Ch. 27: Heartfelt Moments & The Pain That Follows

As the days have come and gone, the large pit in my stomach hasn't disappeared. My mind reels from the latest information.

Who is William Blake?

The nondisclosure agreement signed between Blake and White Industries was binding. With it in place, Sage couldn't find any specific details, except for one. The NDA was signed November 27, 2018; a mere number of days before my mom was run off the road.

William Blake was the last case my mother handled.

I racked my brain, trying to remember the days leading up to my mother's death. Did she mention a new client over the dinner table? Did she seem more stressed than normal? Were there warning signs I missed? Was there anyway I could have prevented this?

I wipe the tear falling gently down my cheek with my sleeve. The sound of car doors slamming shut jerks me out of my downwards spiral. As my friends hop out of Colton's car and head up the pathway to my father's house, I notice Asher is no longer in the driver's seat. Instead, he's outside the passenger side door, waiting to open it for me. The last few weeks have been intense, so Melanie suggested having my friends over for dinner. She thought we all could use the distraction. She was also so excited to hear about me and Asher, while my dad was still less than eager to face the fact that I wasn't his little girl anymore.

I unbuckle my seatbelt, as Asher opens the door for me. We walk slowly up the path, joining our friends on the front porch. The door swings open as Melanie greets us all warmly, ushering us in through the entryway. I return the gesture, shooting her a small smile, ignoring the urge to fall apart. Dad makes his way into the living room, welcoming my friends. He stops to give both Char and Nina big hugs before walking towards me.

He can't know this. Not yet. Sage broke the law; if it were to get out, I couldn't have my dad caught in the crossfire. He's been through enough.

Plastering on the biggest smile I can muster; I hug my dad.

"Hope you kids are hungry! Mel has been in the kitchen all day, preparing every dish she knows how to make." Dad jokes. Melanie scoffs, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"I wasn't sure what everyone liked or if they were any allergies in the group, so I just made a little bit of everything to be safe." She replies, defending herself.

"Hey, no complaints here!" Colton says, heading into the kitchen to grab a plate. Nina rolls her eyes. After thanking Melanie, she trails off in the direction her boyfriend went.

The rest of my friends express their own gratitude to my future stepmother and head into the kitchen to eat. I go to follow, but Melanie steps in front of me, blocking my path.

"Makayla, I was hoping we could talk for a moment, if you don't mind." Melanie sounds nervous as she asks. I look over at my dad, and he only offers up a shrug. He notices Asher waiting for me in the entryway to the kitchen and makes his way over to him, slapping a hand on his back.

"Why don't we leave the ladies to talk, hm? Besides, I think it's about time that I'm properly introduced to my only daughter's new boyfriend. Wouldn't you agree?" Dad doesn't give Asher any time to argue, escorting him past the kitchen into his office. Asher shoots me a terrified look, reluctantly following behind. I stifle a laugh, praying Dad takes it easy on the poor boy.

Melanie and I sit down on the couch. While I wait for her to speak, I can't stop the anxiety running through me, not knowing what the woman across from me wants to discuss.

"So, I figured it might be best to clear the air. Our last conversation didn't exactly go as well as I had hoped."

Her words cut deep, a painful reminder of the harsh truth that my dad is starting a new life. It's not fair of me to be upset. Mom has been gone for almost six years. He deserves to move on, and it's cruel of me to presume he should be alone for the rest of his life, pining after the ghost of my mother.

"Yeah. Look, I'm sorry. I was out of line speaking to you like that. I just felt blindsided by Dad and took my anger out on you." I apologize, but she shakes her head, sighing deeply.

"No. Don't apologize! You have nothing to be sorry for, Makayla." She replies. I start to argue, but she stops me. "Your father and I handled it entirely wrong. It should have been a private moment between you and him, but I let my excitement get the better of me. You haven't had it easy the last few years. I know you had to grow up faster than most girls your age. God, you were dealt such a bad hand, but Makayla, I don't want you to ever think I'm trying to replace your mom. From all the stories Derek has told me, it would be impossible to ever fill her shoes." When she finishes speaking, I can't help the tears that threaten to fall.

"Thank you, Melanie! I am sorry, though. It's been hard to see my dad happy with someone who isn't my mom, and that isn't fair to you." I still feel the need to apologize, despite her protests. She smiles, nodding her head in understanding.

"It's okay. I just hope you know I love your father more than anything, and I only wish that one day you and I could possibly be friends." She sends me a nervous smile, while I process her words.

"Yeah, I think that would be nice." I reply, surprising myself. It's time to stop treating Melanie like she's the enemy. My mom is gone, and letting Melanie into my life doesn't mean I'm forgetting her.

"I know I never knew her, but I know in my heart that your mother is so proud of the woman you are." The tears fall, breaking through like a dam collapsing. I thank her, as she pulls me close into her embrace. I've never been much of a hugger, but I return her warm gesture.

Change has never been easy for me, but sitting here now with Melanie, I'd like to think my mom would approve.

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Saying I have never been this full before in my life is an understatement. My dad truly wasn't joking when he said Melanie made too much food. Luckily, it helped having three college athletes over for dinner. Colton, Noah, and Asher inhaled the food, ignoring all our attempts to pull them into the dinner conversation.

Melanie finishes boxing up the remaining leftovers for my friends and I to split, and for the first time, I don't have to force my smile. It's still going to take some time to fully accept Melanie as a part of my life. She's trying though. I should at least meet her halfway.

"Thank you again, Melanie! Everything was delicious." Her face brightens at my compliment.

