Carry On

Chapter Two

Blake's neighborhood was quiet but seemed to be the perfect place to get back on my feet. I took a second longer in the car to look at the surrounding houses and the people walking up and down the street. Tired, yet kind faces looked at the familiar car that pulled alongside the curb. A hole in the wall that I could build my life how I wanted instead of depending on someone holding me back. Blake's chatter drew me out of thought.

"Hey, Genesis? You gonna be okay?" He asked genuinely.

"Uh - yeah, just not used to getting a miracle amidst chaos, ya know?"

"Well, no longer a stranger, I'm here for you when you need some help. You need a ride? I'm here. You need diapers? They'll be there in the living room. Just take your time, find some income, and make a life for you and this kiddo. By the way, what is the little guy's name?

"Cameron, but I usually call him Cam. He's a good kid, just a little hyper sometimes. I hope that is okay?" I asked, a little afraid he would turn us away if my child got out of hand.

"Of course, I need a little more excitement in the house anyway. It'll be nothing compared to the neighbors." He chuckled.

I looked over at the house that had more stuff in their yard than Blake did. The house didn't seem like it held rambunctious people. Blake didn't seem bothered by them, so I figured they would be nice people. As I was stepping out of the car a man walked down the steps and out of gate. They waved to me and Blake, and started walking underneath the railroad tracks. I looked towards Blake and he promised he would introduce the neighbors soon.

He took me on a tour of his townhouse and later went back to the kitchen to make lunch while allowing me to unpack and get settled. While I was interacting with Cam, Blake came upstairs to tell me he was heading to the store and offered to bring me along. With the overwhelming tiredness finally catching up with me I declined the offer. He insisted he let Cam go with him so I could get some rest, reluctantly I said yes.

With obvious fear in my eyes, Blake spoke through it, "Hey, I promise with my life, your son will make it back to you in every situation, no matter what. I don't know if you saw what I showed your son's father but here."

    Blake flashed a police badge and a smile in hopes both would help ease my mind. I smiled gently back at him and let a tear slip pass my eyelids. I mouthed a thank you as he picked up Cam and took him down to the car. Being alone allowed me to release the emotion that had been locked away for a year or more. My entire life had been fire and ice but no in between. I was wishing this was the turning point I had been waiting for. Here was someone willing to help me with Cam.

    I had to snap out of my daze and get to settling in. Blake had allowed me the time to set things up in my son's room and my own room. Setting Cam's toddler bed up was the best feeling I'd felt in a while. Putting together the objects surrounding me was like putting my life back together. Once I had found my hygienics I made my way to the bathroom to clean up the mess the last few days had caused. The hot water was soothing to my anxiety, also hiding my tears as they mixed in with the water on my cheeks. This is it, a fresh start.

    By the time Blake got back, Cam was asleep in the car and I was relieved to put him down for a nap in his own room, his own bed, with his own blanket. Looking at his sweet, round face as his breathing was slow I felt content in the moment. Knowing we had a warm place and a roof over our heads was all I could ask for. I walked downstairs and out the door to help Blake unload the car, but all of the groceries were already on the kitchen floor. Blake walked in with the last few bags, smiling as he passed.

"Hey, I'm gonna make lunch, any special requests?" He offered.

"What are your intentions? I'm a stranger in your home, you offered to let me and my son live here... rent free until I find a job; what is it?" I asked; worry getting the best of me.

Putting the bags down slowly, he responded after a moment of processing my question. "Listen, I've seen so many people go down the wrong path or end up losing everything all because they didn't have the resources they needed. The girl I love is going through that same thing as we speak, but she won't give me the time of -"

"So, I'm a replacement?"

"No, no, that is not the case here. I shouldn't have even included that in the conversation. There is no relation to that here. What I meant to say is that I want to have the chance of really helping someone. If you won't allow me to help you, at least let me help your son. Being a policeman also makes me feel as if I need to help, even if it isn't wanted. I apologize." Blake explained.

    I believed him. He didn't want anything from me or my son other than to help an unfortunate soul. Without another word I began helping put the groceries away as Blake started lunch. Hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill along with french fries in the oven. I cut onions and lettuce and set other condiments out along the counter. I opened the fridge and saw a brand new 12-pack of soda on the bottom shelf, but there was no other soda in the house. He remembered the Pepsi from my ex's house; a nice gesture in this chaotic world.

    As he brought the hotdogs and hamburgers in I could hear my son walking around upstairs. Making my way upstairs I could hear Blake's phone go off and my son walking towards the stairs. A smile crossed Cam's face as his eyes landed upon my face. He jumped up in my arms and squeezed me in a tight hug.

"Hey, Kate, how's it going? -Uh, no, she actually is gonna be staying here for awhile- she's not crazy. Her ex just screwed her out of a place to stay and family isn't helping at the moment. -Yeah, I'll ask if she wants to come, too. -Alright, see ya after awhile." He hung up the phone and excitedly greeted Cam. "Hey, so the neighbors just called me and invited me to dinner after a while. Would you wanna come, too? Cam can come, Kate has little brothers and sisters, one is even four years old."

    I nodded and smiled in agreement, turning around to go get dressed with Cam in tow. I asked him to go get his shoes while I changed clothes and put a few more belongings away. A look in the mirror proved to be a mistake as I saw bags under my eyes from stress and lack of sleep from the last couple days. I had to find my makeup in order to cover up the fear that had scarred my face. I slapped on some foundation and light lines of eyeliner and made my way back downstairs after grabbing Cam.

    Blake led us over to the neighbors and introduced the both of us to everyone. They seemed to love kids even though there was plenty here. Looking around and taking in everyone's faces seemed so comforting. These people didn't care who I was or what I had been through, they were a family. A smile branched out across my face and the smile on Cam's face touched my heart. This was the beginning. This was my fresh start.

The door opened and in walked a curly, haired young man. He seemed truly upset and headed for the stairs. "Hey, Ronan, say hello to the new neighbors." His older sister, Kate, called out.

"Uh, hey - listen, Kay, I've got a lot going on, I'll catch ya later." Ronan said.

"Sorry, Gen, Ronan is still having girl problems at his age." She laughed.

    After dinner, Blake led us home and apologized that he had to head in so early but work was important. Once I laid Cam down and he slowly fell asleep, I grabbed my laptop and began my search to find the internet password. From there, I started the search for work, hoping to occupy my easily wandering mind. Yet, somehow my mind clicked on 'college' instead of work, but I would have to talk to Blake about attending while living here. Without another thought about college, I applied for multiple jobs because I knew I had to start making my own life for me and my son.

    One last look at Cam and I made my way to the bedroom set aside for me. Walking past Blake's room I could hear a light snore, I let a chuckle escape me. The room seemed cold tonight, lonely really, so I grabbed a towel, my toothbrush and my soaps and went to take a shower. Time alone was both necessary and scary, but I dealt with the quiet while taking care of myself. Even while laying in my bed I was just relieved to be able to lay in the peace and quiet. Little did I know my heavy eyelids closed and the next thing I knew it was morning.