Two years later
It's been two years since Valerie's death. Me, Jordan, Damon, Tilly, Kylee, and Cadence live together in a small house in Virginia. Im now catching up on school
online, considering that I never had the chance to before. Kylee works as a journalist and has taken care of Cadence. Damon is a deputy at the district now, I'm so proud of him.
Jordan and Tilly, well that's a more complicated story. They like each other, as Jordans amazing sister I can tell he’s in love. I can see Tilly loves him as well but they both are too stubborn to admit it. Damon and Jordan have grown closer together, which is a relief because I love them both so dearly.
Kylee left to go visit her brother Anthony in Maryland. She’ll be home any day now so I’m taking care of Cadence in her absence. Cadence is eight now and she’s in second grade so I have to drop her off in the morning.
Damon had a late shift and would be home soon. I was tucking Cadence into bed in her room that she shared with Kylee. Our house was small so Damon and I shared a room as well. I thought Cadence was asleep. I kneeled down to her small bed and planted a small kiss on her forehead.
“Goodnight, baby.”
I whispered.
I stood up and walked away. I was almost to the door when I heard her small sweet voice.
“Kinsey?”
she said sitting up.
“Yeah?”
I said going back to her.
“Is Kylee home yet?”
she asked.
“No not yet, but she’ll be home to pick you up from school tomorrow”
I said.
“Kinsey?”
she asked again
“I miss her.”
she said.
“I know I miss her too.”
I smiled.
“Kinsey? do you miss your mommy and daddy?”
She asked. I was a bit taken back by her question. Of course she didn’t know my parents or what they did. It honestly made me think. My parents were monsters but we had some good moments, very minimal moments but still good ones.
“U-uh sometimes”
I answered.
“Why do you ask?”
I asked.
“oh I don’t know”
she said. I know that she misses her parents but I didn’t want to bring it up.”
“You should get some sleep, we have a big day ahead of us.”
She nodded and layed back down. I turned around in the dark room to leave when I saw Damons siluet in the doorway.
“You’re good at that.”
he smiled.
“Hey you’re home.”
I said pulling him into a hug.
“where is Tilly and Jordan?”
he asked.
“I have no idea”
I answered.
Damon just nodded and wrapped his arm my waist and lead us to our room.
He went into the bathroom and I heard the shower turn on.
I started to strip from my clothes and into something more comfortable when I heard the front door open and shut.
I stepped out of the room with my sweatpants and baggy shirt and saw a female silhouette in the kitchen, taking off their coat and set it on a chair.
Making my way down the slim staircase, I saw a girl with long blonde hair cascading down her back, and a suitcase in hand.
“Kylee?” I asked.
Kylee turned around with a shocked expression on her face.
“What are you doing up? You have school tomorrow.” She sighed.
I rolled my eyes and went over to hug her.
“Whatever mom.” I laughed. As I do online school, but she still treats it as regular school.
“I thought you weren’t getting home till tomorrow.”
“Well I decided to leave earlier so I can get some more rest.” She shrugged.
Kylee had a tired expression on her face and I sighed.
“You should get to bed. Cadence wants you to take her to school tomorrow.” I said with a wink.
Kylee chuckled and nodded. She grabbed a chocolate chip granola bar from the pantry and made her way upstairs.
“Goodnight, Kins.”
“Goodnight.” I said, making my way up the stairs behind her.
I went back to my room and wrapped myself up in the blankets as I waited for Damon to get out of the shower.
Damon came out about five minutes later, kissed my forehead and shut off the light.
-----------------------
I woke up to a loud knock on the door,
I groaned up as I forced myself out of bed. Looking at the clock on the nightstand, it read, 6:14 AM. I sighed in annoyance and made my way down the stairs to the front door.
I opened up the door and saw a UPS van driving away. I looked down and saw a brown package on the cemented porch.
Picking up the package, I walked to the living room and sat on the couch.
I ripped open the box and saw a white envelope with my name on it along with a picture frame facing away from me, so I couldn’t see the picture.
Ripping open the envelope, a folded up paper fell onto my lap.
I unfolded it, and started to read the cursive writing.
Hello Kinsey.
You may not remember me, but I remember you. It’s been five years since I’ve last seen you. I actually liked you, Kinsey, but then you ran off with that bitch Valerie who did something unforgivable. And I hate you for that. I’m coming for you. I know exactly where you are. I could kill you right now as you read this letter. But I won’t, because there’s no fun in a quick death. I will make all of you suffer like you have made me suffer. You better keep Cadence safe and sound. Because she is my first target.
xoxo- Your friend
Anonymous.
I hadn’t realized I was crying until a tear put a drop in the paper. I folded the paper back up and set it down.
Picking up the picture frame, I turned it around.
It was a picture of my family when we were all happy.
-The Cousins
