Not yet, not until I know they are safe.
Then again, will we ever be truly safe?
God, I’ve fucked my kids up. I’ve ruined their childhoods and stolen their innocence, all because I chose the wrong man.
The rumbling of a bike catches my attention, and my thoughts shift.
Mac.
I haven’t seen him since the day after we met. The same day that he gave me all these tips to keep us safe. I know I should be afraid that he knew all of that, but I’m not. Whatever he is into is his business. As long as we are safe, I don’t even care. He’s stayed out of my way, and I’ve tried to stay out of his. Bertha wasn’t lying when she said that her brother wouldn’t bother us unless it was important, so when there is a knock on the door, my heart races.
Oh god. He’s found us.
Logically, I know it’s Mac on the other side of the door, but the fear still lives there.
“Mommy,” my daughter says, anxiety in her voice.
She doesn’t even know what she is anxious about. All she knows is that I reacted, so now she has too.
I give her a weak smile. “It’s okay.”
On shaky legs, I get up and make my way to the door. I peek through the window and see Mac on the other side.
I unlock the two locks and crack the door open.
“Hi,” I say quietly.
“Hi. I’m sorry to bother you, but can I come in for a minute? I have something for you,” he tells me.
“Sure.”
Stepping back, I open the door enough for him to come inside.
“What is it?” I ask as I shut the door.
Mac opens his leather jacket and pulls out a folder.
“Here. This is for you guys,” he says as he hands it over.
“What is it?” I ask as I take it.
“Open it.” He smiles.
Reluctantly, I open it, and when I do, my breath catches.
Documents. So many documents. Birth certificates, passports, and everything else one might need.
“How did you…”
“We talked about what you needed to stay here and be safe. This is the main thing. You need a way to do things without whoever is chasing you finding you. This way, you can enroll Tanner and Emily in school. No one will be able to trace them. You can stay under the radar.”
“Thank you. I-I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you. Y-you and your sister have been so nice to me,” I choke out as my tears begin to fall.
“Hey, you don’t need to cry. It’s not a big deal,” he says, trying to soothe me.
“But it is. It’s a big deal to me. Seriously, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
He runs his hand through his hair. “Look, I don’t need repayment. I just want you and your kids to be safe.”
