David's Journey Pt. 07

David's Journey Pt.07

David

Sleeping beside my two wives, I was suddenly awoken by a scream. I was fully alert now as I jumped out of bed just as Caroline and Jessica were slowly waking up.

Running to the bedroom door, I open it quickly to see Jasmine running up the stairs screaming, "DADDY!" Watching her as she ran towards the door, I slid aside just enough for her to get in, and I ran out to find out what was going on. As I head down the stairs, a man comes around the corner quickly. Running into each other, I failed to notice a gun in his hand until it went off.

Ignoring the sharp pain and the heat flaring in my stomach, I jump at the man quickly and wrestle him to the ground. Using my left hand, I grab his left hand with the gun in it as my right hand comes up with my fist balled. Hitting him in his nose, I feel the bone break as blood rushes out. As I raise my fist up again, I just manage to hit him in the side of his jaw as he finally brings his gun hand up and starts pointing it towards me. Fearing he would end my life and have full access to both my wives and kids, feeling that fear pumps up my adrenaline. Grabbing his left hand with both my hands now, he tries to kick me off just as the gun goes off again, blinding me but sensing no more resistance. I drop his hand as my vision starts to clear. Blurry, but I see the right side of his face has a small hole in it and blood.

Looking into his eyes, I can see nothing but blurry features. As I realize he is dead, the pain and heat in my stomach grow. Looking down, I see blood running in a small stream down my abdomen and pooling on his stomach. Retching, I feel myself collapsing.

As the world goes black, I hear a scream just as a body slams into me, crying. Looking up, I can barely make out who it is until I hear her voice again. It was Serenity. Shit!! The last person I needed to see me like this.

Reaching up, I place my hand gently on her face, seeing her looking into my eyes. I smile at her as I say, "Serenity, my beautiful little girl, I love you, my daughter." Nothing but blackness surrounds me as I look where my beautiful daughter is crying above me. The last thing I hear is Caroline's voice, screaming my name until everything goes black.

Caroline

Rushing down the stairs, I see George lying in a pool of blood. Beside him is my husband, my love, my life, with his hand on his stomach. I can see blood there too.

Looking at Serenity's face, I can see a smear of blood on her cheek. She is in shock. Shaking her roughly, she finally wakes up from it. My voice is a mix of anger, hurt, and panic. "Sweetie, do you want to save your dad?" She nods, "Then we have got to hurry, ok?" Again she nods. "I need you to go upstairs, grab my phone, or get your mom to call 911, okay? I need you to hurry, sweetheart, or your daddy will not make it!"

Looking down at David, my eyes full of tears, I scream his name. Fearing the worst, I run into the kitchen and grab a small towel. I have to stop the bleeding. Isn't that what they do on those hospital shows?--I think to myself. I try to settle my mind to help our husband survive. Getting back to David, I gently move his hand and see the bullet hole. Forcing back my gag reflex, I quickly put the towel on it, applying a little pressure.

In a panic, I look around. As my eyes fall upon the fireplace mantle, I picture David's parents and T'Keyah. Mentally shouting for help from them and strength to do what I need to do. I feel a sense of peace overwhelm me and look around. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I wonder if they truly did help. I picture them again and silently whisper a thank you.

Hearing someone come down the stairs, I quickly look up and see Jasmine coming down. "Mama, Mom is on the phone with 911. They are sending help. Is Daddy going to live?" I can hear her voice breaking up. This has got to be tearing her up. Reaching up with my free hand, I wrap her up in a hug.

"He is gonna be fine, sweetie. He is going to live and be with us for the rest of our lives. I need you to go outside and wait for the people to come and help bring them in, okay? You can do this. I believe in you, baby girl!" Turning towards the front door, she finally runs out and waits.

Looking up the stairs, Jessica is there with her hand covering her mouth. Seeing her now-dead soon-to-be ex-husband lying next to her husband. "Jessica? JESSICA?!" Screaming her name. Seeing her jerk her head towards me, I motion for her to come down. Her walk is stilted, stiff, and mechanical. Her eyes never leave David. I can tell she is about to break. Shit, I've got to head this off quickly! I think to myself. Watching her eyes, noticing the pain, and is that guilt? FUCK! "Jess, look at me, baby. Come on, look at me!" Urgency in my voice, her eyes slowly moving to mine. "Jess, baby, I need your help to save David. Please, snap out of it for me, for us, baby!"

Jessica moves close to me, still slow and mechanical. "Forgive me, my love."

