time to visit Erica's grave. I'd spent the past few days mentally preparing myself for something I had never done, and I felt as ready as I could.

When Erica was killed, Amelia had her buried about three hours away, in their home town. Amelia didn't tell Pop when the funeral would be, so I didn't get to attend, but I don't think Pop would have wanted me to be there anyway since I was so young. It was a closed service, and no one other than their close family was invited.

None of Amelia's family liked Pop, so they didn't care that I wasn't there.

After Pop told me that Jackson had wanted me to go when they left, I felt a weight I didn't know I had, lift off my shoulders. I'd spent a long time pushing the thoughts of siblings into the back of my mind. I may not have had any memories of them, but at least now I could think about them without feeling a raw pain.

As I made the long drive to the cemetery, I pulled my cell phone out and dialed the newest number on my favorites list, Jackson.

Shortly after my encounter with Amelia, I decided to try to get in contact with the only other living blood relative I was open to having a relationship with.

"Hello?" his deep voice came over the line.

"Good morning, sorry if I woke you," I cringed realizing the time.

"Well, since it's before eight, you can rest assured you woke me up."

"I'm so sorry!" I said.

"It's alright, Logan didn't wake up, so we're good," I heard Jackson's wife, Olivia, giggle in the background.

"What's up?" he asked.

"The reason I called was to see if you'd be willing to take me to Erica's grave. I've never gone, and I think it's time I go."

"Wow, yeah! I'd love to take you. I'm glad you asked me," his voice was laced with emotion.

"Oh, thank God. I was so scared you wouldn't want to go."

"Of course I want to go with you."

"I'm about an hour away now so do you want me to meet you at your house?"

"Sure. Once you get off the exit, there are only a few turns. I'll text the directions to you."

"Okay, I'll see you soon."

"Okay, sounds good."

After hanging up, I waited for the text alert and pulled over to a gas station to fill up and map out the rest of my drive.

When I pulled into the driveway of their modest two story home, I started getting nervous, like I always did when I was going to see Jackson. He and I had spoken over the phone often, learning all there was to know about each other. We hadn't spent much time together in person, so I was still nervous when I did get to see him.

I said hello to Olivia and baby Logan before we got into Jackson's SUV and he drove us to the cemetery.

"Are you okay?" he asked. We were parked on the road at the bottom of the hill, and he was waiting for me.

"I just feel so guilty," I whispered.

"There's no need for you to feel guilty, Bentley. You were only a kid when all that happened. All that matters is, you're here now." I looked into his eyes and could see he meant what he said. I didn't see any anger or resentment, so I took a deep breath and opened my door.

We walked up the hill and made our way through a small group of trees that were separated by a beautiful stone path. It was so peaceful there, and the caretaker took wonderful care of the place.