228: A LOT TO HANDLE ARIEL’S POV “Did you kill Lukel?” I asked Luke. He let out a deep sigh. “Well, I think I’ve told you this a billion times. I’m not the one who killed your son. You never listened to me, and even when you did, you never believed me.” I crossed my arms, sniffling and looking away. “Well, I still don’t know if I should believe you.” “Tell me something, Ariel.” I looked at him. “What is that?” “Who is this person that filled your mind with such a lie? I sighed. “I don’t know her, but I thought… Nevermind. It’s all my fault.” “So, you now have a change of mind?” I looked at him immediately. “Something like that.” “Do you believe me now?” He asked, looking into my eyes. I averted my gaze. “Look, I’m sorry for being rude to you; I’m just sorry for everything, the accusations and all that.” “No, Ariel. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’ve done a lot of terrible things to you, and I totally understand your point here.” “We did have some great moments, Luke. And to be honest, I really liked them.” “We can make more then.” “Uhmm, excuse me?” “I love you, Ariel. I’ve really missed you. You have been a great person, honestly. All these years, I didn’t realize that. But now, I finally know who you are. You are the one for me.” “Okay, Luke. You need to get some rest.” I stood up and started walking to the door. “You’re leaving now? Seriously, Ariel? You’re just going to end our conversation like that?” “The doctor made it clear to us that you shouldn’t stress yourself. This discussion might affect you in some way. “Don’t worry about me; I’m totally fine. This is just a little wound; I don’t know why you’re taking it too seriously.” “Just take care of yourself, Luke.” “You’re going now?” 228 A LOT TO HANDLE 2/4 I refused to give him an answer. I made my way to the door, and he called my name as I was about to open it. I paused, not glancing back at him. “So that you know, Mason is the one who killed Lukel.” And by the mentioning of his name, I shed tears after I had slowly closed my eyes. I didn’t give Luke a response; I just looked left the room. At that moment, I burst into tears and went to take a seat on the cold metal bench outside the hospital room. Janice sat next to me and looked into my eyes with her cute, innocent face. “Mommy, why are you crying? What’s wrong?” I tried to hold back my tears, but they kept flowing. I couldn’t hide it, hold it, thinking about my son and the times we spent with each other, having the knowledge that he’s no longer with me, was just so painful. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. “Janice, mommy is just feeling sad,” “Well, don’t be a sad mommy.” I looked at her, and my heart broke. My little girl didn’t deserve any of this. She had already lost her brother, and now she was seeing her mother in tears. I wiped away my tears and pulled her into a hug. “It’s just a lot to handle, sweetheart. Mommy is just trying to be strong,” I said, trying to reassure her. “But why? Did anything terrible happen? Is Uncle Andre dead?” “No, he’s not. It’s just that I miss your brother so much. He’s no longer here with us. He’s in heaven.” “I know that, mommy. And I miss him.” I miss him too, baby. I miss him too.” “You don’t have to think too much, mommy. Lukel will be smiling at you right now in Heaven. And we will both join him there one day.” I glanced at her. “You really think so?” “I know so.” “I hope so cause right now, I’m about to find this person who killed him.” Janice pulled away from the hug. “Well, mommy, I’ll tell you who did it. I don’t want you to be sad anymore. ” I smiled at her, impressed with her words. I hugged her again, grateful to have such a wonderful angel by my side. “Thank you, Janice. Mommy loves you so much.” But then I processed her words, what she just told me. “Hold on, did you just say you’re going to tell me who killed Lukel?” 228: A LOT TO HANDLE 374 “Yes, it’s Uncle Mason. He’s the one who also kidnapped me.” “How did you know that? Who told you?” “He said it himself. So, Mommy, are you going to make him pay?” “Just give me a minute, okay?” I told her, and she nodded. I stood up, walking away to make a phone call. LUKE’S POV I just lay there, staring at the white ceiling, thinking about my recent conversation with Ariel. I didn’t even know what was going on now. What was going to happen after I got out of there? I could just brace myself for whatever was going to take place. And I hoped Ariel would finally let us get back together. All these thoughts kept crawling into my head, and then suddenly, the door to my room opened, and in walked a little girl, Janice, with an innocent face, lovely eyes, and a wonderful voice. She walked closer to me, her steps hesitant and unsure. “Hi,” she said softly, looking up at me with a smile. I didn’t respond. I was still silent, looking in another direction. I just felt weak following Ariel’s actions. “I just wanted to come and say thank you,” Janice continued, her voice filled with gratitude. “You saved my life.” I was suspended after that but still didn’t utter a word. Janice’s smile widened. “My mommy told me everything. I gave her a curious look. “What did she tell you tell you?” She raised an eyebrow. “You can guess. “1 I let out a deep sigh and turned my face away. What the hell was wrong with me? “She told me that you’re my father.” I looked at her once again.” She did?” “Yes, but can you please tell me what happened between the both of you? Why did the two of you separate?” I hesitated, not sure how to answer. Did I really want to tell my daughter I did no know she existed? That her mother and I had a messy and complicated past? But then Janice’s innocent and curious eyes were looking at me, waiting for an answer. “It’s kind of a long story,” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m glad she finally told you about me.” Janice smiled again and reached out to hold my hand. “Me too. I’ve always wanted a daddy.” 228 A LOT TO HANDLE I couldn’t hold back the tears that were filling my eyes. I had missed out on so many years with my daughter, but here she was, sitting by my side, without even knowing the full story. She was indeed a sweet soul, just like her mother. “Thank you for coming to check up on me, Janice.” Janice squeezed my hand. “Of course, daddy. I’ll come and visit you every day until you get better.” I laughed. “You don’t have to do that.” “Why?” “Because I’ll be leaving here anytime soon. Janice laughed as well. “You must really strong.” The door opened immediately, and Ariel stepped foot inside. “We’re not safe.”
