Jace's Pov

Jace:Dad, tell me what happened

I asked with so much concern but called out softly. He replied with a smirk so I continued asking my questions

Jace:Or  wait was this because of me
Dad:We..ll,well kinda. This is what really happened, I was driving back from work when I got a call from Xander that you were at that store,you.. know the store that got destroyed. I didn't believe your brother because he had no evidence,so I tried calling you but it was to no avail.
Your phone kept ringing but you weren't picking.Son,you made my heart beat move at a very fast and high pace. I kept on driving in the woods trying to calm myself down with some good music from the radio wishing that you were ok and that was  when the radio announced that no one survived in that terrible store.I lost total control  of the steering from the shocking news and then I ran into a truck.
Jace:A truck??
Dad:Yes Jace,a truck but I'm fine now. Very fine.

Jace:Mom!!Is this true

I tried getting her attention even though her appearance was about to make me puke.

Mom: Uhmm.What do you want now (She replied dropping the half way drink on the desk)

Jace: Is Dad ever gonna..you know walk again

Her mood,just her mood changing instantly alone gave me the answer,my Dad would never be able to walk again.

Mom:Never!

He was now paralysed and this happened all because of me. I ruined that perfect family and that perfect relationship. That relationship between Riele and I would still be there if I hadn't been such an asshole. If only I didn't cheat,I wouldn't have gone to that damn store looking for how to make it up to Riele.I ran my hands through my hair,holding my face in my palms. I felt miserable infact I am. I had no idea that I started crying till I felt hot liquid flowing down my cheeks. There was no other way to fix all what I ruined.

My mum now drinks because of me,My dad wouldn't walk forever and Riele.. Riele..she almost committed suicide because of me.Oh Lord,I know how fragile she can be,she wouldn't be able to handle all of this... What if she's even dead. I swear if she killed herself then I'm going with her.

I couldn't control my emotions anymore,I threw the lamp on the table and watched it shatter into pieces just like my heart did. Me destroying that lamp didn't reduce the anger that boiled inside of me instead it increased it.

Pat always told me that smashing things while angry helps reduce anger but it didn't this time. I can remember back then in our little apartment,she taught me how to smash the wall perfectly to calm myself down and my end results would always be bursts on my knuckles and bruises. We would then both laugh at ourselves while cleaning the wounds.

Mom:Jace,what the hell is wrong with you. That lamp costs your Dad a lot!

I stood up from the floor and my eyes connected with hers,her eyes were bloodshot and the bottle of whiskey she held in her hand was full to the brim again.Uggh! She's still drinking that shit.I looked at my hand and noticed a piece of shattered glass in my hand and the blood that came with it.

Jace:What the hell is wrong with me?This is coming from the person who looks like hell

I gently grabbed the whiskey from her and threw it at the wall making sure I didn't hurt her. Look what I made this sweet loving woman turn into. My mum would never drink. She would never.

Mom:Ugh!! You're so crazy old man. So crazy

She laughed at the action or should I say drama I just performed. What has suddenly gone wrong with this woman. I looked at my Dad for answers and he gave me this "I don't care look".He looked pale,so pale.

Mom:Thank your ugly ass that I still got two more bottles or else you wouldn't be staying here tonight (She spat and went up the stairs swinging left and right)

Jace:I wasn't staying here anyway!!(He screamed)

Dad:Son, where will you be staying?

Jace:I have an apartment all organised by Dr Quinn.

Dad:Ohh, that's so nice of him. We must all go Thank him someday.

Jace:Yeah,in his grave.

I looked around and found Chad sitting on the couch like some lost puppy.He must have been surprised by my arrogant behaviour which I can't help with.

Dad:Ohh, he's dead.
Jace:Yeah,Pat killed him and I know she is out to get me.
Dad:Son,are you sure we shouldn't get the Police involved.
Jace:Noo!She's super smart

He raised his  left brow

Jace:Yes,even smarter than the police

I felt so uncomfortable,I needed to get out of here as soon as possible. I really don't know how crazy this would have turned out if Chad didn't come with me.Chad gave my number and all my other details to my Dad in case he  and Mom needed to find me.

Jace:Uhmm..Dad I'll be going now. You really need to get yourself some sleep.

