Remember Death

Chapter 12. Can You Feel My Heart?

Aiden's POV (Part 2).

There was no telling when Adelaide was going to wake up from her slumber. Sam and I decided to take shifts watching her, just in case she woke up during the night. Sam offered the first watch. In a way I was relieved; I was exhausted but I also wanted to be there for her throughout the whole night. Before I could pass out though, Sam made me rehearse the story we were to tell Adi. He wanted to make sure our time lines add up with hers and cover for Mom and Samuel. I hate lying to my sister, but I know this is for her own good.

Adi woke up the next afternoon. Seeing her distraught and bewildered was hard to watch. It made our story harder to tell to her. I wanted to cave in so bad; it was a literal rock and a hard space. Deep down I am aware she deserves to know and honestly, I think Sam feels the same way.

The rest of the day was okay but it was filled with lots of awkward silences. Adi dozed in and out for a while. I played several rage games to release some of this built up anger, the rest will have to be excreted tomorrow at the shooting range.

With little to no sleep, the sun finally rose the next morning. It was the second longest night of my life, I could not wait for it to be over. Sam and I were the first ones up this morning. I met him down in the kitchen, where we chatted over some coffee.

"We still shooting today?" I asked. I am looking forward to blowing some heads off today.

"Of course. I just got off the phone with the shooting range. Adi needs to learn to protect herself and so do you." He answered, sipping his coffee.

"I can protect myself, thank you. I just might be a little rusty." I answered.

"I am not saying you can't Aiden. I just don't want your rusty skills to be too thin and let bullets through. Understand?" He looked very serious.

"Yes, I understand your metaphor Samuel Jr." I went to get up from my seat, but Sam tripped me.

"What the fu?" Was all I could say, before he was over me like white on rice. I am still unsure how he moved so quickly, but he had me in a headlock. I tapped his arm, informing him to let me go.

"Fuck Sam!" I yelled, catching my breath.

"We need to improve your floor work too." Sam said, dusting off his clothes. He stood still for a moment and squinted at me. "When Adi is healed, we need to teach her as well." He grabbed his coffee and walked away.

My heart was heavy as we pulled up to the shooting range. I have always enjoyed target shooting, but this time is different. This practice is not for fun, we are because I have to protect my sister's life and my life. The gravity of this situation is smothering and nerve racking.

"What kind of gun do you want Aiden?" Sam asked, as we entered the building.

"I want a machine gun and a Remington Bolt Action Rifle." I cut my gaze to Adi and I see her smiling. She barely spoke a word on the ride here and wouldn't even look at me. Seeing her smile for once made me feel good. Maybe, I thought, this is all going to be okay. I have to stay strong for her.

"Why a Bolt Action Rifle?" Adi challenged me.

I used the most southern accent I could, "Because. On the third day, God created the Remington Bolt Action Rifle.... So that man could fight the dinosaurs."

"What the fuck? Where did you hear that bullshit?" Sam chimed in.

Adelaide and I burst out laughing. It is apparent that Sam does not have a sister and therefore has not watched Mean Girls. I must say, it's not something I ever wish to watch again, but that line has stuck with me for years.