Page 11 of Cage's Fall

“Come in.”

The door opened and there stood Hawk, a frown on his face, as he sees the tears in my eyes.

“Acorn I’m worried.”

I sniffled back tears. “I’m fine.” I lied but he didn’t buy it.

“I want to take you to the doctors, get your medication reviewed.”

I rolled my eyes. “I broke up with my boyfriend Hawk. I don’t need to be medicated for it.”

“Autumn, we both know you aren’t coping.” He looked me dead in the eye.

A part of me wished they were still on their honeymoon. But then again, my world cracked into pieces when they left because Dylan broke up with me. Because he didn’t want to be associated with ‘them’— the bikers, the lifestyle. I didn’t tell Hawk that was the reason we broke up.

Didn’t want him thinking that him marrying my mom had backfired on me. I knew logically that if Dylan didn’t accept my family, he wasn’t the right man for me.

The doorbell rang, and Hawk stepped out of the room, glancing up the hall.

“I’ll be back in a minute.” He muttered and headed for the front door.

I laid back down on the bed. Reaching for my headphones. I would get over this. I would pick up the pieces. But everywhere I go, I just saw…. Him.

The front door closed, and I heard the muffled voices. Someone must be here visiting Hawk. It was odd for members to come here, mainly because Hawk knew I didn’t feel comfortable with it. I told him over and over, it was fine— but I knew he kept members away.

“Autumn.” Hawk sung out, and I sighed, placing my headphones down and walking out of my bedroom. My eyes immediately widening when I saw the two police officers.

“He was home all night.” I blurt out quickly. I wasn’t even lying he was.

But then I saw Hawk’s expression. Why was he looking at me like that?

“What’s wrong?” I said quickly and walked to Hawk. Hawk wrapped an arm around me. As the police officers looked at me with an expression I had never seen on an officer's face before.

“There’s been an accident.” The police officer began speaking and my expression dropped, my heart as well dropping, I felt shock slowly sink through my skin. “Emily Watson was driving when a car ran a red light. The paramedics did everything they could at the scene. She was transported toAlbert Hospital, but sadly was pronounced dead on arrival. We are extremely sorry for your loss.”

No.

Just no.

Tears slowly crept down my cheeks, as it became clearer. Mom was in accident. She’d be okay.She was going to be okay.

I began to shake, and both of Hawk’s strong arms wrapped around me. As the shaking got visible— the tears overpowered my body.

I fought in Hawk’s arms, as I sobbed. I couldn’t face this again.I can’t face this again. A panic attack began to raise, as my heart bled grief through my body.

Then there was screaming and I didn’t even realise it was me.

Chapter Four

Autumn

Alone. But in a crowd. I stared at the coffin, as it then lowered into the ground. Ice cold tears ran down my cheeks, reaching my jaw and dropping to the ground. My eyes dropped to the red rose. PTSD hit me, as I recalled doing the same for my father so many years ago, and then I looked up, seeing the coffin now gone.

More silent tears rolled down my cheeks.

Then I look at the headstone, seeing my father’s name, right next to the plot, that the coffin was slowly sinking into.

I watched as Hawk dropped his rose in, and then Jacob. I knew I was next. So I slowly walked to the side. Seeing the polished silver, with my mother’s name engraved on the top of the coffin, six feet deep.

---