I went into the bathroom and treated my would.I am so lucky a first aid box is in here.I got out and exited,so glad that I get to leave here

Dad:Yeah. Bye son
Jace:Bye

At least it's working,I'm getting that relationship between them back but I'm never coming to this weird house again.

*******In Chad's car

Jace: Chad,I really need to get a car
Chad:Why do you say so(He said reversing out of the street)
Jace:Because I think I shouldn't be disturbing you. It's late already and you need to be home to your family at least.
Chad:Nahh!!Samantha is ok with it,she wouldn't even care because I texted her that I will be out with you for long.
Jace:Oh ok.

The drive home was silent and I sat so relaxed listening to "Don't leave me alone by David Guetta"
  
+Don't you ever leave me,Don't you ever go,Even when you are angry,even when.... Don't leave me alone+

I really wish Riele didn't leave me alone. I should probably ask Chad if he knows her whereabout but my concience doesn't want me to. Noo his reply would hurt me. No it wouldn't hurt me.No.Yes.No.Yes.Fine..

Jace:Chad,Do you have any idea were Riele may be

Chad: Riele?(He laughed out)

He tapped in the steering with his nails following the rhythm of his music playing in the radio

Chad: I know she's a mother though..

Jace:What?That's unbelievable

Chad:Yeap. It is.Riele has never been a fan of kids She never.ev

Jace:Who's the father?!

I half screamed,she really had moved on and it looked so unbelievable like I was dreaming. I kept biting my lips in annoyance till I started tasting blood,my own bitter blood waiting for Chad to answer me.

Riele's Pov
Travelling alone with a five years old was a terrible plan,what the heck was I thinking. Karla wouldn't keep shut except when she needed sleep. Right now she was on her tablet playing games,movies weren't her thing and they sure didn't seem to amaze her throughout this trip. She was only interested in asking me crazy questions that made me keep looking at the air for answers.

Flight attendant:Attention all passengers,we just arrived at Toronto, Canada and would be preparing for landing.Please ensure that your seatbelt is tightened..bla bla bla..

This was it. This is home,the home that left so much good and bad memories. I felt like jumping out through the window or threatening the pilots to make a U-turn back to New Jersey.New Jersey was like my home.I don't think I'm ready for this to come back here.

Karla: Yaah!! I'm gonna go see Grandma and Grandpa!!.

She shouted,raising her hands up in the air, ignoring the seat belt fastened around her.I saw the happiness in my girl's face and I knew instantly that all I'm doing is for her. Her happiness is my happiness.

Riele:Ssh baby,we dont want to make other passengers uncomfortable.

Minutes later
The plane landed making my head light and dizzy and my stomach churn. Karla's face was one of pure delight. We got our luggages and got into arrival area.It was so busy. There was a cacophony of noises from people around, announcements booming the tanoy speakers. I got a seat at the waiting area waiting for my taxi to arrive. I could really smell home.

*****
The ride home was so relaxing,Karla kept asking her multiple questions some answered by me and some by the taxi man.

Karla:Mommy are we ever gonna get there (She groaned)

She rested her tiny hands on my lap,shaking my lap for an answer. I swear I'm never traveling with this child again. She so never gets tired.

Riele:Soon Karla baby.
Soon

She turned away from me and continued looking out the window. I already had a list of things to do during my stay here. Firstly,I had to go see the Henry Danger cast and other tv shows I have acted in. They haven't seen Karla ever since she was born except Sean and Jade,the rest have only seen her in pictures. The roads started getting familiar which meant that I was really close to home and I could sense it. My phone vibrated in my pocket,I brought it out and realised it was a text message from my mum.
   Mum💜:Baby are you almost home.
   Me:Yes mum in a few minutes we will be home
   Mum:Ok sweetie be quick because your favourite meal is almost getting cold.
    Me:❤️❤️❤️❤️
I looked up from my phone,kept it back in my pocket and directed the driver correctly because he seemed to be going the wrong way. Finally we arrived home,the home I have been escaping from.

My parents were both standing outside grinning from ear to ear. The driver unpacked our luggages out of the car truck while Karla dropped out of the car before I could even stop her. I looked at my parents with so much joy in me they just never seem to age.