SLAP

I slapped my hand across her face as hard as I could, which seemed to wake her up. She glares at me, then looks down at David. "I'm sorry, Caroline, I'm so, so sorry! This is my fault! I shouldn't have gotten him mixed up in my life! I'm so sorry!" she blubbered. Hearing the pain and guilt in her voice, I knew Jessica was going to be useless right now.

"Jessica, he chose this. He wanted both of us and still wants us. I want you to do me a favor, a major favor, okay?" Seeing her nod, I continue, "I want you to close your eyes and picture David's parents, T'Keyah, and lastly, I want you to picture your parents, all together, and ask them for strength, guidance, and help. You hear me? DO IT, NOW!"

Keeping pressure on the bullet wound while watching Jessica, I fail to notice or hear Serenity come down until she is standing beside her mom. She is watching her mother and doing the same as I asked Jess.

"I can't, Caroline. I'm too scared right now. I'm sorry!" Jessica is having a full-blown meltdown. Just what I need right now. My next surprise came from Serenity herself.

"Mom, please do it! PLEASE!?" Serenity pleads with her mother. Watching Jessica shake her head, I watch almost as if it was done in slow motion as Serenity's hand comes up and slaps her mother across her cheek. "MOM! Do it for me, for Jas, for Caroline, and above all, do it for Daddy!"

I couldn't help it. My jaw dropped watching our daughter slap her mother and get authoritative towards her. Never once did I think she had it in her! Collecting myself, I smile.

About ten minutes later, I hear the sirens and breathe a sigh of relief. Help is finally here.

Hearing a gasp from Jessica, I turn to her and see a giant smile on her face, and her eyes are shining with a new light. The tears in her eyes seem to have dried up as well.

Hearing a groan from beside me, I look down. David hadn't moved, but did he just groan? Or was that my hopeful wish?

A minute later, paramedics come rushing in along with two police officers. The paramedic sits across from me, and while the other looks over George, looking up, he shakes his head at the police. Neither of them is familiar to us. The officer writes something down on his pad while looking at Jessica, Serenity, and me.

The paramedic close to me slowly lifts the towel I had on David and looks at me. "I'm sorry, I didn't know what to do. I only had TV shows to go by. Did I make it worse?" My fear is coming back, thinking I put David's life at risk even more with bad treatment.

She smiles at me, "No, you did well. Applying pressure like that was good thinking. At least those shows got one thing right!" she grumbles with a smile for me.

Smiling with relief, I jump in fright when her partner yells for a gurney. "We are going to take him to a hospital. He needs surgery to repair the damage and get the bullet out. I don't think he has permanent damage, but we won't know for sure until the doctors get inside and look. Don't despair. He's young and healthy. I'm sure he will make it through." Her smile lightens my fears slightly.

As the gurney comes in, I watch them pick David up carefully and place him on it. I hear a groan coming from him, and a gasp escapes my lips before I can catch it. Rushing to him as they wheel him out, I'm conflicted, so I stop at the door and look back at Jessica. She doesn't trust the cops, and Miranda isn't here. Jessica looks up and right at me, still smiling. She stands there looking lost and confused. Guessing her peace has left her, I walk up to her and start to tell her I will stay with her when I hear a familiar voice.

"Officers, if you would, please give me what you have so far, and I'll take over from here." Sensing some hesitation from the two officers, she prods them, "This is part of an ongoing investigation, you two, MY investigation. Catch me up and follow me." Her voice, firm and authoritative, makes me wonder what is going on. She has always been warm towards us. I wonder if these other two are part of George's family clique or corrupt. I have to trust her.

Miranda looks over at us, and without any hint of recognition, she looks at George and back to her officers. All business right now.

Dismissing her officers to the outside, Miranda walks over to Jessica and me, just after sending Serenity and Jasmine back upstairs to our bedroom. "Jessica, Caroline, good to see you. Wish it was under better circumstances. I see George bit off more than he could chew. If you ask me, he deserved what he got. The lowlife piece of shit human!" Looking at Jessica, she amends her statement, "I'm sorry, I know he was your husband, but he was a piece of shit human for what he did to you and the girls."

Jessica stands there, absorbed in what's going on; she nods her head but barely reacts. Miranda continues. "I hate to do this, but I would have been here sooner if I hadn't been called to another location. Jessica, I was called to your previous home. Do you know a woman by the name of Alma? I believe she was your neighbor." Miranda is looking directly at Jessica. My thoughts are all over the place as a paramedic comes back in. She is asking if anyone wants to go to the hospital to help with information and to be there. Miranda nods her head at me and lets me know she will be staying here for a while longer and she will protect the girls and Jess.

I lean over, kiss Jess, and force her to look into my eyes. "Jess, you have got to be strong again. For your girls and your future husband. And for your wife. Please? Remember, you have more strength all around you if you just ask for it. From those past and present, we will all give you the strength to weather this together. Ok?"