"Anytime, seriously! Don't ever hesitate to stop by if you're craving a nice homecooked meal. That goes for all of you! I remember what it was like to be a starving, broke college kid." She replies before excusing herself to finish washing the rest of the dishes. Despite our constant asking if she needed any help, she reassured us that she and dad could clean up. Dad groaned, and I laughed. During my childhood, dad would do all the cooking, mostly so he could get out of doing the dishes.

My friends all started to file out of the house, but I stayed by the door. My eyebrows furrowed, glancing back inside to see where my dad had disappeared to. I swear, he was right behind me a second ago. While my friends waved goodbye, agreeing to meet us back at our apartment, Asher and I lingered back. Suddenly, Dad came rushing out of his office, stopping in front of me. Confused, I turned towards Asher, asking him to give me a second alone with my father. He nodded before jogging to the car.

"Honey, before you go, I found these and thought you might like to have them." He hands me three small worn-down journals.

Curious, I open one, turning to the first page. My breathing hitches as I take in the words scribbled down in delicate handwriting.

This journal belongs to: Macy Anderson-Davis

"Dad, where did you find these?" I have so many questions. Memories flood my mind before I can stop them.

FLASHBACK:

Giggling, I run into my parent's bedroom, looking for a place to hide. Dad and I are in the middle of an extremely competitive game of hide-and-seek, and I refuse to lose this round. My eyes dart around the room for the perfect hiding spot when I see my mother laying on the bed. She's writing furiously in a little red book. She glances up and smiles when noticing me.

I know every little girl claims to have the prettiest mom, but there's no contest. My mom is beautiful; her short, curly brown hair frames her face nicely. Her brown eyes are like milk chocolate dipped in caramel. She's a petite woman; a gust of wind could carry her away if she weren't careful, but mom is always careful. She's one of the strongest people I had ever known.

Momentarily, I pause my quest to win the game and skip over to my mom. She helps me climb up on the bed and pulls me close. Snuggling against her, I watch as she sets the book and pen aside on the nightstand.

"What are you always writing about?" I ask, tilting my head in interest. She smiles, tightening her hold on me.

"Nothing you need to worry about, lovebug." She answers, running her fingers gently through my hair. Her response only adds to my growing curiosity.

"So, it's a secret?" I ask, as my mom nods her head. "I thought keeping secrets was bad?" I press on, frowning. My mom's face falters for a second before a teasing grin lights up her face.

"We're all entitled to a secret or two." Before I can ask what she means, my dad appears in the doorway, making me gasp.

My dad laughs in an evil manner, as I try to slip off the bed and run. I don't get far; he catches me in his grasp, lifting me upside down and dangling me in the air.

"Momma, save me!" I scream in between giggles. She laughs, getting up from the bed and grabbing me out of my dad's arms.

"Don't worry, lovebug! I'll always be here to save you."

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Teary-eyed, I smile at the memory. After my mom died, I searched every inch of the house but could never find her journals. I'm at a loss, looking up at my dad for an explanation.

"I was going through the attic, trying to organize and clear out some old junk when I tripped over a broken floorboard. I always knew your mom had a favorite hiding spot for her diaries but never would have thought to check underneath the floor." He laughs, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Did you read through them?" I ask, hoping to get the vaguest idea of what to expect. I never knew what my mother wrote, she always held that secret close to her chest.

"No, I couldn't bring myself to. I thought you might be able to handle it. I've always said you got your strength from her." He replies, wiping away a few tears. I pull him into a hug, both of us needing comfort from the other.

"Okay, I should go. Asher's waiting." I say, withdrawing from his embrace. He nods, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I like him, you know. He's good for you." My dad mentions, making me grin.

"Yeah, I think so too." I reply. He smiles knowingly, as I walk towards the car. With my hand resting firmly on the door handle, I turn around to meet my dad's watchful gaze.

"I love you dad." I can see him smile from his spot on the porch step.

"Love you more, kiddo."

After settling in and bucking my seatbelt, Asher puts the car into drive. I wave goodbye to my dad until he's out of sight. The car ride back to the apartment is quiet with both of us choosing to not disturb the comfortable silence with words.

Asher flicks on his blinker, turning left at the light when the sudden impact of crushing metal jolts us both. My head hits against the dashboard violently. The force of the collision knocks the car into the nearest light pole. I cry out; the throbbing ache in my head and abdomen is too much to bear. I fight to remain conscious, but everything quickly fades to black.

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Blinking furiously, I try and move, but my brain screams for me to stop. The pain is excruciating, every little movement sending shockwaves through my entire body. The loud cries of an ambulance and Asher's screams wail out, cutting through the haze I'm trapped in.

"Makayla! Babe, please stay awake! Help is on the way. Just keep your eyes open for me, sweetheart!" Asher's voice is muffled, cloaked by the piercing pain ringing in my skull. I can see him out of the corner of my eye, blood dripping down from his forehead. I want to ask him if he's okay, but my brain won't let my mouth form the words. My eyelids grow heavy, causing my vision to blur. I can faintly hear Asher's pleads and the chime from my phone, as my eyes droop shut. I can't stop the darkness from consuming me.

Asher's POV:

Watching Makayla's eyes close once more, pure panic courses through my veins. I resist the urge to shake her awake, not wanting to risk injuring her any further.

God, please don't take her.

The screeching sound of tires steals my attention. A chill rushes down my spine, as I watch a black van flee the scene. The buzzing of Makayla's phone makes me freeze. I reach for it, careful not to cut myself on the shards of broken glass. The echoes of car doors slamming and paramedics rushing towards us are drowned out, as I stare down at the message notification.

Unknown:

Your mother never took my threats seriously either.

Keep digging, and I'll bury you in the ground right beside her.

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Author's Note: Feels like this GIF sums up this chapter for me...😭

Hope you all liked it! Gave me emotional whiplash while writing.

As always, thank you so much for reading! 💜