Run

Part Two | 20

Chapter 20

"When Marie told me that Brayden wasn't an accident, that she'd gotten pregnant on purpose... I  didn't know how to feel. I didn't know what think. There was no one to talk to. I had no one. I thought I had Marie, but I never did. 

"I remember thinking about calling Gale, asking her for advice. I didn't, obviously, but... It just reminded me of how alone I really was. With Marie and our kid at my side, I'd never felt more alone in my life. 

"To this day, I wish Marie had never told me that, because... I think about what could've been. I think about what life I'd have, if I'd even be here. But then I feel guilty, because I love my son. I'd never trade him for anything, but... I just think about it. Especially being in here, you know? Because the only thing you can do is think. There are some days where I can't stop. And it tears me apart."

...

"Don't come out, alright, Brayden?"

He peered up at me from beneath his blankets. 

He nodded. "I know." 

Slowly, I grasped the door handle and smiled at my son sadly before closing it. He pulled the blankets closer to him and I hoped he'd fall asleep soon.

Breathing heavily, I went to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of beer. It took only ten minutes until Yoel made it over. He knocked on the door five times, a code we have so I know that it's him. When I opened the door, his shaggy black hair fell over his eyes as he grinned at me.

"Hey, man," he grabbed my hand and we shook. 

"Hey." I stepped to the side and pointed to the fridge. "Grab yourself a beer."

"Thanks," he said, dropping his back pack next to the door. 

Yoel was my recent partner in our hustling and gambling. He was a bit clueless most of the time, but he was great at cards. Sometimes I wondered how that could be. 

"Ya girl's out again?" he asked as he took the cap off a beer bottle with his shirt.

I laughed humorlessly. "When is she not out?"

He tilted his head. "Where's your kid?"

I nodded toward the room. "Sleeping. He-"

Suddenly, three loud knocks came at the door. Yoel froze. Immediately, I turned to the door and held a finger up, indicating for us to stay quiet. After a few seconds, another three angry knocks sounded. I had no idea who it might be, but I knew they were furious. And it was late. Who'd be at my door at this time? 

Slowly, I looked through the peep hole.

"Hey..." Yoel said quietly as the knocks continued. "Who's that?"

I could see a large, tall blond man. Another man with brown hair stood behind him, but he was much smaller.

"I don't know."

"You didn't invite anyone over, did you?"

"No." Suddenly, I got angry and spun around at him. "No one was following you, right?"

Yoel began to stammer. "I-... I didn't look."

"Open the door," the blond smirked. "The wood's pretty thin. I'd hate to break it down."

My body tensed. Brayden.

Slowly, I looked through the peep hole once more. Clenching my teeth, I opened it. They could see me clearly, but I stood tall so they couldn't see inside.