Returning Hearts

Chapter 2: Back in Town

August falls to the ground in great anguish as she reaches her little girls gravestone. She misses Zuri daily but the feelings Jackson stirs within her causes her great pain as well. She once loved him so dearly but after their daughter died she couldn't handle his pain and hers. The car accident comes back into her mind.

Jackson is driving as he reaches over to hold August's hand. Zuri's little voice screeches as she sings the high notes to the kid's song playing over the radio. "Sing with me mommy." Zuri pleads as her brown curly hair bounces while they travel down the expressway. August begins to sing along at Zuri's request. "Daddy you too. You too." Jackson joins in with a silly voice making everyone burst with laughter.

A red truck suddenly hits the side of their little black car causing Jackson to lose control and cross over into oncoming traffic. Another car slams into the passenger side of their car and causes it to roll over onto its roof in a culvert.

"Mommy misses you so much." August lays her flowers down next to the roses Jackson had left. The small bouquet of yellow daisies looks smaller next to the mass of red roses. After about an hour of reeling through the life she once had with mixed emotions, she finds the strength to rise to her feet wrapping her arms around herself. "Happy Birthday, Zuri. I love you baby."

Traveling back to the city, August stops at what was Zuri's favorite place to eat. Over the past year and a half since Zuri's death, she had avoided coming back to Columbus because the pain was too strong. After the past year, she feels she is ready to face the old familiar places again and focus on the good times she shared with Zuri. As she enters the restaurant, there are kids running wildly everywhere playing arcade games and racing through the indoor playground. The smell of pizza is comforting as she pauses at the door for a moment and observes all the children. We could be having your birthday party here right now. She thinks to herself as she stands in the entrance smiling at all the cute children running past her. Her train of thought is broken by a familiar voice behind her.

"August?" Rachel and Henry are entering the pizza parlor as August turns to meet their shocked expressions.

August hasn't seen them since she moved away and she feels frozen in her steps. "Hi."

Rachel hugs her tightly as she speaks. "How are you sweetie? It is so good to see you. Are you here alone?"

"Yes." August looks around nervously as she thinks that Jackson may be close by. "I thought I could do this but I am not sure it is a good idea."

"We know sweetie. Jackson refused to come at all. At least you entertained the idea. It takes baby steps." Henry hugs her as she relaxes in knowing Jackson is not near.

"We are going to eat if you want to join us. Brock was aim to come but he is tied up with work. We would love to catch up with you." Rachel offers with a consoling smile.

"I would love to eat with you. Thank you."

Rachel lights up with surprise as she reaches for August's hand. "Come. We will find a table."

"Tell us all your latest news." Rachel hands August a plate as she asks.

"I have been living in Clearwater, Florida for the past year and a half. I work as a secretary for a law firm." August seems a bit nervous as she speaks.

"Oh yes, your mom told me you moved out there. Is it beautiful?" Rachel begins to serve them all pizza.

"Yes, it is. But I am actually planning on moving back here as soon as I find a place." August feels a sense of reluctance as she speaks the words because she worries about Jackson's reaction to her new life.