Blast From The Past

7. DYING

"No, Damon! We won't be doing that!" Jane shouted at him. "That's not us anymore!"

"We have to, Jane. We have to if we want to survive."  He yanked her hand away from him.

"Please, Damon. We will sort this out. But we can't start holding guns again." Jane pleaded with him. "We promised we won't be like that again. Also, we are supposed to save lives now not take them."

"I know what we f*****g promised!" He yelled making her flinch at his outburst. "But it's... it's too hard with everything happening. It's a damn struggle in this life every day that we have been going through. We are struggling to be good and stay on the bright side but that's not us, that's not our life." He took a deep breath then cupped her face, wiping the streak of tears gently. "Our past is haunting us, Jane. We can't escape it. We have to protect ourselves and make them stay away as possible from Mia. They haven't found her yet and that's good."

"I... I just wanted us to have a normal life and be from the good ones." She cried, her lips pouting making Damon smile softly at her cuteness.

"I know, love. I know." He held her protectively. "I promise we will be okay. Promise, everything will be okay soon."

Then why didn't it feel like that? Jane wondered silently.

^^^

“I am done with all your dismissal papers.” Jason came into the hospital room, making sure to close it behind him. “We are free to go, now.”

Rick nodded, not uttering a single word since they came here. Mia stopped the packing of Rick’s stuff to meet Jason’s worried eyes who silently sent her a message. she nodded getting the hint, putting down whatever she was holding then took a seat on the bed across from Rick.

“Rick,…” she called softly as she started rubbing soothing circles on his hand.

“Crispy,” he flashed her a small smile and her own lips instantly curved in a slight smile as she missed that silly nickname of his.

“What happened, Rick?” the small smile decorating his face instantly fell, replacing it with his stiff posture. “Did anyone harass you? Or sent any threats?” Rick’s eyebrows furrowed, finding these words strange. Why would anyone harass or send him threats? Didn’t they all put an end to the toxic life of the past?

Also, what he saw can’t be explained. There is nothing to talk about! He is still in shock. He hasn’t seen them for five years or more. Why did they appear now? Were they watching him since he left? Wasn’t he as discreet as he thought? Or was it because he has been in a coma for two years and something slipped while he was unconscious? He can’t just simply tell his friends that his past is haunting him. That the Rick they thought they knew, isn’t the same Rick they are searching for. He didn’t know what to do. They seemed shocked that he caught sight of them, so they clearly failed their mission which meaning it won’t be far until they make their presence known. So, what he is certain of and know that he has got the hell away from here. He has to vanish from this hospital. And that’s why he asked Jason to hide any personal information about his hospital records. Which Jason was confused about that request but complied none the less. He bribed a good portion of people requesting to keep Rick’s identity and everything related to him for the past two years under wraps.

“Rick,…” It was Jason’s turn to talk. He came and stood beside Mia. “You know we are here for you. You could tell us anything and we will help you, anyways.” With pleading eyes he continued. “So, please tell us what’s the matter? And…” Jason swallowed nervously as Mia nodded at him with an encouraging nod. “And we may have hidden a little information from you for your own safety but we promise we will narrate everything to you on the way home.”

“What kind of information?” Rick lifted his brows questionably.

“Huge ones.” Jason rubbed the nape of his neck nervously as Rick nodded thoughtfully.

“Let’s go, then.” They were going to protest on Rick’s request, needing to know what made him quite as a mouse. But he immediately shut them up. “I don’t want to talk about it. Not now.” Or better… Never! He sighed to himself as Mia threw the last of his stuff in the duffel bag while Jason helped him walk out of the room.

^^^

Blake’s leg popped up and down as his teeth kept biting his nails nervously. He sat across from the doctor assigned to his mother. She has requested to talk to him in private in her office as his mother was busy with her chemotherapy. Upon hearing the words private and office, his heart pace instantly increased. He was anxious, nervous and his emotions were all over the place. Is something wrong with his mother? Do they need more money? If that’s the case, he would happily throw a bunch of bucks at him just to ensure his mother’s health.

The old woman in a white lab coat was sitting behind her desk, reading some charts and papers –probably his mother’s- and in his nervous state, he notices her forehead wrinkle each now and then when she stumbled upon something she doesn’t like written on these papers. All in all, her mood seemed upset. She didn’t like what was written on these papers. Which means that he won’t be liking them as well. Finally, she lifted her head so that her eyes could meet Blake’s anxious ones. And what he saw swirling in her dark orbs made it all clear. Whatever is coming next won’t be good. He knew it and he felt it in his heart.

“Mr. Hunt,…” the doctor’s professional voice made him swallow harshly.

“Yes? Is there something wrong with my mother?” he wasn’t one to beat around the bush. He liked to go straight to the point and the Doctor noticed that.

She nodded with a sorrowful smile. “I am sorry.”

He felt his eyes sting with tears, forcing them not to fall. “C-could you elaborate, please?”