They both looked so happy and full of life. When Karla jumped on my Dad's back,they both laughed so loud that it made my heart melt,this was all Karla wanted and I gave her. I didn't even know that I was still inside the taxi till the driver knocked at the window and opened the passengers door for me. I stepped out,trying to set my boots firm on my leg and then I ran towards my parents.I knew I ran like a chicken,I could feel it. I hugged my Mum first because my Dad was still struggling with Karla in his hands then I hugged my Dad.
A drop of year left my eyes,I really didn't know that I had been gone for so long till today.

Mum:Oh,Riele the last time I saw Karla was some months ago and the last time I saw you was like..forever! (She half screamed) Ohh come here my two babies (Riele and Karla both ran into her arms)
Riele:Mum,Dad I really missed you both.So so much.
Dad:Let's go inside then

Minutes later
We all sat at the dining table digging into my favourite meal which is poutine. It tasted so good  and I enjoyed every bit of it. My Dad and Mom had Karla sitting in the middle of them and they watched every spoon bite she took. I knew Karla was uncomfortable with the way they looked at her that I had no option than to laugh out loud.
Her face was a whole mood

Mom:Why you laughing?
Riele:Mom,I have birth to that girl and I have sure never looked at her the way  a clown will.

Mom:Haha
Riele:Also this tastes really good.
Mom:Thanks baby. You know one secret, cooks never forget their recipes.
Dad:Oh really!

Dessert was served later and while eating cake my Dad kept talking about how my Aunt Carly spent the weekend here last week and the weird things she made them do. We were all enjoying the talk including Karla and then she stopped talking,she looked down at her food and played with her fork

Mum: Karla baby,Why aren't you eating anymore.You don't like it?

Karla:Nana,the cake tasts so delicious but I wanna ask you and Grandpa a question.

Riele:Baby can't it wait till after your meal. Remember no talking while eating.

Dad: It's ok Riele. She can go ahead and ask her question.

Karla:Bu..utt Mommy is gonna kill me with her eyes. she looks mad at me

One thing every black woman teaches her daughter is the eye contact especially when communicating with strangers and it is one thing Karla is smart with, it has helped her stay behaved in public and not behave like spoilt brats. She knew if she didn't behave I'm gonna spank her real hard.

Mum:No,she wouldn't sweetheart. Ask your question but let's get you cleaned first.

My mum cleaned the crumbs on Karla's mouth while my Dad handed a glass of water to Karla and they both watched her take a gulp of the water. Like what the heck!Is she done kind of goodness now.

Karla:I'm ready now. Grandpa,Grandma. Mummy has refused to answer my question and I really don't know why. I've been a good girl all this while.

Her question better not be what I think it is or else .

Grandpa:Grandma and I would answer your question sweetie if we can.

Karla:I want to know who my Dad is and where he is. Everyone keeps telling stories of how much fun they have with their Dads but I have none to tell and even on Father's day at school all my friends Dads came and I sat all by myse.lf..Why don't I have a daddy Grandma?Wh

She bent her head and I could see the tears rolling down her face. I totally went dumb,this girl is only five and is way smarter than I thought she would actually be.
I always thought she had Jace style of thinking but I guessed wrong,she has my style of thinking. Always wanting to know why this is that and that is this.I thought bringing her here would make her shut up about her whole Dad's question but it hindered it the more.

Riele:But I came on that day sweetie. You weren't by yourself

Karla: YOU ARE NOT MY DADDY, MOMMY.YOU CAN ONLY BE MY MOMMY!!

She shouted and banged the table,I wasn't new to that she has her Dad's angry attitude and it's an act I'm trying to stop her from. My parents both looked at me with shocked faces,I couldn't tell if they were shocked at her reaction or the fact that I haven't still told her. Karla stopped crying and calmed herself down.

Karla:Grandpa,Grandma. My Daddy doesn't love me. Haven't I been a good girl

Oh so now she is mad at me.

Grandpa:Don't say that baby Of course your Daddy loves you.He loves you so much

I started hearing sobs and of course my mum was the  emotional mess today all this Karla's weird questions are new to her. I was done wetting my pillow almost everynight.I couldn't bring back the dead. I just couldn't.I had to be strong for my baby,I just had too. My mum held my hand from the table and rubbed it gently.

Grandma:You are so strong for her. I'm proud of you(She whispered and squeezed my hand)

Karla:Then why did he leave me,why doesn't he play with me. He hate..s mee...