Jess nods, and I run upstairs to get David's wallet and phone quickly before getting into the back of the ambulance. Oh, how I wish I could just break down right now and scream my pain out. Closing my eyes, I ask for help from my future in-laws and my own deceased family this time. Receiving the help, I send a silent thank you to the spirits of these wonderful people.

I look down at David, hooked up to tubes, and realize how close I came to losing the only man who has ever meant the world to me. My baby's father. Holding my stomach, willing my baby to be calm, even knowing it is too young to even comprehend what is happening, I still want that connection with our baby.

Jessica

I can't believe my husband is dead! I saw him right there. Just an hour ago we were laughing and being a family, and now our world is upside down again, and it's all my fault! I almost lost my babies as well as David to my stupidity. I should never have called him and brought him into my life! My girls are scared, I'm terrified, and Caroline has to be the strong one. I even failed her! I'm worthless, and I'm a liability to my family! How could I be so stupid as to think I could finally be happy!

All that and more are going through my head, and I can't take it anymore and start screaming with my eyes closed. I hear feet running towards me, but I don't care. I've lost everything that mattered to me except my girls. My David, my hero, my heart and soul, my... My everything! Gone! Because of me!

Feeling arms around me, I try to open my eyes, but I can't. I can't see. Did I go blind? Did I finally lose it? Is this my punishment for thinking I could be happy?

I hear this soft chime going off. Have I finally lost it? I know there were no wind chimes around David's house. A soft hand touches my face, and flinching away, I realize I can't even move. A soft breeze blows, and I can feel the storm inside me subside. "He loves you. Go to him." Where did that come from? Who said it? I don't dwell on it for too long as my mind starts to unwind, and I can finally calm my emotions. I start breathing. As the blackness fades, I hear a whisper in the wind. "My child, we will always be with you. Be at peace." Hearing that, the rest of my pain recedes.

Opening my eyes, I see the roof of our bedroom. How did I get here? Listening, hearing movement outside the door. I slowly get up, sluggish, with my arms and legs feeling like a ton of bricks. I just manage to get my feet off the bed when the door opens slowly and a very familiar face peers around. "MAMA!!!" Comes the excited voice of Jasmine. She comes rushing in and jumps on me. Holding me tight, I can barely move my arms. Wrapping my arms around her as best I can, I whisper sweet words to calm her down.

Serenity and Miranda come in a few minutes later. Serenity rushes to me for her hug and kiss. My babies are so strong, yet so much pain is already in their lives. Miranda looks at me. "Are you ok, Jess? I really need to talk to you, but I don't want to hurt you anymore, and what I have to say is going to be painful," she tells me tentatively.

Nodding my head, I ask the girls to give us some privacy. Giving them a hug and a kiss again, Jasmine lets me know they'll be close by. Looking at Miranda, Jasmine states, she can see that the strength in that girl shocks even Miranda.

Miranda begins, "Jessica, do you remember Alma? Your neighbor?"

Nodding my head, I fear what is coming. Thinking back to the voice in my head, I close my eyes and allow the peace to settle over me again.

Miranda watches me. I'm sure she is trying to understand. She continues in a soft voice. "I'm sorry, Jess, but we got a call earlier today from a concerned friend of Alma's that she had missed an appointment, one she never misses, and asked us to do a wellness check on her. When we arrived, her door was open, and looking in, we could see her on the floor of her living room. Jess, she was dead. The preliminary search showed blood on the floor by her head. It looks like she had been hit from behind with a blunt instrument. When we searched the house, we found her gun was missing, the same gun that was used to shoot David. I'm so sorry, Jessica. I wish I had better news for you. I know you and the girls were close by the pictures around her place. She loved you and the kids as her own." Miranda stops, and I can see and feel the compassion and pain it took to tell me all that.

I can't believe it, Alma, dead? George must have killed her to get her gun. More blood on my hands, more bloodshed because of me! I broke down again. Why can't I stop crying!? I need to stop! I have to be strong for my husband and my girls!

Feeling arms surround me, I look up and see Miranda cradling me in her arms. The girls are in the doorway crying as well. Seeking that peace and calm again is harder to find this time. "Miranda? Has George's body been moved yet?" My voice is strong--a strength I didn't know I had. Seeing her head shake, I walk out the door and down the stairs.

Walking up to George's body, I look down, and my mind goes back to all the hurt, the pain, the late hours cleaning after him, and the degrading things I had to do to please him.

Anger, so much anger, hatred, and a passion that scares me yet drives me at the same time. I look around and see both male cops standing by the front door. Looking back at my girls, I see my twins standing beside me with Miranda a few feet to the side.

