Vanessa "Nessa" Mitchell never intended for her entire life to go up in flames. Literally. One night. One chance of forgiveness. One chance to set her name straight. At least that is until Kaiden Arthur Greenspan comes in. He's arrogant, cocky, and...
When the day of the funeral comes Archer's a mess. He claims he's okay but I don't believe him. I've just been trying my best to comfort him. We haven't heard from Kaid since he broke my wrist and I have yet to tell Archer that it was Kaiden who did it. Regardless, today is about honoring their dad, not discussing my problems.
"Archer," I say rubbing his back, "it's time to wake up." He groans at my voice but rolls out of bed. "I'll go get some coffee," I say kissing him.
While making the coffee I receive a text.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
My breath hitches and I respond.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"V?" Archer asks and I turn around to face him.
"Yeah?" I shove my phone into my back pocket.
"Are you ready?" I nod, leaving my problems behind me.
~ later ~
"We are gathered here today to honor Detective David Greenspan. He leaves behind his wife Maria and two sons; Kaiden and Archer." The priest starts. Archer is comforting Maria and Kaiden is nowhere in sight. What is so important that he has to miss his own fathers funeral?
The ceremony was well put together. Everyone Mr. Greenspan knew made an appearance. Luckily, the weather was not awful and we did not get soaked.
"Archer," I whisper, "it's time to go."He looks from me to the grave and nods.
The ride back to Archer's is silent. Neither of us knows what to say. It's hard to know what should happen after a loved one passes away. Are you supposed to cry? Is there supposed to be a moment of realization that they are actually gone? Or are you forever in denial? Does the pain ever leave? Or do you learn overtime to cope with said pain?
I've always been fascinated by the idea that when a baby is born the reason they cry is that they're in pain. From this, the idea goes on to say that as the baby becomes a child, then a teen, and finally an adult that they learn to cope with the pain. Or the theory that every person who has a mental illness such as; schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, or any hallucinogenic illness, sees the world for what it really is while the rest of us are in denial.
Looking over at Archer I don't know what to believe. Growing up he was so hot and cold. He refused to get to know me and was, who I thought, my lead bullier. Yet I feel safer with him than his brother, Kaiden. Growing up with Kaid was easy. He was never up and down. He was consistent. He was reliable. In fact, he was the guy I knew would go somewhere in life. He was the type of guy you wanted to introduce to your parents. He cared. Yet sometimes I wondered if he cared too much.
- 8 years ago -
"Stop!" I yell laughing. Daniel continues to tickle me until Kaiden sees and gets angry.
"Daniel," he yells, "get your hands off of her!" Daniel releases me and walks away with his hands up.
"Kaiden," I scold, "what the hell!" His eyes stay focused on the wall and his fists turn white. "Kaid?" I whisper walking in front of him.
His blue eyes that are usually bright are now dark. Like he had absorbed any negative emotions and his eyes reep'd the results. Eyes that I adore now terrify me.
- present -
I think that he meant well, Kaiden that is. Whenever he thought he was protecting me. Yet he always pushed too far. Believing that every decision was made out of love rather than locking me up. A part of me is glad that he was like that. He protected me when I needed it. Yet one part of me wonders what went so wrong in his life that caused him to become like this.