She started crying again,my grandpa picked her up and rubbed circles round her back..

Jace's Pov
Chad:Dude, chill out! I really don't know.
Jace:Well is she married?
Chad:Nah! She's still single I guess.

He said winking at me,he felt happy about the whole situation but I felt so uncomfortable. I still can't believe she has a child. How the hell would she allow another dude to fuck her. What happened to all our promises.
I thought I was her only one.I didn't feel angry about it but just sad within me.

Chad:Uhmm!Jace are you ok

Jace:Yeah not really

Chad: Buddy,I totally understand how you are feeling but just get the fact that she has to move on and remember that she still doesn't know that you are alive. Ok?

Jace:Yeah

Chad:How about I take you to the club tommorow. You know,to have some fun. Me..You and some hot girls(He said winking)

Jace:Wow!(He clapped) and does Samantha know about this too.

Chad: She's probably gonna pull my balls out but I'm not gonna do anything nasty at the club. I'm just helping you. That should take your mind of this(He raised his hand in the air)

Jace:Yeah!But wait

Chad:What?

Jace:Do you know Riele's whereabout or where her parents may have emmigrated her to

Chad:Nah,I know nothing.They made it so secretive but we could go ask her parents.

Jace:If we go ask her parents,I would really be dead because I broke his daughter heart.

Then we both started laughing really hard feeling in the silence.

Chad: That dude. He's so protective of his girls.

Riele's Pov

It was like an hour after dinner and I decided to go up to my old room. I wouldn't be sleeping in there through out my stay and I really don't know why my parents didn't prepare this room for me.
I opened the door gently and smirked at the signs still written at the front door 'Rieya don't touch my stuffs','Privacy needed'. There were so many signs,one had a drawing of Reiya with an X sign on top of it. She was really just out to see me pissed off and I can't wait for Karla to meet her.

I entered inside the room and inhaled all the memories,this room brings back so many memories and that's  why I hate this room and love it at the same time. The room was entirely empty except that my bed was being covered with boxes of all my childhood stuffs. I ran my fingers along the footboard remembering the last time Jace and I made love in here on this bed. That night was beautiful.

Maybe entering this room was a bad idea,even the walls reminds me of Jace and the times we would fight and then he would press me against the wall and we would make out,that's how we always settled our fights.

My fingers moved to my lips,tracing the shape of them and they tremble at the thought of never kissing him again.I needed to find something to do to keep myself busy,I wasn't ready to go downstairs and face my parents.I sat comfortable on the bed and  opened the box that was labelled pictures, at least this should keep me busy for the main time.

The pictures were precious but dusty,so dusty.My room was neat and arranged,it was just this box that was dusty,it seemed no one had gone through it which made me smile.I picked up a picture that Ella and I took at Sean's birthday party,I can remember everything that happened that day,that day was so terrific I thought I was going to lose him. A picture of him flashed through my mind and I can remember the way he laid on the floor in pain. A tear ran down my cheek,I thought coming in here is meant to make me feel better and not worse.

I picked another picture of one of our nature dates. That was the day he gave me a promise ring,a ring that I still kept. That date was way too romantic. I held back my tears and adjusted my curls behind my ear.I was about to drop it then my mum knocked at the door,I must have forgotten to shut the door and I'm very sure she would have been watching me for a really long time.

Mum: Riele
Riele: Yeah
Mum:Wanna talk
Riele:ok

She came inside and  sat opposite me on the bed.

Riele:How long have you been watching me
Mum:Well... not for long. Are you crying?
She said raising my head up
Riele:Noo

I said wiping the tears that fell down my cheeks with the back of my hand really fast.

Mum:Why doesn't Karla know about her Dad yet.

Riele: She's too young to know Mum. How do you expect me to tell a five years old that her Dad is dead.

Mum:Very simple,just dress like a spy put in all black and then you walk up to her and sit her ass down. Then say Hey!!Karla your Dad is dead. He's never coming back.

Mum:You have to shout the Hey!(She whispered)

Riele:And what happens when she starts crying out of fear(She laughed)

Mum: That's where icecream comes in. You give her ice cream when she starts tearing up

Riele:She will hate me forever.I'm not doing tgst

Mum:Well you can't keep on hiding this from her Riele.She deserves to know.

