Page 26 of You’re Mine

“Okay, you can carry it. Just be careful because it has important stuff.” I take it from him.

“Thanks, little dude. I’ll keep all your stuff safe. Promise.”

I stand up, pretending the bag is so heavy. That gets me a giggle from Jamie that warms my heart. The little guy likes me, I think. I don’t want to get too mushy over something as simple as my son letting me carry his bag, but I know it’s a big step for him – it’s trust.

Back in the day, my trust wasn’t extended to a whole lot of folks, and that fact still rings true today. I’m guarded. My life is organized, so no one really needs to know me. But now, everything’s been turned on its head because I want my son to know his father. I want a meaningful relationship with Jamie, no matter what it takes. Maybe things are nowhere near settled with his mom, but this is a necessary first step and I’m going to make the most of it.

10

Haley

There’s so much to do. Jace and Jamie are packing together in the other room, and I’m a little apprehensive, I have to admit. I don’t want to not trust Jace, but how can I not? I haven’t seen the man in years, and he just shows up out of nowhere. He left me when I was pregnant! But at the same time, he’s offering a way out of Lenville for me and my son, and I have to take it.

After all, Jamie has been my sole purpose in life for the past seven years, and I have to get us out of here. Herb’s created a prison for us, and this is our opportunity to break free. Granted, it’s unexpected, but sometimes you only have a few moments to change the course of your life.

I shake my head, pushing my worries to my back of my mind. Packing is a number one priority right now. Getting out of this house is a number one priority. My confused feelings towards Jace have to be number two. Sure, he tore a hole in my heart, but none of that matters now.

I grab my duffle bag and start filling it up, making sure the small amount of keepsakes I have make it in. With each passing minute, my heart beats faster and faster. We’re really getting out of here. Jamie can finally have a happy childhood where there’s freedom to laugh and cry. He can breathe deeply without fearing that my dad’s going to scold him for every small thing. Even with all the stress, a smile breaks across my face.

It doesn’t take me long to get my stuff together. I survey my room and don’t feel much of anything. There are a few happy memories here with my son but overall it was terrible. Herb abused me for so many years, and made me feel like I was worth nothing. Good riddance.

I exit my bedroom, softly closing the door behind me. Sighing, I turn around to head towards Jamie’s bedroom but then jump back. Oh god, Irene’s lurking in the hallway like a wraith.

“Jesus Christ.” How does she manage to be so quiet? Irene literally floats through this house like a ghost. Maybe she actually is one.

“You’re not supposed to say the Lord’s name in vain, Haley,” she chastises, clicking her tongue.

I shake my head, clearing it. “I know, Mother, I know. You just scared the living daylights out of me is all.” My heart is still pounding because Jamie and Jace could come out at any moment. Oh no! What would we do if my mother saw Jace? Her eyes look me up and down, pausing over my bag for a few seconds.

“Are you going somewhere?”

“No,” I act oblivious and a little offended. Irene’s eyebrow twitches ever so slightly – her one and only tell – but everything else remains serene.

“Why do you have that bag then?”

“I don’t know, I just do,” I counter defensively. I’ve never really challenged my mother before. It feels weird to be honest, but I straighten my spine. This isn’t the time to back down, and she seems to accept my answer.

“I’m sure you’ve heard that your father is going to be away for a lot longer than expected,” she says icily.

“I have.”

My mother nods.

“Yes, I thought so. I just wanted to make sure. He likes his announcements to make their rounds through the entire estate.” Noises come from Jamie’s room, and I stop myself from flinching. Irene, on the other hand, gets curious and eyeballs the door. “Is Jamie in there?” she asks.

“Yeah, he’s just playing,” I say quickly. It’s an obvious lie because Jamie never plays in his room because there isn’t much in there. It’s just four walls and a bed. But fortunately, Irene doesn’t really know these things since she’s always somewhere else.

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