Page 45 of Echoes of Fear
We’re surrounded by a ton of land and not much else. I can see a highway off to the left of the driveway where motorcycle’s and a few cars are parked.
Then I look down at my family, who are all smiling, even Ghost, from ear to ear. It’s not that Ghost doesn’t smile. He’s just a bit harder to impress.
Then I glance behind me and see equally happy faces of the men inside the house.
“Hey, Reynolds, guess what?” I say when I look up at my new friend. “I’m outside, and I’m not freaking out.”
“That you are, buddy,” he laughs. “Want to come and sit with me on the swing?”
He points to a swing on the other side of the porch, and I nod. My heart races as I move further away from the door, so I take a look back to ensure there’s a clear path to get back inside.
“Let’s say something happens, and I can’t get back in the house,” I say, trying to slow my breathing. “How would I get to your house? I just need to know that I can get there if I need to.”
“Look to the right,” Reynolds says quietly. “Do you see that small path?”
“Yeah,” I say breathlessly. Don’t freaking panic, Knox. I can still run back inside if I want to.
“It cuts through the trees, but it’s not very dense,” Reynolds continues. “The path leads directly to my house. It would only take you five minutes to walk there. This is private property, so you wouldn’t pass a single person on your way. On my porch, you will find a hanging birdhouse. It’s made to look real, but it’s not. There is a latch under the birdhouse that will release the bottom. That is where you will find two keys. One to my house and one to my truck. Can you remember that?”
“Yeah. Good. Okay. Path. House. Bird. Key. Okay. Thanks. Swing.”
I take a few seconds to slow my breathing before taking those last two steps to the swing. I flop down, and Reynolds sits much smoother beside me.
The rest of the men exit the house and join everyone else in the driveway. I want to tell them all to come on the porch, but I honestly don’t think it would be a good idea.
“Good boy, Knox,” Steel smiles.
Blaze’s eyes shine with pride as he nods his agreement.
“Watch it, boys,” I tease. “In no time at all, I’ll be making my way to Oasis.”
Guilt flashes on their faces before they quickly hide it. It doesn’t matter how often I’ve told them that I forgive them and don’t blame them for what happened to me. They still feel guilty.
“We can’t wait for you to come and play, little one,” Blaze says. “We make sure it’s always filled with things you love.”
“And the other Little’s,” I remind them. I lean back on the swing and let long-legs Reynolds rock us back and forth.
“They’re always on our mind when we stock the room,” Steel says. “But, just as a whole. We make sure your favorites are always there.”
“Legos?” I ask excitedly.
“And video games,” Blaze smiles.
“Chocolate milk,” Steel adds.
“And comic books.”
The new voice startles me, and I look at our newcomers. I can’t believe I didn’t even see or hear them approach.
“Papa,” I screech, jumping to my feet.
My body burns with embarrassment, and I freeze. For one, Taylor didn’t even agree to be my papa. Secondly, everyone heard me. And last, there is a bombshell of a woman standing next to Taylor, smiling up at me.
All this talking about Oasis had my mind in a place it hasn’t been for a year. It’s no wonder I reacted the way I did.
“I mean, Taylor,” I say. “You’re home. I mean, you’re back.”
Smiling, Taylor rushes up the steps and stops right in front of me.