“Mr.Hunt, I am sorry to inform you this, but your mother’s condition isn’t improving at all. No matter what we do or what amount of chemotherapy she goes through,… it just doesn’t help.” Blake didn’t find words to utter. Only tears were present. Tears that he couldn’t keep them locked. “Her body is weakening, and by forcing this kind of therapies on her we only make her tired. I am sorry Mr. Hunt but I think it would be best if she stopped with her therapies and concentrate on spending the last of her days with her loved ones.”

Blake nodded, wiping the streak of his tears decorating his cheeks. “H-how time does she has left?”

“We can never be certain, but you could say approximately… three months or so.” He nodded once again as new fresh tears made their presence known on his already stained cheeks. Three months? This wasn’t enough. This could never be enough. “I am sorry, Mr. Hunt.” The old woman squeezed his curled fist from across her desk, sincerely feeling sorry for being useless to them. “Be strong for your mother.” It’s the least thing he could do at the moment. He failed her. he has nothing in his power left to help her.

He put himself together, wiping his tears and taking a couple of slow deep breaths then thanked the Doctor and made his way out of her desk. He went and stood outside the hospital room that she was getting out from soon. He kept on a strong façade for her. he erased any tears of sadness or tears from earlier. He has to be strong to her.

However, all that crumbled upon glancing her petite figure exiting the hospital room. Upon seeing her sparkling yet tired eyes, thin body and her lifeless face along with her almost hairless head that she usually covered with scarfs or hats –He just… crumbled as well.- he ran to her, engulfing her in his muscled arms, her petite body squashed between his arms as she has been losing so much weight. He cried, and cried, and cried. He couldn’t stop crying. He just couldn’t not grieve on his lovely mother. That strong and independent woman who raised him and his sister on her own, that same woman who worked hard her whole life after being slapped in the face multiple times by life. That woman who never gave up, that exact woman who was going to die very soon as well and there was nothing left for him to do to save her.

“I am sorry, Ma..” He squeezed her harder, continuing to wet her dress. “I am really, really sorry.” He didn’t need to elaborate to her what he was apologizing for. She already knew. She could feel it since too long, her body was giving up on her, it has been sending her those signals, preparing her for what’s coming next. She knew long before Blake did that she was a lost cause. But,.. Blake held so many hopes and she just couldn’t wreck it all for him.

“It’s okay, honey.” She patted his back soothingly like she used to do when he was young and stressed. “I will be okay.” She smiled sadly as a tear betrayed her and rolled down her cheek. She didn’t cry for herself, she already knew that it was her time to vanish from this life and she made peace with it long before. She cried because of her son, he wasn’t ready to let her go and neither did she. She never will be ready to let go of either her kids, but they have to get used to it and live with it. All she wants is to spend what’s left for her with them both and Mia, of course. She wants to spend the time left for her with her family. She just has to make Ella talk to her or visit, she missed her little girl dearly but she has been dodging her calls and never once came and visited her since she came back. But that all will be solved soon. She will make sure of it. “I want to have dinner with my three favorite kids, tonight.” She backed away from the hug, wiping Blake’s stained face with a soft smile decorating her face. “could you make that happen?”

He instantly nodded. “of course. We three will be at yours by seven.”

“Good.” She kissed his cheek. “Now, take me home so that I can start preparing all of your favorite meals.” He nodded, kissed her forehead and took her hand leading her to his car.

^^^

“Did he say what happened back there?” Adrian asked from the sofa as Jason was helping Rick settle up in his room.

“No, he seems off and doesn’t want to talk about it.” Mia sighed. “But we told him about… t-the f-fire and what’s related to it.”

“Oh my god!” Jasmine gasped from beside Adrian. “And how did he take it?”

“He was pissed. He kept yelling at us in the car for keeping it a secret and not giving ourselves enough time to grieve or deal with it all, leaving the case in the hands of the police who are by the way suggesting to close off the case soon.” Mia explained, annoyed by the freaking useless police who didn’t help in anything nor did find anything related to the accident to try and find the culprit.

“Is he mad at us then?” Jasmine bit her lip anxiously. The last thing they need is Rick being upset with them when he just woke up.

“No,” Mia shook her head. “he just needs time to absorb it all.”

“Yes, and we all know that two years is something. He missed two years of our lives and memories, so he is pretty emotional.” Jason’s voice neared them as he was descending the stairs.

“Okay, then we will give him his time.” Adrian nodded in understanding just as Jason came and took a seat beside Mia. “And what about the police thing? Are they really thinking of closing the case?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Jason sighed sadly.

“What!?” Jasmine gasped not liking what she is hearing. “B-but they didn’t even find anything helpful yet!”

“Clearly, they are a bunch of losers who can’t do anything right.” Mia rolled her eyes. “However, we will be discussing this in more detail, but not now.” Now, they have Rick and their studies that they have been absent from for too long to go back to.

“Okay,…” Jasmine nodded, right when Adrian’s phone ringing tone started playing.