Looking back down at George, My voice starts out low and climbs as I open up, "George. I hate you. I hate you with every fiber of my being. I'm glad you're dead. I'm glad my husband, a man a thousand times better than you, killed you. I only wish I could have pulled the trigger and watched as you died. Slow and painful, like you treated me all these years! The pain you caused MY twins, MY GIRLS! All that pain can never add up to the pain I would wish upon you. But you're dead now, and you can't hurt us anymore. I will never feel your slimy hands on my body, raping me every chance you get. Above all, you can NEVER hurt my precious girls again! The man I'm going to be with, the man I call husband, the man the girls now call Dad, is taking your place, and he is a better man than you have ever been!" Taking a step back from his body. Pulling my foot back a bit, I yell, "May" KICK "you" KICK "ROT" KICK "in" KICK "HELL!" KICK.

Breathing heavily, I look up and see the two male cops looking at me with respect and awe. Turning my head, I look straight at Miranda. Seeing her smile and nod lightens my heart and mood. Turning to my girls, they look up at me with smiles and a bit of fear.

Reaching down for my girls, "Never will we have to live in fear again. Never will we have to live with a brute that laughs at our pain and misery. We are free, my precious girls. David is ours, and David is the man I want in our lives. Are you with me?" Where did this strength come from? It has shocked me more than anyone else. It can only be Caroline's and David's influence.

Miranda steps up to us as she waves the officers away. Watching them go, I turn my attention back to Miranda, expecting to be arrested. Instead, she gives me a tight hug and asks with a gentle, loving voice. "Feel better? It looked like you needed that." Not trusting my words, I nod while looking down. Unfortunately, that also put me at eye level with her filled-out top with those breasts of hers. Feeling my mouth water, I jerk a little in realization. Where the hell did that come from!?

Quickly turning my head away, I couldn't help but look up at her eyes for just a split second. No recriminations, nothing but a smile and warmth in her eyes and lips. Those light brown, full lips of hers are so kissable. FUCK! I've gotta stop! This isn't the time or place!

Thinking of David helped cool the fire building in my crotch, only to be replaced by fear and dread. "Miranda, what's going to happen now? What is going to happen to us?" I can't help but think the law is going to be after all of us, and now his family will come after us over his death.

"Jess, right now, you need to stop. I know you're worried about David, about your kids, and the rest. Letting yourself break down in a time like this won't help anyone. You still have time to recover and rebuild your life. Don't let something like this set you back. You will regret it later in life, believe me. I know. Right now, George broke into your home, the home of a recovering abuse survivor, the home of a man who is sheltering you, loving you, and helping you heal. The law is on your side this time, and George or his family won't be able to save him from this, nor can they come after you." Looking into my eyes, I can see a pain in there, but strength, strength I wish I had.

"Jess, again, I will tell you this. You. Are. Safe. Now it's time for you to think about yourself, your twins, David, and your family. Live your life." Miranda, grabbing my shoulders, draws me closer to her. "You're free! No more pain for you, no more having to live like a slave. If what I found from my investigations is true, I highly doubt you will need to worry about his family messing with you, David, or your girls. Ok?"

Nodding my head, finally able to smile. I grab her waist and pull her into a tight hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You don't know what this means to me! To be free of him, to be able to live life again!" Resting my head on her shoulders with my arms still around her waist. "To be able to see a future again is the most precious gift anyone can receive, and you have given it to me and my family again."

Raising my head off her shoulders, I can't help but be drawn to her eyes.

Don't ask me why, but as I stare into her eyes, this feeling that I need to say one word forces its way in, and before I can stop it, my mouth says it all: "David." As I watch her eyes with just that one word between us, my suspicions are confirmed. Miranda has fallen for my husband. Seeing the burgeoning of love and respect there for him convinces me.

As I watch her eyes, my arms still wrapped around her slim waist, I lean in and give Miranda a kiss on the lips, tentative at first, while I pull her up against me again. My kiss becomes more passionate, and my lips part to allow my tongue to brush against her full lips. Feeling the softness of them as her tongue now demands entry into my mouth, becoming more and more demanding. I pull away quickly. Shame etched on my face. Shame and desire are both warring there. It was at this moment I knew Miranda was going to be a family member of some kind to us.

"Miranda, when I asked you about David, I saw a kindling of fire burning for him. Do you love him?"

I can see she is caught off guard. I want to know how she truly feels. She has given me my family back, proving she could be trusted, and now I need to show her I can trust her.

