I can't say how long I sat there. I stayed until my muscles cramped and I heard tapping on the door. I wanted to pretend I didn't hear it. I wanted to jump out the little bathroom window and run all the way back to Kyle but I knew how selfish it would be. My sister needed me. Her life was on the line and I had made the choice to take her.

"Are you alright? No rush, I'm just a bit worried."

I didn't blame her. Some bloody weirdo with a baby hiding out behind closed doors would be terrifying. I forced myself to move and splashed some cold water on my face purposefully avoiding looking up into the mirror. I don't need to see what I look like today. It doesn't matter - Maddie doesn't care what I look like and neither do I.

"I'll be right out. Sorry. Just taking -
a time out."

Footsteps fade down the hallway and I pull myself to a standing position. I can do this. If I listen to my body I'd sit back down and stay there but Kyle didn't risk losing everything for me to be a quitter.  Buster's nose was sniffing under the door and I realized how awkward this was for him and Maddie. They needed me to pull it together.

I hobbled down the hallway back toward the kitchen where I find Tom unloading things from bags and June standing In the kitchen swaying side to side with Maddie in her arms. Tom kisses her on the cheek as he reaches behind her to put things in the cupboard. They look like a perfect family. Like my family, on good days. Days when I was downstairs at the table doing silly projects my mom made to keep me busy while her and dad kept me laughing.

Maddie was too young to remember any of this. But I would. This is what I wanted for her future. A mom, a dad, and laughter in a kitchen that made it the only place in the world you wanted to be. She deserved that.

I made my way to the table and sat down. June placed a plate of breakfast in front of me and I thanked her making sure to take a hearty bite and shove it in my mouth. The last thing I wanted to do was eat, but it beat having a talk about my situation.

June was making a bottle for Maddie and I watched her carefully. It had to seem like second nature when I did it. She'd already questioned me about the baby and I didn't want to look as if I were just learning.  Buster paved back and forth between me and June with his eyes never leaving the baby.

"You're welcome to take a shower, and I'll help you wrap those feet up. Then, if you want, I can watch Maddie and you can get some sleep. I know that truck isn't comfortable. I've spent many a nights with a stiff neck and a sore back from long rides."

As she talked she never took her eyes off the baby. It was obvious she wanted to spend some time with the baby. So like my mom. Any baby within 50 yards was like a magnet to her and she just had to have her hands on it for a little while.

Tom sat quietly eating across from me his own meal. June placed Maddie in my arms and she felt heavier than anything I'd ever lifted. I kissed her warm skin and watched her nibble on her fingers. I loved her. I loved her enough to make up for all I couldn't give her. I may have lost Kyle, I may have ruined his life and stole a future, but he saved us. Just like my father.

I snuggled her until she slept and lay her down in pack and play playpen June dished out of their attic from grandkids visits. She handed me fresh clothes and pointed me toward the bathroom. As the warm water and soap washed away layers of sweat and dirt I felt better, things were going to be ok, they had to be. Tomorrow Maddie and I could be on our way to our we home. All this would be behind us, and I'd make sure to tell her about Kyle and all he did for us.

When I walked out of the bathroom my feet actually hurt less and I could walk with just a slight limp instead of the obvious hunchback shuffle. My body felt rejuvenated and I was ready to make a plan.

The television was running in the background and I could hear Tom and June chuckling at an old game show. I checked on Maddie who's kept soundly with Buster laying beside the pack and play keeping watch.

I walked in the back room to take a moment and tell them how much I appreciated their kindness and help. As soon as I entered the room the tv changed over to a news interruption.

"We interrupt this program to bring you a developing story. Kyle Cayle, the son of GenTech developer and owner has been shot and is in critical condition. According to our sources, the shooting had to do with a blackmail conspiracy gone wrong. Authorities are searching for this woman, Cassie Sommers who they believe may have valuable information about the incident. If you've seen this woman please contact the police. Mr. Calvin Cayle was not available for comment. We'll keep you informed as the the story develops."

Tom and June looked from photo on the television to me.  My mouth dried up and my stomach lurches and having no other ability to think I did the only thing I could think of, I sat down crossed legged on the floor.

Tom clicked the television remote and the screen went black. They both stayed silent. I searched my brain for anything that I could say that would save me from having to explain myself.

"I can explain." I stammered staring at the black screen of the tv.

Tom stood up and walked across the room until he was standing in front of me and reached out his hand to pull me up. His face was stone and I looked toward June who was wringing her hands in her lap and glancing toward the phone.

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Sorry this chapter is late - and not particularly perfect. I have a serious case of wattcon brain and it's literally got me too geeked to see straight. After this weekend I'll get back on weekly updates with a few bonus uploads!