Riele:Mum I'm not just ready at least not now.

Mum:I have another plan

Riele:What,put my daughter inside a car boot and keep.

Mum:Even better(She interrupted)

Riele:That is

Mum:You could get her a dad

Riele: Noo,no way.There us no way I'm getting a boyfriend or getting married. I'm done for now

Mum:Oh really

Riele:Yes mum really.

Mum:Well I'm so proud of you for being strong for her. I must say you are stronger than me.

She pressed her lips on my forehead and kissed my lips.

Riele: Mum!!(I half laughed)

Mum:You would always be my baby.That reminds me,my main reason of coming here is to tell you thatSean and Jade are getting married in two weeks time and they sent invitation cards.

Riele:Sean is getting married!!

I felt so shock

Mum:Yeah baby it's not much big of a thing. You are invited and so is Karla infact the whole family is. I think you should go see him and Jade because I need to invite your Aunt Carly and your cousins from the Island also I think Uncle Mj will come and I will..

Riele:Mum,it's not my wedding you know.

Mum: Whatever

I rolled my eyes at her but couldn't take my mind off the fact that he is getting married.That could have been Jace and I right now if we still dated.I can remember all our double dates and out...
Her voice stopped my thinking.

Mum:Riele,this is like the third time I'm calling you. Have a look at this.

She held out a paper,a newspaper that talked about all the Jace is alive stuff..bla bla.Gish even my mum.

Mum:Any Hope?

Riele:Mum you know it can be a rumour right. The same way they rumoured Xxxtentation to be alive

Mum:Riele but  this may be true.See this picture Looks like what Jace can look like in five years since his death.

Riele:No one survived it

I really don't understand why my mum believes everything she sees or hears.She really needs to know that not all of it true.

Mum:His body wasn't found,was it

Riele: Mum please must we really talk about this right now.I'm a bit tired and need to get some rest.

Mum: Ohh

Was all she could say,I could see a frown on her face but I didn't care any less.I was so tired of all the rumours and everyone trying to make me believe that this Jace shit is real. I got up and was about to exit the room, but she sat still looking at that stupid paper.

Riele: That reminds me is Karla asleep now

Mum:She is with your Dad but still believe what I said Riele.believe.

Riele:Goodnight mum.

I tried my best to smile even though she was kind of pulling my nerves. I exited the room and went to check on Karla in my parents room,I hope they are in there. Karla was sound asleep on their bed and my Dad was watching tv 'Barbie' to be precise.Ohh the little things that my sunshine does

Riele:Dad
Dad:Oh Riele,Hey. Karla feel asleep while watching  this movie and it looks really exciting and intresting.

Riele:Oh really. I just wanted to put her in bed or are you ok with her sleeping in here

Dad:Very ok,I'm sure your mum wouldn't mind.

Riele:Good then.

I went over to Karla,pushed the blanket all the way to her  neck and kissed her forehead.

Riele: Goodnight baby. Goodnight Dad.

Dad:Night. Riele.

I went back to my room and started removing my makeup.I need to get in the shower and have a cool relaxing bath,Today has been hectic. I was about to sort out my pyjamas when my phone buzzed in my pocket.I picked it up and looked at it,it was a message from an unknown number.I opened it and it read..

  Hey Sexy,I see that you are back from New Jersey.You still look beautiful  and perfect as ever even after all the torture I made you go through. Karla is So adorable, I'm sure she doesn't know and I'm a little bit surprised she wasn't affected.Don't even think of running away because I know of how to locate you now.Have a peaceful vacation here that's if you will. I love you.
              Love from yours ❤️

I knew what this meant,this was my nightmare now for so long. I ran into the bathroom and rose up my shirt to reveal the scars on my tummy. The scars were still there.There were scars on my laps and also on my back and there is just about to be more  and more scars...

Author's note

Question:Who is this unknown person??

So this is the 20th chapter and I'm thinking of changing the book's name to something else because this name is way to common I'm changing it because I have been getting complains from some readers that its hard to find.So should I change the book's name or let it be. Please respond.

Also should I do a Q&A?

Thanks for reading,I hope you enjoyed this chapter
Don't forget to vote and comment.
❤️❤️