I can feel her hesitation before she answers. "I... I do have feelings for him. He has shown himself to be strong, loving, devoted, and absolutely loyal to his family. What woman wouldn't fall for a man like that? The more I looked into everything, the more I fell for him, but I've also started having more feelings for this whole family. I don't know the girls, but from what I have seen, they are incredible and extremely strong. I can see they get that from their mother. So I guess I have feelings for you all, and I would love to get to know you all."

Coming to a quick decision, and hoping my wife and husband don't get mad, feeling Miranda's breasts against my chest and her lithe body against mine, I reach over and kiss those delectable lips again. This time I go for the full kiss as two lovers would. Miranda reciprocates the kiss, and a minute or two later, as we separate, I tell her to not be a stranger, and that I would love to see her around more often. Getting a smile at that, my next thought is to find a way to stay in the hospital with my girls and husband.

"Miranda, when they finally remove that bastard's body, can you take us to the hospital so we can be with Caroline and our David? I can't stand being away from him right now. I need him!" Seeing her nod, I go back and sit on the bed and relax. Summoning my girls to be with me, we all lay back on the bed and held each other.

Caroline

The ride in the ambulance was terrifying. David's vitals fell to dangerous levels twice. I was also worried about my wife and the kids.

Finally arriving, I get out of the ambulance as quickly as I can to let the paramedics do their job quicker. David is pale and looks like he is sweating. The paramedic in the back kept telling me it was natural, but it didn't help my nerves and fear to calm down.

Following the medics, the nurses take over, and one separates me from my husband. She is asking me all these questions, and all I can think of is wishing to be in the room with my love to give him my strength to fight.

A few minutes later, the same nurse hands me a cup of water and tries to get my attention. She asks me questions about my husband's insurance and information. Once I have given her all the information she needs, I'm brought to a waiting area.

Almost an hour later we still have no word of my David. My mind starts imagining my life without my husband and how Jessica and the kids would react. My tears are flowing, I can't believe he is in the hospital, my husband dying. What am I going to do? I've never felt so lost.

Sitting in the hospital waiting room, waiting for the end to be announced. Jessica, the kids, and Miranda all come walking in.

Jumping up, I ran to Jessica, my tears soaking into her shirt. "David, he... he... he's still in surgery, and they haven't said anything. I'm so scared! Jess, I can't lose him. Please tell me I won't lose him!!" clawing her waist, not wanting to let go.

Jessica too is crying, but right now I don't care. I need my husband, my love! Feeling arms lifting me and pain in my knees, I realize I have fallen. Dragging Jess down with me, I can feel her arms around me, holding me tight, crying with me, until I feel two bumps and four arms wrapping around us.

It feels like several minutes have passed, before Miranda moves to sit down. Looking up at her, I am surprised to see tears in her eyes as well.

Another hour passes. All of us have calmed down, but looking around, I can see nothing but dead eyes. The light of our lives is still in surgery, and 2 hours have passed, and still nothing.

Miranda stands up, looking at us all. "Does anyone want coffee or tea? I can't stand just sitting here and waiting for the love of... David to come out of surgery. It's killing me."

Standing up, I didn't fail to miss her slip of the tongue. "I'll go with you. I need to walk and get something to drink." Looking around, everyone nods their heads. Jess is holding her girls tight.

Walking the hallway, both of us are trying to find our way to the cafeteria. "Miranda, can we talk? I know this isn't the best of places, but there's something I need to ask."

Receiving a nod from her but nothing else, I continue, "I noticed the slip. Do you love David? When did that happen?"

Looking over at her after a minute of silence, she was looking down at the floor as we walked. "Caroline, I felt the first stirrings of it when I confronted him with my partner. He was so hot and so confident, yet he also listened to us, even after my partner nearly accused him of a crime we had no evidence for." She sighs--so much hurt. Yet I can detect a bit of hope in her. "I researched David after he asked me those questions. He surprised me with those questions. Insightful, forceful, yet not demanding. I learned a lot about him, his parents, and his past. Any info I could get about him. Caroline, David is a woman's dream man. I talked to him all the time when I came by to drop off the flash drives. I think I fell in love after I saw how the kids reacted to him. Does this bother you, that another woman is in love with your husband?" I can hear the fear in her voice.

Looking away, I have to think about her question. Another woman in David's life? Is that prophecy that David told us coming true? Is our family coming together now?

Stopping in the hallway. I look at her, my pain, anger, and fear mixing together. "Let me tell you a story, Miranda. You will think we are loons over this, but too much has come true to ignore it."

Drawing a deep breath, I try to settle my nerves.

I told Miranda everything that David had told us about his vision and his visits from T'Keyah and his parents. I left nothing out, hid nothing from her.

