239: THE SON’S WORDS LUKE’S POV Her tears never left her eyes. “You don’t understand. I set the house on fire, Luke. I set the house on fire.” I gave her a confused expression. “What house?” “I killed Catherine. I set the house on fire and everything got burnt including her. “Oh my god, are you serious?” I asked in shock and she nodded. “But how?” “I’ve been taking too many pills lately. Been depressed, regretting all the things I’ve done. And all of a sudden, I don’t know. The whole place just caught fire.” “And when did this happen?” “Earlier today. I’m a monster, Luke.” “No you’re not, it isn’t your fault.” “Its is my fault! I killed my own daughter, tried killing my son too I’m so heartless, so cold–blooded. I deserve to die, Luke.” I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Some minutes ago, I wanted her to just die so she could get the hell out of this planet. But now, it was the complete opposite. I didn’t want anything bad happening to her. And I needed to stop this as soon as possible. “There’s no need to be so harsh on yourself. You didn’t do it intentionally, it’s not your fault.” “Please stop saying that, Luke. It is my fault.” She turned around, facing the opposite direction. “Now I’m going to jump.” “Don’t do that!” I yelled. “I love you, mom!” My words caused her to slowly turn around, and she gave me the shocked face. ” What…did you just say?” “I love you, mom. Don’t kill yourself, please. Stay in this world, because of me,” told her softly. She looked at me, with tears in her eyes, a sad happy moment for her. And I didn’t know how the words just spilled out of my mouth, but that was it, and nothing else. I didn’t want her dying anyway. After I walked closer to her, the both of us hugged each other. Her tears even got to a higher level, as I could feel her hands stirring around me right in this warm hug. “It’s okay, now,” I whispered. “Everything’s fine. You don’t have to worry about anything, mom. You’re going to be alright.” I poured her back. “Thank you, Luke.” “Don’t thank me.” “If not you, then who?” My eyes went down and I saw Ariel standing in the midst of the crowd. She glanced at me back and smiled. I smiled at her and turned back to my mother. “You were saved by God. I think you should give the thanks to Him.” “Yeah, that is true,” she spoke lowly. “Okay, it’s time to take you home,” I said, holding her hand. “Thank you so much, Luke. “You’re welcome,” I replied, still cleaving to her hand. Making our way out of the building, we were met with a sea of people as we emerged nigher. The crowd quickly budged towards us, their curiosity piqued by our descent. Among the throng of onlookers, a group of journalists had popped up, eagerly vying for our attention and seeking any information we could provide about our daring feat. It was quite stressful and exhilarating to be in the spotlight, with these people seemingly interested in our story. “Celine Reynold is alive?” “Oh my god, I thought she was dead.” “What really happened?” I could hear people saying different thing concerning my mother. And if any one was to throw insults at her, she clearly deserved it. I wasn’t trying to diss her or whatever. I was just saying the truth. But for real, I wouldn’t let her get hurt by these folks around here. “Celine Reynold, can you please tell us how you’re still alive after all these years. Where have you been? Did you fake your death?” A journalist bombarded her with questions. “And why did you want to end your own life?” We refused to give them answers to their questions, and after we were done walking past them, we made our way to my car. Ariel was waiting for us right there. BARE THE NEW “I’m glad you’re okay,” she told my mother. “Ariel, please forgive me. I know I offended you big time. I had to include you in the whole situation, just to make my son’s life miserable. I’m really sorry.” “It’s okay. I’m not angry with you,” Ariel told her. “Really?” “Yes. Just don’t go back to your your evil ways.” “Okay, so I’ll call Jack and tell him to come pick you up. You’ll just have to wait for him,” I told my mother. “Here?” She looked around, finding this location creepy. “Not really. I’ll just drop you off at a candy store nearby. He’ll pick you up from there and take you home.” “Oh, that’s great.” “But tell me something, mother.” My face got closer to hers as we both looked into each other’s eyes. “Is Catherine really dead?” “I don’t know. Can’t actually tell, but after setting the whole place on fire, everything got burnt.” “So, there is a possibility that Catherine is still alive.” She was just gazing at me. “Well, I think it’s time we go now. Remember we’re carrying out a search?” Ariel reminded me. I got into the car and driving away. So, yeah, I took my mom to the candy store Ariel and I had went to earlier, then I called Jack to come pick her up. He was also surprised to hear me tell him that,but that’s just it now. The lady was alive. Ariel and I continued our search for Janice, right in my car, still looking around. The sound of car horns and chatter filled the air as people hurriedly made their way to their destinations. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the streets, tempting me to want to stop and get some, but looking at Ariel’s serious expression, I wasn’t going to do that. The sidewalks were a sea of people, all rushing to get to their next destination. Businessmen in sleek suits and ties, reminded me of when I was still younger. And there were students with backpacks slung over their shoulders, tourists with cameras in hand, and families out for an evening stroll. That was just New Haven for you. Going further, I noticed some performers scattered throughout the city. A group of musicians playing lively music, a mime entertaining a laughing crowd, and a magician wowing passersby with his tricks. I was not going to lie, those guys stole my attention, and I could say the same thing for Ariel right here. The aromas of different cuisines filled the air, from Italian to Chinese to Mexican. My stomach grumbled as I passed by a pizza place with the most delicious looking slices on display. “I’m hungry, don’t you think we should stop by and get some food?” Ariel shot me an unfriendly look. “Are you kidding me? We haven’t found Janice yet, and you’re talking about food.” “Just so you know miss, I wasn’t the one who lost her.” “Oh great? So you’re trying to make fun of me now, right?” “Don’t misunderstand things now.” “You know what, Luke? You can go do whatever you want. Get yourself your goddamn food. I’ll find Janice myself.” She wanted to leave the car, but I held her. “Let me go!” Ariel bawled and her phone started ringing. Enjoy Ad–Free Reading