“It’s mom,” she declined the call. “Sorry, but We have to go.” He said apologetically.

“It’s okay, man.” Jason stood up to hug each of them goodbye. “We will see you tonight, anyway.” They all bid their goodbyes then Mia and Jason sat lazily on the sofa as they opened each a bottle of beer.

“what are we gonna do with the police?” Mia mumbled as she brought the bottle close to her lips.

“I don’t know.” He sighed as he started swirling the liquid in the bottle. “But I won’t feel at peace until I know who did it and why, and make those heartless assholes pay for what they did, whether it by law or…” He didn’t get to finish his sentence as Mia’s phone started ringing. However, he didn’t need to. Mia already had those exact thoughts swirling inside her head but she was trying to battle her demons and keep them locked in the back of her head. They are supposed to turn into a new leaf.

“It’s Blake,” She read out loud then answered the call. “Hey, Blake.”

“Hi,” Blake’s hoarse voice made Mia frown. He seemed as if he was crying.

“Are you okay?” She immediately questioned.

“Y-Yeah,” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to inform you that mom wants us three to have a family dinner tonight.” Mia was going to object as it was Rick’s first day here. She was going to request to re-schedule when Blake beat her to it. “I know it’s sudden and with Rick coming today it would be hard but we really need to gather tonight. Please, Mia. Just dinner for mom.” He sounded desperate. She sensed something was wrong.

“Is Sally okay?” Sally has been treating her like her own daughter since the day it all got revealed. So, she would do anything for that kind-hearted woman who took her in after everything she has been through.

“Y- Sh- “ Blake seemed to be struggling in saying what’s troubling him. “Just please come.”

“Okay, I will be there.” After that desperate and hesitant tone of his, she for sure had to attend.

“Is Ella near you? I have been trying to reach her but it always goes to voice mail and she has to be here today. She can’t escape it like each time.” Now his tone was starting to get angry. Ella always as the cause of his anger those past days.

“I think she is sleeping,” Mia remembered when Jasmine told her that when they just arrived. “I will bring her with me, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, Mia.” He sincerely said as he let out a relieved breath.

“It’s nothing, bro.” She would do anything for them. Her family. “See you, tonight!” they hung up and Mia met Jason’s awaiting gaze as he was almost done with his bottle of beer when she just took to small gulps of it.

“What was this all about?” He asked as she rested her head on his chest.

“Sally wants to have dinner as a family, tonight.” She took a really, big, needed gulp from her beer.

“Well, that’s surprising,” Jason commented as it as known about Sally that she is a very organized and punctual woman who would never do anything, not on her schedule.

“Yeah, something seemed off with Blake.” She replayed the phone call in her head. “Something is definitely not right.”

“Then you have to go. It seems like they need you. They need the family’s love and support.” Jason mumbled the last part sadly, remembering that his own family is no more. However, he was happy that Mia is blessed with more than one family.

“Hey,” Mia noticed the change in the atmosphere. She cupped his cheek, forcing his sorrowful eyes to meet hers. “You have me. I am your family. We are each others family.” That’s all he needed to hear to replace the sorrowful look in his eyes with a loving one. He leaned in, bringing his lips to her and consumed her lips in a soft, yet passionate kiss. It was slow as their lips touched softly, their feelings got poured in it. “I have to start getting ready and drag Ella with me.” Jason nodded, already understanding. “Take care of yourself and Rick. I will try to come early.” She pecked his lips before standing up.

“No, take your time.” He smiled at her, feeling blessed with that amazing and strong woman. “We will be okay.” She studies his eyes for a little, searching for any traces of uncertainty but found nothing. She relaxed, giving him a grateful smile then went up to get ready.

^^^

It was late. It was really, really late.

It was way past midnight and Jane was starting to get worried. She was tired and ready to fall asleep but couldn’t. she just couldn’t close her eyes and dive into dreamland when Damon wasn’t here yet.

Why is he so late? She anxiously checked the time on her phone. He went to buy them dinner four hours ago when they came late from their study group. She checked her phone again, this time checking for any missed calls but she found none. Why isn’t he here yet? She was starting to panic more than she already is, weighting her choices when the doorbell’s sound blared throughout their small rented apartment. She instantly ran to the door. Wasting no time, she opened the door expecting it to be Damon.

She pulled the door open as she was ready to scold Damon for being that late and worrying her. “What to--“ the words got stuck in her throat as she examined the motionless body lying in front of her doorstep. The body as soaked with blood and fingerprints painted in blood were decorating the wall beside the button of the bell. His face was grazed with scars, black eye, cut lip and blood, his shirt was cut showing a nasty bruise forming on his stomach. Jane’s eyes blurred with tears, she let out a sob as her heart broke for him. “Damon,…” she crouched down beside his freezing body, her tears falling non-stop. Why isn’t he moving? “Damon, please…” She squeezed his bruised hand, wanting to drag him inside the warmness of their little apartment. “No, please. Damon,…”