"Now you know more than everyone else and are caught up with us in our lives, even the fantastic and mythical aspects. David told us that you would be joining us in a way. You would have David's child, but we are unsure who your husband will be. He saw a man; it was nothing but shadow. I have no problem welcoming you into our family if that is what you wish as well. Can you accept two wives? Our two kids, the twins?"

Miranda's expression changed from surprise to fury, then incredulity, back to rage and ultimately to surprise as I told her my story.

"That is... I don't know what to think. Both of you have accepted this? As far as David is concerned, yes. I can accept having two wives and twins as well. The mysticism, though, will take a bit to accept. Why are you smiling, Caroline?"

I'm smiling, thinking of the time when I tried to contact his parents too. "You'll learn, in time. We will show you if... if... our husband doesn't die, that is." My voice is cracking. I never thought I would have a husband, let alone any more family, and now I could be losing my husband. We aren't married legally, but he is my husband. I don't need that paper to know he is my husband--my heart knows already. "As for you joining us, I already knew you would. Welcome to the family, Miranda! Have you talked to Jessica yet?"

Miranda nods her head. Then she told me what happened at the house.

I wrap my arms around her and hug her as we walk down to the cafeteria. After a few minutes, our drinks were ordered and gathered, and we slowly returned to Jessica and the kids.

"Miranda, that shadow I mentioned, we are unsure if it is David or someone else. Is there someone in your life that you fell for or loved and wanted as a husband, besides David? Jess and I--we need to know. We need to be able to keep our house and family solid. Don't get me wrong--we want you as part of the family. David's premonition, I guess you could call it, showed you with one of his kids. I just want us all to be upfront and honest with each other. No jealousy, no secrets. Can we agree on that? We will be and are sisters if and when you join us." My voice was filled with trepidation and fear. I know I need to say this, but I fear how she would take it and break off a friendship, if not a marriage. God, I have got to get myself under control!

Miranda's voice is strong and clear when she answers me. "No one I know of has taken my heart. Several have broken it, though. David has been the only one to come close to melting the wall I have around it, and I'm fearful yet trusting in him and both of you. He is my ideal man, husband, or whatever you want to call us." Miranda stops and turns to look at me. I stop with her and watch her as she debates something in her mind. Curious as to what she will do or say next. "Caroline, I want to be a part of your family. I want to have that family that you, Jessica, and David are building. Will you let me in? Can I be a part of that?"

Hearing the fear and almost pleading sound in her voice, I watch her eyes as she comes to a decision. Though not one I expected. Moving quickly, Miranda closes the distance between us and latches onto my lips with hers. We kiss for a few seconds. As she pulls back, she whispers, "I've never done anything like this until Jess, but I like the feel of a woman's lips on mine."

Relishing the touch of her soft lips on mine a few seconds more, savoring the taste of her lips, it takes me a while to organize my thoughts. "We will have to do this again, Mira," I whisper. Wrapping my arms around her slender waist, making sure not to spill our drinks, feeling her luscious breasts push against mine, enjoying the feel of her, her smell. Smiling at her, nodding my head as I lean into her and kiss her again. My tongue rubs against her full lips, a slight push between those lips, and my tongue explores her willing mouth.

Walking back to the family, Jess is sitting with the kids bunched around her. I watch the girls talk to her, and she keeps shaking her head. I see the exasperation on both girls' faces when Serenity says something loud enough for us to hear. "Mama, then you're just plain stupid!" The anger in her voice is palpable even from here.

Walking up to them, I ask what's going on. Serenity turns to me and opens up. "Mom is being stupid about David being hurt. He told us all that he would do everything to keep us safe and that our home is our home. Mom still wants to blame herself for our bio-dad's actions, yet even Sis and I can see it was his actions, not ours, that did this tonight. Why can't Mom see that? David protected us like he said he would. David is our father, and when he comes out and recovers, we know he will continue to do what he has done to protect and love us. That is why we trust and love David. Mom can't see that because she is being stupid!" The last part was clearly directed at her mother, and even I winced.

Sitting beside Jess, I wrapped my arm around her, looking up at Jasmine and Serenity. My voice is a bit harsh, which Serenity said needed to be corrected. "Okay, you two, listen to me carefully. You two may see things differently than Jessica because of what you two and your mother went through. Your mother has gone through more pain and suffering than I think you two understand. Right now she is blaming herself for getting David hurt, and that is called PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Meaning she is going through some mental issues that are directly related to protecting you two all those years, taking on more abuse from George than even she realized."

Looking into their eyes, seeing the anger there hurts even me. "Jessica is going through some problems right now, and one part of that is guilt. She is feeling guilty for many reasons, a few of which are falling in love with David knowing your bio dad threatened to kill you two if she ever left. I guess you never were told that?" Receiving two "no"s, I continue. "Well, he did! He told your mother that if she ever left, he would kill her and both of you. Or he would kill her and take both of you to live like she did, as his slaves. Your mother fell in love with David because of how he treated her, how he saw her, and how he acted around you two. David is flawed, yes. We all are. Jessica wanted the best for both of you and when you both got hurt, all she could do was think of how to get you both out of that, even though it would hurt her later. Now you both are here heaping abuse on her for protecting you both and suffering for it. David, the only man she has truly loved with all her heart, is now in surgery. He could be dying for all we know. She is putting all that on herself, and we should be helping her, not berating her. Do you understand that?"

Both girls now have tears in their eyes. "We're sorry, Mom!" they cried out, rushing to hug her. Jessica wraps her arms around them, still crying together. Shaking my head, I glance at them one last time before setting the drinks down and walking to Miranda.

It's been four hours now, and not one word about David. Miranda is sitting in a chair on the other side of the waiting room, and Jessica is lying on a couch with the girls on the floor in front of her sleeping. And here I am, watching everything. Waiting.

Hearing a noise, I look up and see an elderly couple walk in. They look at me, then Miranda, and finally at Jessica and the girls. Both have looks of disgust on them. My hackles go up, not liking the looks of these people.

Miranda, seeing this, comes to me, slowly shaking her head and watching them warily.

When the older man speaks up, "JESSICA! Wake up, you lousy excuse for a woman!" I stand up quickly, hatred now in my heart for these two, just as Jessica jumps on the couch, waking up both girls. Fear and confusion in her eyes as she looks at them. Fearing for our safety, I quickly grab my phone and activate the recording app. Silently thanking David for teaching me how to quickly activate and use it.

Jessica

I woke up to my name being yelled out by a familiar voice. My fear and nerves are already frayed and on high alert. A tiny scream escapes my lips before I can control them.

"George Sr. and Grace!" I yell out, not liking this. Looking around, I can see my girls beside me, Caroline and Miranda close by watching. Seeing Caroline give me a wink and a quick show of her phone gives me strength. "What... what can I do for you?"

"Don't give me that shit, you pathetic excuse! You murdered our son! You cheated on him, and we are here to collect. You will pay for what you did, and your children will be ours. They will be raised by my other son, and you will no longer have contact with them. Do this, or we will make sure you and that MAN that you cheated with spend the rest of your lives in prison! Do you understand me!?" His voice is loud, commanding, and frightening, especially since I know he can back up his threats.

I look back at Miranda, seeing hatred and anger in her eyes. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, praying to my family for strength. Feeling it wash over me, I can do nothing but smile. Feeling the loving hands of not just my parents, but David's as well. Opening my eyes, I stare straight at George Sr. "Your SON was an abuser. He abused me regularly, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He was a drunkard and a louse. I did EVERYTHING in that house while he did nothing! I'm sorry, but you raised a devil, not a man! He beat me so badly that if David hadn't found me when he did, I would be DEAD! All because of your good-for-nothing piece of shit SON! Then... then, he dared to hit my girls! Busted their lip, gave them a black eye, and he was doing that for who knows how long!? David became a friend. He is a real man! Not an excuse for one like your son was! You came here to threaten me, but it won't work! I'm sick and tired of your entire entitled, corrupt family demanding everything from me! NOW FUCK OFF!!!"

Feeling wetness on my cheeks, I look at them while trying to control my breathing. I can't believe I just went off like that! And to them in particular! OMG, I just doomed us all. Looking over at Caroline, why does she have a giant smile? Looking at Miranda, she is watching me and gives me a nod.

Looking back at George Sr. and his wife, I continue. "I will not allow you to take my children. I will not allow you to dictate anything to me anymore. I am... no, WE are not part of your family anymore. We don't want anything to do with you, nor do we even LIKE you! Both of you are disgusting examples of humanity. You are not wanted or needed. I'm in love with David and Caroline. David has treated my girls and me like human beings, with love, compassion, and passion. Your entire FAMILY would have no idea how to even understand! I now have a family that loves me and sees me as a person, a woman, and a mother. Unlike you!" I finish my tirade, breathing hard, almost hyperventilating. I feel my hands being grabbed. Looking down, I see my girls standing beside me, glaring at their grandparents. Drawing strength from my girls, I continue. "I have only one last thing to say to both of you. This is from the heart of all three of us. Do the world a favor by fucking off and killing yourselves!"

Turning away from them, all three of us walk toward Caroline. Miranda walks past us and talks low to them. I cannot hear what they are saying, but I can see Grace's face growing angrier by the minute. After a few huffs and glares at me, they turn around and leave, but not before saying out loud, "Fine, we will leave you, but know this: do or say anything to impugn our reputation, and all hell will break loose! You have been warned!" As they walk away from us, my nerves start to settle with Caroline's arms around me.

An hour later, a doctor comes out and asks for Caroline. We all walk up as Caroline greets the doctor with a nervous voice. "Doctor, how is David? Is he going to make it? Is he going to live?"

The doctor stares at all of us for a few seconds before answering. "It was touch and go for a while. David did die once on the table, but we were able to bring him back. The surgery went as well as could be expected. However, he did have a negative reaction where his blood pressure spiked. That was unexpected. Right now he is in the ICU for recovery. I would suggest you ladies go home, get some rest, and come back later today. There is nothing you can do, and I cannot allow any visitors at this time. Go home and rest. He will be here for a while, okay? And yes, he will live. The surgery, after the complications, went smoothly. He will make a full recovery."

All three of us let out a collective sigh. Thanking the doctor, we headed out to the parking lot. We each got into our vehicles, and after a hug, we set out to our home.

Home, I never thought I could ever find a place that I could call home. Someplace where we feel free, full of joy, and where my heart lies. David made it home, and Caroline and our kids have made it full of light and happiness. My heart definitely lies in all of them. David, my David, my hero, my savior. He is suffering so much. My daughter is right, though. I have been stupid. I need to break out of this, whatever it is, and be strong again. David, too, was right. I need to learn when to be strong and when to lean on him, Caroline, and now Miranda too. I have been stupid.

Leaning over, to talk to my girls, I say, "I'm so sorry, sweethearts. You were right. I have been stupid. I was unreliable when you girls needed me, and when David and Caroline needed me, I collapsed. Can you forgive your stupid mother?" Tears are falling freely now, as they both give me a hug, saying how much they love me.

"Caroline, can you forgive this stupid wife of yours for falling apart when you needed me the most? I should have helped you. I'm so sorry!" Seeing Caroline's face harden, I knew this would be hard. I knew I hurt her, falling apart like I did.

Caroline surprised me, though. With a hard voice she answers, "Jess, you didn't just hurt me. You could have hurt David more by not helping. You fell apart when I needed you to be strong. David needed you. However, I understand what you were going through, even though I couldn't KNOW what you were going through just then. You need help, honey. You need more than what we can give you. David and I need you to understand that we are here for you, to let you relax, open up, and unburden yourself, no matter how difficult. We also understand that we cannot be everything to you, so please, promise me, the twins, and David that you will seek help for your PTSD? I love you, David loves you, the twins love you, and you have everything you need for support and love. Jess, I forgive you. I simply want you to be happy, baby!" I say, knowing Jess is blaming herself and refuses to let go, preferring to keep it bottled up.

Hearing that hardens my resolve to seek help, to no longer be a burden to those who love me, and to start enjoying my new family.

Caroline speaks up again, breaking into my thoughts. "Jess, there is a saying I once heard from a professor in college. 'The past hardens us, teaches us. The present puts what we learn into practice, yet the future promises to be brighter or darker depending on how we learn, what we learn, and how we grow from our past.' My question to you is this: What will you learn from your past, and how will you grow from it?"

"I don't know yet. Can I think about this, honey?" I ask timidly. Seeing her smile and nod brightens my mood more than I realize. "I guess what David said that one day is true. He saw the world as black and white, with no color, no light to it. I have lived in that darkness for so long, and yet when light shines, I shrink from it in fear of what will come. I need to learn to love the light just as David did, to embrace it." Looking at Caroline, I continue, "I love you. I will make you a promise: I will try my hardest to be a woman, a wife you can be proud of, one our husband can be proud of too." Smiling at her, I put everything I have into making sure I fulfill this promise.

Arriving home, all five of us walk into the door and notice how the garage door never shuts properly. We will need to get that fixed, I remind myself. Walking towards the living room, I notice the bloodstain on the carpet. "We will need to get the carpet replaced--before David gets home or sooner. Think it can be done? He doesn't need a reminder of tonight." I shudder, and Caroline gives me a hug and a nod.

"Girls, do you want to stay with us in bed and get some sleep? I'm going to call in and have you both excused from school." Getting two nods, they head up to our room. Seeing it was only five in the morning, I set an alarm for eight so I could call the school.

All five of us crawl into the bed, Caroline opposite me with Miranda snuggled up to her, with the girls in the middle--we drift off to sleep in our clothes. Snuggled tight against the girls, we each give them a kiss and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

To Be Continued....